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Obama Today will follow President Obama’s initiatives and policy directions. We’ll look at new presidential orders, policies on the economy, alternative energy and foreign affairs, and his use of new media. We’ll review the new president’s progress and governing style, take a look at the challenges of governing the United States, and keep you informed about the fun moments as well. We encourage you to share your thoughts on the president’s job. Read More
A new CNN/Opinion Research Corporation poll found that 48 percent say President Obama’s first year in office has been a failure. Forty-seven percent say it has been a success. What do you say? Post your comments below.
Can’t remember the past year? Check out America.gov’s year in review photo gallery.
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Comments (36)
Ravinder kumar
13 January 2010 at 00:00 EST
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If it is 48% failure, the world powers of nations can take it that Obama stands true to his morals of charisma with which he came into Power to represent the most powerful democracy that is highly sensitively based where mind’s temporary imperfection stands to catch up with the change that was necessary for America and necessary for the world at large to reckon in human terms.
One year of Obama’s role is insufficient to make an assessment because dilution of Presidential Charisma to match with public consumption is not a joke – I would therefore say 48% failure rating as projected is “transition”—and not a fact because it is related with the performance of relative time over which his (Obama’s) Charisma stands linked with the Infinite of Its unconscious state in him evolving and what is evolving as good can only indicate at present that (Obama) needs 4 years plus – to make things smooth for America and the world; reason – because he is a natural being blessed to receive inputs on his charisma to make mind’s temporary imperfections to move with his flexibility on them that are in the offing after the initial grounds appearing disturbing have been laid both for America as nation and the world tiding over the past governing history of this good earth.
Well, this is a short and sweet comment on what stands reported.
paul dalyop
Location: nigeria jos
14 January 2010 at 05:06 EST
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pls if you know the right way my president is taking his time to catch the set goal for my brothers AMERICANS .He need time.
ollivier
Location: France
15 January 2010 at 12:01 EST
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We are all brothers on earth! About the TIME, it must be the SHORTEST possible to save the maximum lifes in EARTHQUAKES areas. So the US method to kill people everyday by drones in these areas is a proof of the chronic cruel stupidity of US administrations! http://www.dawn.com/wps/wcm/connect/dawn-content-library/dawn/news/pakistan/16-strong-earthquake-strikes-afghanistan-and-pakistan-hs-05 http://news.antiwar.com/2010/01/02/us-killed-700-civilians-in-pakistan-drone-strikes-in-2009/ http://www.cfr.org/publication/20688/rethinking_a_twostate_solution.html
Nathaniel
Location: New Zealand
13 January 2010 at 02:54 EST
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Given that Guantanamo(sp) is still in operation, the public option of healthcare didn’t pass and the government has said little more than rhetoric on global warming, I’d say definitely a failure. You might say that the circumstances have made it impossible for him to achieve these election promises. However I’d reply that in making those promises it was his responsibility to predict the difficulties in following through with them.
Ravinder kumar
13 January 2010 at 11:20 EST
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The subtle wits of American leaders fly high and low – why? – that is because the past stands too deeply engrained in them and they want to live with it for their moments of excellence – Sarah Palin the excellent lady continues to give a plus to Obama on his creative charge and in that sense, she is indirectly doing good service for America. Republicans should be happy to learn this Truth that has brought America to the state of Light for Obama to pick on it.
One thing good about American Democracy is it is “truly participating” and lasting with lessons for others to follow in modernity to tap blue horizons of life.
Those blue horizons just do not end in economics that has many minds to tap the financial barometer of the country self educative in working of its affluent class and ordinary class both domestically and internationally relating to perfection with budgeting of money in economic plans that have been existing and are in the process to move charismatically with a tide over where bipartisan element also comes into play well integrated to test the mettle of the top leader of the country who has to stand over the continuous democratic element evolving of the country both in economic as well as inherently in spiritual terms for the good of the people at large mixing with the culture of exchange that has humanity behind it to survive?
? - By nature, the present President of America has that element in him – I should not be saying this but I am being inherently made to convey this as comment of exception for America and for Obama whose whole (Obama and his better half) stand as an extension through the ex Presidential candidate’s Charisma Of the Secretary Hillary Clinton that President Obama’s Charisma has selflessly absorbed for function in the cabinet gracefully for America and the world.
That shows the humbleness of President Obama and maturity of Hillary Clinton of acceptance without a feeling of high and low of ego regarded as exceptional in Divinity.
I was not supposed to make this comment and I have done so to urge the Republicans to accept their Light within of consensus through individual projections under control as Obama’s gesture of bipartisanship that will come to address.
In short, this comment is all about health and health care where economics alone does not come into the picture with a rigorous analysis on it but should also extend as leverage to the person in play (Obama) who is also selflessly poised with corrections on it over the infra structure of it that he has proposed for approval as ego of his working element as the executive public ally chosen as the President that had appealed to the public at large voting even putting behind able leaders like McCain?
George W Bush was the last to steer America into the Light over the past of America and that stands as the subtle truth even today as on date with Bill Clinton the ex President of America giving support through his excellent independent caliber for Obama ultimately to head the show of America that was time bound of its reality that sees no barriers and to which he accepted well in his individual capacity as the free lance ex President of America. I have to stop here because it basically conveys the essence of this communication for Obama today that he is today to execute for America and the world at large?
? – I do not see ego hassles when I am on my draft of communications because they flow spontaneously through me in my absolute “switch off” capacity from the lower realms of life as a being of life for the Being that I am for life.
I thank all for bearing with me or rejecting me at the mind levels because that is how I am poised for all life to relish me as food.
Jitendra Kaushal
Location: Gurgaon, India.
13 January 2010 at 11:24 EST
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To expect a President just entering the second year of his term to produce instant results in crucial areas is neither pragmatic nor fair. Statesmanship is not a game played for gallery applause. For White House to give credibility to results of such polls would be unwise.
Obama should focus on priorities as spelt out by his conscience. His initiatives ought to spring from the depth of his convictions because those were what he was voted for to power.
An ordinary painting becomes a masterpiece only after final finishing touches by a master. Let Obama not be deterred from his path by criticism or praise. For posterity’s verdict on his performance would be based on a larger canvas.
baz
Location: www.camping-r-us.com.au
14 January 2010 at 04:02 EST
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Perhaps it is a tad unfair to judge the president at this point in time. The world has been through real tough times that were not really expected. Maybe we should, in fairness, see if he handles the recovery, then pass judgement
KISEKKA HAMZA
Location: UGANDA/Kampala
14 January 2010 at 06:43 EST
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I do believe that Obama is agreat president but he is got to walk the talk….leadership is from God and He has his reasons why He chose him.because when you look back in Obama`s life line you can tell exactly what God had plannned for him….(retriever)
And Americans should be very proud to have aleader like him…..just imagine if Museven was the American President.iswear America would be like congo.
jalaluddin ahamed
Location: Bangladesh
14 January 2010 at 07:43 EST
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His performance as President of the USA is praiseworthy.He has inspired the World Leaders to create atmosphere for long wanted Peace.But recently his demand for billions of Dollars for finishing war in Afghanistan and Iraq continue to disturb the Asians @ Mid eastern Countries.Since he has been awarded the most prestigious Noble Peace Prize He should work more on dialogues and not much on confontation.The entire world is watching his activities eagerly.People expect from him global peace .His domestic programmes have been so far brought hope and for the people of his Country.It is hoped that he will remain as active as he was in his first year in office.He will work for downtrodden people of the world wherever they are from.Let him be active as ever.
Yoshiko
Location: Japan
16 January 2010 at 00:13 EST
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Why does Mr. Obama not release his long-form birth certificate? This would prove his natural born citizenship.
I understand he has spent over a millon dollar to hide it from the public. It will just cost a few dollars to take a copy and show it to the press.
Joyce Whitehead
Location: Eccles, near Manchester, England
18 January 2010 at 10:49 EST
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Give the guy a chance! Has any other president, or any other politician anywhere for that matter, been judged a success or failure after less than a year in office? Considering the mess he inherited, in both domestic and foreign affairs, he has done very well. He has come closer than any previous president to passing healthcare reform, he has made some progress on climate change - albeit not enough - and he has done much to restore America’s reputation around the globe, as the post below on his multilateral foreign policy notes. The economy will take some time to turn around, but it would be even worse than it is but for his interventions. Also, consider the contrast between the response to the earthquake in Haiti and the response to Hurricane Katrina.
The point is that he has made a good start on fulfilling his election promises and has been consistent with his policies. Only children and fools expect instant results and magic wands, something he never promised.
The American people should appreciate him. Good luck to him and all his endeavours.
andrew hoellering
18 January 2010 at 21:32 EST
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What matters is what the president does, not what he says.
Recently he called for a ‘swift, co-ordinated and aggressive effort’ to help the stricken people of Haiti.
An Israeli field hospital from the other side of the world is now in place in Haiti doing a fully professional job.
The fact that there is no American equivalent from much closer to home is distinctly worrying.
Carin Rojas
Location: Spain
20 January 2010 at 10:37 EST
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The American people have become like Piranhas, feeding away non stop until their is nothing left.
How can the american people ignore the energy that Obama created for America after wiining the elections, how can the American people(Rep.) ignore that reality? they felt it too! im sure, instead they translated it to fear, the only tactic they know…
Any how, I never felt or saw anything like it on that day of our Presidential victory!! not to mention how it was felt Worldwide!
After 8 years of Bush creating that perfect gap between the elite and the middle class , poor people,creating a frightend, sick. less confident and uneducated America, he met his objective, Yet I can also understand how dificult it is for Republican Conservatives to step aside now, imagine having to give up 8 years of what the Bush admisntration has provided, it must be tough??? Its like teaching an old dog new tricks, obviously that old dog is not interested when he can simply be fed and lay all day long on that Big Ass Porch!
Now President Obama has to keep the boat afloat for Republicans and Democrats and anyone in between to balance this nation that allows you to be all we can be!
In 8 years I didnt see Bush perform any miracles! so why should Obama in just 1??? Let them man work and help thy neighbor!!!!
Jimbo
Location: USA
20 January 2010 at 13:35 EST
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Absolute Failure…3 years left. Time is counting down…tick tock tick tock.
Congrats to Sen. Scott Brown. What a great race and a clear message to the Obama administration and congressional leadership. Enough is enough. The people of Massachusetts have spoken and their answer, after all these years of the liberal lion, Ted Kennedy, is to return the seat to the PEOPLE!
Great campaign ad below by the way,
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7nEoW-P81-0
Chrissy
4 February 2010 at 12:10 EST
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I think it would do you good to watch something other then Fox News.
I think its unfair to judge Obama on his first year, when he is trying to fix EIGHT years of damage.
akshay
Location: india
22 January 2010 at 02:05 EST
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I DONT THINK OBAAMA IS NT GETTING NAME AND FAME.HE IS THE MASTER OF HIS OWN WORK AND PEOPLE NEADS TO WAIT FOR HIS TARGET,PLUS ACC. TO ME HE HAS A STRONG POWER OF HANDLING UNKNOWN PROBLEMS WHICH HAS RECENTLY INVENTED BY US SO PLZ TRY TO TRUST ON HIM AND WATCH OUT THE RESULT
Prashant
22 January 2010 at 03:44 EST
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Watch Obama’s toughest year in White house http://www.videocrux.com/video/18761/Barack-Obama-first-year-in-the-White-House
Freed Minds
Location: God Land
23 January 2010 at 13:08 EST
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To have a chance for true change, we must take lesson from our past…Our history proves we have a foundation of rebellious nature among other questionable behaviors. Let’s not argue that but accept it!
Now we have a rebellious president who refuses to do things based on the same old policies, procedures and political traditions. I have read the opinions and blogs of others on various website, I see a people afraid of the unknown… Without rebellious people like OBAMA true leaders do not exists! If there were not rebellious people standing up for civil rights of woman and minorities than we would still be living in a world as backwards as some third world countries. Without people who are not afraid to admit that the old policies, procedures and practices of this nation are failing the people than progress will not be made. To break free from a failing system something completely new and different must take place and many will not understand the new at first.
Obama’s leadership style is democratic meaning internal drives and impulses that are centered on human relations and teamwork. He fosters communication that is open and usually two-way creates a spirit of collaboration and joint effort that result in staff satisfaction. I agree he does have some traits of permissive (laissez-faire) style, internal drives and impulses that tend to have some established policies; but abstains from complete leadership. What that tells me about President Obama is that he has enough humility and compassion for others to admit that being the President of the United States is not a ONE MAN JOB! Unless it is Jesus Christ himself than there is not a MAN capable, trustworthy or intelligent enough to handle that load! He is a leader who teaches us to work together. As humans we are all imperfect and until we all fully grasps that concept than many President Bush’s (prideful and self centered) will destroy this country.
I wish people would stop judging and being so critical… instead ask how they can help. We have a leader who does not mind gathering intelligent minds together so working towards the best possible solution can be achievable. Based on history the democrats do not have all the answers and nor do the Republicans, but given the opportunity to come together no one can come against us! Finally, remember another piece of American history: United we stand divided we fall. We use to be the leading nation in many aspects but now each side, each party and the American people have become so prideful and selfish that we are destroying the fabric that made us great. Yet, one day we will die but our children learning from our mistakes we continue in those mistakes only to destroy what little we have left behind. We cannot continue in the old way the new way must come even if it is uncomfortable at first.
Jesus was a rebel in his day too, breaking the traditions of religious leaders and political powers of that time.
Cyril Okonkwo
Location: Lagos, Nigeria
25 January 2010 at 08:21 EST
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Obama has not failed. He has succeeded in bringing peace to America and the world. He has not started another war, sending young Americans to die in battle fields. Guantanamo, Haiti, the Health Reform Bill are indices of his welfarist leadership philosophy. More successes would be recorded in the coming months.
李
25 January 2010 at 21:25 EST
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歐巴馬無法發揮自己的才能，因為還有很多人拉他後腿。
Naija
Location: Nigeria
28 January 2010 at 10:18 EST
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Well, Obama has good plans for the Americans.
http://www.anewnaija.com
Indera Coggins
Location: maryland
28 January 2010 at 14:04 EST
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I admire President Obama. I think he is trying to do his best to reach everyone.
I think the Republicans need to get off their butts and help him to help the people.
President Obama, I support you and I know you want to do what’s best for everyone.
I will vote for you all over again. NOT Sarah Palin or McCain.
Jow Bloggs
Location: UK
9 February 2010 at 07:05 EST
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It seems that Obama had so much expectation riding on him to achieve so much - perhaps an unreasonable level. Too much hype built-up by the international media. The man isn’t superman after all.
B.E.
Location: Rockville, Maryland
11 February 2010 at 19:12 EST
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obama is a total failure, he has only accomplished one thing in his first year and
that was having a beer summit. Don’t get me wrong, there is nothing wrong with beer.
But hosting a beer summit by the president makes the US a laughing stock of the entire world.
He spent the entire year trying to ram down our throats his idea of health care which the country is completely against, but would old big ears o bama listen to the people of the USA? He doesn’t and he didn’t
Stop the Madness
Stop the Madman
Impeach o bama
B.E.
Location: Metro Washington DC
13 February 2010 at 20:18 EST
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obama is a total failure
he has only very few achievements in the past year 1. Beer Summit
2. Government Motors
3. Health care; his biggest failure
Stop the Madness
Stop the Madman
Impeach o bama NOW!
Charlie
Location: UK
16 February 2010 at 11:40 EST
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To be honest, he did receive a pretty battered economy and 2 illegal wars to drag the US out of. You can only measure him based on how much he has progressed.
Charlie
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Prasad Rane
Location: India
17 February 2010 at 01:16 EST
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Yes too think Obama is not that much successful. We thought of.
http://www.technoinspire.com
ziamor
Location: iran
17 February 2010 at 06:13 EST
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(
)
ziamor@gmail.com
John Goody
Location: chicago
17 February 2010 at 20:15 EST
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I believe he is doing an excellent job. For those that don’t…you probably wish Bush was back in office!
http://www.backlinkdepot.com/
Heidi Rudy
24 February 2010 at 17:52 EST
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I think that he is doing very well so far but as far as progress he may be a little behind with healthcare. I guess we will see what happens over the next few weeks in that respect!
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clay
27 February 2010 at 19:22 EST
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the system is corrupt. without major reform to the legislative process there is no hope.
this does not represent any form of failure on the part of our president. after all, he is a politician, not a revolucionary.
PRIYANKA SRIVASTAVA
Location: INDIA
3 March 2010 at 03:35 EST
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In my opinion Obama is the right person, one cannot do the the things right immediately as they want it takes a lot of time.
Replica Bags
Location: http://www.howvogue.com
4 March 2010 at 02:02 EST
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In my opinion Obama is the right person, one cannot do the the things right immediately as they want it takes a lot of time.
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waqas
Location: pakistan
7 March 2010 at 04:03 EST
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He always talked about change but there is no change in the America and entire world too
Sem Pakistan
Location: Pakistan
9 March 2010 at 02:34 EST
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I believe he is doing an excellent job. For those that don’t…you probably wish Bush was back in office…!!
Sem Pakistan
Herbert O. Williams
Location: Silver Spring, Maryland
12 March 2010 at 00:02 EST
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I feel President Obama has done a tremendious job as the government is and has been in debt. I hope everybody work together to fix the situation.