the president

Earlier this week, I was trying to explain the words "leader" and "government" to my ESL class. I said, "What is the name of the President of the USA?" Nobody knew, except KH, a 14 year old Korean.
"Obama," he said, confidently.
"Not yet," I said.
He was shocked. "Really?! What is Obama then?"
"He wants to be the next President, but we won't know until November."
"So now it's still Bush?" KH, unenthused.
Yes. Yes, it is. But perhaps KH's view tells us something about who the media darling must be.

edit:
Me: Why did you think Obama was the president?
KH: Just. Because. My feeling. I like his name. Strong name.
(can most Americans explain it any better?)