Barack Obama has been president for the majority of my life. My family and I vividly remember the 2008 election. My brother charted out all the primaries on a National Geographic map of the United States, marking all the battleground states. My mother, who had never been interested in politics, would watch him speak of hope and nod along. I was just ten years old and starting the fifth grade when he was elected. I didn’t know what the electoral college or a super PAC was, but I couldn’t help but be swept along by the hopeful chants of “Yes we can!” Here was our first black president, and it was about time.
We may not all appreciate the decisions Barack has made as president, but here are a few reasons we’re going to miss him and his family.
1. He’s pretty adorable around little kids.
Enough said.
2. He and Joe Biden are besties and honestly it could not get cuter.
They have a real friendship and it only adds to the feeling that the Obamas are genuine and friendly people.
3. He’s real.
We’ve seen him cry over the Sandy Hook tragedy and mourn with families of those killed in shootings. He shares the pain because as a father and our leader he feels it too.
4. He’s funny.
He isn’t afraid to break out some dance moves, however embarrassing. When the time’s right, he can be as silly as anyone else.
5. Sasha and Malia are teenagers everywhere.
For those who don't know, this is the typical "This is 7th turkey pardoning we've been to and Dad's jokes are just as bad" look.
6. Michelle is a badass.
If her 2016 Democratic Convention speech didn’t prove that, nothing will. She’s strong, fierce, compassionate and humble. As First Lady, she’s a role model for women and girls across the globe and she uses that position to create change. And she has fun doing it!
7. Michelle and Barack make single people all over the world feel lonely.
You can see the love.
8. Honestly, the family looks like so much fun.
If you had no idea who they were, they just seem like an ordinary, incredibly loving and hardworking family.
So, whether you think the Obamas were the best choice in 2008 and 2012 or not, you have to admit they were one of the most down-to-earth, relatable families in the White House. We’ll miss you in January!
