The New York Times brings news that Obama struggled in debate prep sessions, often due to his busy schedule--and that on some days, Good Obama showed up, and on some days, Bad Obama. Damage control started on Wednesday night as soon as Bad Obama walked to the podium and opened his mouth.
Opening-round debates have often gone against incumbent presidents, for the specific reason that they have a day job to do. Opponents--especially ones (like Romney) whose only occupation is running for office--have the luxury of time.
But that is no excuse; at least not in the minds of the public.
The good news is the public has a short attention span. Just as much as Obama's demolition of John McCain four years ago is long out of most people's memories, a good debate performance in the other two debates will reverse much of the damage of last Wednesday.
But here's the thing: Obama can't just show up and expect to win. He has to prepare.
Which means he has to reserve time in his schedule to do it.
I get it. Obama takes governing seriously (unlike, say, his predecessor), and considers administration more important than electioneering, policy more important than politics. This is a laudable trait.
But it's a frustrating one, for a simple reason: You have to win elections to implement sound policy. If things like the ACA, and Dodd-Frank, and repeal of DADT are really important--they must be defended. Which means kicking the snot out of that smarmy plutocrat in November.
Otherwise, the GOP will get to claim credit for the recovery. Otherwise the GOP will get to nominate SCOTUS justices--Thomas, Scalia, and Kennedy are all aging (as are Breyer and Ginsburg), expect several of the former three to retire if a Republican is in the WH. Otherwise the GOP will claim a mandate to repeal Obamacare, dismantle Social Security--and mendacious Mitt's move to the middle will be forgotten.
Politics is important, Mr. President. Vitally so.
Unless there's a war somewhere, or some other major emergency--prepping for the next debate is the most important use of your time. Anything else can wait.
Otherwise, it may have to wait for a very long time.