Mr.Obama's approval ratings average just below 50 percent in recent polls, down sharply from this time last year.

VOA: standard.2010.02.09

He returned to the U.S. in time to perform on the recent "American Idol" finale.

VOA: standard.2009.06.24

Restrepo,who has family ties to Colombia, also answered questions in Spanish from regional reporters, marking the first time in recent memory that a dual language press briefing was held at the White House.

VOA: standard.2009.04.13