SALENA ZITO: The White House’s Over-The-Cliff Moment: “When historians look back on this moment in American politics, they may wonder why the White House failed to focus on the consuming issue of the time: the economy — and, in particular, jobs. . . . In June, the nation’s unemployment rate rose for a third straight month, as employers added only 18,000 workers and corporate earnings languished. Anyone buying basic groceries can feel the pinch of consumer prices rising to offset higher commodity costs, so buying little beyond what you absolutely need has become the norm. President Barack Obama’s support has eroded among the very independent voters who helped him sweep into office. That drop-off is based on his inability to lead on numerous issues, but most importantly on the economy.”