MICHAEL MOYNIHAN: As Obama Falters, Republicans Dither. On the other hand, while leaderless and dithering, they’re doing better than they’ve done in years — which says nothing very good about the Republican “leaders,” of course . . . .

UPDATE: Politico: Beck Up, Left Let Down. “It confirmed that the real opposition party to Obama right now is the conservative grassroots that draws its energy from Fox News, talk radio and the Drudge Report, and often leaves Republican elected officials scrambling to catch up. And it was a fresh reminder that the White House’s vetting process didn’t fall down only on high-profile nominees like Tom Daschle. It barely touched the lower reaches of the administration.”

ANOTHER UPDATE: Obama Votes Present on Jones, Looks Weak.