It’s the America issue!

We've gone red, white and blue for the new issue of Hot Press, with a tonne of special US-inspired content:

Bob Geldof tells us of his hopes for the Obama presidency, and we also hear from US citizens Josh Ritter, Michael Franti, and our own Laura Izibor, who was living Stateside for most of the campaign. And we take a look at what some other top artists think of Barack, including the ones who put their feelings into song. Check out Ani DiFranco's new commemorative track, 'November 4', here:

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Columnists Peter Murphy, Eamon McCann, The Hog, Bootboy and more give us their take on the new president. Plus, Niall Stokes on the legacy of Martin Luther King, and Anne Sexton on why we have America to thank for our sexual freedom.

We've also got the top US bands to watch; 20 great things America has given us; and a sexy denim 'n' leather fashion photo shoot.

And you can have your say on the new president with a creative writing competition from Concern Worldwide. Tell Obama about some critical issues facing the world today – help him to understand the life of a child who goes to work instead of school; describe how climate change is affecting people in developing countries; or advise him on how to tackle world hunger to improve the lives of millions of people worldwide.

Tell us what you would write to President Obama on one of these critical global issues:
Child Labour
Climate Change and the Developing World
World Hunger

Your letter can be in the style of a factual essay or a fictional story on one of the issues.

All entrants will receive a free 3-month subscription to hotpress.com

Prizes will be awarded in each category with special awards for the best entries from third-level and community and adult education sectors.

To enter please click here Be inspired by the Hot Press Obama special – in shops now. Full list of rules and entry details in the issue.