But how did this come about? After all, his campaign inspired millions and independent voters flocked to him. What brought about this decline?
The factors are many, but one of the most damaging has been his inability to stay on message. And by message, I mean his "Top Priority."
President Obama has often declared that improving America's economy is his "Top Priority." Unfortunately, he has also said that the following issues are ALSO his "Top Priority." (Thanks to CBS news for compiling the info):
- FREE TRADE AGREEMENTS: "...that's something that's going to be a top priority." (4/27/10)
- ENERGY SECURITY: "And that's why my energy security plan has been one of the top priorities of my Administration since the day I took office." (4/28/10)
- EDUCATION REFORM: "To train our workers for the jobs of tomorrow, we've made education reform a top priority in this Administration." (2/24/10)
- STUDENT LOAN REFORM: "This is something that I've made a top priority." (2/1/10)
- EXPORTS BY SMALL BUSINESSES: "This is going to be a top priority." (12/3/09)
- HEALTH ASSISTANCE TO 9/11 FIRST RESPONDERS: "I'm not just talking the talk, we've been budgeting this as a top priority for this Administration." (2/3/10)
- END HOMELESSNESS AMONG VETERANS: "I've also directed (Veterans Affairs) Secretary Shinseki to focus on a top priority: reducing homeless among veterans." (8/17/09)
- HURRICANE PREPAREDNESS: "Our top priority is ensuring the public safety. That means appropriate sheltering in place or if necessary, getting as many people as possible out of harm's way prior to landfall." (5/29/09)
- H1N1 FLU VACCINATIONS: "And throughout this process, my top priority has been the health and the safety of the American people." (5/1/09)
- SUPPORT FOR MILITARY FAMILIES: "These military families are heroes too. And they are a top priority of Michelle and me. And they will always have our support." (5/30/09)
- STRENGTHENING TIES WITH CANADA AND MEXICO: "We're going to make this a top priority..." (10/16/09)
- CONSUMER PROTECTION: "During these challenging times, the needs of American consumers are a top priority of my Administration." (2/11/09)
- ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION: "So this is going to be a top priority generally improving our environmental quality." (11/5/09)
By constantly touting different "Top Priorities," the President is sending conflicting messages to the American people. One one day, his "Top Priority" is the economy, but then a few days later those same voters hear him say that his other "Top Priority" is Student Loan reform -- this doesn't exactly inspire the average voter, or give them confidence that either issue is a priority.
This "Top Priority" mess could easily have been avoided if Obama's team had kept him on message. For example, if the president had spent six months focusing on the economy instead of pushing through health care legislation; I'd be willing to bet that his approval numbers would be higher -- and the economy might even be performing a little better.
Dictionary.com defines "top" as: :the part of anything that is first or foremost." Unfortunately, with so many issues occupying the top of the priority list the voters now think that their livelihoods are on the bottom of the priority list. However, their "Top Priority" will be seen this November.
