Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner says both the U.S. and the Obama administration are in damage control mode.

FORBES: Geithner Acknowledges Damage To U.S. Credibility Internationally

As opinion polls showed the Democrats losing favor with women, a favored constituency that backed Obama in2008 by a 13 percent margin, the administration went into emergency flack mode: We did, it said, lots of things for women.

FORBES: How To Lose Women In An Election

Though it was not his fault or that of his senior officials, the mishap occurred when people were beginning to realize that his administration was still in deep learning mode, without a full grasp on the reins of government.

CNN: The 100-Day Itch

Congress is in exploratory mode now, and any major legislation is likely to take place during the next administration--when lawmakers and lobbyists know who they're dealing with in the White House.

FORBES