I think what got away from the political advisers was the fact that the reality of a crappy economy was more important than the "optic" of any unpopular policies. Maybe "stimulus" isn't super popular, though I think with a sexier name and a better sales job (not, you know, "Recovery Summer") it could be more popular. But you know what else isn't popular? No jobs.
And, politically, it might be too late. So...hope!
