WASHINGTON (AP) — President Barack Obama seemed to lose control of his second-term agenda even before he was sworn in, when a school massacre led him to lift gun control to the fore. Now, as he tries to pivot from a stinging defeat on that issue and push forward on others, the president finds himself rocked by multiple controversies that are demoralizing his allies, emboldening his political foes and posing huge distractions for all.
It’s unclear how long he will be dogged by inquiries into last year’s deadly attack in Libya, the IRS targeting of tea party groups and now the seizure of Associated Press phone records in a leak investigation. But if nothing else, these episodes give new confidence and swagger to Republicans who were discouraged by President Obama’s re-election and their inability to block tax hikes as part of the January 1 “fiscal cliff” deal.
Taken together, these matters will make it harder for the administration to focus on its priorities – racking up a few more accomplishments before next year’s national elections.
Taken together, these matters will make it harder for the administration to focus on its priorities – racking up a few more accomplishments before next year’s national elections.
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