After months of listening to attacks from Republican presidential candidates and congressional leaders, President Obama took off the gloves this past week and emerged in full campaign mode. It began with a major speech in the nation’s heartland, with a vigorous defense of his economic policies, directed at the middle class. It spilled over into the White House Press Room with a contentious response to Republican criticisms of his foreign policy. 60 Minutes Steve Kroft sat down with the President and asked questions pertaining to his record, his leadership, the economy and his prospects for re-election. View the segment in its entirety after the jump. @capriSUNshine