Prof Henry Gates, the highly intelligent (and clearly witty) man taken into custody for breaking into his own house after losing his keys, having had a drink with Obama and the cop who nicked him (great idea, methinks, more problems could be solved this way)...

"When he's not arresting you, Sgt Crowley is a really likeable guy".

Love him to death.

I think Obama has handled this brilliantly even though the Dems are furious as it's taken focus of his health care reform.

Although my jury is out I still reckon he has the makings of a great US president-providing he can placate those who put him there..Wall Street !

In a way, although Gates clearly handled the situation badly it's probably going to have a positive result.

And I've always found..handle coppers with kid gloves, treat them with respect (even if they don't deserve it at the time) and it get's you soooo much further than righteous indignation.