It has also, though, been a busy and tiring trek that will take him all the way around the world. And he keeps getting reminders that what awaits him at home is the aftermath of a losing midterm election and a pile of unfinished business.

The latest sign was news emerging from leaders of his commission on reducing government deficits. They proposed curbs for Social Security benefits, big cuts in federal spending and higher taxes, all of which amount to political dynamite. One of Obama's closest allies in Washington, Nancy Pelosi, said the proposals were "simply unacceptable."

Obama would not offer his own reaction on Thursday, steering clear of interfering with the commission's work. But he insisted he was ready to make tough decisions and ended up challenging both parties to show some toughness.

"We're going to have to take actions that are difficult, and we're going to have to tell the truth to the American people," Obama said. "Before anybody starts shooting down proposals," he said, "I think we need to listen, we need to gather up all the facts. I think we have to be straight with the American people."

The president's dealings with his world peers at summits often produce results that can't be seen right away. A trade deal that falters or disputes over currency valuation overshadow cooperation on a dozen other topics. Chinese President Hu Jintao, for example, said with Obama at his side: "The Chinese side stands ready to work with the U.S. side."

Such are the competing perspectives that come in Obama's business. The grinding, bit-by-bit diplomacy can elevate national interests into global cooperation.

And sometimes, there are moments that seem above it all.

On the Veterans Day holiday, the U.S. president met with troops and saluted the Korean and American armed forces. It's a part of the job all presidents love. "You'll always be the best that America has to offer the world," Obama said to the service members, beaming.

The rest of a testing day awaited him.