Whatever Happened to 'Hope' and 'Change?'

As the field of Republican challengers appears to be taking shape, President Obama'sapproval ratings are at their lowest point ever. Liberal Democrats, who expected a tough leader, say he's capitulated to Wall Street bankers and Tea Party extremists in Congress. Independents also perceive a lack of leadership and failure to keep the promise to tame Washington's mean-spirited partisanship. Defenders say Obama inherited two wars and a collapsing economy, but still got some stimulus, healthcare, and finance reform, despite Republican opposition. Does the President still have time to bring Congress together, shore up the economy and regain his credibility with taxpaying voters?

Segment image: Supporters 'stand up' for candidate Barack Obama during his 2008 presidential campaign. Photo by Michal Czerwonka/AFP/Getty Images