President promises greater flexibility after his re-election
Medvedev replied in English, according to a tape by ABC News: “I
understand. I will transmit this information to Vladimir,” an
apparent reference to incoming President Vladimir Putin.  Obama
and Medvedev did not intend for their comments, made during a
meeting in Seoul, South Korea, to be made public.  Once they
were, the White House said Obama’s words reflected the reality
that domestic political concerns in both the U.S. and Russia
this year would make it difficult to fully address their long-
standing differences over the contentious issue of missile
defense.  Obama’s candid remarks Monday illustrated the
political constraints that hem in any president who is running
for re-election and dealing with a congressional chamber — in
this case, the House — controlled by the rival party.
Republicans have fought Obama fiercely on health care, taxes and
other issues. They are eager to deny him any political victories
in a season in which they feel the