THE Washington-based Pew Research Center, a respected pollster, conducted a somewhat unusual survey last week, that sparked off headlines about 'Obama fatigue'. Pew asked a representative sample of Americans how much they had heard about Mr Obama and his Republican rival John McCain.
Too much of Mr Obama, said almost half the voters. Only about a quarter said they had heard too much about Mr McCain. But the high wattage visibility was not working in Mr Obama's favour. Pew also found that 22 per cent of the respondents said they had lately formed a less favourable opinion of him.
Mr Andrew Kohut, who heads Pew Research, said he thought boredom with Mr Obama's story may be accounting for his stalling poll numbers.
In recent weeks, Mr McCain has significantly narrowed the lead that Mr Obama has had over him since June. Some polls say the two are tied while some even show Mr McCain has stolen a lead. Should Mr Obama be worried?
Before he set off for his vacation in Hawaii this week, the ever-empathetic Mr Obama said he thought the American public deserved a break.
"We had the longest primary in history. And so I can imagine that folks need a break from politics and they didn't really get one like they normally do," he said.
"I think that the majority of people have been fed a constant stream of political chatter and I'm sure that having a couple weeks off and enjoying the Olympics is probably what the doctor ordered for everybody."
The American media clearly did not think they needed to give the candidate a break from relentless coverage. Scores of reporters and photographers lay in wait as he met his grandma, strolled on the beach, played golf or went out for dinner.TV anchors weighed in on whether his choice of vacation spot was too exotic and not 'American' enough.
Whether the Americans like it or not, the coming days promise even more coverage of Mr Obama. And in that lies the opportunity for Mr Obama to reverse the boredom settling on his campaign.
On Saturday, the two contenders are to have their first debate at a forum convened by popular evangelical pastor Rick Warren - dashing any desires for an Obama-free weekend.
Next week, Mr Obama is likely to announce his choice of running mate - guaranteeing hours and reams of speculation before the announcement is made, live coverage during it and more as the talking heads dissect the pros and cons of his choice.
At the end of the month, he will make what is expected to be the 'mother of all speeches' - his acceptance speech at the party convention where he will be confirmed as the official candidate.
Despite the risk of the saturation coverage turning off some voters, if these events do not spray his campaign stiff with positive ratings, Mr Obama is indeed in some trouble.