A Tribute to Obama By Elise Christian January 2017 I generally don't shed tears over the likes of politics. Yes, I may get frustrated, angry or sad, but I've never found myself sobbing. Note, that none of the adjectives used to describe my feelings about politics have any positive denotations. But today whilst I watched Obama's farewell speech, I couldn't help but feel heartbroken (and yes I shed a tear!). Not only because the man taking his place couldn't be more opposite, but because I realised that the saying is true; you never truly appreciate things or people until they are going or gone. I heard various people slate Obama during his 8 years in office for essentially not doing enough. But I've also come to realise that I think people expect far too much; they essentially expect miracles. Obama's speech bought together the numerous achievements the US have made during his presidency including marriage equality for the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender community, the capture and killing of Osama Bin Laden and giving health insurance to over 20 million uninsured Americans. I don't think I'm alone in saying perhaps I did take him for granted and that change is definitely a gradual process. In our British Public Affairs class recently, we were asked whether there are any British politicians that we like or feel we can relate to. Astoundingly, not one person in the class could think of one single politician that they really had an affinity for. So, the fact that so many tears were shed during Obama's farewell indicate that he was liked and will be missed, despite all the moans over the years. And I really think in politics that is something that is quite difficult to achieve. With Trump's entrance pending, it will be interesting to hear how the people of America evaluate him against Obama. I can't help but feel that people just like to moan. We moan that Obama isn't doing enough, we moan when another democratically elected President takes his place and now I expect us to moan when he isn't good enough either. And guess what, here I am moaning too! Not only will Obama be missed, but First Lady Michelle Obama will also be greatly missed (if not even more than Obama himself), as evidenced by the masses of people calling for her to run for presidency in 2020. Obama teared up during his speech as he thanked her being his best friend over the last 25 years, which was such a touching moment. Michelle has continuously campaigned for young girls and women around the world to have
more access to education. Not to mention, we know we all loved her when she did carpool karaoke with James Corden! For women around the world Michelle Obama has been a complete and utter role model and I personally can't imagine anyone being good enough to take her place. With Trump's election in the US and the UK's vote to leave the EU last year, I can't help but feel the world has gone a little mad. It’s kind of like a crazy ride that I would like to get off of now. 2017 will see a lot in terms of the results of these decisions and I can only hope that we don't enter 2018 regretting all the decisions we made in 2016. But for now, everyone should just be grateful for what they have, before we elect anymore crazy old men with a passion for nuclear weapons. Barack, you will be missed!