What were your hopes when Obama came to power in 2008?

[franch]

How did you think/hope things might change, in the US and internationally?

How does this compare with the reality?

I've been largely disappointed with Obama but his popularity seems to be on the up again. On balance, I'd rather he stayed ...

Am interested to know how others see the whole thing as the election approaches.

bump

Internationally, I suppose we all hoped he wouldn't be as gung-ho as his predecessor and would mend a few bridges. He's not disappointed there. Been remarkably restrained over Iran/Syria and the Libya thing was handled well, by and large. Personally hoped there might be a bit more 'tough love' in the direction of Israel. Knew that the Guantanamo problem wouldn't resolve as easily as he seemed to think.

Domestically, I think all bets were off taking over when he did at the height of an economic crisis. Difficult to be a great reformer on things like public health when the cash runs out and all you can do is fight fires. US growth recovering slowly must be taken as a good sign. He was never going to live up to the high expectations of the working classes, however.

I think he'll win a second term if for no other reason that he has a divided opposition with weak leadership.

Thanks CES. Very true about the opposition. I remain hopeful.

It was clear when he won that expectations were so high that he'd never be able to live up to them. It was almost like people were expecting him to walk on water. I guess the furore was understandable given his predecessor was a dumb as a door post so having an intelligent educated man take up the post was like almost too good to be true.

My only hope was he didn't take a bullet in the head from some ultra right wing KKK nut job who would hate the fact a black man was leading the country. So far so good. I can't think his secret service detail have had many restful nights sleep though.

I hope that Obama gets re-elected. They guy is doing the best that he can considering the bad poker hand that he was dealt.

Its not as if the GOP is going to field a nominee that is remotely likeable.