On Asia trip, a test for Obama's continued clout on world stage after heavy election losses

President Barack Obama's influence at home is fading quickly, so he's looking into the distance to China.

He's starting a three-country trip on Sunday that will test his capacity to play a commanding role on the world stage during his final two years in office.

Obama was once treated like a superstar abroad. But for the president who arrives in Beijing on Monday, his most powerful days seem behind him.

In Washington, Republicans are still rejoicing at having pummeled Obama's party in Tuesday's midterm elections.

The trip marks one of Obama's final opportunities to deliver on his goal of realigning U.S. foreign policy toward Asia.

He's visiting China, Myanmar and Australia.