The photos that prove you’ll miss President Barack Obama
Words: Hamish Roy
Entering the White House in the midst of the worst economic crisis since The Great Depression, Obama was perhaps destined for a fraught presidency. Six years on, his critics draw attention to broken promises and the policy left waiting in the Capitol’s anterooms. Others continue to extol him as the man at the helm of a cohesive America – one that has recovered remarkably well from the economic crisis. It’s a debate destined to continue for some time. Less in contention, however, is the fact that Obama has displayed qualities deeply desirable in a global leader. Charismatic and stalwart on the world stage, he has shown a resolute commitment to diplomacy; as one of the most powerful men in the world, he has nevertheless proven capable of real humility; and finally, with his candid and profoundly expressive manner, he has succeeded in presenting himself as a relatable figure, achieving what many of his predecessors could not.
A world leader capable of profound humility: Obama bows to a child after being asked what his hair feels like. Image: Pete Souza
As he nears the end of his term, and with Trump knocking ever-louder on the Oval Office door, Obama’s ratings are once again on the rise – a sign, perhaps, of a sort of pre-emptive nostalgia for his leadership style. A deeply divisive character, Trump shows delight in causing offence, a trait that could prove downright dangerous on a global stage. To democratically-minded Americans, diplomacy and a degree of emotional intelligence – two qualities that occur naturally in Obama – have begun to seem very precious indeed.
Obama has his signature fist bump returned by wife Michelle during his 2008 election run. Image: Getty
A natural with children, Obama finds a running partner in the Oval Office. Image: Pete Souza
Ever diplomatic, the President cuts a confident character while dealing with the leaders of other superpowers. Image: Chip Somodevilla
Lisa Jack’s photo of ‘Barry’ Obama, taken in the 1980’s, gave the President a certain avant-garde appeal. Image: Lisa Jack
Obama’s sense of humour has helped to make him a relatable figure, something that has proven particularly popular with young Americans. Image: theloop.com
The internet cashes in on Obama’s cool-guy image. Image: Gify
Not one to take himself too seriously, Obama appears on the Jimmy Kimmel show to read mean tweets about himself. Image: abc
Obama brought an inherent laid-back style to business matters. Image: Getty
Describing them as his ‘biggest frustration’, Obama has worked tirelessly to reform gun laws in America. Here, he makes an emotional speech in response the Sandy Hook elementary school shooting. Image: AFP
Obama dances the tango in Argentina. Image: straits times.com
With a deep belief in both democracy and diplomacy, Obama tended to lead a cohesive, not divisive campaign. Image: publicinsightnetwork
A popular president: American perceptions of Obama’s world standing have increased this year. Image: www.washingtonpost.com
America’s bleak and undiplomatic future? Unlike Obama, Trump shows a tendency for child-like petulance, appearing to take delight in causing offence. Image: CNN.com
Main image: Pete Souza
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