On taking office, President Barack Obama's first move was the $787bn economic stimulus, the largest in American history. There was a classic case for this legislation. In light of the frightening conditions, it was supported by most economists, passed Congress in a month and was seen as the right step at the right time.

Improbably, a year later, the programme is decidedly unpopular. In the latest CNN poll, 56 per cent opposed it. Progressives characterise it as too small and conservatives link it to the 10 per cent unemployment rate and argue that it failed. Such attacks go too far, because the stimulus prevented a steeper decline. Nevertheless, there were meaningful flaws in it. Mr Obama's second stimulus, announced last week, should be designed differently.

Why is the 2009 stimulus legislation such a punchbag? It fell victim to slow implementation, the difficulty of aiding state governments, and unrealistic expectations on jobs. Once it passed, Washington's focus turned to healthcare. The chance to explain the stimulus, and build support, was lost.