By Siddarth Tumu ’18, Section Editor

Eight years ago, on Tuesday, November 4, 2008, Barack Hussein Obama was elected as the first African American President of the United States. A momentous day in American history, President Obama ran on a platform of hope and change. Over his eight years as President, Mr. Obama’s accomplishments include the Stimulus Package to end the 2008 Recession (American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009), the Affordable Care Act, the Dodd–Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act, the elimination of the Bin Laden threat, and the nuclear agreement with Iran. Regardless of his policies, Obama has built up a positive reputation and is well-liked by the American people. This is especially seen through his approval ratings, coming in consistently above 50%, which is historically high for a President at the end of his second term in office. With all the news outlets focusing on the election of Donald Trump and his transition into office, I thought it would be fitting to sit down with people on both sides of the aisle to reflect about President Obama’s time in office.

Mr. Bitler, who identifies as a conservative, explains that his views were not reflected in Obama’s policies. He believes that while Obama has served honorably, but there are certain aspects that must be addressed, including the border situation, the national debt, increased terrorist activity, and foreign policy. President Obama  high approval rating in various recent polls,  is  significantly high for a President coming to the end of his second term in office. One of the most striking things about the 2016 election was that President Obama was unable to transfer his popularity to Hillary Clinton, despite the best efforts of both President and Mrs. Obama. When asked about this, Mr. Bitler noted two things: firstly that many Americans are unhappy with the direction the country is taken, irrespective of their opinion of President Obama, and secondly that a large portion of the country is unhappy with Congress and thus sought change at the highest level: the Presidency.

Ms. Lifson, a self-identified liberal, hails President Obama as a great President and person. Most significant, she says, is that President Obama and his family have avoided scandal during their time in the White House and that Michelle Obama has gone above and beyond in her role as First Lady. Ms. Lifson talks about how President Obama served at some very difficult times but was able to persevere, “which is why we will look back at him as an incredible President.” When asked about the Obamas’ role in Clinton’s campaign, she said that she thought the Obamas did a wonderful job and that Clinton was a good candidate. Ms. Lifson attributes Clinton’s loss to the actions of FBI Director James Comey, specifically the timing of investigations into various Clinton affairs, and the media’s portrayal of Clinton. Ms. Lifson recalls the period of Obama’s election as one of the most hopeful times, which she says is in sharp contrast to the current state wherein some people feel afraid and threatened.

Regardless of political opinion, there is a general consensus that President Obama served honorably. Discussion about his presidency revolves mainly around his policies as opposed to his character, which is a great testament to the fact the Obamas avoided any level of scandal  while in the White House. Perhaps more significant than any of his policies is that President Obama has established himself as a very relatable and likable person, seen through the various late night talk show appearances he makes and the Biden and Obama memes circulating the internet. In addition to his political successes, Obama will be remembered as a very well-liked President. As conversation is currently revolving mainly around the 2016 election, it is important to take a moment and consider the vast changes this country has seen since President Obama took office eight years ago. Whether or not you support Obama and are happy with the recent election results, he is still the President until January and it will be interesting to see how he finishes his second term.