OBAMA,AUGUST 2009

Comments from the editorial in the August 1, 2009 Economist.

• And an impression is being formed in Washington of a presidency that is far too ready to hand over the direction of domestic policy to Congress; that is drifting either deliberately or lethargically leftwards; and that is more comfortable with lofty visions than details.
• On the campaign trail Mr. Obama showed an impressive ability to change gears. He needs to do so again this summer.
• He has been curiously ill-served by a press short of useful criticism, with liberal America prepared only to debate what sort of water he walks on best, while conservative radio hosts argue over when exactly he became a communist.
• A policy of ramming bills through Congress on a party-line basis might suit Nancy Pelosi, the Democrats' leftish leader in the House. But, from Mr. Obama's point of view, it is bad policy in two different ways. It is shifting the presidency to the left, annoying centrist voters who worry about the swelling government debt.
• What should Mr. Obama do? He must come down from his cloud and start leading.
• A real "post-partisan" president would be trying bully through this compromise [advocates McCain's position on ending tax deduction for health insurance], not talking dreamily about wanting health care for all at no cost to anybody but the rich.