Perhaps most telling, Ground Zero's Freedom Tower, which is meant to embody American patriotism, will house a centre for Chinese firms expanding in America.

ECONOMIST: Foreign investment

Politicians and pundits from left and right are questioning Mr Wulff's ability to survive in his largely ceremonial role, in which he is meant to embody the conscience of the nation.

ECONOMIST: The president tries to ride out a home-loan scandal

This family business is run by a benign patriarch (Gregory Peck), who is meant to embody the old-fashioned values of American free enterprise: he hates debt, cares about his workers, and wears cardigan sweaters around the office.

NEWYORKER: Other People��s Money