I don't think .us will make it except for succinct names like the one posted for appraisal here, or if the name is something you can associate to the US, i.e. politics as mentioned - or fashion, lifestyle, etc.
My reasons?
.us sounds weak, as there are no strong consonants. COM sounds mega-strong, Biz, info and TV sound strong too. Even .co.uk sounds stronger than .US.
Plus, .COM is already the American extension in my opiniion, at least, a lot of people think of it that way in the UK. All other countries would be happy enough with their own extensions - of course, a .COM would be nice, but they don't need it as they have always had their own.
.US has come along too late to make a difference I think...