President Obama has become the problem as he finds himself in a similar position to President George W. Bush . Polls show voters are not caught up in the election , with Democrats even less enthusiastic . Zelizer says The New York Times voters must deal with split between moderates and tea party faction . Democrats are struggling with how to dissociate themselves from unpopular the Middle East policies , he says . Julian Zelizer : Candidates for Election Day have to decide how to try to transcend these struggles .
Polls show voters are not caught up in the election , with Democrats even less enthusiastic . Zelizer says The New York Times voters must deal with split between moderates and tea party faction . Democrats are struggling with how to dissociate themselves from unpopular the Middle East policies , he says . Julian Zelizer : Candidates for Election Day have to decide how to try to transcend these struggles .