Obama reflects on first term

President Obama said his biggest mistake during his first term has been putting policy over storytelling, CBS News said.

Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama discussed Thursday the failures and successes of his administration with “CBS This Morning” anchor Charlie Rose in the White House Blue Room.

“When I think about what we’ve done well and what we haven’t done well,” the president said, “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.”

Obama said the criticism he has received about not just managing but telling a story about where he is going with his presidency is legitimate.  The president said he wants to do more “explaining, but also inspiring.”

“Because hope is still there,” Michelle added.