Hope and Change: A Check Up

Obama was elected touting a message of Hope and Change. Many Americans voted for him because his message resonated and because he spoke to them about one area of concern in particular: the economy. As the economy continues to recess and more and more Americans struggle, empty promises hold less water. So, more than 2.5 years into Obama's first term, has he delivered hope and change? Let's check on a few points:
  

1.       $528 million of taxpayer money was loaned to Solyndra in 2009. The company is now bankrupt. That’s a change.

2.       The poverty rate in the United States has reached 15.1% in September 2011, up from 14.3% in 2009 (the highest since 1993). That’s a change.

3.       Unemployment hasn’t dipped below 8.5% since March 2009. That’s a change.

4.       The national debt has increased by more than $4 trillion since Obama took office. That’s a change.

5.       The Obama Administration has added at least 10,000 federal civilian jobs to the Executive Branch. That’s a change.

He delivered the change. How are you doing in the hope department?