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

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

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