WASHINGTON — Appearing before conservatives who hold huge sway in the GOP presidential nomination fight, a stream of would-be Republican candidates called President Barack Obama weak and suggested they alone possess the talents needed to beat him and lead a country in crisis.

In unrelenting attacks on Obama, the lineup of potential contenders took on the president's economic team, his advisers and even the first lady's vegetable garden. They did little to hide their disdain for the man they hope to replace.

“Two years ago, this new president faced an economic crisis and an increasingly uncertain world; an uncertain world has been made more dangerous by the lack of clear direction from a weak president,” former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney said.

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