A stalled economy and a presidency adrift

◼ A stalled economy and a presidency adrift - Michael Gerson/Washington Post

If there is a single moment that symbolizes President Obama’s dramatically altered reelection prospects, it was his visit to a Jeep plant in Toledo on June 3. Obama’s remarks that day were familiar. America had faced the worst recession “in our lifetimes.” His opponents had wanted to do “nothing.” The president, in contrast, had acted. As a result, “American manufacturing and American industry is back.” While there are “always going to be bumps on the road to recovery,” the future is bright and “nobody can stop us.” Employees chanted, “Yes, we can!” wearing T-shirts that read, “President Obama: Thank you” and “Obama is changing history.”

The event coincided with the release of economic data showing anemic job creation and unemployment rising above 9 percent — adding to existing concerns about high fuel costs and collapsing housing values. Outside that plant in Ohio, the cheering for Obama had been fading for some time. It was a victory lap taken before a largely silent stadium. Read the rest...