Obama’s Ratings Fall Back to Earth
THE SUNDAY TIMES: OFFICIALS insisted it was not a crisis meeting, but President Barack Obama and members of his cabinet had plenty to worry about as they ended a two-day retreat devoted to discussions of the administration’s faltering progress.

Plummeting opinion poll ratings, divisions among Democrats about healthcare reform and distracting rows about Wall Street bonuses, economic stimulus programmes and racial politics all cast a shadow over the beginning of Washington’s summer recess.

Obama and vice-president Joe Biden left the White House on foot on Friday evening to spend four hours at Blair House, a government guesthouse across the road, where all 22 cabinet members and several senior aides discussed policy over dinner. >>> Tony Allen-Mills in Washington | Sunday, August 02, 2009

‘Jimmy Carter’ Tag Has Obama Wincing
THE SUNDAY TIMES: Republicans are fighting back by branding the president as naive abroad and wasteful at home, like one of his party’s predecessors

LESS than two weeks into his administration, President Barack Obama is being portrayed by opponents as a new Jimmy Carter - weak at home and naive abroad - in an attempt to dim his post-election glow and ensure that he serves only one term.

The charge has stung because it was made privately by Hillary Clinton supporters during a hard-fought primary campaign and plays to fears about Obama’s inexperience.

He is engaged in early trials of strength with Republicans in Washington and critics of the United States around the world – not least Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, the Iranian president. Obama faces battles to talk Wall Street into giving up its addiction to large bonuses and US banks to start lending again.

“Barack Obama thinks he can charm his adversaries into changing their ways but his personality can’t change the dynamics,” said Tom Edmonds, a Republican consultant. >>> Sarah Baxter, Washington | Sunday, February 1, 2009

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