Obama leaves office with dignity
“It was here, in Springfield, where North, South, East and West come together that I was reminded of the essential decency of the American people — where I came to believe that through this decency, we can build a more hopeful America.”
Illinois State Sen. Barack Obama, Febr. 10, 2007
Farewell President Obama.
A month shy of 10 years ago, a tall, gangly former-attorney stood in front of the Old State Capitol Building in Springfield, Illinois, and he did what that other tall, gangly former-attorney – Abraham Lincoln – did 149 years earlier.
He announced his candidacy for the presidency of the United States of America.
Few people gave him a chance.
Barack Obama’s middle name, Hussein, was one hurdle.
His relative inexperience on the national political scene was another.
Yet, there was that unacknowledged skepticism about a man of color ascending to the most powerful position on earth, that, at first, needed to be overcome.
But with the sheer force of his intelligence and charisma, Mr. Obama easily attracted supporters across America’s broad political landscape.
He’d jettisoned nine Democrats during the primary election season. Then he won by a landslide against his seasoned general election opponent.
And even with America’s economy crumbling on the day Obama took office, much of America was energized by the new president’s every-present optimism.
Eight years later, he is still optimistic.
After 10 years of having to fight battles no other president (or presidential candidate) has had to fight, his dignity never permitted him to be anything but positive about the future of this country.
After facing questions about his religion and his national origin; his love for this country; his commitment to making things right for all Americans – he is still that tall, gangly former-attorney, who speaks freely about the boundless opportunities that await our country.
Last Tuesday night, when he returned to Illinois, to give what could be his final speech as president, I cried.
Just as I cried on that night back in 2008, when it was announced that he’d won the presidency.
There were tears, too, on the bitterly cold day in January of 2008, when he’d taken that pledge to “preserve, protect and defend the Constitution of the United States,” to the best of his ability.
You may disagree, but I think he’d done all of those things – and with a young man’s zeal.
That speech last week, all 4,800 words of it, was as full of as much hope, as any speech he’d given during his two presidential campaigns.
It was given by a man who’d helped steer the economy out of trouble, and made good on his promises to ease the burden of ever-growing health care costs.
You might not like his politics, but you might find it hard disagreeing with some of the results.
Then there’s Barack Obama – the family man.
In nearly 10 years, we’ve all seen Michelle grow in esteem, and Sasha and Malia grow into fine young women.
The morning following Mr. Obama’s speech, there were questions about why the youngest daughter, Sasha, hadn’t made the trip to Chicago.
It turns out that she had a test the following day. Schooling is still extremely important to that family.
And class is too.
The Obama administration has been scandal-free from beginning to end.
Despite the bitterness of two presidential campaigns, you may quibble, but I’d still argue that the Obama’s have shown great dignity.
When historians look back at the eight Obama years, free from the pull of partisan politics, I don’t doubt they will look upon them with favorability.
Sure, there will be criticisms. But that can be expected.
But after being considered ineligible for the presidency, before and during his time in office, the Barack Obama we now see, is still standing and walking proudly.
His weekly job approval is near a four-year high – around 55 percent.
It’s no wonder that such high esteem that was paid to him in Chicago last week, (with chants of “Four more years”).
Most Americans will certainly miss him. Speaking for them – Mr. Obama – iob well done!
Edward A. Owens is a three-time Emmy Award winner and 20-year veteran of television news. E-mail him at freedoms@bellatlantic.net