Has my breaker gone bad?
Your description would indicate a severe short to ground. I would also think about changing out the breaker as this type of short may have damaged it. you need to start opening up boxes, pull out the wiring and look for a damaged wire. Once again from what you are describing it shouldn't be hard to find. 

PS to all DIYlfers please do not keep trying to reset a breaker multiple times that has tripped. The only thing you can accomplish is further damage to your circuit and any appliance or device you may have attached to it. If you get a trip you should remove all portable equipment and appliances as you can. Then reset the breaker and see if it trips. If it does trip then leave it off until you can determine what is causing the trip. This advice not only has financial considerations but also has a high safety risk for starting a fire. 

Stay safe in you endeavors.