This is an honest question with no agenda behind it.

[bhikkhu]

31. I'd say 5, 6, and 4 to begin with

realizing that the campaign speeches by one who has never been president don't often reflect the realities of the job. Once sworn in as president there are many responsibilities, but the main one (even considering that a good part of the economy was in ruins in 2008) is to maintain business as usual, "BAU", the economy most of us rely on.

So, overall, my thinking was that he would be 5, 6, and 4. After years in office, I'd have to rate him at 5, 5, and 3. He's about the same on the economy as I expected in the first place; its coming along, but no revolutions or big innovations, just effective moderate leadership. I'd give him a bump up for raising taxes on the wealthy, and capital gains, but considering where we were that was more pragmatic good sense than anything else - still right in the middle.

On defense he's done better than expected. The war in Iraq is over and the troops are done there, Afghanistan is winding down slowly, and more importantly there are no new wars, in spite of an abundance of opportunity in the Arab Spring. He has been very effective at engaging allies, and very willing to give the driver's seat up to others. And the pentagon is looking at a 10% cut in its budget, which was completely unexpected.

On social issues, good was always expected, but he has been exceptional. This is considering the leadership (or at least willingness to learn and concede graciously) on gay rights.

Social spending remains up in the air, so I'm leaving that off.