Obama Admits He Failed to See Job Goes Past Policy

Updated: July 12, 2012 | 8:30 p.m.
July 12, 2012 | 6:13 p.m.

President Obama indicated he realizes he needs to do a bit more legwork when it comes to offering a vision for the future of America in an interview, admitting his main mistake in his first term was failing to inspire the public.

"The mistake of my first term – couple of years – was thinking that this job was just about getting the policy right. And that’s important. But the nature of this office is also to tell a story to the American people that gives them a sense of unity and purpose and optimism, especially during tough times," he said, according to a transcript of an interview with CBS's Charlie Rose taped on Thursday to air on Sunday.

He added that during his second term he plans to spend "more time with the American people, listening to them and also then being in a conversation with them about where do we go together as a country."

Mitt Romney slammed Obama for his assertion that he needs to inspire Americans with a compelling story in a statement released on Thursday accusing Obama of failing to lead.

“President Obama believes that millions of Americans have lost their homes, their jobs and their livelihood because he failed to tell a good story. Being president is not about telling stories. Being president is about leading, and President Obama has failed to lead. No wonder Americans are losing faith in his presidency," he said.

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