As the opening act of Obama’s fledgling presidency unfolded, the country — and the
world — kept a close eye on the 44th
president’s every important move.

President Barack Obama’s first 100 days spawned a whirlwind of legislative initiatives and controversy. An administration that promised bipartisanship soon found itself embroiled in partisan bickering over Rush Limbaugh, bonuses to AIG executives, and memos that pulled back the curtain on “enhanced interro-gations.” Here’s a look back at the first 100 days of an administration many say is changing the role of government in American life — for better or worse.