THE TIDES OF AUGUST - AT 7:31 A.M. ET:  August is supposed to be a slow news month. (Actually, it's not.  World War I began, more or less, in August of 1914.  World War II ended in August of 1945.)  However, the 24-hour cable news cycle has made every month a headline month.  This one, despite all the Washington vacations and recesses, seems especially busy and significant:

- The president's popularity is plunging, and his main initiatives are in serious trouble.

- Town meetings around the country reflect the growing anger in a country that voted for "change" without actually knowing what it was voting for.

- The nation grows increasingly apprehensive about the amount of money being spent, and how it is being spent.  Stories of Wall Street's return to huge, unearned bonuses and banks being completely uncooperative in opening credit markets are not helping public confidence.

- The foreign policy of the Obama administration is producing nothing, with even the secretary of state admitting that there are virtually no prospects that Iran will engage in serious talks on its nuclear program.

- The president is about to go on a vacation to lavish digs in Martha's Vineyard, playground of the nation's elites, demonstrating - as if further proof were needed - that the Obama administration has become politically tone deaf.

Welcome to governing.

The president is in trouble and the country is in trouble.  A man who was worshipped as a demi-god only 60 days ago has returned to human status, despite the protests of Chris Matthews, whose leg continues to tingle every time The One announces the baseball scores. 

At the same time, the Republican opposition, obviously enjoying the reversal of fortune, continues to coast without a program of its own.  If it gets one, it might have a real shot next year at taking back the House.

August will be interesting.  Autumn looks to be spectacular.

August 10, 2009