and here is a citation of Obama wanting to shorten patent lengths early during his elections.

“His proposal is to change the patent term from 20 years to 7 years.”

http://hallingblog.com/obama-%E2%80%93-change-pharmaceutical-patent-term-to-7-years/

Also see

http://ipwatchdog.com/2009/06/27/obama-administration-wants-short-biologic-exclusivity/id=4283/

Surprisingly, here is a more recent post

“Obama’s recently announced deficit reduction proposal includes the reduction in patent lengths for brand name pharmaceutical drugs from 20 to 7 years.”

http://progressiveproselytizing.blogspot.com/2011/04/pharmaceutical-patent-lengths.html

(actually, it’s not surprising, he’s re-running for election soon. He’ll likely change his tune if he gets re-elected).

In 2007 he strongly suggests creating reform that will reduce the scope of ridiculous patents and allow for an easier, cheaper, and more efficient invalidation process

“Giving the Patent and Trademark Office (PTO) the resources to improve patent quality and opening up the patent process to citizen review will reduce the uncertainty and wasteful litigation that is currently a significant drag on innovation. With better informational resources, the Patent and Trademark Office could offer patent applicants who know they have significant inventions the option of a rigorous and public peer review that would produce a “gold-plated” patent much less vulnerable to court challenge. Where dubious patents are being asserted, the PTO could conduct low-cost, timely administrative proceedings to determine patent validity. As president, Barack Obama will ensure that our patent laws protect legitimate rights while not stifling innovation and collaboration.”

http://www.patenthawk.com/blog/2007/11/smoking_obama_1.html

Again, Obama knows that people don’t like our current IP system because it’s too restrictive and grants way too many frivolous and publicly unacceptable monopoly privileges.