Obama’s idealism meets reality

When Barack Obama was elected US president, many of his supporters had high hopes he would bring a new era of reform to Washington.

He ran on a platform of idealism, touting “change” as his central motto.

But now after nearly a year in office, some are becoming increasingly disappointed.

From the watered-down climate deal in Copenhagen to a weakening stance on health care, critics argue the idealistic president is becoming too pragmatic.

Al Jazeera’s Sebastian Walker reports.