Gerald Harris
Staff Writer
President Barack Hussein Obama will be relieved of his duty as President of the United States on Jan. 20, 2017 at noon eastern time.
The two-term president who made history as the first African-American to hold the commander-in-chief title will have his legacy debated for years to come.
President Obama first came to the national spotlight during the 2004 Democratic National Convention. Where his fiery speech calling on unity jolted him into the mainstream of democratic politics.
Three years later, on Feb. 10, 2007, President Obama announced his full candidacy for the 2008 presidential election, and subsequently won the historical election on Nov. 4, 2008.
Many will argue about the successes and failures of the Obama administration. Like many presidencies there were many ups and downs.
The Blue and White Flash is counting down the Top 10 moments of President Obama’s tenure in office. These are just some of the top moments of the Presidency of Barack Obama; there are many more defining moments of the past 8 years.
10. President Obama’s first Inauguration: Jan. 20, 2009
This moment only 30 seconds into his presidency, undoubtedly comes in at number 10 because of the sheer historical context. In the 238 years of existence, and a half-century after segregation, Barack Hussein Obama became the first African-American president.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hde4s-xBhqE
9. Sandy Hook Elementary School Shooting Address: Dec 16, 2012
America was shaken up when 20 students and six educators were murdered. That prompted an outcry from many of Americans. The most influential American, President Obama had the most tearful address of his presidency to the nation. Within his emotional speech he argued for the strengthening of gun laws.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lOOUUkT4t_s
8. Gay Marriage Legalization: Jan. 25, 2015
In a 5-4 Supreme Court decision, marriage equality officially became the law of the land. President Obama, who changed his position on same-sex marriage from unsupportive to support, praised the Supreme Court’s ruling, saying it arrived “like a thunderbolt” and “will strengthen all of our communities” by offering dignity and equal status to all same-sex couples and their families. Obama called the ruling “a victory for America.”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b715GKJNWXA
7. Normalizations with Cuba: 2016
President Obama became the first president in nearly nine decades to set foot in Cuba. Located just 90 miles off the coast of Florida, Cuba has always been in the mind of America. The Obama administration took part in secret negotiations to open relations with the communist country, which reports indicates was facilitated by Pope Francis.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pyw1iKif9Zs
6. Charleston Shooting: Amazing Grace
It was not the first time President Obama made a statement or speech after a shooting. The Charleston massacre seemed very different and was. Nine parishioners were killed in an historic African-American church in Charleston, S.C. President Obama led the congregation in an emotional and surprising singing of Amazing Grace.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IN05jVNBs64
5. Ending the Wars in Iraq and Afghanistan
President Obama ended Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom, which were the combat missions in Iraq and Afghanistan. Both were started under the Bush administration. President Obama drastically reduced U.S. troop levels from their peaks in both countries.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G9Z7tdukQuo
4. President Obama’s Farewell Address
In his hometown of Chicago, President Obama bid farewell to thousands of his supporters. The most popular part of his speech was the section where he paid tribute to his wife, First Lady Michelle Obama. He stated that Michelle Obama took on her role “with grace and grit and style and good humor” and made the White House “a place that belongs to everybody.” Social media erupted with sadness by many.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QDyjUIsD-wQ
3. Obama Out! – President Obama’s Humor
From ‘Dad jokes’ at the annual Turkey Pardon to laughing at his own jokes, to the White House Correspondence’s dinner, President Obama has often been praised for his sense of humor. During President Obama’s final press correspondence dinner, he ended his stand-up with “Obama out” and the mic drop that was heard around the world. His lighthearted humor captured the millennial generation, and the hearts of many Americans.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l-5vD5YVLv8
2. Approving the Killing Osama Bin Laden: 2011
In March 2011, Americans were made aware of something that many had long been imagined, the killing of Osama Bin Laden. “Tonight, I can report to the American people and to the world that the United States has conducted an operation that killed Osama Bin Laden, the leader of al-Qaeda, and a terrorist who was responsible for the murder of thousands of innocent men, women, and children.” President Obama received bi-partisan praise for his decision to raid Bin Laden’s compound and end the life of the man responsible for 9/11 terrorist attacks.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZNYmK19-d0U
