Barack Obama 'failed to communicate with Americans'

President Barack Obama has acknowledged in the wake of this week's election rout that he hasn't been able to successfully promote his economic rescue message to anxious Americans.

Mr Obama has not blamed his policies for the loss, but rather a lack of communication with the American people.

The president said yesterday in an interview with CBS that he "stopped paying attention" to the leadership style he displayed during his run for the presidency.

He also said he recognises now that "leadership is not just legislation," and that "it's a matter of persuading people. And giving them confidence and bringing them together. And setting a tone. And making an argument that people can understand."

He added: "I think that - we haven't always been successful at that.

"I take personal responsibility. It's something that I've got to examine closely as I go forward."

The president recorded the interview with CBS, to be broadcast in full tomorrow night, before leaving on a ten -day trip to Asia.

Congressional Republicans are already asserting their newfound political strength, vowing to seek $100 billion in federal spending cuts and force votes on repeal of Mr Obama's prized health care overhaul when they take control of the House of Representatives in January.