In January of 2009, I remember sitting in front of the TV fixated on the presidential parade of Barack Obama with a homemade poster that read “Yes We Can” squiggled out in red and blue washable marker that was made in my sixth grade Geography class. Now it’s almost eight years later, and in a little bit less than two months, our country will be going through a bit of political transition. Whether you are for it, against it, or anywhere in the middle, there’s no denying that President Obama has had some pretty cool moments as a president of the United States- here are my personal favorites.
5. President Obama Reading His Own “Mean Tweets” on Jimmy Kimmel Live!
Normally celebs get just a few seconds of a “Mean Tweets” segment to read one mean tweet. However, you know you’ve made it when Jimmy Kimmel dedicates a whole segment to you. Obama owned the haters to say the least.
4. Owning Up to Climate Change
I’m sorry, but the science for it is there and it’s not a hoax. I admire President Obama’s initiatives to cut carbon pollution and create a more “clean energy economy”, all in the name of protecting our environment. For example, I like that Obama urged the United States to successfully sign the Paris Climate Change Agreement- a global agreement to limit carbon emissions per country in order to protect our environment. Under his administration I believe that we have made strives towards a better Mother Earth, but there is so much more we have to do. Let’s keep the ball rolling.
3. Obama Interacting with Kids
What brings the most powerful man in the country back down to earth? Adorable four year olds, duh. Whether it is popping in on a local elementary school class, reading to a crowd of kindergarteners on the White House lawn, or simply geeking out at a lame duck Halloween costume, there’s no denying that this president has hope in America’s youth.
2. It Would Not Be the Same Without Michelle
These two are like peanut butter and jelly- you simply can’t have one without the other. Hands down Michelle Obama has been a great First Lady with all that she has done to promote education, and who could forget the part about eating healthfully? Not gonna lie, I don’t know who I’ll miss more. If they aren’t relationship goals then I don’t know what is.
1. Seeing the Obamas in Person
About three weeks ago, I attended the Hillary Clinton rally that was held here in Philadelphia the night before the election. My friends and I lined up in a line by Independence Mall four hours before hand and we were not disappointed to say the least. It was an incredible experience filled with performances by Bon Jovi and Bruce Springsteen. But most of all, it was unforgettable because I got to see the man in person who I had grown up hearing on the radio, watching on TV, and reading about on the internet. Barack and Michelle were just as intelligent, classy, and witty as I had expected. Now, we all know how the story goes the next day, but I don’t regret a thing. It was an event that wrapped up a great eight years. Thanks Obama!