Washington (CNN) -- With his presidency at a crossroads, President Barack Obama delivered his health care "fix it" message with a healthy dose of reflection and contrition: "I think I said early on when I was running, I am not a perfect man and I will not be a perfect president." CNNMoney: Obama offers fix for canceled plans At the moment, the challenge is to get back to being a productive president, and those who see a difficult path ahead include veteran Democrats the President counts among his most trusted friends and allies. "Can Obama come back?" a veteran Democratic strategist asked. "Yes. But like Carter and (George W.) Bush, his downfall is his handling of the job."
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Administration facing persistent questions about credibility, competence
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Democratic veteran questions whether White House learns from mistakes
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Obama's poll numbers at same place as George W. Bush's at this point in his presidency
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Timing of crisis is key -- every day brings midterm elections closer, loyalty harder to maintain
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While he promised to work hard to turn the political tide, Democrats hoping to be in Washington beyond the end of 2016 -- meaning beyond the @placeholder years -- will be less and less reluctant with each passing day to trust their fate to his plans and instincts.
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In a more sympathetic take, a senior veteran of both @placeholder presidential campaigns and the first White House term put it this way: "I feel for him and my old colleagues.