Mr Deeds has fallen even further in the polls behind Bob McDonnell, the Republican candidate.

ECONOMIST: Local elections in America

Democratic operatives are blaming the hapless Mr Deeds for a poor campaign, saying he did not listen to advice from the White House about cementing the support of important Democratic constituencies, such as blacks, and getting them out on election day.

ECONOMIST: Local elections in America

One thing that stands out is Norway's determination not to let Mr Breivik's appalling deeds affect its unusual way of life.

ECONOMIST: Norway after terrorism

And how is Mr Jospin to reconcile his post-election deeds with his pre-election words?

ECONOMIST: Vive la diff��rence?

In both cases, Mr Beinart argues, the desire to do great deeds and not simply what was necessary led to episodes of overreach and disappointment.

ECONOMIST: Lexington

The decision to help out in Afghanistan is the clearest sign so far that Mr Sarkozy is prepared to back his Atlanticist words with deeds.

ECONOMIST: France and defence