President Obama is now officially sworn in for a second term and oh, what a difference four years makes.
Not only was today's inauguration ceremony much smaller than his two-million people inauguration four years ago, but the president now faces Americans who are beaten down by the recession, as well as a deeply divided Congress.
Can the president turn things around in his second term? That's what we're asking you today, in honor of the inauguration. How do you think President Obama's second term will go? Leave your thoughts in the comments and let us know.
One thing that's stood out to me recently is that the national media is now beng far more critical of the president. Now that Obama has won a second term, articles picking apart his leadership style and administration are everywhere.
The New York Times ran a front page opinion piece on Sunday with a headline that stated, "Obama is a lousy manager."
A CNN post on the swearing-in included a quote that characterized Obama's first term as one of "instability, arguing, fighting" with Congress.
And a new NBC/WSJ poll shows an "American public holding mixed attitudes about the next four years, concerns about the economy and a belief that tougher times lie ahead.
Honestly, I don't think any president would have an easy time of it right now, Republican or Democrat.
The question we're left asking is whether President Obama will learn from his first-term mistakes. What do you think? Will he do a better job this time around? Will he find a way to work with Congress? Will he change the minds of Americans who have stopped believing in him?
Or do you believe that tougher times lie ahead for all of us, the president included?
Image via Cal Almonds/Flickr
This Hot Dad Wants to Do Your Ironing
This Hot Dad Wants to Cook You Dinner
This Hot Dad Cooks AND Does the Dishes
Kanye West is Gay?! 
Comments 16
It's what we do as individuals and families that matter most.
Exactly bills!!
Despite the class warfare mentality that people like Katie obviously lap up, Obama actually outspent and outraised Romney during the election. So please spare me the whole "evil Mitt Romney tried to buy the election for his rich buddies" hyperbole.
Let's focus on facts. Obama has done nothing to indicate that he plans to rule for the majority or from the middle. (Exactly how was ramming the incredibly unpopular Obamacare down the throats of the American people using reconcilliation during the middle of the night "listening to the people?" Or refusing to offer any real spending cuts going forward despite the fact that most people realize we are headed towards financial disaster if we continue on this path?)
I suppose if you like 8% unemployment, runaway entitlement spending, higher taxes, and unconstitutional executive orders to be handed down willy-nilly, then Obama's your man! You must be looking forward to the next 4 years!
For the rest of us, we are just praying that the things he "accomplishes" over this next term don't damage the country and the economy beyond repair.
He has a tough road. People are expecting so much. I wish him the best and that's what everyone should wish for. We all should want him to do a good job.
Gem, there is no need to be condescending. Whether you like it or not, Obama is here to stay for the next four years. I agree with bleedingheart. Instead of complaining and attacking each other we should work towards a better tomorrow and hope that our president will do a good job. I am also wishing our President and his beautiful family the very best, and hoping that he has the wisdom and courage to do what's best for our country.