WKOW 27: Madison, WI Breaking News, Weather and SportsAnalysts breakdown Obama's young presidency

Analysts breakdown Obama's young presidency

MADISON (WKOW) -- President Barack Obama's visit to Madison came on the first year anniversary of his election into office, which gives analysts reason to reflect on what he's done so far.

Long time political journalist and Time Magazine writer Mark Halperin reflected on Obama's young presidency at a lecture sponsored by the UW Journalism Department.

He said although President Obama has restored America's reputation overseas, he has failed to make relationships with foreign leaders to get things done.

Halperin also says issues like immigration and global warming have been put off, largely because bigger issues on the presidents plate.

"The pipe line to the president is boxed in by two issues, healthcare and Afghanistan and everything else has to be on the back burner," Halperin says.

Halperin also says he was surprised at how much the economy has consumed the president's time, but added that he has been doing a good job so far stabilizing the financial system, pumping in stimulus money and creating a sense of confidence.

But a major downfall so far Halperin says is just how polarized lawmakers and people are in our country.

Halperin says Obama hasn't been doing a good job getting people from either sides of the aisle to see eye to eye.

He says that's necessary, especially if he wants to get a healthcare plan passed.

Wednesday night's lecture was not planned around the president's visit. Organizers say it was purely a coincidence.