Is Obama making the grade so far?

What grade does the Obama administration deserve for its first couple of months in office?

Webb: E for effort. D for execution and overall performance. President Barack Obama certainly faced a major financial crisis upon taking office. But his missteps in filling key Cabinet positions, the uneven performance of his economic team and his undisciplined bailout programs designed to promote liberal social programs as much as boost the economy give him a stumbling start. Obama remains a gifted communicator, and the national news media desperately want him to be successful. I believe he's sincere and wants to do the right thing. I hope he is successful in turning the economy around. But it's likely any economic upsurge will occur despite his policies, not because of them.

Pignanelli: B+. "Not only does he often oversimplify the issues, he actually believes his oversimplifications." This statement from New York Times Magazine reflected the prevalent criticism of a president, early in his administration, confronting a deteriorating economy, problems in the Middle East and dropping morale among Americans. While his communication skills were acknowledged by friends and foes, many wondered if the new guy could do the job. Eventually, the economy rebounded beyond expectations and America's foes were vanquished. Ronald Reagan (the target of the quote) and Barack Obama faced incredible challenges from the beginning of their administration. As with Reagan, Obama offers a cool, confident manner, especially in comparison to Congress. He certainly did not dither in developing and pushing the much-needed stimulus package. Conversely, Obama struggles to build a Cabinet and adequately restrain an overexuberant Congress. But without a doubt, the new guy is up to the job.

Obama has pledged to solve the economic crisis and tackle climate change, energy independence, health-care reform and the entitlement crisis all at once. Is his agenda too ambitious?

Pignanelli: Conventional wisdom urges a president to tackle one or two problems at a time. But Obama has no choice. While restoring the financial system is the highest priority, economic recovery is dependent on resolving many other problems. The budget deficit must be addressed soon, with a focus on slicing the entitlement programs. Market confidence will return at a quicker pace with the stable domestic supply of energy and broader access to health care. Maintaining our leadership in global economics will require a practical and effective response to climate change. Because his predecessors ignored so much, Obama's plate is full.