Story URL: http://news.medill.northwestern.edu/chicago/news.aspx?id=144613
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One year later: Chicagoans still have hope
by Jessica Binschand Danny Yadron
Nov 04, 2009
Danny Yadron/MEDILL
Chicagoans reflect on Obama's first year
Grinding health care reform and little movement on other issues, such as the economy, education, immigration reform or gay rights, have dampened public enthusiasm for Obama.
The president’s national approval rating slipped from nearly 70 percent at his inauguration to 50 percent in October, according to Gallup.
In the Obama’s longtime hometown, he still has the support of many. Of more than two dozen people surveyed Wednesday at a downtown rally, most expressed confidence Obama will accomplish his agenda. However, some said they would like to see the president pick up his pace.
Of the people who said they didn’t support Obama, none would go on record.
Reema Ahmad said she would tell the president, "we know that you've been working, you've done a lot of stuff already, and just keep going, go a little faster. That'd be great."
"We are here today to support and encourage President Obama to stay true to his promise he made a year ago today across the street in Grant Park,” Brittany Trewin said.
Rally participants acknowledged that with nine months in office, Obama has not yet tackled every item on the agenda. The rally, they said, was meant to confirm the community’s support for reform.
“That’s why we voted for him,” Ahlam Jbkra said. “Because we knew that he was going to keep to his promise and make that change. So asking for it now, I think, is pretty fair.”
