YES WE CAN!!!!! YES WE CAN!!!!!
It was 2008 and I was just 16 and was preparing to sit for my O/L exams. But my head was glued to the TV at most times watching the news on U.S. Presidential election. I am always interested about U.S. political system. But this time was like no other time. This time they elected a man who wasn't pale skinned, who wasn't an old run down legislator from the Capitol Hill. This time they elected the first African American President of the United States of America. This time they elected Barack Obama.
I still remember those moments when it was announced. It was a Wednesday morning and me and my cousin were doing some maths work. Although by that time it was certain that he would win, those tears of pure joy that went through a certain African-American reporter's cheeks is forever etched in my memory. It is true that Obama got an Ivy League education, but he did so by the sheer dedication that he had for his work. His background as we all know is much complicated compared to most individuals who held the office, making his story of rise to the top a true drama worthy of a Hollywood movie. So he came in to office with promise of great change with a message that resonated through the youth. How did he fare in his two terms, let us take a look at that by paying attention to some of those defining moments.
Affordable Care Act (Obamacare)
First it was Hillary Care, then it was Romney Care, but finally it ended up being Obamacare. Obama was able to achieve what most his predecessors tried to achieve but fell short, that was to increase the quality and affordability of health insurance and thereby reducing the uninsured population in the country.
As an individual who is raised in a country where healthcare is a right and is given free of charge, I at was not able to fathom the scale of the issue regarding healthcare in USA. Although at that time ive have heard of the measures taken by Mrs. Clinton in the 90's regarding healthcare i wasnt aware that the most developed country in the world has a gaping hole in its healthcare system. But in a country where having a healthcare insurance was a necessity for anyone obtaining healthcare if one was poor and didnt have enough wealth there were going to be deprived of that basic human facility. Obama identified this need through the countless efforts taken by people in both sides of the aisle and made it one of his main campaign slogans to take steps to provide universal healthcare.
Being raised in a country like mine, ive hardly seen major campaign promises being delivered as soon as this. Yes, the format of the bill may have been based on what Gov. Romney enacted in his state of Massachusetts, but it was molded into something which reflected Obama's vision he vision that as the greatest country in the world USA should be able to provide healthcare for all its citizens. The bill ensured that people who wanted the support had to sign into the program through the mandate and it also provided subsidies and insurance exchanges.
The massive effort undertaken by the Democrats with the backing of the President from the very beginning of his first term at office the bill was passed at a democratic controlled house in October of 2009 despite greater opposition from the Republicans. But as the Senate was controlled by Republicans the bill was passed with certain amendments done to it which were approved by the House in March 2010. Thereafter the bill was signed into action immediately by the President on March 21, 2010 marking a historic action. From that point onward till now around 23 million Americans has obtained healthcare coverage under this act and its provisions.
Yet under the current political climate and due to the stance of the President elect Trump this historic effort might be written off from the system, but this will remain in the books of history as the Greatest Achievement of the Obama Administration.
Economic Recovery
By the time Obama came into power US was in its worst recession after the Great Depression and was bleeding around 800,000 jobs per month. US industries were heavily suffering financially including banks, auto industry, steel industry among many. Swift action had to be taken and they were appropriately taken. First a stimulus plan was introduced to revive the economy in order to both save and create jobs. Then steps were taken to bail out both the financial and automobile industry. Thereby selected set of financial institutions who were major players in the financial system were bailed out along with General Motors and Chrysler who were in much need of financial assistance.
It can be noted here that although these steps to recover the economy were taken it was sometime before the economy felt the effects of them. This was truly evident in the US jobs market where jobs continue to bleed until the mid of 2010. As of as a result of the actions taken by the Obama administration the economy is growing nearly at 2% per year, unemployment has dropped below 5% to around 4.7% which is almost full employment, stock market is in record territories, US housing market has also recovered and is improving which was the cause of the financial crisis on the first hand all of these positive economic data is backed by the fact that Fed has seen enough reason to raise the nations interest rate to 0.75% during 2016.
Yet there are certain actual criticisms of the recovery such as income inequality, under employment and specially the slow pace of the recovery. Still the recovery is an ongoing process and the effort taken by the Obama administration has ensured that economy will grow in the future rather than being entrenched in the recession that they faced back in 2008.
By the time Obama came into power US was in its worst recession after the Great Depression and was bleeding around 800,000 jobs per month. US industries were heavily suffering financially including banks, auto industry, steel industry among many. Swift action had to be taken and they were appropriately taken. First a stimulus plan was introduced to revive the economy in order to both save and create jobs. Then steps were taken to bail out both the financial and automobile industry. Thereby selected set of financial institutions who were major players in the financial system were bailed out along with General Motors and Chrysler who were in much need of financial assistance.
It can be noted here that although these steps to recover the economy were taken it was sometime before the economy felt the effects of them. This was truly evident in the US jobs market where jobs continue to bleed until the mid of 2010. As of as a result of the actions taken by the Obama administration the economy is growing nearly at 2% per year, unemployment has dropped below 5% to around 4.7% which is almost full employment, stock market is in record territories, US housing market has also recovered and is improving which was the cause of the financial crisis on the first hand all of these positive economic data is backed by the fact that Fed has seen enough reason to raise the nations interest rate to 0.75% during 2016.
Yet there are certain actual criticisms of the recovery such as income inequality, under employment and specially the slow pace of the recovery. Still the recovery is an ongoing process and the effort taken by the Obama administration has ensured that economy will grow in the future rather than being entrenched in the recession that they faced back in 2008.
Iranian Nuclear Deal
It may have been his upbringing it may have been because he saw what the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan did to his country, but one thing was for sure Obama was not a warmonger although many blamed him for being one in the latter part of his administration. This quality was clearly evident by the effort he put into reaching a deal with Iranians on the Nuclear issue.
Here I am not going to get into a side and say whether the Iranians nuclear ambitions were peaceful or whether as per US intelligence that they were enriching uranium to build nuclear weapons. But at the end of the day a conflict was there, which had put Iran to the brink of economic crisis due to the sanctions which were bought on by USA with the support of other major world powers. These sanction along with a more progressive leader coming into power in Iran a basis for Nuclear talks was created.
Throughout his 2nd term countless efforts were taken by his administration to make a progress in the talks, yet many times it failed. But John Kerry who was one of the most exemplary State Secretaries of his time, never backed down, not even when he had a broken leg after having a ski accident. Such was the dedication of that man and that of the administration. Despite being faced with heavy criticism from a Republican controlled Capitol Hill, Obama's need to finish the task that he started never wavered.
As a result with the help of the members of the UN Security Council along with Germany and the European Union an agreement was reached between the participative nations and Iran in April 2015, which was later ratified by the UN Security Council. Thus putting an end to one of the biggest issues the world had at that time.
Restarting Diplomatic relations with Cuba
This was another unprecedented action taken by President Obama. For it has been more than 55 years since US has severed all diplomatic relations with Cuba after the Cuban Missile Crisis in 1961 although the tensions actually arose after the Cuban revolution in 1959. This also resulted in the imposing of greater economic sanctions and trade embargoes, which essentially stopped any US organisation from engaging in any corporate business with the island nation.
Those embargoes meant that Cuba was left in limbo, being stripped of all economic opportunities with USA, yet Cuba over the years has prospered in its own way and lays claim to the best doctors in the world at present. Here it should also be noted that USA tried to invade Cuba in 1961 in the Bay of Pigs attack, and that the CIA has tried to assassinate the Late Former leader of Cuba Fidel Castro dozens of times through the Cold War years.
Yet with the changing of the guard to Fidel's brother Raul, Cuba started to open up for foreign governments specially supported by other friendly governments. This was also the case for relations with USA where Pope Francis intervened to make talks within the two countries possible. The talks began in mid 2013, which were held Canada who already had good relations with Cuba. Slowly but surely the results of those secret talks came to blossom on 20th July 2015 by both countries re-establishing relations formally by opening up embassies after overcoming many legal barriers. The final seal of establishing relations was done by President Obama himself when he visited Cuba in March of 2016 along with his family. Although the trade embargoes on Cuba is yet to be lifted there is hope that US- Cuban relations will continue to improve in the future specially because of the economic benefit of open relations to US.
Marriage Equality Act
For an individual still having general conservative beliefs who is yet to whole heartedley believe in this issue, my view in this matter is given on the perspective of a US citizen. In these modern times where the issues of the developed world varied heavily with the issues of the developing world this is one major issue of that sorts, marriage equality. This is where the right of LGBT community to get into a marriage is legally accepted in the country. Yet even for this there is a significant level of division within USA among those who treasure more traditional and conservative views and those who have socially liberal and progressive view. Under the patronage of Barack Obama and the efforts taken by the LGBTQ community in US the US Supreme Court ruled that state level bans on same sex marriages as unconstitutional on June 26 2015. Although this decision by the Supreme Court has faced major backlashes the decision still stand as of today despite certain adjustments to its specifications.
Greater Dealings with Asia Pacific Countries
Before Obama, the focus of previous administrations regarding foreign relations was heavily on European countries and Israel. But under Obama this foreign policy of US underwent some changes. Here although Obama maintained positive and close relationships with all of its European allies and their leaders he had a very estranged relationship with the Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. This was because he believed that Netanyahu's action regarding settlements was a clear obstacle for a two State solution with Palestine and the fact that Israeli government continuously undermined President Obama's Peace efforts.
But what should be noted here is that the shift of his foreign relations to more Asian Pacific Countries. This is evident by the support he gave towards the democratic process in Myanmar, building up further positive relations with Japan by taking actions such visiting Hiroshima Memorial, the first US president to do so. His initiative to launch the Trans Pacific Partnership should also be noted, which had it been implemented would have allowed for greater economic ties with the Asia Pacific countries, which is now in jeopardy because of the anti free trade stance of the incoming president.
Before Obama, the focus of previous administrations regarding foreign relations was heavily on European countries and Israel. But under Obama this foreign policy of US underwent some changes. Here although Obama maintained positive and close relationships with all of its European allies and their leaders he had a very estranged relationship with the Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. This was because he believed that Netanyahu's action regarding settlements was a clear obstacle for a two State solution with Palestine and the fact that Israeli government continuously undermined President Obama's Peace efforts.
But what should be noted here is that the shift of his foreign relations to more Asian Pacific Countries. This is evident by the support he gave towards the democratic process in Myanmar, building up further positive relations with Japan by taking actions such visiting Hiroshima Memorial, the first US president to do so. His initiative to launch the Trans Pacific Partnership should also be noted, which had it been implemented would have allowed for greater economic ties with the Asia Pacific countries, which is now in jeopardy because of the anti free trade stance of the incoming president.
Climate Change Stance
It may be how he was bought up or what he believed in as a human being but Barack Obama loved this world. This was evident by the efforts taken by him regarding climate change. In a country where a major party doesn't believe in climate change, Obama took his support to save the environment to a greater level than the stand of fellow Democrats.
His support here was seen by his reluctance to expand on fossil fuels within USA and his vision to improve the country's energy sources by concentrating on renewable energy sources. The climax of his stance on climate protection came when he fully supported and backed the KOP 21 summit to curb industrial emissions and to prevent global warming. Thereby he made executive actions to make sure that Climate will be protected even after his term in office has ended specially because of the Republican stance on climate change.
On a side note I would like to take a look at President Obama's Clemency Record. Obama's clemency number stands at 1,917 as the final number, the most by any U.S. President. In that number the number of commutations given by him stands at 1,715 which is greater than the combined number of commutations given by the last 12 Presidents. This is a testiment to his dedication to reflect upon the issues in the criminal justice system and also his personal beliefs and attitudes.
Now we will take a look at the issues where Obama's actions were not positive.
It may be how he was bought up or what he believed in as a human being but Barack Obama loved this world. This was evident by the efforts taken by him regarding climate change. In a country where a major party doesn't believe in climate change, Obama took his support to save the environment to a greater level than the stand of fellow Democrats.
His support here was seen by his reluctance to expand on fossil fuels within USA and his vision to improve the country's energy sources by concentrating on renewable energy sources. The climax of his stance on climate protection came when he fully supported and backed the KOP 21 summit to curb industrial emissions and to prevent global warming. Thereby he made executive actions to make sure that Climate will be protected even after his term in office has ended specially because of the Republican stance on climate change.
On a side note I would like to take a look at President Obama's Clemency Record. Obama's clemency number stands at 1,917 as the final number, the most by any U.S. President. In that number the number of commutations given by him stands at 1,715 which is greater than the combined number of commutations given by the last 12 Presidents. This is a testiment to his dedication to reflect upon the issues in the criminal justice system and also his personal beliefs and attitudes.
Now we will take a look at the issues where Obama's actions were not positive.
Handling of the Middle East Crisis - Libya,Syria, Iraq and Afghanistan
Here is one issue where I think that President Obama both failed and was successful up to a certain extent because of the core beliefs that he has.
Iraq
By the time that Obama came into power it was clearly evident that majority of the major powers identified that invasion of Iraq was done under false accusations. This was one reason why pull back of American troops from both Iraq and Afghanistan was a major campaign promise of Obama. This promise was upheld and he initiated plans to start the troop pull back as soon as he came into the office although the method in which he did it can be argued upon.
By the time that Obama came into power it was clearly evident that majority of the major powers identified that invasion of Iraq was done under false accusations. This was one reason why pull back of American troops from both Iraq and Afghanistan was a major campaign promise of Obama. This promise was upheld and he initiated plans to start the troop pull back as soon as he came into the office although the method in which he did it can be argued upon.
Yet his decision to pull back was very much questioned after the expansion of ISIS into Iraq, which as of now although contained is still a major nuisance to Iraq and its sovereignty.
Afghanistan
Another war started by George W. Bush, Afghanistan and its horrors have subdued in the recent past or even shadowed by the major atrocities that are done in other Middle East Crisis. In here also President Obama's initiative to draw back troops after developing the local armed forces was acted upon. Although some issues rose when the initiative first began the decline of violence in the country along with silence of Taliban and other terrorist organisations.
Libya
This is one of the biggest black marks of the Obama administration. Another revolution which started as a part of the so called Arab uprising this resulted in the overthrow of President Mohammed Gadafi's government. Here Obama acted upon the core beliefs of the US System and made a disaster out of it. It first started with the no fly zone imposed by the US government, then came the arming of the so called rebels and then came supporting the so called transition government which never transpired.
But Libya never stabilized and every international action taken made the situation worse. But the worst was yet to come, US suffered its worst attack after 9/11 in Benghazi, Libya when armed terrorists attacked the US compound in Benghazi in September of 2012, killing 4 US citizens including the US ambassador Christopher Stevens. That tragic incident was a definitive point in the administration and the effects of that incident still haunts the Democratic party to this date.
Syria
Another armed uprising that started as a part of the Arab uprising which has now turned to a fully fledged civil war with many various parties with differing interests. Although at first US refused to take any part in the uprising later on they started providing arms aid to the so called rebels who they claimed that they have vetted and were of no danger to others.This action arose only after they started citing that Syrian armed forces where killing innocent civilians under orders from President Assad.
But then came the biggest threat to the civilized world, ISIS. ISIS was able to rise as a terrorist organization because of the instability which was created in Syria as a result of the power vacuum that was created. As a result of ISIS the situation in Syria further deteriorated spilling its effect into nearby countries as well, specially Iraq.
At this point the expansion of ISIS in all parts of the world through various other radical Islamist groups paying their allegiance to ISIS and Syria has gone into full scale civil war with humanitarian crisis adding salt to the wound. In my view all of these has been enabled by President Obama's indecision at the beginning of this issue. Where he did not take concrete measures in any direction to prevent any future misfortunes and troubles that would occur. Something which should have been nailed on its head, which he failed to do so.
Syria
Another armed uprising that started as a part of the Arab uprising which has now turned to a fully fledged civil war with many various parties with differing interests. Although at first US refused to take any part in the uprising later on they started providing arms aid to the so called rebels who they claimed that they have vetted and were of no danger to others.This action arose only after they started citing that Syrian armed forces where killing innocent civilians under orders from President Assad.
But then came the biggest threat to the civilized world, ISIS. ISIS was able to rise as a terrorist organization because of the instability which was created in Syria as a result of the power vacuum that was created. As a result of ISIS the situation in Syria further deteriorated spilling its effect into nearby countries as well, specially Iraq.
At this point the expansion of ISIS in all parts of the world through various other radical Islamist groups paying their allegiance to ISIS and Syria has gone into full scale civil war with humanitarian crisis adding salt to the wound. In my view all of these has been enabled by President Obama's indecision at the beginning of this issue. Where he did not take concrete measures in any direction to prevent any future misfortunes and troubles that would occur. Something which should have been nailed on its head, which he failed to do so.
Intelligence gathering/ En-action of the Espionage Act
President Obama may have had a positive relationship with the media up to a certain extent as far as the eye can see. But yet he is the President who enforced the US espionage act most number of times during a presidency. This clear by the fact that out of the 10 people who has been convicted under the Espionage Act, 7 of them has occurred under the Obama Presidency. The use of this Espionage Act was highlighted when he used it against Edward Snowden. This therefore is one of the major question marks of the Obama administration although much attention hasn't been given to him when considering the Obama legacy.
President Obama may have had a positive relationship with the media up to a certain extent as far as the eye can see. But yet he is the President who enforced the US espionage act most number of times during a presidency. This clear by the fact that out of the 10 people who has been convicted under the Espionage Act, 7 of them has occurred under the Obama Presidency. The use of this Espionage Act was highlighted when he used it against Edward Snowden. This therefore is one of the major question marks of the Obama administration although much attention hasn't been given to him when considering the Obama legacy.
Rustic Relationship with Russia
Since the on set of the Cold war between USSR and USA the diplomatic relations between the two countries has never been overly positive. It is true that after the fall of Soviet Russia that relations did improve to a certain extent. Yet under the regime of Vladimir Putin with Russia slowly starting to flex its muscles again USA was not going to stay back.
This rustic relationship although did not exist in Obama's first term, first started to arise after the alleged intervention of Russia in the Ukrain crisis and the annexation of Crimea in the aftermath. This resulted in US along with other nations imposing tough economic sanctions on the Russian nation. Although these actions crippled their economy to a certain extent the popularity of the Russian President never wavered.
Then happened the Syrian crisis where Russia took the side of the Syrian government further antagonizing the relationship with US. These with all the actions taken by Putin's Russia meant that this relationship would only deteriorate, a deterioration which has been so magnificently photographed. To top it all of the alleged hacking of Democratic National Committee servers and other party related emails has finally resulted President Obama's final days at office ending with a feud with Putin and his government. These actions whoever took them to whatever decision has resulted in the most tenuous time in US - Russia relationship after the end of the Cold War specially considering rather unpredictable Donald Trump who will take the office of the US President in a couple of days his last few days regarding this matter will have a lasting impact.
Then happened the Syrian crisis where Russia took the side of the Syrian government further antagonizing the relationship with US. These with all the actions taken by Putin's Russia meant that this relationship would only deteriorate, a deterioration which has been so magnificently photographed. To top it all of the alleged hacking of Democratic National Committee servers and other party related emails has finally resulted President Obama's final days at office ending with a feud with Putin and his government. These actions whoever took them to whatever decision has resulted in the most tenuous time in US - Russia relationship after the end of the Cold War specially considering rather unpredictable Donald Trump who will take the office of the US President in a couple of days his last few days regarding this matter will have a lasting impact.
Bond with Vice President and a word about his Secretaries of State
There have been many famous President, Vice President pairings in past like FDR and Harry S. Truman, Eisenhower and Nixon, JFK and L.B. Johnson, Reagan and George H.W. Bush, Clinton and Gore and George Bush and Cheney, but none can challenge the relationship between Obama and Biden. Fondly termed the Uncle in Chief, Joe Biden was made out of everything that a VP should be. Biden is older to Obama yet enthusiastic, full of life and energetic toe to toe with youthful energy even with his boss who is far younger than him. Yet for me they were like Yin and Yang for the government. two men sharing a great mutual respect to each other and always standing by each other. Thereby setting a standard for future President and Vice President relationships. I will truly miss seeing Joe Biden and his family.
My words here will not be complete if a word is not uttered about his Secretaries of State. First it was Hillary Clinton a woman expected to be a future president who was first denied by Obama and then recently by Trump, Mrs. Clinton was a strong messenger of Obama administration. Although she had her mistakes, she for me tried her best to be the best at the role that was given to her. My only hope is that history will be fair to her.
John Kerry, for me a man who should have been a President. A man whom I saw had incredible strength, courage, work ethic and commitment to his job. It was because of his major commitment that Obama was able to achieve much in the foreign stage in his second term. Kerry was instrumental in bringing the Iranian deal to success, re-establishing relations with Cuba, his successful pivot to Asia and many other achievements in the international stage. I will always remember how dedicated he was to achieving the nuclear deal with Iran. I will always fondly remember John Kerry.
Personal Life
The Obamas are the perfect first family to any country. They are respectable, hard working, lovely and dignified. For me Michelle Obama is one of the best First Lady's to grace the White House. I hope her role in the public stage doesn't end here and that she will continue to do her good work for the good of the mankind. And maybe even run for President in the future and use her great orator skills which is even greater than that of her husband. I will dearly miss the Obamas and hope they continue their good work in the future.
Being the Speaker that he is
Barack Obama will forever be remembered as one of the greatest orators that the world has seen. For an office that boasts of Abraham Lincoln, for Barack Obama to be considered a great orator is indeed an honour. He has this perfect blend of charisma, infectious optimism, humility and humbleness that would rush up the adrenaline of any individual who listens to his speeches. Who will forget the speech he made at the Democratic National Convention in 2004, 2008 Election Victory Speech on that grand stage, his 'A New Beginning' speech that he made at Cairo University, his speech on the Trayvon Martin case and even the time he broke into singing Amazing Grace at one of the memorials held for a shooting victim.
Those speeches gave me goosebumps even remembering about them does, cause i have seen them all live in the television. During his tenure he has given many speeches so much so that it is hard to pick the best out of them. Oh that vigor, oh that mighty tone, that never give tone in his voice. I hope his speeches will keep on coming and encourage us all to be better individuals continuously.
Barack Obama will forever be remembered as one of the greatest orators that the world has seen. For an office that boasts of Abraham Lincoln, for Barack Obama to be considered a great orator is indeed an honour. He has this perfect blend of charisma, infectious optimism, humility and humbleness that would rush up the adrenaline of any individual who listens to his speeches. Who will forget the speech he made at the Democratic National Convention in 2004, 2008 Election Victory Speech on that grand stage, his 'A New Beginning' speech that he made at Cairo University, his speech on the Trayvon Martin case and even the time he broke into singing Amazing Grace at one of the memorials held for a shooting victim.
Those speeches gave me goosebumps even remembering about them does, cause i have seen them all live in the television. During his tenure he has given many speeches so much so that it is hard to pick the best out of them. Oh that vigor, oh that mighty tone, that never give tone in his voice. I hope his speeches will keep on coming and encourage us all to be better individuals continuously.
Conclusion
Barack Obama came into the office of the President with the promise of hope and optimism on the message of change. The efforts that he undertook both in the national and international stage reflected on the core vision that he had for his presidency. Like all leaders do he had his ups and downs during his tenure in the office.
Although he had the power of the legislative when he first came into office which allowed him to get the healthcare act passed, he hardly had any backing from the Capitol Hill for the last 6 years. This lack of bi partisan support in the states prevented him from taking any major legislative actions and forced him to take many more executive orders than he aspired to take. Therefore Barack Obama could have had more more positive influence to the world had he been allowed to do so.
The relationships that he built with other world leaders is truly remarkable, his camaraderie with world leaders such German Chancellor Angela Merkel, Former UK PM David Cameron, Shinzo Abe from Japan and many others. Those bonds made sure that major world decisions were taken swiftly when needed.
And for all the things that he did he will be also remembered for what he did not do. That is not dragging the US into another major world stage confrontation despite the urges to do so under circumstances maintaining calm and restraint on his policies.
What I should state here is that as per my belief for individuals in the position of Obama its hard to live up to the great expectations that the world has of him, specially when paying attention to the hype that was there when he first came in. Being the leader of the free world is sure to take its toll on any person and Barack Obama is only human and for me he did a commendable job under the circumstances. I am stating this not as a Sri Lankan but as a fellow human being and as a global citizen. I am sure that the world will miss him in the years to come.
So for me Barack Obama goes into the annals of history as one of the best President the US ever had not just because of his accomplishments, but for his personality, charisma, orator skills, the respect he commanded, the belief that he saw good in every individual and for the goodwill ambassador that he has been for the world. Goodbye President Obama, the Leader of the Free World.
Have a Happy Retirement!!!!!!
Barack Obama came into the office of the President with the promise of hope and optimism on the message of change. The efforts that he undertook both in the national and international stage reflected on the core vision that he had for his presidency. Like all leaders do he had his ups and downs during his tenure in the office.
Although he had the power of the legislative when he first came into office which allowed him to get the healthcare act passed, he hardly had any backing from the Capitol Hill for the last 6 years. This lack of bi partisan support in the states prevented him from taking any major legislative actions and forced him to take many more executive orders than he aspired to take. Therefore Barack Obama could have had more more positive influence to the world had he been allowed to do so.
The relationships that he built with other world leaders is truly remarkable, his camaraderie with world leaders such German Chancellor Angela Merkel, Former UK PM David Cameron, Shinzo Abe from Japan and many others. Those bonds made sure that major world decisions were taken swiftly when needed.
And for all the things that he did he will be also remembered for what he did not do. That is not dragging the US into another major world stage confrontation despite the urges to do so under circumstances maintaining calm and restraint on his policies.
What I should state here is that as per my belief for individuals in the position of Obama its hard to live up to the great expectations that the world has of him, specially when paying attention to the hype that was there when he first came in. Being the leader of the free world is sure to take its toll on any person and Barack Obama is only human and for me he did a commendable job under the circumstances. I am stating this not as a Sri Lankan but as a fellow human being and as a global citizen. I am sure that the world will miss him in the years to come.
So for me Barack Obama goes into the annals of history as one of the best President the US ever had not just because of his accomplishments, but for his personality, charisma, orator skills, the respect he commanded, the belief that he saw good in every individual and for the goodwill ambassador that he has been for the world. Goodbye President Obama, the Leader of the Free World.
Have a Happy Retirement!!!!!!
