the delta variant has opposed, pot just politically, not just in poll number, but for the country from a public health persp perspective. this is how jen psaki framed things. >> he will outline the next phase in the fight against the virus including measures to work with the public and private sector, building on the steps that we've already announced, steps we've taken the last few months, requiring more vaccinations, boosting important testing measures, and more, making it safer for kids to go to school. all at a time when the american people are listening. again, this will be six steps that we'll work to implement the months ahead. >> reporter: and while there will be policy, the perception here is also important when you talk to officials. there is recognition, it is not just based on the fact the president's poll ratings always significantly above just 50% when it came to the pandemic for the course of the months, now dropping 10 and 11 points depending on which polls you are looking at, it is the understanding that there is almost a malaise in the country right now, the lights at the end