How O is viewed internationally

Amusement?

If my Russian sources are reliable, the answer is that Obama is viewed there mostly with amusement. Some of the amusement stems from his trip to Russia this summer. My sources were amused by the flotilla of Air Force jets that brought him and his entourage to Moscow. They were also taken (but not necessarily impressed by) the fact that Obama and his crew took over the Ritz Carlton hotel, where rooms start at around $1,200 per night and the presidential suite goes for $13,000.

The Marriott had been good enough for Presidents Clinton and Bush. Rooms there -- described as similar to Marriott rooms in the U.S. -- can be had for around $350. I was also told (but have not been able to confirm) that Bush himself stayed at the Ambassador's residence, rather than in a hotel as Obama did.