Regardless of the outcome of last year's election, I was going to miss President Obama.
For a few shining moments there, it was cool to be smart. Barack Obama is an intellect, running counter to decades of "folksy" executives. Many is the time during an election where I would see a poll asking "Which candidate would you most want to have a beer with?" My answer?
I don't care.
I don't want to have a beer with my leadership. I want to be in awe of them. I want to be able to say, "No wonder they are in that position. They are the smartest person in the room." And that's how I saw Obama.
Part of it was his demeanor. I have always been in awe of the calm, "no drama" presence he coolly exuded. It should be noted that he did so while both he and his family were subjected to the vilest, most racist epithets that I have ever personally seen directed against a leader. And he never once took to Twitter about it.
Imagine that.
He also understood that this nation does not exist in a vacuum. Ignorance, arrogance, and saber rattling make for bad foreign policy. Obama knew this. He worked to show a respect towards other peoples and nations that had been sorely lacking from previous administrations.
That inclusive thinking was not relegated solely to the international stage, either. President Obama is a civil rights champion. He signed the Lilly Ledbetter Act and nominated two women to the Supreme Court. He stood up for the rights of LGBT, immigrants, and others.
Oh and if you think this was done at the expense of the economy, think again. Check the numbers of when he took office compared to now. I could go on about his accomplishments but it would take too long. You're smart. You can work the Google machine.
None of this is to say that President Obama is perfect or didn't commit his share of flubs (Syria for one). He is human. Compared to the other presidents of my lifetime however, he's the best in my eyes. I hope one day we will see his like again.
But it will be a while.
Follow me on Twitter: @Jntweets
On Facebook, Ghost Dogg said: "Well put. He was a class act. So much better than the Hyena-Elect."
ReplyDeleteBC said: "He's Yin; Yang will be here in a few more days."
JC said: "Speaking as a non American, I can honestly say I liked the guy. I could go on about his accomplishments and things he should have done but I wont' I'll remember him as the Quiet President who didn't beat his chest."