Obama merges hope with realism in pitch for re-election

President Barack Obama asked Americans on Thursday for patience in rebuilding the weak economy as he appealed for a new term in office and defiantly rejected 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, he 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.“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.The convention was Obama’s best chance to appeal to the nation until the presidential debates start in October.With tight stagecraft, the Democrats introduced speakers every night of the event in Charlotte to reach out to key parts of their base of support - promoting women’s issues, Obama’s auto bailout, Hispanic voters, gay rights and economic security for the middle class.Obama’s nationally televised address 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. Pundits rated a speech to the convention by former President Bill Clinton on Wednesday higher than Obama’s.