Obama getting older

President Obama aging thru first term — Getty Images

Over the course of President Obama's first term, there have been a number of potential reasons for aggravation: A fiercely divided Congress has led to bitter partisan struggles over health care, the national budget, deficit reductions, and raising the debt limit. There was also what Mr. Obama described as a Democratic "shellacking" in the 2010 midterm elections. It would be enough to turn anyone's hair grey. And grey it has turned! As Mr. Obama celebrates his 50th birthday on August 4, CBSNews.com takes a look back at how he has aged during his time in the public eye.

obama-2004.2.JPG — Photo by Spencer Platt/Getty Images

Then a candidate for Senate from Illinois, Barack Obama delivered the keynote address to delegates on the floor of the FleetCenter on the second day of the Democratic National Convention July 27, 2004, in Boston, Massachusetts.

Photo by Frederick M. Brown/Getty Images) — Frederick M. Brown/Getty Images

On March 19, 2005, Mr. Obama, a senator at the time, poses in the press room with his award at the 36th NAACP Image Awards at the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion in Los Angeles, California. Mr. Obama was honored with the Chairman's Award.

obama-2006.1.JPG — Photo by Tim Boyle/Getty Images

Mr. Obama signs a copy of his book "The Audacity of Hope" at the Barnes & Noble bookstore October 18, 2006, in Skokie, Illinois. At the time, Mr. Obama was considering entering the 2008 presidential election.

obama-2007.1.JPG — Photo by Brendan Smialowski/Getty Images)

Mr. Obama walks with members of the press to the Capitol building January 16, 2007, in Washington. Senator Obama had by this point formed an exploratory committee for a bid for the U.S. presidency.

obama-2008.2.JPG — Photo by Scott Olson/Getty Images

As the Democratic presidential nominee, Obama waves to the crowd on day four of the Democratic National Convention at Invesco Field at Mile High August 28, 2008, in Denver, Colorado.

obama-2008.4.JPG — Photo by Ron Sachs-Pool/Getty Images

President-elect Barack Obama and his wife Michelle stand on stage with Vice President-elect Joe Biden and wife Jill on November 4, 2008. Mr. Obama had just delivered his presidential victory speech during an election night gathering in Grant Park on November 4, 2008, in Chicago, Illinois.

obama-2009.1.JPG — Photo by Ron Sachs-Pool/Getty Images

President Obama and first lady Michelle Obama walk in the Inaugural Parade on January 20, 2009, in Washington, shortly after he was sworn in as the 44th president of the United States.

Barack Obama — Alexis C. Glenn-Pool/Getty Images

Mr. Obama speaks at the Radio and Television Correspondents' Dinner June 19, 2009, in Washington. President Obama was the featured speaker at the 65th annual gathering.

Mr. Obama delivers remarks at the House Democratic Caucus retreat at the U.S. Capitol Visitors Center January 14, 2010, in Washington, DC.

Mr. Obama holds a news conference the day after Republicans gained 60 seats in the House of Representatives in midterm elections, in the East Room of the White House on November 3, 2010, in Washington.

Mr. Obama tears up during his speech at the event "Together We Thrive: Tucson and America" honoring the January 8 shooting victims in Tucson, Arizona, on January 12, 2011.

Mr. Obama talks on the phone in the Oval Office before making a statement to the media about the mission against Osama bin Laden on May 1, 2011. The president made a series of calls, including to former Presidents George W. Bush and Bill Clinton, to inform them of the successful mission.

Mr. Obama pauses as he makes a statement on the debt ceiling vote in the Rose Garden at the White House on August 2, 2011. Mr. Obama signed the bill soon after the Senate passed the debt limit deal the president struck with congressional leaders.