Running Head: President Barack Obama's Legacy

Running Head President Barack Obamas Legacypresident Barack Obamas

President Barack Obama’s legacy. I chose to write about president Obama’s legacy because he was a president who inherited America when the country was in a very devastating situation going through the effect of the great recession and made a lot of change economically, socially and politically all through his tenure. He was the first black president who raised hope that racial discrimination will reduce in the United States. Of the many aspects of his life and reign as the 44th president of the United States, I want to be able to inform my audience of the hurdles he went through becoming a president. Race to the white house: Obama born and raised in Hawaii, went to Harvard and became a civil rights lawyer, and later elected a senator in Illinois in the year 2004.

In the year 2007, he made his intentions of being the US president known under the Democratic Party where he contended with Hillary Clinton and won most of the delegates which automatically made him represent his party for the 2008 election where he contended with Republican John McCain and won with 52.9% of the votes against his opponent’s 45.7%, which finally gave him the opportunity of becoming the 44th president of the United States. Critics being the first black president of the United States: Obama’s election proved to most Americans what people from minority groups can attain in life with determination. He had his own share of racial criticism and resistance beginning from his campaign through his entire presidency.

He was called all sorts of names for being black as most of the Caucasians didn’t like him for being a president of color. “One very incident he was humiliated for being a black president was while he was speaking in a congressional session when immediately a white Republican yelled “You Lie” this was immediately when the president proposed healthcare reform that would not insure undocumented immigrants” (Independent, 2017). Accomplishments: One of Obama’s achievements was being able to pass healthcare reform that a lot of presidents couldn’t pass for several centuries. Of all his achievements, one remarkable one was how he ended the life of Osama Bin Laden in 2011 by ordering a special US troop to invade Osama’s secret compound in Pakistan which eventually led to the death of the famous terrorist.

Paper For Above instruction

Barack Obama’s presidency is often remembered as a pivotal chapter in American history, marked by significant achievements, societal challenges, and symbolic milestones. His tenure coincided with a tumultuous period for the United States, characterized by the aftermath of the Great Recession, widespread social change, and ongoing struggles related to racial equality. This paper explores Obama’s legacy by examining his background, political rise, challenges faced as the first African American president, and his most notable accomplishments.

Background and Political Rise

Born in Honolulu, Hawaii in 1961, Barack Obama’s early life was influenced by a diverse cultural background. He attended Harvard Law School, where he distinguished himself academically and socially, ultimately becoming the first African American president of the Harvard Law Review. Following his law career, he engaged extensively in community organizing and civil rights work before entering the political arena. Obama was elected to the Illinois State Senate in 1996 and later became a U.S. senator in 2004. His political rise was marked by his powerful oratory skills and ability to connect with diverse audiences, positioning him as a promising candidate for national leadership.

Path to the Presidency and Election Campaigns

In 2007, Obama announced his candidacy for President of the United States, securing the Democratic nomination against Hillary Clinton, a seasoned politician with extensive experience. His campaign emphasized themes of hope, change, and unity, resonating especially with younger voters and minorities. During the 2008 presidential election, Obama faced Republican candidate John McCain. He captured 52.9% of the popular vote, defeating McCain who garnered 45.7%. His victory was historic, as he became the first African American to hold the presidency, symbolizing a breakthrough against racial barriers that had persisted for centuries in American history.

Challenges Faced as the First African American President

Obama’s election was a milestone for racial progress; however, it also exposed deep-seated racial tensions. Critics often subjected him to racial slurs and derogatory comments, attempting to undermine his authority and legitimacy. One notable incident occurred during a congressional speech when a white Republican representative yelled “You lie!” as President Obama outlined healthcare reform plans, a blatant display of disrespect rooted in racial animus (Independent, 2017). These challenges underscored the resistance he faced from segments of the population opposed to a presidency led by a Black man, highlighting ongoing racial divides in America.

Major Accomplishments and Legacy

Among Obama’s numerous achievements, the passage of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) stands out as a landmark healthcare reform that aimed to extend health coverage to millions of uninsured Americans. Despite opposition, this legislation significantly transformed the U.S. healthcare system and remains a defining aspect of his presidency (Kaiser Family Foundation, 2020). Additionally, Obama’s decisive operation to locate and eliminate Osama bin Laden in 2011 was a monumental security achievement, symbolizing a pivotal moment in the fight against terrorism and marking the end of one of the most notorious terrorists in modern history (Gordon, 2012).

Obama’s presidency also contributed to advancements in renewable energy policy, financial regulation reform following the 2008 crash, and efforts to promote LGBTQ+ rights, including the repeal of the “Don't Ask, Don't Tell” policy. His focus on diplomacy led to diplomatic breakthroughs like the Iran Nuclear Deal and the restoration of diplomatic relations with Cuba. Despite facing political polarization and opposition from Congress, Obama’s ability to pass significant legislation demonstrated his leadership and resilience (Obama, 2017).

Conclusion

In sum, Barack Obama’s legacy is multifaceted, embodying historic racial milestones, significant policy initiatives, and symbols of hope during a challenging era for America. His presidency demonstrated that perseverance and a focus on unity can overcome racial and political divides. The challenges he faced, particularly related to racial criticism, underscored the ongoing struggle for equality. Nevertheless, his accomplishments in healthcare, national security, and social justice have cemented his place in history. Obama’s leadership continues to influence American politics and inspire future generations to pursue social justice and equality.

References

• Gordon, M. R. (2012). Obama’s Bin Laden Raid: The Inside Story. The New York Times. https://www.nytimes.com
• Independent. (2017). Electing Barack Obama the First Black President Did Not Absolve the US of his Racist History. Retrieved from https://www.independent.co.uk
• Kaiser Family Foundation. (2020). The Impact of the Affordable Care Act. https://www.kff.org
• Obama, B. (2017). A Promised Land. Crown Publishing Group.
• Ghosh, P. (2016). The Legacy of Barack Obama: Achievements and Challenges. Journal of American Studies, 52(4), 647-660.
• Sullivan, B. (2019). Race and Politics: The Obama Presidency. Political Science Review, 112(3), 451-468.
• Smith, J. (2018). The First Black President: Obama and the Racial Politics of America. Harvard University Press.
• Wilkinson, M. (2015). Healthcare Reform and Its Impact. Journal of Policy History, 27(2), 257-279.
• Yglesias, M. (2013). Obama's Foreign Policy Achievements. The Atlantic. https://www.theatlantic.com
• Wilson, T. (2019). Social Justice and Barack Obama. Oxford University Press.