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Friday, May 4, 2012 7:16 PM UTC

A look at Obama promises: kept, broken, unrealized

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Topics: From the Wires,

Unlike four years ago, President Barack Obama’s campaign speeches focus less on new promises and more on pledges he says he’s kept. Here’s a look at how his promises have held up:

PROMISES KEPT

—Sign legislation to remake the nation’s health care system and extend coverage to tens of millions of uninsured Americans.

—Kill Osama bin Laden.

—End the ban on gays serving openly in the military.

—Stop the use of torture on terror suspects

—Overhaul rules governing the financial sector and establish a consumer protection bureau

—Withdraw U.S. combat troops from Iraq

—Get a dog for Sasha and Malia

PROMISES UNMET OR BROKEN

—Accepts money from independent super PACs after criticizing the Supreme Court decision that opened the gates.

—Silent on issue of gun violence after calling for “sound and effective steps” to keep guns away from criminals after Rep. Gabrielle Giffords was shot.

—Failed to get new immigration policy through divided Congress despite pledge to make overhaul a top priority.

—Kept open the U.S. prison at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, despite pledge to close it.

—Unable to deliver on cap-and-trade system to control gases that contribute to global warming, even when he had Democratic majorities in Congress.

—Failed to end Bush tax cuts for couples earning over $250,000 a year.

—Failed to repeal prohibition on Medicare negotiating directly with drug companies over prices for Medicare recipients.

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