Obama then and now at the Democratic National Convention

"I recognize that times have changed since I first spoke to this convention," said U.S.President Barack Obamain an address before the Democratic National Convention on Sept. 6 in Charlotte, N.C. "The times have changed and so have I."

Before a packed audience at the Time Warner Cable Arena, Obama outlined his platform and spoke on a range of issues including the weakened economy, the threat of terrorism, health-care reforms and the need for strong foreign policy.

"I won't pretend the path I'm offering is quick or easy. I never have," he said. "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."

In 2008, when he accepted the nomination of his party, Obama faced many of the same problems with a faltering economy and wars being wagedin Afghanistan and Iraq.

Here is a look at the key issues and promises Obama made in 2008 contrasted with his platform for 2012.