sinking

Haaretz

Back in May, Obama seemed like the messiah heralding historic change in America and in its relations with the world in general and Muslims in particular. Obama projected hope and change, while Netanyahu looked like a throwback, a musty, right-wing nuisance who was wasting the president's time talking about "natural growth in the settlements."

This week the Washington columnists competed with each other to write the gloomiest forecasts of the political hell awaiting the president when he returns from his vacation in Martha's Vineyard, Massachusetts. As the summer progressed, Obama had a serious marketing slip: He lost his focus. His astonishing ascension to power rested on a clear and focused message: I represent change, I don't look like Bush or talk like him. Now, though, despite the signs of economic recovery, Obama is plunging in the polls even faster than previous presidents this early into their terms.

In regard to the two main issues on his agenda - national health care and the war in Afghanistan - Obama is struggling to explain his goals to the American people. His rivals are conducting an effective campaign against health care reform. The president will address Congress next week in an effort to save his initiative and not reprise Bill Clinton's failure in trying to expand health insurance. The situation in Afghanistan is no less desperate. The polls show that most Americans don't understand the purpose of the war and don't believe victory is possible. The mounting casualty rate is rapidly eroding public support for continuation of the war.