It shows that he is willing to put an intellectual in charge of an important issue. (Stephen Goldsmith, the former mayor of Indianapolis, will play second fiddle to the university professor.) But it also shows that Mr Bush has a shrewd sense of how to use intellectuals to advance his agenda.

ECONOMIST: Lexington

He was in the wilderness when he had to play second fiddle to Felipe Contepomi and Isa Nacewa for the number 10 jersey with his province, but came to the fore during Leinster's run to Heineken Cup glory with the Argentine sidelined by injury.

BBC: Sexton to make debut for Ireland

Academic achievement would play second fiddle to the character and manliness thought to be inculcated by prestigious boarding schools.

ECONOMIST: Ivy League universities