A few morning reads...

1. Amid speculation that the unemployment rate would continue to climb, the Labor Department announces a drop in unemployment, from 9.6 to 9.4 percent.
2. Much as candidate Obama fought to find his voice in the presidential campaign, President Obama needs a better hold on his health care message.  Perhaps the August recess is just what Obama and the Democrats need to pitch their proposals to Americans.
3. General Wald reminds us that military action against Iran is a "technically feasible and credible option" in today's Wall Street Journal.
4. Is the Senate Finance Committee's longstanding mystique of bipartisanship rattled?  Ron Brownstein writes in the National Journal.
5. August vacation finally hits Washington DC; Obama and Co. take a much-needed rest.