**Pre-emptive Prize:** President Obama was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize – an award that drew more domestic criticism than approval. *Thumbs Down*

**Sound Advice:** Obama followed the guidance of U.S. military leaders in his calculated decision to authorize a surge of 30,000 troops in Afghanistan. *Thumbs Up*

**Life Saver:** The Obama-initiated stimulus package – passed last February – functioned as a stopgap against greater job losses and economic harm. *Thumbs Up*

**Healthcare Chaos:** Congress was given too free a reign in crafting health care bills. As a result, the prospects of a viable compromise are looking grim. *Thumbs Down*

**Early Success:** The first bill signed into law by Obama was the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act, which loosens the statute of limitations on equal-pay lawsuits. *Thumbs Up*

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