CHARLOTTE — In seeking reelection during a weak economy, President Obama faces the challenge of convincing Americans that he’s made progress and deserves more time to finish the job. But he chose an odd way to go about it.

“I won’t pretend the path I’m offering is quick or easy,” Obama said. “I never have.  You didn’t elect me to tell you what you wanted to hear.  You elected me to tell you the truth.  And the truth is, it will take more than a few years for us to solve challenges that have built up over decades.”