I’m actually not the biggest fan of Barack Obama’s administration. Don’t get me wrong. I think he’s a hell of great guy, and I think he himself is one of our best presidents. I just don’t’ agree with the actions of the administration. I could get in to all the details about the issues and controversies of his eight years in office, but that’s not what this article is about. What this article is about how if it weren’t for the first family our country would be a complete embarrassment on the world stage.
Probably the only thing that conservatives and liberals can agree on right now is that America is not exactly in a position to brag given the state of our public education (we rank 14th overall out of the 40 western nations), our outdated healthcare system, our issue of police corruption and a dozen other categories we’re falling behind in.
However, the worst possible embarrassment we’ve had to suffer is the candidacy of Donald Trump. We as Americans are going to have to cop to the fact that we let a reality TV star get within a foot of becoming the president of one the most powerful nations in history.
But at least we have the Obamas. That’s a saving grace. I think even the majority of republicans secretly admit that the first family has served with class and dignity on an ideal level.
They have the perfect example of good American child rearing in that Malia Obama has taken a job working the take out window at a sea food restaurant. She’s the president’s daughter and she’s still expected to work like the rest of us.
Let’s not forget Michelle, our generation’s Jackie O. She’s a first lady that can deliver a speech with the same majesty as her husband.
And then there’s Barack. Why is it we all find him so charismatic? Perhaps it's that he has this ability to steal the show from every late night show host who ever has him. It could be the fact that he insist on delivering formal press statements without wearing a tie. Or maybe it’s simply his fatherly voice matched with his commanding gaze. As everyday-man as he is, it’s impossible to look at him without saying to yourself, “that’s a leader”.
More than our own approval, the rest of the world likes him. Not since Kennedy has a U.S. president gotten such international appraisal. According to data from pewresearch.com conducted over 40 countries, about 65% of those foreigners favor Obama whereas about 27% lack confidence in him.
In an interview, South African actress Charlize Theron said in reference to living in America, “It’s absolutely fantastic! I’ve only voted twice in my life and the first time was for Nelson Mandela and the second time it was for Barack Obama. And I think it’s incredible with two such good things happening in one life time“. A foreigner putting Obama, our commander and chief, in the company of Mandela is as big a compliment as a nation can hope for.
As I said before, the actual legacy of Obama’s service is at the very least…..debatable. But his style is unmatched.
Trump however has nearly destroyed our foreign image without even having served a single day in any kind of political office. This must be nature’s way of balancing things out. So, as this year winds down, all I can say is our chief’s presence will be missed and always revered.
