CHARLOTTE, N.C. Nearly half of American voters say they'll vote against Barack Obama no matter what.

That doesn't give the Democratic president much wiggle room as he tries to win re-election in a politically polarized America amid a weak recovery from the worst economic downturn since the Great Depression.

So, with the presidential contest up for grabs, what does Obama need to do at the Democratic National Convention to take a clear lead against Republican challenger Mitt Romney?

Here are five things that would make President Obama's week successful:

Take back the mantle of "strong leader"

Obama-bashers at the Republican National Convention scored some political points last week when they attacked the president's leadership skills, his ability (and willingness) to transcend partisanship and, as former Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice put it, "leading from behind" on foreign policy. Democratic convention planners need to convince undecided voters that Obama is a bold leader who ordered the raid that killed Osama bin Laden, a courageous leader who fought for an auto industry bailout despite strong public opposition and a tough leader who fought Republican obstructionists as he tried to keep the economy from slipping into depression.

Perception is reality in American politics. President Obama needs to change public perceptions.

Reduce the Democratic Party's enthusiasm gap

The rest is here:
5 ways Obama can make convention a success