By most official measures, the New York metropolitan area appears to be shrugging off the economic troubles that have beset much of the country.
But there is much speculation as to whether he can rouse his government from the political paralysis that has beset it, much less win a second term in October 2006.Brazilians have never been innocents in politics.
The truth is, the litany of troubles that has beset the 81-year-old beauty pageant turned quest for relevance -- though not too much relevance -- would make Bert Parks bury his head in an issue of Penthouse.
A crisis of governability has beset the Western world.
That volatility has beset the overall Nasdaq market as well.
It was as if he was letting go of the troubles that had beset him for much of his term, which was marked by intense partisan fighting.
He has managed to resolve the various social disputes that have beset his government over lorry-drivers, Air France pilots, school pupils, and doctors without too much political or financial cost.
He also said that he did not believe the BBC's reputation has "nose-dived as much as some critics say", despite the string of scandals that have beset the corporation in recent months.
Problems have beset the agency.
Injuries have beset Pittsburgh's pitching staff.
