THIS WEEK – AT 8:22 A.M. ET:  We enter a new week, with summer beginning tomorrow.  But there will be no summer doldrums.   I don't recall, in recent times, a summer period more filled with such serious challenges to this nation.

First, the economy.  The economy of the United States is not only statistically precarious, it's psychologically precarious, and the latter point may be the most important.  We just sense around us a discouragement, a belief that it isn't working, that we're in for it.  That is not a quality feeling.  It is not a feeling that leads consumers to consume or companies to hire.  There is a sense of a lack of leadership, stemming from Obama's aloof style.  And Obama is getting precious little enthusiasm for reelection, even from his own party.

Second, the Mideast.  It is in flames, and yet you'd never know it from the almost business-as-usual attitude in the White House.  However these revolutions turn out, they will affect us here in America, in part because the Mideast sits atop the world's largest oil supply, and in part because political change may bring, not democracy, but more fanatical and Islamist regimes than the region has now.

Third, Afghanistan.  The calls for quick withdrawal grow louder.  But how we handle a drawdown in that pathetic country will send a message to the world:  Is America oriented toward victory and success, or simply washing its hands of an unpopular problem.

Fourth, the choice of a president.  We'll be watching the GOP carefully, and don't be surprised by surprises.  You can sense, each day, a growing public awareness of the race for the nomination.  As the economy sputters, the GOP nomination is worth more.  This is going to be a serious fight because of a growing recognition that 2012 will feature one of the most important presidential elections in our recent history.  The Republican Party is clearly split into factions, and the candidate who can bring those factions together in his or her tent will be the nominee.

Fifth, the sense of history.  No doubt Obama's election was historic.  It broke a barrier.  Now Americans must painfully ask whether the experiment – putting an inexperienced, vague man in office based largely on his symbolism – has failed.  This will be a painful question for many Americans, but it's a question that must be answered, for the nation's well-being and even survival.

We'll be covering all these issues at Urgent Agenda.  It never gets dull.

June 20, 2011