Obama appeals for a second term

President Barack Obama asked Americans on Friday for patience in rebuilding the weak economy as he appealed for a new term in office, rejecting Republican Mitt Romney’s proposals for growth as heartless.

Accepting the presidential nomination at the Democratic National Convention, Obama gave a more down-to-earth follow-up to his 2008 “hope and change” message. Weighed down by wars, high unemployment and political gridlock, Obama projected a tone that was more subdued, less exuberant.

Obama told Americans they face starkly different paths in choosing between him and Romney in the November 6 election. He said his way may be hard but will bring economic renewal, and warned it will take more than the few years he has already had in office to solve challenges that have built up for decades.

“America, I never said this journey would be easy, and I won’t promise that now,” he said. “Yes our path is harder - but it leads to a better place. Yes, our road is longer, but we travel it together.”

Locked in the political fight of his life with two months to go until the election, Obama faces the challenge of recapturing the magic of his historic campaign of four years ago and generating enthusiasm among voters who are weary of economic hardship.

His nationally televised address was his best opportunity yet in this campaign to connect with millions of Americans. It was more of a steady-as-you-go message that outlined priorities like creating 1 million new manufacturing jobs but offered few details on how to achieve them.