Obama’s Legacy

The three elements that have shaped his presidency at the end of two mandates are the issue of race, the state of international affairs and his character.

Obama has finally arrived in Spain, though with a shortened schedule due to the terrible events in Dallas. This is a visit widely considered to be a gesture of diplomacy for a president about to step down after two terms in office, and one that will make history, due not only to his indisputable successes, of which there were many — though, naturally, he is leaving behind problems yet to be solved — but also due to the coinciding, under his mandate, of three elements that strongly shaped his presidency: the issue of race, the state of international affairs and his character.

The first point — the ascension of a man of African-American origin to the White House — had already signified, independent of the politics, a historical watershed. Even though the matter of race, as demonstrated by recent events, is still very [controversial], Obama’s presidency marks an end to the North American democracy’s original sin: that it was a country that emancipated itself as a colony, but at the same time practiced slavery and, [after abolition], a racial discrimination with an ease incompatible with its founding values. Obama’s arrival to the White House was the culmination of a long emancipation process of the African-American minority following the Civil War, through to the fight for civil rights in the decade of the 1960s in the 20th century.

Regarding the second point, Obama’s presidency has not only reconciled North Americans with their history of racial divisions, but has also made way for a profound reconfiguration of the position and image of the United States in the world. After the disastrous double term of his predecessor, George W. Bush, who left an [aftermath of] war and geopolitical tension, Obama led efforts to restore the status of his country from the position of a natural leader, a trustworthy ally and exemplary partner [in global relations]. Even though he didn’t succeed as well as he expected — due mostly to lack of cooperation from others — if there is one thing that has characterized his presidency, it is the desire to extirpate any sign of religious confrontation with Muslims and the wish to avoid the dynamics of a [new] cold (or hot) war with Russia, China or Iran. As Spain can confirm, the United States is still, under the leadership of Obama, a demanding but respectful and loyal partner.

Lastly, it’s important to emphasize his exceptional character. Brainy and casual at the same time, he gave his presidency a tone that will be difficult for others to imitate. He was “above” any political disputes, displayed humbleness and never antagonized his enemies. At the same time, it’s important to celebrate the fact that he never “gave in” — a common thing to do these days — but remained very popular. Unlike other leaders, dominated by their egos and desire for more power, Obama uses [his authority] with strength and pragmatism, in order to launch the policies and values that, in his opinion, promote and inspire a better country. This profoundly honest way of understanding politics is his finest legacy.