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Related: Editorials & Other Articles, Issue Forums, Alliance Forums, Region ForumsThe Most Important Legacy of Barack and Michelle Obama
By Nancy LeTourneau
Barack and Michelle Obama entered the White House not only with an awareness about what was coming, but also an understanding that they would face this kind of onslaught as the first African Americans to live there. There have been times that Ive tried to imagine the weight they willingly took on their shoulders to avoid those kinds of entanglements knowing what the slightest human imperfection would trigger.
Its not that Republicans havent tried. Weve seen attempts to blow up everything from a gun-running sting gone bad, mistreated veterans, the botched rollout of HealthCare.gov, the Bowe Bergdahl prisoner exchange, Secret Service debauchery, the IRS targeting, Hillary Clintons email server and Benghazi. That doesnt even count all the times weve been subjected to complaints about teleprompters, the Presidents golf game, family vacations, and the color of the suit the President wore for a press conference (to name just a few). But other than in the minds of the conspiracy-obsessed, nothing stuck.
As we approach the 2016 election and the end of this Presidents second term, well continue to see attempts to summarize his legacy of accomplishments. This one should be at the top of any list. That is partly because an attempt to de-legitimize him via scandal has failed. It is also why he will be positioned to be an asset to Hillary Clinton. But in ways that are probably not yet imagined, Barack and Michelle Obama have paved the way for countless young African Americans to be proud, and aspire to follow in their footsteps.
MORE:
http://www.washingtonmonthly.com/political-animal-a/2016_05/the_most_important_legacy_of_b060642.php
Fresh_Start
(11,330 posts)Its important for both groups to see an amazing African American President and an wonderful first family.
Surya Gayatri
(15,445 posts)Silver_Witch
(1,820 posts)I have said this before I wish I would be here in 50 or 100 years to seen the history books and how they speak of President Obama. I think it will be amazing. Sadly I have to near fools and racists now. Thakfully their time is soon coming to an end!
Roy Rolling
(6,947 posts)Apparently, a Muslim immigrant from Kenya can be one of our best presidents ever.
NoMoreRepugs
(9,530 posts)oldandhappy
(6,719 posts)Generous, gracious people.
La Lioness Priyanka
(53,866 posts)plus saving us all from a deep recession was also really nice
his justice department has been a WONDER for all minorities.
Overall, he has been a great president, given all the shitty obstruction he has gotten. He will shape young black voices, but he has also shown young white people not to underestimate the potential of black kids.
ailsagirl
(22,912 posts)but he has his way of making a point-- as when he debated Romney and said, "Please proceed, Governor..."
Priceless. I have always felt profoundly proud that he is our president-- not only did he handle all the major responsibilities, he thrived on it.
I will be deeply saddened to see him go, regardless of who takes his place.
Thank you, Mr. President
forest444
(5,902 posts)No small feat.
Tommy_Carcetti
(43,235 posts)Of course, if Trump wins, I half expect American society to collapse so I don't think any former president's going to have much of a legacy.
jwirr
(39,215 posts)the model we have needed since the 80s.
Skittles
(153,321 posts)LOVE that picture
MadDAsHell
(2,067 posts)Last edited Thu May 26, 2016, 02:30 AM - Edit history (2)
It ain't like we were self-loathing until he made us feel "good enough."
WTF?
Hekate
(91,056 posts)gademocrat7
(10,691 posts)Hekate
(91,056 posts)....despite the treasonous GOP that blocked his every move.
I look forward to seeing what Barack and Michelle Obama do next.