Mainline Protestant churches, believed by the conventional wisdom to be in decline, were, in the last half of the 20th century, subject to persistent attack by organised, well-funded political opposition intended to undermine their religious credibility – and their political clout, both nationally and in their communities.
But will his old pals from Soviet days, now entrenched as owners of much of Lithuania's main industries, have too much clout, both with him and in politics in general?
Western nations do not need Russia's money or its military clout, both of which are in short supply these days.
C&N is likely to turn its attention to Airtours which, like Thomson, would give it clout in both Britain and Scandinavia; in return, C&N would provide Airtours, which last year failed to buy not just First Choice but also DER, Germany's number three, with a much-needed continental foothold.
Labor unions led the failed effort to recall Gov. Scott Walker of Wisconsin, and their defeat in Tuesday's election was a significant setback to organized labor's political clout in both symbolic and tangible ways.
But the National Rifle Association, for decades the most formidable force against proposals to limit gun sales or ownership, is refusing to join the discussion — possibly dooming it from the start, given the lobby's clout with both parties in Congress.
The visit is taking place in the backdrop of China's growing clout in Asia, as both Delhi and Tokyo have a history of tensions with Beijing linked to territorial disputes.
Such market concentration will diminish healthy competition, providing one dominant market leader damaging clout in terms of both consumer pricing and the means with which music is made available.
Washington sometimes cedes in clout if not in cash.
