The Idealism:

"The people of the United States tonight have elected Barack Obama as their voice and their representative, and their President Elect.

This is an incredible moment. In it, we are seeing the beginning of a new generation of American possibility and hope."

The reality:

ABC News Poll Jan. 17, 2010:

Sixty-two percent of Americans now say the country's off on the wrong track.

For the first time more than half, 53 percent, aren't confident in Obama to make the right decisions for the country's future.

Just 41 percent say he's keeping his major campaign
promises.

And while a year ago 76 percent thought he’d bring "needed change" to Washington â€" his campaign mantra â€" far fewer, 50 percent, today say he's actually done so.