US President Barack Obama. AP Photo
UNITED NATIONS—US President Barack Obama, embarking on a bruising contest for reelection, admitted on Wednesday he envied UN chief Ban Ki-moon’s stress-free path to a second term.
Obama toasted Ban at an annual lunch at the United Nations General Assembly, the first since Ban was unanimously elected in June to a second term.
“A lot of us are envious of him because in running for a second term he ran unopposed,” Obama said in a toast to the former South Korean foreign minister.
“He won unanimously. I’m still trying to learn what his trick is,” Obama said, drawing laughter from leaders and guests at the luncheon.
Obama, who has seen his approval ratings dragged down by the stagnant economy and high unemployment, will ask American voters for a second White House term in November 2012.