Where did President Obama go wrong?

Answer 1

First, it depends who is answering the question. The political answer will vary. Democrats will say he didn't go wrong: he was relentlessly blocked and impeded by Republicans determined to defeat him. Republicans will say he championed the wrong policies and made the economy worse.

But beyond the political, President Obama undoubtedly went wrong by underestimating the gridlock in congress and believing he would be able change it. While I personally do not know the president, I do know a number of people who have worked with him, and they have told me he was known for building consensus and listening to many different opinions. He came to Washington believing he would be able to change the tone and end the gridlock. Beyond the fact that each side will blame the other, the fact remains: Washington is as gridlocked and contentious as ever, and I think this has been very disappointing to Mr. Obama.