As of today, Barack Obama has 187 days left in office. Though the clock of his final term has been ticking, it's begun to feel very real after this week's presumptive GOP nominee, Donald Trump, emerged from his Manhattan skyscraper feeling victorious as the only Republican left in the race. With the Democratic nomination still up in the air, I have been reflecting over our current democratic President, Barack Obama.
The Obama Administration has received a lot of negativity over the course of its eight years. I, for one, am going to miss the whole Obama team a whole lot. As a voter in the United States, I am disenchanted by our presidential hopefuls for the 2016 election. I am nervous for our country, mainly because no matter what, our standards will be unconditionally lowered once Barack Obama is no longer president. Obama, his administration and his family have set a standard that has truly changed what it means to be President of the United States in the best possible way. Here are 18 reasons why I love and am going to sincerely miss the Obama Administration...
1. Obama took on the deeply entrenched racism of the American government head on.
As the nation's first black president, not only did Obama face the deeply rooted racism of the nation that elected him, but a Republican Party absolutely determined to obstruct his every move. The conservative right was determined to make him a single term president and to make that term an utter failure. All the while, Obama had to face his real work, that for which he was elected: digging our nation out of the hole into which his predecessor had dragged us. And he did it extremely well.
2. His Affordable Care Act was a valiant effort; one unique to his administration and it worked.
One of the biggest and most-criticized Obama-backed reforms is the historic Affordable Care Act. Five presidents before him actually failed to create a health insurance plan that all Americans could participate in. This year, more than 30-million Americans will finally gain access to quality and affordable healthcare insurance coverage. Thanks, Obama!
3. Obama ended the war in Iraq in his first term.
Former President George W. Bush failed miserably at trying to do this, but Obama did! Obama filled one of his central campaign promises and brought troops home under his administration.4. The man cares about the Earth!
Obama is one of the most eco-conscious leaders that the United States has ever seen. He has pushed federal agencies to create eco-friendly reforms, specifically surrounding renewable energy. Since Obama has taken office, more Americans are informed and concerned about the very real threat of climate change.
5. He cares about the people and the human race.
Unlike the many presidents who preceded him, Obama cares about what is best for the greater good. His actions have always been motivated by a sincere desire to do what is best for the majority — even if it meant losing ground with the wealthy, influential or powerful minority. Obama’s achievements and continued demonstration of equality and integrity have done wonders. America has never been more unified as a people than it has been under Obama's leadership.6. Barack and Michelle are America's strongest team.
Being the hopeless romantic that I am, the Obama marriage has always made my heart sing. I am a big fan of "House of Cards" and "Scandal," where the presidential marriages are forged and often involve the two spouses at war with each other. This never seems to be the case with Barack and Michelle. When I look at them, I see a united front. Their marriage is exemplary to American couples, and they never have to convince the public that they are in love, it is crystal clear that their love for each other has never and will never fade7. Michelle Obama's health initiatives rock.
There is something so purely wonderful about Michelle's strong advocation for a healthy lifestyle. Yes, we can consider the duties that most First Ladies have in finding their own separate causes to advocate for. But Michelle's advocacy feels genuine. She planted an organic garden at the White House to nourish her family, and, in turn, inspired the country. She has also encouraged young people to stay active and lead a healthier lifestyle. Plus, she's pretty funny while doing it.8. The First Family is genuinely charming and loving.
I remember the November day when Obama was elected President in 2008 and seeing the joy of his daughters and wife when he won. Malia and Natasha Obama are smart, thriving girls who set an example for America's youth in the least phony way. It's clear there is love in the Obama family, and I am excited to see Malia thrive at Harvard in the coming years!
9. Joe Biden is the country's Prince Charming.
When thinking about the Obama Administration, you can't leave out the President's right hand man. Yes, I have a deep-rooted love for Mr. Biden, but so does the rest of the country! I am going to miss that winning smile and those comforting eyes behind the President in every broadcast. The White House is better with the King of Cool in it.
10. The Obama-Biden best friendship.
You cannot deny the friendship compatibility between these two. It has been so refreshing to have a Vice President who actively works with the President to better the country, rather than remaining a quiet and useless figure unless tragedy should strike. Together, Biden and Obama have led the country in a positive direction with their teamwork and admirable friendship.
11. Barack Obama's outstanding sense of humor.
Obama has had the unique ability to make fun of himself, as well as others, in a way that the American public has eaten up. From his recent Correspondent's Dinner to appearances on Jimmy Kimmel's "Mean Tweets" and Zach Galifianakis' "Between Two Ferns," Obama knows how to do humor right.
12. Obama has never been afraid to show his real feelings.
This past January during his Executive Actions on Guns speech, Obama cried on national television. He received lots of critical attention for this action, Fox News even accused him of faking!Regardless of how Republicans want to spin Obama's genuine tears, it is clear that Obama is a passionate leader whose deep rooted dedication for his country comes out in an emotional and human way.13. Obama is passionate about the causes he advocates for and against.
Obama has actively taken an anti-gun stance, and his rhetoric toward the cause has been consistently passionate and moving. The President delivers his speeches in concise and heartfelt ways, where you can truly see his passion to do the right thing shining through.14. The Obama Administration is positive and optimistic, even when things aren't looking too hot.
Obama has always kept his cool, especially under circumstances where he has been rightfully furious. Key & Peele's "Luther" sketches that translate Obama's anger are hysterically funny, and accurate! Though in the last year of his second term, Obama has made many of his frustrations more known, and he deserves to. The man works his butt off!15. Michelle Obama is a fashion superstar.
Michelle Obama is an icon of fashion to the American people, specifically to me! I am an avid lover of J. Crew, so of course I idolize the First Lady's wardrobe, but Michelle's classic, smart and flattering style is truly one of a kind. She has made her mark as a First Lady in the fashion world, and I will miss seeing her incredible ensembles every day.
16. Obama keeps his promises.
I think this chart says it all. President Obama promised to reduce unemployment over the course of his presidency, and look where it stands in 2016! It has plummeted! Obama's promises were never empty, the man gave the United States his word and meant it. My faith in the presidential candidates to keep their extremely ambitious promises is slowly dwindling, and I can safely say I never felt that way about Barack Obama.
17. The Presidential dogs are downright adorable.
It would be very difficult not to be won over by Bo and Sunny, the Obama family's two Portuguese water dogs. Whenever the dogs are shown in the media, my heart always explodes because they are precious. I'm a big fan of FDR's Scottish Terrier, Fala, but Bo and Sunny might have him beat.
18. Barack Obama is just a genuinely good guy.
Obama has impacted the United States of America in so many positive ways, and his presidency was memorable from start to finish. Barack Obama and his administration cared about our country deeply, this was always apparent from day one. It will be a rare day when we find someone with the skills, accountability, passion and love for this country to match President Obama's. With the days we have left as a country under his presidency, I just want to say thank you to all of Team Obama, (especially Joe Biden...) for a valiant and incredible run. You will be missed.
Obama out.