The two things I remember Barack Obama promising in his first campaign were an end to the war in Iraq and universal healthcare. I also kinda remember something about closing Guantanamo, but I always knew that wasn't really his call. And even with the two promises I remember, they have not lived up to exactly what I want. But that's not the point. The point is, I have health insurance for the first time in my life and our war in Iraq (I was there by the way) ended. That's what he ran on, that's what I got.
I know, I know, I should have better health coverage (I have a tooth literally disintegrating in my mouth, but no dental insurance) and there are still many with no health coverage at all. And we are still engaged in military operations all over the Middle East and Central Asia. That's the necessary, messy part of governing. I don't like it, I'm pretty damn sure Barack Obama doesn't like it. I like even less the fact that this progressive president has been hamstrung by an overtly obstructionist opposition, feels downright unAmerican what those guys are doing.
I was born in 1980, right in the middle of the Carter/Reagan race. Barack Obama is, hands down, the greatest champion of liberal ideas and achievement in my lifetime. That is a low bar, but one that should be respected. I admire this president and what he has accomplished in the face of an unrelenting opposition.
Add additional accomplishments and admiration at your leisure.
If anyone wants to see Barack when he was on the precipice of his wildly successful political career, you should watch this