On Tuesday, Americans will elect a new president. What will this mean for Russian-American relations? The Kremlin is waiting for Barack Obama to win. Bush is tired - like an old and stern uncle, and Obama - young and inexperienced - is expected to make concessions and mistakes (which can be used to one’s advantage).

Pessimist: “Everything is bad, everything is just terrible.” Optimist: “Don’t worry, it will get even worse.” It is this bearded anecdote that comes to mind when you read numerous discussions about how Russian-American relations will develop after the White House finds a new owner.