WASHINGTON D.C., D.C., June 19 (UPI) -- President Bush is talking up the economy and the Iraq war to boost his approval ratings and regain momentum for his agenda, the Baltimore Sun said.
The newspaper said Sunday the president has stumbled in recent weeks, raising doubts about his ability to push through his ambitious second-term agenda -- which includes remaking Social Security and the tax code and enacting a new immigration policy.
Bush "has lost some control of the agenda and needs a new focus," said John C. Fortier, who studies the presidency at the conservative American Enterprise Institute.
Fortier told the Sun Bush needs a new theme that can capture the public's imagination and renew enthusiasm for his agenda.
The president used his weekly radio address Saturday to try to reassure the public about the war in Iraq and the health of the economy.
Bush's allies say they are confident that he will recover from his slump and succeed in pushing his top priorities.
