No, "we" won't feel nostalgia for Obama, Mr. Kristof. Speak for yourself and the rest of the privileged who live in your cozy bubble. I say good riddance to his racial divisiveness and do-nothing foreign policy.
29
Impeccable example? Hardly. His embrace of so-called progressive policies intruding into the lives of Americans and their formerly-free-market by means of regulations, not only prolonged the Great Recession to near-historic length, but his policies assured the middle class in middle America would renounce has ordained successor. As poor as Hillary was as a candidate, her defeat was a rejection of Obama's progressive policies by America's middle class and working poor. Obama's negative influence on the election did far more for Trump's victory than anything the Russians did. Regardless of his personal charisma and popularity, while he was loudly campaigning for Hillary, her poll numbers were tankiing. I'm glad Obama was elected, thereby dispelling the de regueur notion, which progressives still cling to, that racism is rampant in America, but I'm equally glad to see him go, even though I am not looking forward to Trumps presidency. Better we not have presidents nor any politicians. Most of us are mature enough to handle real self-government without the trappings of a violent state.
20
"Awash With Tears"
That shining city on the hill
Is today awash with tears
Bidding adieu to hope and change
While extending its hand to our worst fears
But the page it has to turn
On a new chapter for our nation
And the book that we just read
Deserves our collective admiration
Presidents come and presidents go
History teaches what the future didn't know
As forty four departs, so many of us grieve
Oh Mr. President, please don't leave
#DontLeave
That shining city on the hill
Is today awash with tears
Bidding adieu to hope and change
While extending its hand to our worst fears
But the page it has to turn
On a new chapter for our nation
And the book that we just read
Deserves our collective admiration
Presidents come and presidents go
History teaches what the future didn't know
As forty four departs, so many of us grieve
Oh Mr. President, please don't leave
#DontLeave
48
One day it will be written, President Barack H. Obama was America's last great President.
90
I may not be here when it happens, but I firmly believe President Obama will one day be considered the greatest President of the post-war era.
123
He brought intelligence and dignity to the office of the President.
While one might logically think that those are the two most important traits the President should posses, it seems that many believe they are not very important. It really is a shame.
While one might logically think that those are the two most important traits the President should posses, it seems that many believe they are not very important. It really is a shame.
95
…"I never doubted his integrity or intelligence, his decency or honor." Interesting. For anyone paying attention to the facts of what Candidate Obama promised, vs. what President Obama actually did instead, the legacy of this President will be that of perhaps the most dishonest in modern history. Family man, indeed, and I laud him for this. But let's be honest here and not buy into revisionist history attempts.
22
I fear that our country has made a grave mistake in electing Trump. But I hope that there will be a silver lining. Maybe all the horrible things we know about Trump (and things we don't yet know but soon will learn) will drag the conservative Republican brand down and destroy it, which is what it deserves.
123
Jeff Foxworthy hosted the [supposedly] ironic quiz show called "Are You Smarter Than a 5th Grader?" that pitted children against adults, but now the United States Electoral College (not the popular vote) elected a person who speaks at a third grade level. Hopefully the generation that elected Mr. Trump to get their "entitled" fair share will leave something for their smarter children, other than pollution and broken countries.
54
Amen, Nicholas. You got it right!!.
44
When Obama came into office, The Onion ran the headline, "Worst Job In The World Given To A Black Man." Have we forgotten what Obama was up against and how he overcame the vitriol and the assertion by Mitch McConnell that the #1 job for Republicans was to keep Obama to only one term? It's a wonder he got anything done. This man of grace and intelligence may be left out of history voting him one of the greatest Presidents of all time but that will only be because Republican, during his administration, cared little for the welfare of the country. Shame on them.
115
Ironic that so many right wingers never give Obama credit for saving Wall Street and 401K's, but racial hate distorts many things.
103
Absolutely spot on.
38
Yes, I am.
14
Mr. Kristof refers to "policies — such as those that led Obama’s presidency to enjoy the longest streak of consecutive private-sector job creation in the 78 years the statistic has been recorded."
What were those policies, anyway? "Lucky beats smart?"
What were those policies, anyway? "Lucky beats smart?"
7
I don't disagree that Trump is less than a role model, but to say that Obama is respected by world leaders is a laugh. His leadership from "behind" method is not leadership (which the world needs), it is following. President Obama believes that our view of exceptionalism is wrong and that we should be part of the pack. Two problems with that, first we are an exceptional nation and second, the arrogance he displays toward his own countrymen is the exact arrogance that he believes too many presidents before him have exhibited to the world.
20
Yes, missing him already.
While Trump spend years pushing the contemptible 'birther' lie, there were no abusive midnight tweets back from Obama.
No such dignity from Trump. He is a squalling baby -- or, if we're as generous as his current wife, a "teenage boy". I know he can't grow up, but oh, how I wish he would.
While Trump spend years pushing the contemptible 'birther' lie, there were no abusive midnight tweets back from Obama.
No such dignity from Trump. He is a squalling baby -- or, if we're as generous as his current wife, a "teenage boy". I know he can't grow up, but oh, how I wish he would.
53
Yes Obama will be sorely missed by those millions who voted for Trump and will soon be without affordable health care because while Secretary nominee Price's "access" sounds good, it only means access to coverage which they cannot reasonably afford. Congratulations suckers! You got your white, rich and famous media star. Good luck with an "apprentice" whom you will shortly wish you could fire.
62
well said. Thank you so much. As we face this horrible inauguration and all that will follow it, I appreciate your thoughts.
30
Mr. Kristof,
I am missing Mr. Obama too.
I feel like my world has been up-ended.
So much so, that I'm actually glad that I'm spending tomorrow (1/20/17) sitting in a chair @ MGH receiving chemotherapy treatment, far from Washington and with the TV off but bringing a "good" book !
I am missing Mr. Obama too.
I feel like my world has been up-ended.
So much so, that I'm actually glad that I'm spending tomorrow (1/20/17) sitting in a chair @ MGH receiving chemotherapy treatment, far from Washington and with the TV off but bringing a "good" book !
33
who will miss Obama the most? First, Mr. Trump, because the scope of making fake news has been diluted with Mr. Obama gone. Second, GOP will miss a good friend who wanted to do something good for the country and the world had he not faced such an opposition from right wings. It was Mr. Obama who saved the face of the country reversing the financial crisis and job loss. It was GOP leaders opposing Mr. Obama who let Mr. Trump like individual to win - not anybody from the main stream conservatives. Mr. Trump may let every GOP leader down. I can tell you Mr. Trump is a friend of billionaires and will not care for senators or congressmen like Mr. Rubio who do not belong to the same league. Third, some of us who are intellectual, smart, thoughtful, cares for the society and knows the limit like Mr. Obama. Fourth, over 18 million people who got health insurance coverage. Fifth, generation Y who were inspired by Mr. Obama for the right cause after what Mr. Cheney and Mr. Rumsfeld started a wrong war.
28
America loses one of its best most noble and dedicated Presidents who represented his country to the outside world in a way that and in a style that bought him and America much more respect than he was often given by his own Congress as his intent, focus and energy helped get him through a piece of history underlined by urgent and unique challenges that would have tested the best of Men.
That he did so fighting a blatantly hostile and uncaring political opposition sworn to make sure that nothing he touched would see the light of day was magnified further by that motivation so firmly entrenched, that any collateral damage to the country or millions of its people were considered of little consequence to his hate filled opposition.
For most anything and everything the idea and the concept itself described by
"considered of little consequence" would never, could never enter his thinking or effect his style or actions...Obama considered carefully, thoughtfully so much of what he thought must be done and which was needed that a lesser man would not consider.
It is far worse for many than just "Missing Barack Obama already " it is the realisation and fear that it may be a very long time indeed , before another Obama will rise to the station to which he honoured and respected more deeply than most will ever know and perhaps most may never see again done so well and to the best of his considerable abilities.
From this perspective and in my opinion, you got the best President had
That he did so fighting a blatantly hostile and uncaring political opposition sworn to make sure that nothing he touched would see the light of day was magnified further by that motivation so firmly entrenched, that any collateral damage to the country or millions of its people were considered of little consequence to his hate filled opposition.
For most anything and everything the idea and the concept itself described by
"considered of little consequence" would never, could never enter his thinking or effect his style or actions...Obama considered carefully, thoughtfully so much of what he thought must be done and which was needed that a lesser man would not consider.
It is far worse for many than just "Missing Barack Obama already " it is the realisation and fear that it may be a very long time indeed , before another Obama will rise to the station to which he honoured and respected more deeply than most will ever know and perhaps most may never see again done so well and to the best of his considerable abilities.
From this perspective and in my opinion, you got the best President had
44
Wow. That encapsulates just about everything admirable, wonderful and important about the last 8 years. And yes, nostalgia and tears have already set in.
15
I have enormous respect, admiration, and love for the family and the example they set in so many ways, more than I've ever experienced for a president in 59 years. What a remarkable man. I think time will reflect very well on everything he did, even the things that didn't work out as hoped. I'm heartbroken to see them be replaced by a dangerously impulsive and childish man who represents the absolute worst of the American psyche, and his ship of fools.
32
We used to have presidents who were role models for young people. Now we shrink with horror at the thought of our children becoming like this man who is about to be president. Imagine fathers and mothers all across the land, putting an arm around their sons and daughters shoulders and saying "You too, can grow up to be president if you insult enough people, ignore enough facts, grab enough genitals and go bankrupt often enough."
30
I am surprised certain Christian theologians haven't expressed theories that Donald Trump is some form of divine punishment for America's past injustices and crimes against humanity which many Americans are ideologically unequipped to accept. The same could be said for many former colonial powers in Europe, of course : the cruelty and rapaciousness of Spanish colonisation of the Americas, French and Belgian racism in their territories in Africa, and genocide practised by German military in Namibia.
We reap what we sow, and justice is not always neat and clean.
We reap what we sow, and justice is not always neat and clean.
10
I am moving to Mexico and awaiting the biggest most beautiful wall to keep me protected and away from this dreaded man and his inane tweets.
26
A lot of us do value intelligence and thoughtfulness. And dignity and class. And now we get to experience the antithesis.
27
Arguments abound on both sides. Inconsequential to many. The facts are out there...his party is in disarray. His country is more sharply divided than ever since he took office. If you check Politifact, his broken and failed campaign promises are too long to list here...they number seven pages worth.
Luckily for him, his blind faithful will never call him to task for all the failures ...see any columnist here...). Internationally, he has placed more troops in other countries for clandestine operations than his predecessor. Iraq and Afghanistan are still quagmires, have our troops there, and are bleeding this country dry of taxpayer dollars. He is a success in his own mind and the brainwashed neo-left.
But not to despair...I am sure he will not go away gracefully.
Luckily for him, his blind faithful will never call him to task for all the failures ...see any columnist here...). Internationally, he has placed more troops in other countries for clandestine operations than his predecessor. Iraq and Afghanistan are still quagmires, have our troops there, and are bleeding this country dry of taxpayer dollars. He is a success in his own mind and the brainwashed neo-left.
But not to despair...I am sure he will not go away gracefully.
6
I take issue with this, "Obama has the most boring personal life imaginable." The man has a wonderful wife, great kids, nice in-laws, friends, plays basketball and golf, and he likes to read. Sounds perfect to me.
28
Just a minute, Mr. Kristof!
President Obama’s legacy is far more than sentimentality. He turns over to his successor an economy with full employment, a declining federal deficit, health care coverage for the vast majority of Americans, and a younger generation who finds racial and ethnic tolerance a moot and curious issue.
The incoming Republican administration, which is surely inexperienced and probably incompetent, will be sorely pressed to maintain the economic and social state they inherit.
President Obama’s legacy is far more than sentimentality. He turns over to his successor an economy with full employment, a declining federal deficit, health care coverage for the vast majority of Americans, and a younger generation who finds racial and ethnic tolerance a moot and curious issue.
The incoming Republican administration, which is surely inexperienced and probably incompetent, will be sorely pressed to maintain the economic and social state they inherit.
33
Any family that looks made for TV, is.
5
I fully share your regret for Barack Obama's departure from the world stage. In his place is an unprincipled vulgarian who has already inflicted significant damage to American society and youth through his utter lack of tact and decency in deed and in word. Soon playgrounds across the nation will be the arena of racist and misogynistic insults when the children brought up in pro-Trump households will emulate their Great Leader's agressive and insulting rhetoric. What a far cry from George H.W. Bush's futile wish to make America a 'kinder, gentler' place! What I have seen is bad, and I expect far worse as the Trump Administration begins its sordid journey tomorrow.
28
I don't know if anyone else will mention this but I find it momentous. Afew years ago every Sunday morning ABC would have a rolling list of the American Service men killed in action (most were under 30) This was eliminated as a direct result of Obama's action. I am sure there are thousands of parents that are appreciative of his actions to withdraw significant troop levels from Iraq and Afghanistan.
36
"Historians will also note that the Democratic Party is in far worse shape today than when Obama took office: It has lost its House and Senate majorities, as well as 13 governorships and more than 900 state legislative seats."
I will argue that there were two major reasons for that far worse shape today.
1. Mr. Obama was not _progressive enough_.
2. The Democrats who held elected office did not stand together with Mr. Obama _enough_. (This I suspect is the bigger reason)
'We won the Cold War not only with American missiles, but also with American “soft power,” and one element of our soft power arsenal is a president who commands respect and admiration at home and abroad.'
Americans (in my opinion) have always underestimated their soft power. Besides that mentioned by Mr. Kristof, there is also America's Hollywood, America's Detroit, America's Silicon Valley, not to mention America's widely admired universities and cadre of scientists.
But an important part of America's "soft power" was destroyed in the Iraq campaign. Previously, enemy combatants were willing to surrender to American soldiers, because they knew they wouldn't be tortured. That ended in the Iraq campaign, when America decided to make torture one of their techniques.
We will miss Mr. Obama.
I will argue that there were two major reasons for that far worse shape today.
1. Mr. Obama was not _progressive enough_.
2. The Democrats who held elected office did not stand together with Mr. Obama _enough_. (This I suspect is the bigger reason)
'We won the Cold War not only with American missiles, but also with American “soft power,” and one element of our soft power arsenal is a president who commands respect and admiration at home and abroad.'
Americans (in my opinion) have always underestimated their soft power. Besides that mentioned by Mr. Kristof, there is also America's Hollywood, America's Detroit, America's Silicon Valley, not to mention America's widely admired universities and cadre of scientists.
But an important part of America's "soft power" was destroyed in the Iraq campaign. Previously, enemy combatants were willing to surrender to American soldiers, because they knew they wouldn't be tortured. That ended in the Iraq campaign, when America decided to make torture one of their techniques.
We will miss Mr. Obama.
14
Responses to coverage of our democracy in the next 4 years can be reduced to a 3 word comment:
Dumpster.Fire.Democracy.
Dumpster.Fire.Democracy.
16
Yes, Obama has been passive on Syria. The last thing Mr. Trump will ever be accused of will be passivity. His tweets were aggressive.His tweets were effective. His tweets saved his campaign a small fortune. He will save the American taxpayer a lot more. He may also model assertiveness and a lack of passivity to many American males who need it modeled. At least in your barrage you noticed passivity can be a bad thing. Mr. Kristof. Kudos for that.
8
Beauty is in the eye of the beholder.
Kristof craves the Obama photo pose and his "cool'.
Unfortunately, Americans needed a President to unite them and find bipartisan solutions to the country's problems.
Obama did the opposite and his legacy is historic divisiveness which is definitely "not cool".
Kristof craves the Obama photo pose and his "cool'.
Unfortunately, Americans needed a President to unite them and find bipartisan solutions to the country's problems.
Obama did the opposite and his legacy is historic divisiveness which is definitely "not cool".
13
Nowhere did Kristof show how the national debt nearly doubled on Obama's clock.
Nor the anemic GDP rate of 2.1%' the lowest since WWII of 2.9%
Nor the anemic GDP rate of 2.1%' the lowest since WWII of 2.9%
13
I have tried and tried, but I cannot come up with the words to adequately express how I feel about this president, and his family, leaving the White House. I will miss his grace, his intellect, his manners, his love for his country and her citizens, his sense of humor, his compassion and his ability to make us feel like we are going to be okay in the worst of circumstances. But, most of all, I am going to miss Obama, the man. The good, kind, generous, benevolent and caring man. Thank you, President Obama, for your service. You have served this nation well and I, for one, will be always and forever be a big fan. Please know, you will be missed. More than you can possibly know.
79
I'll miss not only Obama, but America as I knew it. I don't see how we come back from this easily. We've handed the keys to the kingdom to a vile, petty, greedy, vindictive egomaniac and his sycophants, and they're going to do everything they can to lock up that power for good. And somehow, they'll convince a substantial enough portion of the electorate that anything bad that happens is someone else's fault. Probably Hillary's.
64
You're more than welcome to go with him Nicholas.
7
This captures so eloquently the extra-dimension of the presidency which has traditionally been unquantifiable yet important. Your example of "where is Sasha?" amused me. After eight years of Obama's presidency, I too observed her absence immediately and felt a moment's concern. The teacher in me immediately concluded there must have been a 'school-reason' for her absence. It was consistent with the Obamas I have grown so to respect.
Civility is not to be dispensed with easily. In my dark moments, I think it is already tattered and gone, but human interaction is more complex than Trump allows. Let's hope the demand for civility and diplomacy resurfaces clearly and with the serious insistence it deserves.
Civility is not to be dispensed with easily. In my dark moments, I think it is already tattered and gone, but human interaction is more complex than Trump allows. Let's hope the demand for civility and diplomacy resurfaces clearly and with the serious insistence it deserves.
13
Today feels like a funeral in that one of the classiest acts to occupy the oval office is being replaced by one of the crudest. Obama wasn't always right but he was always DECENT. Moreover, he acted in accordance with the best interests of the American people - first, last and always.
29
"“He will never, ever, let you down. … Donald is intensely loyal,” we were told at the Republican convention — by his third wife."
Priceless.
Satire isn't dead? It's become reality.
And the clocks were striking thirteen.
Priceless.
Satire isn't dead? It's become reality.
And the clocks were striking thirteen.
27
Nicholas Kristof,
Certainly Barack Obama seems to be a good family man. But so was George W. Bush before him. I won't mention Bill Clinton or John Kennedy, neither of whom was anywhere near being a good family man, but who seemed to have been reasonably good presidents in spite of that.
Trouble is, being a good family man doesn't mean much in being an effective president. If you want a president who is a figurehead and a role model, sure, elect somebody based on their public persona. But that is pretty shallow and superficial. Even your saint Barack is a secret smoker.
I will take Donald Trump myself, warts and all. At least he is what he is. Brash, garrulous, larger than life. But off the stage he seems as real as on it. Very pragmatic. Very people-oriented. Even charming. Look at how he charmed Mitt Romney, one of his harshest critics. I think the perceptive September 2016 article by Salena Zito in The Atlantic about taking Trump seriously, but not literally, captured the man much better than you have.
Still, I understand your skepticism. I understand why you like someone who asks for a memo about whether he can accept a prize (but ignores the fact that he did nothing to deserve it). And why you label as an unprincipled narcissist someone who brays that he wants to make America great again (when he not longer ago he seemed more concerned with his sex life and conquests).
But give the man a chance. See what happens. I think you may be surprised.
Certainly Barack Obama seems to be a good family man. But so was George W. Bush before him. I won't mention Bill Clinton or John Kennedy, neither of whom was anywhere near being a good family man, but who seemed to have been reasonably good presidents in spite of that.
Trouble is, being a good family man doesn't mean much in being an effective president. If you want a president who is a figurehead and a role model, sure, elect somebody based on their public persona. But that is pretty shallow and superficial. Even your saint Barack is a secret smoker.
I will take Donald Trump myself, warts and all. At least he is what he is. Brash, garrulous, larger than life. But off the stage he seems as real as on it. Very pragmatic. Very people-oriented. Even charming. Look at how he charmed Mitt Romney, one of his harshest critics. I think the perceptive September 2016 article by Salena Zito in The Atlantic about taking Trump seriously, but not literally, captured the man much better than you have.
Still, I understand your skepticism. I understand why you like someone who asks for a memo about whether he can accept a prize (but ignores the fact that he did nothing to deserve it). And why you label as an unprincipled narcissist someone who brays that he wants to make America great again (when he not longer ago he seemed more concerned with his sex life and conquests).
But give the man a chance. See what happens. I think you may be surprised.
6
I will never understand how so many people can value the highly subjective and murky quality of "realness" over expertise, intelligence, articulateness, and experience. I literally never will.
23
He's been given a chance, for Secretary of Education he picks a billionaire religious extremist who wants to defund public schools, end child labor laws and not ban guns in schools, for the energy department a man who did not know what it was for, even though he previously wanted to shut it down, for labor secretary a man who has not followed labor laws and committed wage theft, for Attorney General a man too racist to become a federal judge in the 1980's. trump is not just brash, he is a con man, he ran a fraudulent university, went bankrupt six times, despite being born into wealth, he has not paid hundreds of contractors and women are only important as trophy pieces of tail. Yet his greatest act of deception has been this one: conning people like you into thinking he's just a regular guy. We are an international embarrassment.
43
Fear not, dear liberals. I guarantee that Mr. Obama will be on the front page of every NYTimes every day for the next four years sharing his progressive wisdom and peerless experience.
10
Good, we will need it as balm for trump's daily embarrassing tantrum.
28
Obama is particularly missed in the Middle East, where he left over half a million dead in his wake, in the Ukraine, where his (and the EU's) dangerous policies ignited a deadly conflict and in the US where millions were reduced to poverty while the government supported the bank. He will also be missed by Iran, Cuba, Russia and Chine which gained a lot of power and influence due to his policies.
8
The Obama Administration does share with other Western powers great responsibility in the ill-conceived Arab 'Spring'. At least President Obama was not in collusion with such a sleazy character as Moammar Gaddafi which seems to have been the case of former French president Nicolas Sarkozy. And there was a definite error in judgement during the events in Maidan Square in Kiev which led to the seemingly endless conflict in Ukraine. The blame must be shared with others, unlike the disastrous basically unilateral invasion of sovereign Iraq in 2003 by the Bush Administration. To quote the Arab League's head Amr Moussa, 'invading Iraq would be like opening the gates of hell'. The rest is history.
7
I suppose our visceral reaction to President Obama's departure is inordinately colored by the characteristics and the habits of the man who would replace him. Contrast always heightens the virtues of one and amplifies the short-comings of another.
If we share a fear of being without the grace and dignity shown by Mr. Obama, it is inextricably linked to our fear of what Mr. Trump will demonstrate as he assumes this most difficult and demanding challenge. As his campaign was, essentially, based on simple answers to complex issues, it is quite reasonable to assume that he will attempt to govern in that same style. And that, for me, is a legitimate cause for great concern.
If we share a fear of being without the grace and dignity shown by Mr. Obama, it is inextricably linked to our fear of what Mr. Trump will demonstrate as he assumes this most difficult and demanding challenge. As his campaign was, essentially, based on simple answers to complex issues, it is quite reasonable to assume that he will attempt to govern in that same style. And that, for me, is a legitimate cause for great concern.
73
Has this writer been drinking?
6
It is a thankless job. Thank you President Obama and First Lady Michelle. Let's pray it isn't the end of the cream rising to the top. You cannot defy gravity and retain greatness.
9
At the end of the Obama presidency is regarded as one of the most unsuccessful US leaders, with Barack Obama country has become even more divided as society and completely pessimistic, and all world turns unfriendly to the losing power, influence and authority US, because demagogue and false manipulation, all sorts of insinuations, lies in respect for opponents of Obama administration, but did not lead to any action or effect, the whole policy of Barack Obama administration get into a funny but stupid show.
Barack Obama opened the possibility of illegal immigrants to be legal in the US, but he broke immigration law and insulted and humiliated all legal immigrants, because they are so stupid and did everything legally, and added unnecessary costs on citizens.
Barack Obama overcoming discrimination against sexual minorities, but suppress and strongly mocked in every way low-abiding citizens only for the fact that they support and believe in the 2 amendment of the US Constitution and self-defense.
He has made the launch of of health care reform, to ensure access to health care for the poor, but middle class working Americans have to pay for it and because of their own Obama care policy very high deductible, could not use it.
Barack Obama opened the possibility of illegal immigrants to be legal in the US, but he broke immigration law and insulted and humiliated all legal immigrants, because they are so stupid and did everything legally, and added unnecessary costs on citizens.
Barack Obama overcoming discrimination against sexual minorities, but suppress and strongly mocked in every way low-abiding citizens only for the fact that they support and believe in the 2 amendment of the US Constitution and self-defense.
He has made the launch of of health care reform, to ensure access to health care for the poor, but middle class working Americans have to pay for it and because of their own Obama care policy very high deductible, could not use it.
2
***note to RT: dock "Barbara" 15 rubles for sloppy English.
13
Obama valued the office, Trump devalues it.
26
I think the Obama legacy will endure even if significant accomplishments are overturned.
Republicans may overturn the ACA, but when Americans realize they’ve been ripped off, the memory of more affordable healthcare will still be there… along with the activism to demand what’s right.
Republicans may overturn Obama’s climate initiatives, but many companies have already made big investments in renewable energy, and they’re starting to see them pay off. It’s hard to imagine any energy companies building new coal-fired power plants, knowing that the fossil-fuel era is winding down. And it was Obama who helped us turn that corner.
Many particulars on these and other issues may be overturned, but we’ve gotten a taste for a cleaner, fairer, and more optimistic future. After a few years of Trump, there’s likely to be a groundswell seeking a return to the Obama values. Maybe by then, we won’t be so careless about taking those values for granted.
Republicans may overturn the ACA, but when Americans realize they’ve been ripped off, the memory of more affordable healthcare will still be there… along with the activism to demand what’s right.
Republicans may overturn Obama’s climate initiatives, but many companies have already made big investments in renewable energy, and they’re starting to see them pay off. It’s hard to imagine any energy companies building new coal-fired power plants, knowing that the fossil-fuel era is winding down. And it was Obama who helped us turn that corner.
Many particulars on these and other issues may be overturned, but we’ve gotten a taste for a cleaner, fairer, and more optimistic future. After a few years of Trump, there’s likely to be a groundswell seeking a return to the Obama values. Maybe by then, we won’t be so careless about taking those values for granted.
13
Mr. Kristof, I've been missing Mr. Obama since, oh say, 2009.
7
Sickening that the Republican hypocristians lack the moral or ethical values to combat this dangerous demagogic fraud and endanger the world out of spite, and unreal that their racism and love of ignorance made them deny the extraordinary moral calibre of the Obamas. The distinction between good and evil could not be clearer, and thanks to Mr. Kristof for laying it out.
15
Where does the single mom myth come from? Obama's mother was married at his birth and, though subsequently divorced from Barack Sr., she married again - to Mr. Soetero and moved as a family with her son to Indonesia. He returned to Hawaii for secondary school and lived with grandparents. Single mom descriptor very misleading.
7
Yes, effectively, she was a single mom because Barack Obama's father went back to Kenya. He visited only once.
4
"that Obama was an African-American son of a single mom, "
Couldn't you have added to this line ...a single white Mom? As a parent of mixed race children I chafe every time she is invisible as his full ethnicity is. As Hallie Barry's white mother told her, you will always only be seen as black.
Couldn't you have added to this line ...a single white Mom? As a parent of mixed race children I chafe every time she is invisible as his full ethnicity is. As Hallie Barry's white mother told her, you will always only be seen as black.
14
We will miss Obama, but luckily he's not going away. When the doo doo hits the fan with tRump and his confederacy of dunces, we'll desperately need Obama's intelligence and leadership.
21
Nicholas Kristof, why are you making me cry ... again?
15
It's been my belief since Obama took office that the outpouring of hope and optimism that was seen on Inauguration day in the 1.8 million that gathered so scared the right, the GOP and the WSJ and other news outlets that they made it a mission to downgrade this President and all he tried to do from the very start of his presidency.
As he's leaving they try to play down his accomplishments. History will of course be the final judge but in his leaving the popularity he has and the popularity he had upon becoming President tell a story. Accomplishment is measured by many different factors.
The GOP, the real fake news known as FOX did as much character assassination as they could aided and abetted by right wing radio crazies now being elevated by Trump. Now they have Trump and they own what he will do.
They will make excuses for Trump and what he does. They will not be able to fool all of us.
Obama will continue to be my president until a suitable successor shows up. In the meantime I will pray for this country and thank Obama everyday for being who he was and continues to be.
As he's leaving they try to play down his accomplishments. History will of course be the final judge but in his leaving the popularity he has and the popularity he had upon becoming President tell a story. Accomplishment is measured by many different factors.
The GOP, the real fake news known as FOX did as much character assassination as they could aided and abetted by right wing radio crazies now being elevated by Trump. Now they have Trump and they own what he will do.
They will make excuses for Trump and what he does. They will not be able to fool all of us.
Obama will continue to be my president until a suitable successor shows up. In the meantime I will pray for this country and thank Obama everyday for being who he was and continues to be.
55
You'll miss him??
He's blown a giant hole in the Democrat party.
Republicans have won over most of the US since Obama got here.
He's blown a giant hole in the Democrat party.
Republicans have won over most of the US since Obama got here.
10
The Republicans won thanks to their massive right-wing media assault that has dogged the Democrats ever since they were in the Congrssional majority.
Placing this on Obama only proves your lack of familiarity with the facts.
Placing this on Obama only proves your lack of familiarity with the facts.
7
Obama became sort of CEO President. Calm, careful, well read. I speak for many people I know that they are glad he's not moving too far away from the White House. Just his presence in the area might serve as a calming influence on the new administration. We can hope.
7
From President Obama's final press conference yesterday, you knew he would be missed. The press corps sensed it. And you saw the many smiles throughout.
He is not an over-bearing, stress inducing man, unlike Trump, who is far too intense and perhaps alarmingly unpredictable. Exhibitions of drama and ill tempered demeanor. Cruel, thin-skinned and vindictive.
That early description of Trump sucking all the oxygen out of the room is still very accurate. He is exhausting.
Obama's easy going nature, quick humor and startling difference from Trump will have people missing him considerably. His careful analysis and composed manner has been exemplary.
The fact that Trump's transition is viewed so negatively is quite telling.
He is woefully lacking progress in staffing national security. If you research it, you'd be horrified.
Trump's learning curve: massive.
He is not an over-bearing, stress inducing man, unlike Trump, who is far too intense and perhaps alarmingly unpredictable. Exhibitions of drama and ill tempered demeanor. Cruel, thin-skinned and vindictive.
That early description of Trump sucking all the oxygen out of the room is still very accurate. He is exhausting.
Obama's easy going nature, quick humor and startling difference from Trump will have people missing him considerably. His careful analysis and composed manner has been exemplary.
The fact that Trump's transition is viewed so negatively is quite telling.
He is woefully lacking progress in staffing national security. If you research it, you'd be horrified.
Trump's learning curve: massive.
11
Along with my fellow campaign workers, I was exhilarated on the night that Barack Obama was elected president. Somehow these eight years have gone by much too fast. Now his term is over, and he's being succeeded by possibly the worst example of an ugly American we could have produced. I've been crying since Nov. 8, and I expect I'll weep an ocean on Jan. 20.
10
A President should be presidential... Period. Barack Obama understood the importance of the office and Donald Trump does not. We cannot expect Trump to respect the office as he does not respect many of the citizens of this country, namely women and minorities.
17
Mr. Kristof is generally an interesting read, both intellectually and factually, yet this article has within it a couple of errors which may tend to diminish the character of this work. Firstly, Obama was not a law professor, he was a lecturer. Secondly, a person who has to surrender his law license is without dignity.
4
Thank you, Mr. Kristof! Your words are perfect. My heart is heavy that we trade this impeccable, intelligent man for the swamp. I worry for my children and my grandchildren that the changes wrought may be irreversible. I pray not and that we learn quickly what a great and noble President we enjoyed for eight wonderful and hope-filled years!!
12
G-d Almighty, the whole thing reminds me of General Custer at Little Big Horn, with us in the role of General Custer.
My best hope now is that the Chief Justice will refuse to swear him in on the grounds of decency and common sense.
My best hope now is that the Chief Justice will refuse to swear him in on the grounds of decency and common sense.
12
Don't count on it. Roberts the right-wing ideologue is probably licking his chops.
5
Sidwell Friends is pretty strict about missing exam times.
4
" For my part, I deplored his passivity on Syria. "
Glad to see you are so eager to get U.S. military personnel killed in a fruitless cause.
Glad to see you are so eager to get U.S. military personnel killed in a fruitless cause.
7
While I agree with your sentiments about President Obama's decency, I doubt if Trump voters will get tired of him and I am afraid he will be re-elected for a second term. We have a precedence for that in the name of Silvio Berlusconi.
11
Prez Obama is a man of great values, ideals and has deep respect and empathy for all. He is also a leader of ideas, and of wise and of balanced mind. But, he has not been a leader of the American Citizenry; he's stayed intellectually above the fray and political muck. A broom that cleans a dirty floor needs to get itself dirty also. Obama's pristine and monk-like detachment to the republicans' shenanigans and sheer lack of fighting spirit did much to allow divisions to fester and deeply hurt HRC and the democratic agenda. He gave heartfelt speeches in times of crises, but didn't connect with the average citizen of all political affiliations. He is adored by millions and rightfully so, but he's not one of them. This was his singular failure as a President and First Citizen of the country.
Unencumbered by the political treachery of D.C., I hope he does great things to US and the world, brings great ideas and inspiration and advancing our common good.
Trump reminds me of an old adage: " A monkey to begin with; drunk on top of that; and bitten by a scorpion in the tail". His restless, calamitously chaotic personality, campaign and now transition don't bode well for the republic. Here's wishing he gets some adult supervision in the WH. Sigh!
Unencumbered by the political treachery of D.C., I hope he does great things to US and the world, brings great ideas and inspiration and advancing our common good.
Trump reminds me of an old adage: " A monkey to begin with; drunk on top of that; and bitten by a scorpion in the tail". His restless, calamitously chaotic personality, campaign and now transition don't bode well for the republic. Here's wishing he gets some adult supervision in the WH. Sigh!
7
Thank you, thank you, Mr. Kristof. So right - as so often you are.
8
Just a minute, Mr. Kristof!
President Obama’s legacy is far more than sentimental. He turns over to his successor an economy with full employment, a declining federal deficit, health care coverage for the vast majority of Americans, and a younger generation who find racial and ethnic tolerance a moot and curious issue.
The incoming Republican administration, which is inexperienced and likely incompetent, will be sorely pressed to maintain the economic and social accomplishments they are inheriting.
President Obama’s legacy is far more than sentimental. He turns over to his successor an economy with full employment, a declining federal deficit, health care coverage for the vast majority of Americans, and a younger generation who find racial and ethnic tolerance a moot and curious issue.
The incoming Republican administration, which is inexperienced and likely incompetent, will be sorely pressed to maintain the economic and social accomplishments they are inheriting.
26
It is amazing that a person with the decency and integrity of Obama would even want to go through all the abuse and venom it takes to run for and then be the president. Thanks for the sacrifice.
26
The one thing you (and for the most part, your news organization) are at best not emphasizing enough and at worst ignoring, is that this ignoramus of a man got elected by a significant minority, squeaking out a tiny victory by the virtue of the outdated electoral college. To truly embody the mission of the media, you and your organization should be constantly reminding your viewership of this fact and DJT's complete lack of a mandate.
19
I am like an Eskimo basking in the sun on a Caribbean Island on the last day of his vacation, hoping to hold onto the warm glow before I return to 24-hour night in the winter of the north. I am a liberal...more progressively left than Obama, and have not always agreed with his actions. BUT, he was a man of great intelligence, analyzed cause and effect of his actions BEFORE he acted, and truly, through grace and honesty, worked at his appointed job to do what he felt was best for the country he loves. We are about to enter into an era where the bottom line of business and the lure of personal wealth and power drive the actions of those in the highest positions of power will hardly glance at the 99%. As a senior citizen who saw what the power of the people could do to stop a politically powered war in Vietnam, I hope that I can once again hear and see the power of the people rise to the challenge of saving our Republic and our Democracy that, when working well, serves ALL the people of our nation.
11
Obama is a decent man. Trump tried to destroy him with his birther movement. Vulgarity is replacing class and manners. The Republicans should be ashamed. Patriotism looks different.
12
Don't worry, Nick - the extreme narcissist ex president doesn't have it in him to diaper from the adoration of his cult followers.
4
Oops - typo. Didn't mean diaper, I meant disappear. The auto-correct thing gets me every time. Even I wouldn't use diaper and Obama in the same sentence.
1
I have been so proud to have Barack Obama as our president. To those who did not recognize character and intellect, that says something about you, not the President.
It's difficult to imagine the Trumps following the Obamas, in occupying the White House. There is no character, there is no intellect, there is questionable mental health, and anti-American policies. We are about to hold a wake for the country...in other times, it was known as the inauguration.
It's difficult to imagine the Trumps following the Obamas, in occupying the White House. There is no character, there is no intellect, there is questionable mental health, and anti-American policies. We are about to hold a wake for the country...in other times, it was known as the inauguration.
10
My older relatives did not want President Obama to run because they feared he would get killed in the attempt, But I'm glad he survived, withstood an unusual amount of unreasonable resistance and still got the economy back on track as best he could, even with that unprecedented resistance. He still has more to contribute to encouraging all Americans in all communities. But what's more important in the long run is that his family still has him around.
14
Yes we will sorely miss President Obama. He has made us proud and cleaned up Dubyas mess. Dubai was perhaps the worst President in our nations history and even Donald the ducky sperm narcissist spouts at the insanity of putting our country at war in Iraq. Dubai also came in with only an electoral college victory and his was tainted by the Supreme Courts interference. Now comes Donny the petulant child to replace man of great intellect an integrity. I am praying nightly for the country I bled for and that awarded me a silver star, I pray for the young courageous Americans currently serving in uniform. This entire election has been like a terrible Twilight Zone episode. I pray also that the consequences of this lunacy are minimized as much as possible.
8
I must register astonishment at the arrogant notion that an exclusive country club would blackball President Obama's membership pre-emptively prior to any signal of interest on the President's (would that I could keep using that term). The President would do well, rather than hiking on the links, tell Woodmont Country Club to take its own hike and to then golf on a public course where real human beings play.
Woodmont members would be protected from ever having to see Obama by that opaque bubble they so smugly inhabit. Everybody wins: Obama gets to play golf and save money; Woodmonters get to pretend that their world bears some semblance to real life, and the rest of us get to write comments to the New York Times.
What's not to like?
www.endthemadnessnow.org
Woodmont members would be protected from ever having to see Obama by that opaque bubble they so smugly inhabit. Everybody wins: Obama gets to play golf and save money; Woodmonters get to pretend that their world bears some semblance to real life, and the rest of us get to write comments to the New York Times.
What's not to like?
www.endthemadnessnow.org
6
Class? More drivel from the left wing bubble. I guess you forgot to take your employers advice and get out and actually talk with people who may not share the same liberal views as yourself. Mr. too cool for school's record on debt, welfare, race, foreign policy and arrogance are off the charts and not in a good way.
6
So many progressives sniff "Trump is not my president" with no knowledge of what he will do in office.
Conservatives, on the other hand, can say with confidence after 8 years of being short changed by Obama that he definitely was not "our" president.
Conservatives, on the other hand, can say with confidence after 8 years of being short changed by Obama that he definitely was not "our" president.
3
What Obama has done is raise the bar for us all. No longer can we expect to be at the mercy of unchecked health insurance companies. Our right to love the person we choose has been fought for and won. We won't easily go back. Mr Trump will have a hard act to follow. His true colors are already on display and they're not pretty. I think Obama's legacy is safe. He showed us how to act with kindness, thought, humor and grace. Does anyone think those four qualities are present Mr. Trump?
8
It's the USA nick, two terms, if you're lucky, get over it!
1
Thanks, Mr. Kristof, for enumerating some of President Obama's greatest qualities. I think I'll especially miss his cerebral approach to events and challenges. He is a voracious reader with broad tastes. Donald Trump, by contrast, spends hardly any time reading (which is a form of illiteracy, in fact). Many blame--or credit--Mr. Trump's election victory on the role played by the media, all forms of it, from Twitter to multiple-channel TV news. My family did not own a television set until I was nine-years-old, and I realize now how lucky I was. I had all those years without constantly available entertainment, and instead I learned to develop a love for reading. We live inside our minds, after all. What is inside Mr. Trump's mind, I wonder? 140-character streams of consciousness?
7
I do not miss President Obama yet, but I am looking forward to it.
He was, and is, a good family man. That is fine, but has little if anything to do with being President. Regardless of whether one agrees with his policy goals (I expect most here will agree fervently) his extra-Constitutional tactics in legislating from the White House should have alarmed even his allies -- because a precedent has been set, a legally shaky tactic further legitimized, and we have a new President with his own policies and agenda, less restrained by the rule of law than he might have otherwise been.
President Obama did not invent legislation through executive fiat. He did take it to a new level. If and when President Trump begins to legislate where Congress will not go, I wonder if the Left will recognize that they are, at long last, looking at Mr. Obama's lasting legacy?
He was, and is, a good family man. That is fine, but has little if anything to do with being President. Regardless of whether one agrees with his policy goals (I expect most here will agree fervently) his extra-Constitutional tactics in legislating from the White House should have alarmed even his allies -- because a precedent has been set, a legally shaky tactic further legitimized, and we have a new President with his own policies and agenda, less restrained by the rule of law than he might have otherwise been.
President Obama did not invent legislation through executive fiat. He did take it to a new level. If and when President Trump begins to legislate where Congress will not go, I wonder if the Left will recognize that they are, at long last, looking at Mr. Obama's lasting legacy?
8
Someday this will all play out on Broadway a la Hamilton. You cannot make this stuff up. The picture of Mr. Trump surrounded by his kids in executioner mode, arms crossed, as if his Mafia squad. It is absurdity supreme.
3
You have got to be kidding. I can't wait for this inept bungler and his tyro administration to be over. Finally, adults back in charge.
7
What did anyone expect the obsequious synophant Kristoff to say - a fawning mediorcity he really is - and you wonder why the NY Times is losing subscribers - how much is the DNC subsiding you to keep printing this propaganda?
5
The sickness of racism, bigotry and mental disconnect led Republicans in their abominable efforts to negate a man and his family who embodied EVERYTHING Republican Conservatism indicated it stood for: A leader- measured in thought and action. Intelligent, conservative in action; taking the moral high ground; God Fearing. An intact family without hint of personal scandal. The only *drawback* was; these qualities were all wrapped up in Black Skin.
13
Perfectly stated, thank you.
3
Thank you, Mr. Kristoff and the writers of the NYT Picks. You have said what many cannot articulate; myself among them.
I heartily concur with the belief that with just a little cooperation President Obama could have accomplished much of what would have benefited the common good. Unfortunately, 200 years of bigotry and America's lack of civil discourse seized the microphone and controls it still. The unreasoning hatred of the Affordable Care Act is a huge example of the insanity that grips the Republican Party. The fact ACA has helped millions is irrelevant and blinding racial hatred overrules any common sense to acknowledge its good points and work to correct the flaws.
Yes, I will miss President Obama and Mrs. Obama. They were wonderful representatives of our country in many, many ways Trump & his cabal of mean-spirited billionaires will never achieve.
I heartily concur with the belief that with just a little cooperation President Obama could have accomplished much of what would have benefited the common good. Unfortunately, 200 years of bigotry and America's lack of civil discourse seized the microphone and controls it still. The unreasoning hatred of the Affordable Care Act is a huge example of the insanity that grips the Republican Party. The fact ACA has helped millions is irrelevant and blinding racial hatred overrules any common sense to acknowledge its good points and work to correct the flaws.
Yes, I will miss President Obama and Mrs. Obama. They were wonderful representatives of our country in many, many ways Trump & his cabal of mean-spirited billionaires will never achieve.
12
Old fashioned dignity and a "cool" demenor does not a great president make. The world won't be craving that "Obama Cool" again because it doesn't crave it now. He has been more than irrelevant on the international scene for quite some time. Allies and enemy's ignore him. Maybe on the other hand they will "crave" that Obama cool again because Trump will actually do something other than lead from behind and they will miss those halceon days where they could do anything they wanted without fear of Obama.
6
" It’s more the behaviors they model. Trump has had five children by three wives, has boasted of his infidelities, has shrugged at conflicts of interest and is a walking scandal."
The almost universal acceptance of "these behaviors" from Evangelical Christian voters and the Evangelical Christian hierarchy led by Franklin Graham; the Self-professed harbingers of Morality, is a disconnect I will never comprehend. Were these and so many others in such need of a White Knight- they refused to see beneath the shiny Armor was really a death angel carrying a Sickle?
The almost universal acceptance of "these behaviors" from Evangelical Christian voters and the Evangelical Christian hierarchy led by Franklin Graham; the Self-professed harbingers of Morality, is a disconnect I will never comprehend. Were these and so many others in such need of a White Knight- they refused to see beneath the shiny Armor was really a death angel carrying a Sickle?
6
President Obama’s place in history will be judged to a significant degree by whether he packs Mr. Trump’s tax returns and FBI file in his suitcase when he leaves the White House.
I’m betting he will.
I’m betting he will.
4
The overwhelming sadness and apprehension that I first felt late on Election Night has not faded. A clear minority of Americans have been able to put in place as President a man who is not ethically or educationally qualified, not honest, not concerned with the best interests of the country, and not aware or concerned about the massive challenges the nation faces.
We are going to see so much corruption, a probable serious recession, a likely war (or several), attempts to impose theocratic ideas of Christian supremacy, denial of climate science and evolution and ongoing other environmental harms, degradation of our public education system, college becoming even more out of reach, retirement security and health care harmed or denied for many, many people, and the installation of reactionary, far-right judges who will always place corporate interests above all else and turn their eyes away from invasions to all freedoms except those involving religion and guns.
It is the darkest time in this country in my 50-plus year old life. I cannot imagine how we will come out of it unscathed. All I can say is, now is the time to help Democrats rebuild. Volunteer, donate, call and push them to rebuild and take seriously a listening, attentive party for 2018 and 2020.
I don't know if there's a God, but if there is, I hope he, she, or it is watching over us. Now more than ever.
We are going to see so much corruption, a probable serious recession, a likely war (or several), attempts to impose theocratic ideas of Christian supremacy, denial of climate science and evolution and ongoing other environmental harms, degradation of our public education system, college becoming even more out of reach, retirement security and health care harmed or denied for many, many people, and the installation of reactionary, far-right judges who will always place corporate interests above all else and turn their eyes away from invasions to all freedoms except those involving religion and guns.
It is the darkest time in this country in my 50-plus year old life. I cannot imagine how we will come out of it unscathed. All I can say is, now is the time to help Democrats rebuild. Volunteer, donate, call and push them to rebuild and take seriously a listening, attentive party for 2018 and 2020.
I don't know if there's a God, but if there is, I hope he, she, or it is watching over us. Now more than ever.
11
I am with you Nick and I was not an Obama supporter. To go from grace and dignity to coarseness and baseness is appalling. Thanks to the foolish we have a fool in the White House. Fortunately, he will fall quickly.
8
I remember being told that a true leader was called a "Ruler" because they acquired the position by being the "measure of a (wo)man." True leaders are the ones we aspire to be like. Their followers are compelled by love, not force or the fear of belittlement.
I can't help remembering Arthur on the battlefield in the last scene in the film version of Camelot. Defeat appears imminent. Arthur is downcast. But the young boy appears to let Arthur know the vision is intact. A heartened Arthur puts his confidence in the boy and sends him out to spread the vision: "Runnnn boy! Ruuuuunnnnnn!"
Now we are that boy.
I can't help remembering Arthur on the battlefield in the last scene in the film version of Camelot. Defeat appears imminent. Arthur is downcast. But the young boy appears to let Arthur know the vision is intact. A heartened Arthur puts his confidence in the boy and sends him out to spread the vision: "Runnnn boy! Ruuuuunnnnnn!"
Now we are that boy.
1
President Obama will be remembered as one who ruled with integrity, compassion and integrity.
I recall how incensed I was when the US re-elected President George W Bush. I would now WELCOME George W. At least he was a man of integrity and humour, both characteristics sadly lacking in the president-elect. The only redeeming factor is that trump was illegitimately elected by little more than ONE QUARTER of the US electorate (and by far less than one half of those who voted).
I truly hope the far-greater-majority-which-did-not-vote-for-trump voices it disapproval - loudly and frequently.
I recall how incensed I was when the US re-elected President George W Bush. I would now WELCOME George W. At least he was a man of integrity and humour, both characteristics sadly lacking in the president-elect. The only redeeming factor is that trump was illegitimately elected by little more than ONE QUARTER of the US electorate (and by far less than one half of those who voted).
I truly hope the far-greater-majority-which-did-not-vote-for-trump voices it disapproval - loudly and frequently.
6
Beautifully expressed.
THANK YOU President Obama!
You will be greatly missed President Obama,not just as a Commander in Chief but also the par excellence with which you and your family conducted yourselves through eight wonderful years.You took on the challenge of your disastrous inheritance when you took office in 2008 & conducted yourself with dignity & poise in the face of enumerable "obstacles".As I write this I am moved to tears just at the thought of how quickly the next few hours will slip away to end your glorious presidency phase.
Tomorrow will feel like a dark cloud has settled over the US & the world when this man is "swprn"in!I shudder to name him as even an (illegitimate president).Sacrilege to the highest office in the land and The White House!Class will leave the White House with President Obama and his family whose tenure there & as our Commander in Chief is exemplary from every aspect(just too many to enumerate.)
THANK YOU President Obama!
You will be greatly missed President Obama,not just as a Commander in Chief but also the par excellence with which you and your family conducted yourselves through eight wonderful years.You took on the challenge of your disastrous inheritance when you took office in 2008 & conducted yourself with dignity & poise in the face of enumerable "obstacles".As I write this I am moved to tears just at the thought of how quickly the next few hours will slip away to end your glorious presidency phase.
Tomorrow will feel like a dark cloud has settled over the US & the world when this man is "swprn"in!I shudder to name him as even an (illegitimate president).Sacrilege to the highest office in the land and The White House!Class will leave the White House with President Obama and his family whose tenure there & as our Commander in Chief is exemplary from every aspect(just too many to enumerate.)
4
I'm trying to view the looming apocalypse positively. Four years of Hillary would have continued the same dynamic, with a centrist Democrat in the White House, and an extremely ideological, shamelessly unproductive GOP majority in Congress. Four years (or maybe fewer) of the Trumpocalypse should be enough to drive a new coalition of reasonable, progressive, inclusive, honest Americans to work together to throw these selfish, hateful people out of government.
3
We will miss having a president who is not so erratic and emotionally unbalanced that his advisors tell us to stop paying attention to what he says. Can anyone even imagine that being said about any other president in history.
2
Good to know the earnest Mr. Kristof is speaking for himself. He certainly doesn't speak for me. As much as Trump brings uncertainty to the presidency, I am counting the days until this tyrant is gone.
5
There is a significant segment of our country who are not comfortable with the demeanor of our incoming President, including many of those who voted for him. A wide segment of our country admires the grace, class and civility of the outgoing president. I believe that is the most important factor underlying his current popularity rating. None of this addresses the election results. Mr. Kristof's belief that virtually half of Americans voted Republican was driven by "fickle/promiscuous" tendencies might only be an explanation for the Democrat's selection of Hillary Clinton as its nominee. The real change that was desired in the election was that of having our government work together to solve the real problems still existing after 8 years with our current President. It was his personal belief that he had all of the answers to our many challenges. His unwillingness to engage and collaborate with others in Washington, coupled with an onslaught of speeches and executive orders, has been an outsized contribution to the continued bi-partisanship he claimed he'd address in his candidacy. I give Americans credit for desiring an accountable/effective government far more that an opportunity to indulge their fickle nature. For the sake of our future, one can only hope that our outgoing President will fail to deliver on his next promise of speaking out on selected topics after he leaves. The nation, not to mention the Democratic party, can't afford the fall-out.
3
Shades of Christian fundamentalism. The Obamas are a model nuclear family. No divorces, no abortions, Sundays at church, no swearing, obedient children, a stay-at-home wife who knows her place and a paternalistic husband as breadwinner.
Give me a break Kristoff, When did you go Southern Baptist on us? I hope the Obama family does well. But if Michelle gets sick of Barack's dullness and decides to play the field, I wouldn't think any less of her. I find it offensive to assume that his conventional life style proves his integrity and decency and honor. And if Obama's teenage daughters have been respectful during the White House years, I suspect they are repressing opinions that will soon emerge. How many parents get through life without being called stupid by their teenage children? According to psychologists, if you haven't been called stupid by your kids, you're family is probably dysfunctional.
And, as for Mr. Kristof, he seems to be a closet conservative who honors family values from another time and place.
Give me a break Kristoff, When did you go Southern Baptist on us? I hope the Obama family does well. But if Michelle gets sick of Barack's dullness and decides to play the field, I wouldn't think any less of her. I find it offensive to assume that his conventional life style proves his integrity and decency and honor. And if Obama's teenage daughters have been respectful during the White House years, I suspect they are repressing opinions that will soon emerge. How many parents get through life without being called stupid by their teenage children? According to psychologists, if you haven't been called stupid by your kids, you're family is probably dysfunctional.
And, as for Mr. Kristof, he seems to be a closet conservative who honors family values from another time and place.
1
For 8 whole years, Republicans in Congress and all over this country did nothing to support President Obama. Their declared intent: "To make him a one term President" FAILED and so this cabal of determined Repuglicans from every state in the Union decided it was good enough to make him the most hated President. So they started their campaign of lies which was really underway during his first term, but with renewed vigor. These lies came fast and furious and some became the basis from which they created other lies but when lies are proclaimed by media sources and never denied except by private "fact check" organizations we are left to still question what this President did while in office. I was born and raised in a small town and in a small town GOSSIP is King. Gossip is just telling a lie over and over again until everyone believes it. In the wider political world it's called Propaganda but it's the same principle....repeat the lie over and over until everyone believes it. The Press had a job to do and they failed miserably to contradict these lies with the truth. The fact that so many people still believe Mr. Obama didn't present his birth certificate and was actually born in Kenya is a perfect example. Because they didn't do their job the lies once out there in the media somewhere were accepted by most people as being the truth--- Eight years later there is more acceptance of the lies than the truth---propaganda has won! The "press" failed us all!
2
I suspect the GOP will give Obama the Jimmy Carter treatment. They will make a big show of erasing his accomplishments, and as time goes on they will repeat the cliche that he "didn't do anything." Then they will point to the accomplishments they erased as proof of that.
4
Character matters.
Looking back down the long list of former Presidents and First Ladies, all strike me as reasonable role models. Maybe, if they all had had unfettered access to Twitter like our current President-Elect, my list would be far more specific, but possibly Trump would be more role-model-like without all the coverage via the television and social media. Maybe less is more.
But President and First Lady Obama have Twitter accounts and manage to remain classy, kind, sympathetic, encouraging, and all-around uplifting with each of their tweets. They've managed to rise above the urge to get down in the mud with their detractors. As Michelle said, "when they go low, we go high."
I differed with President Bush on many of his policies and questioned the logic of his decisions, but I always held him and his lovely wife in high esteem. They're good people, worthy of respect and admiration. Although I supported Obama in the 2008 election, I have the utmost respect for Senator McCain, no matter our differences.
Character matters -- until now. Now, it's okay for the President-Elect to not release his tax returns. It's okay for him to flaunt his promiscuity. For him to engage in disgusting locker room talk that decent men would've turned away from. He can praise the Russian dictator while attacking our own intelligence agencies. He can wield the full weight of his authority to attack private citizens.
What's down is now up and the inmates are running the asylum.
Looking back down the long list of former Presidents and First Ladies, all strike me as reasonable role models. Maybe, if they all had had unfettered access to Twitter like our current President-Elect, my list would be far more specific, but possibly Trump would be more role-model-like without all the coverage via the television and social media. Maybe less is more.
But President and First Lady Obama have Twitter accounts and manage to remain classy, kind, sympathetic, encouraging, and all-around uplifting with each of their tweets. They've managed to rise above the urge to get down in the mud with their detractors. As Michelle said, "when they go low, we go high."
I differed with President Bush on many of his policies and questioned the logic of his decisions, but I always held him and his lovely wife in high esteem. They're good people, worthy of respect and admiration. Although I supported Obama in the 2008 election, I have the utmost respect for Senator McCain, no matter our differences.
Character matters -- until now. Now, it's okay for the President-Elect to not release his tax returns. It's okay for him to flaunt his promiscuity. For him to engage in disgusting locker room talk that decent men would've turned away from. He can praise the Russian dictator while attacking our own intelligence agencies. He can wield the full weight of his authority to attack private citizens.
What's down is now up and the inmates are running the asylum.
5
I quite like Barack but America has fallen behind in the world in many areas since Barack took over. His focus on social issues while letting the middle class shrink has brought about the era of Trump. Participation in the workforce is at an all time low but Barack did not see that as a problem because the Liberals believe that 40% of the people should support the other 60%. Middle America rose up to send a message but the Democratic Party of Barack did not listen. I sure hope Trump can follow through on at least half of his promises!
3
The middle-class has been in decline since the late '60s, so how you can put that on Obama is beyond me.
You also seem to forget that he brought this country back from the brink of a Depression in 2008, and for the length of his entire presidency had to contend with a hostile Republican Congress.
Think Trump will deliver? ...Good luck with that.
You also seem to forget that he brought this country back from the brink of a Depression in 2008, and for the length of his entire presidency had to contend with a hostile Republican Congress.
Think Trump will deliver? ...Good luck with that.
1
Are the recent polls that state Americans are already souring on Trump, conducted by the same pollsters that predicted Hillary's coronation by an overwhelming margin? Of course, I'll miss Obama. Who will be there to pardon terrorists and individuals who leak highly classified material to our enemies? Private sector job creation? I'll miss that also. Who wouldn't want to hold three poor paying, part time jobs to survive? I'll miss his reserve and calm deemanor. Who else will draw red lines and then, so calmly and elegantly, ignore them? No scandals does not a great President make.
7
Not only do I already miss President Obama; I already miss the whole Obama first family. They were one of the most dignified first families in history and not one member of the "Party of 'No'" could find anything scandalous about any of them. I am trying hard to prepare myself for the transition from the "Party of 'No'" to the "Party of narcissism and hypocrisy." Transplant the words and behavior of our President elect into the mouths and actions of our youth and tell me that the parents of those young people would not, at the very least, reprimand their offspring for such language and behavior. Yet, those same parents went to the polls in November and voted in a man who not only speaks the words that they so abhor but follows up with equally repulsive actions. I, for one, will not lower myself to such hypocritical standards. It will be difficult, I know, but one thing I know is that I am a better human being than Trump.
4
Well said indeed. Thank you, Mr. Kristof.
3
Circa 2008: Hope And Change. Circa 2016: Fear and Loathing.
3
What I will miss most is Obama's ability to raise the level of discourse on any subject. He always refused to talk down to us. When he spoke on a subject, it was always with elucidating, intelligent clarity, intended to inform. I always felt a calm, knowing he was at the helm of the country.
When I hear Trump speak, first my skin crawls, then the fear sets in. He doesn't even know what I as a private citizen know--how can he lead the whole country?
When I hear Trump speak, first my skin crawls, then the fear sets in. He doesn't even know what I as a private citizen know--how can he lead the whole country?
4
Grace and dignity. Thank you, Obama family!!
4
The media in particular will rue the day President Obama left office and in the hands of someone who looks at information in tweets and favors one news outlet over another. The favored ones may think they have won, but we will have lost the multiplicity of voices that lead to fair democracy. Will we ever see a reasoned news conference held by president Obama again?
Republicans are always seeking to return us to 50's morality, but no one exemplified ethical and moral standards that we could be proud of than President Obama and his family. Ironically the Repubican Trump has done more to destroy this than any one person. How can we hold up our heads again and demand that our president live up to ethical standards after the travesty of Donald Trump?
Republicans are always seeking to return us to 50's morality, but no one exemplified ethical and moral standards that we could be proud of than President Obama and his family. Ironically the Repubican Trump has done more to destroy this than any one person. How can we hold up our heads again and demand that our president live up to ethical standards after the travesty of Donald Trump?
5
This country is in deep trouble. It has been systematically undone by a right-wing conservative agenda spearheaded by Republicans in a desperate bid to gain a totalitarian control over the three branches of government. And now, at its head sits one of the most ill-suited and incompetent individuals to come along in recent history.
What's inexcusable about this is the sheer gullibility of Americans who put their trust in someone who is about as away from the White working-class he claims to represent -- When in truth, they only voted for him because he's a White man spreading hateful slander about a Black man who happens to be President of the United States.
No one wants to say this aloud. So I will.
And if Historians want to note the demise of the Democratic Party, I hope they also take into account the lasting effects that racism, "FAKE NEWS", and 24/7 hate-radio, has had on a segment of the American public spoon-fed into seeing themselves as the only victims of the "Wall street-liberal-educated-coastal-elite" -- when 'We, the People' are all victims.
It's also odd that they collectively elected a multi-millionaire who comes from that ilk, and who by his cabinet choices of wealthy, corporate-types has shown himself to be no different from the "status-quo" they thought they were voting against.
What this means for the rest of the country is anybody's guess -- But so far, it's not looking too good.
So, yes. I daresay a great many of us are missing Barack Obama already.
What's inexcusable about this is the sheer gullibility of Americans who put their trust in someone who is about as away from the White working-class he claims to represent -- When in truth, they only voted for him because he's a White man spreading hateful slander about a Black man who happens to be President of the United States.
No one wants to say this aloud. So I will.
And if Historians want to note the demise of the Democratic Party, I hope they also take into account the lasting effects that racism, "FAKE NEWS", and 24/7 hate-radio, has had on a segment of the American public spoon-fed into seeing themselves as the only victims of the "Wall street-liberal-educated-coastal-elite" -- when 'We, the People' are all victims.
It's also odd that they collectively elected a multi-millionaire who comes from that ilk, and who by his cabinet choices of wealthy, corporate-types has shown himself to be no different from the "status-quo" they thought they were voting against.
What this means for the rest of the country is anybody's guess -- But so far, it's not looking too good.
So, yes. I daresay a great many of us are missing Barack Obama already.
9
Pray tell when did an incoming president have lower approval ratings (<40%) than an outgoing president (~60%)? After eight years of his presidency, instead of Obama fatigue, there seems to be Trump fatigue even before he gets into office?
3
You demonstrated old-fashioned dignity and virtue in writing this. Thank you.
3
“God’s mills grind slowly, but they grind exceedingly fine.”
--- Often attributed to Longfellow.
You can’t help noticing how pudgy Mr. Trump has become.
This coming from a man who frequently insults overweight people, particularly when they are women.
Let us hope that this is a sign that G-d is watching over us.
--- Often attributed to Longfellow.
You can’t help noticing how pudgy Mr. Trump has become.
This coming from a man who frequently insults overweight people, particularly when they are women.
Let us hope that this is a sign that G-d is watching over us.
4
Obama was elected before his time; he never had a chance to develop as a political leader within the Senate. At the same time 2008 was probably the only election he could have won. The real question, though, in 2008, was what would happen in 2016: would the Dems be able to build a coalition of progressives around new faces and get someone even more forward looking elected, or would it be business as usual? Unfortunately it was the latter, because Bill and Hill wouldn't let go and Obama didn't have the political clout to counter them. Obama's great accomplishment was getting us to talk about the right things in the right way; we're about to take a huge step backwards.
1
Amen. President Obama was the best of my lifetime, on the level of FDR.
You don't know what you've got till its gone.
You don't know what you've got till its gone.
2
Such gracious writing and truthful comments my thoughts exactly thanks you for saying it for me and I hope they in the future everyone will see how wrong they were about one of the most respected family that ever occupied the White House.....
Thank you.
Thank you.
4
What part of Obama are you missing the most?the half a million dead in Syria?The disaster that is Iraq and Libya?The doubling of the Federal Deficit? The worsening of racial relations?Supporting HRC over other potential candidate?It is a though choice Nicholas but if you have blinders on you see just what you want to see
6
Whatever awaits us, Americans chose this path. That guy will be president tomorrow, on my birthday, no doubt my worst birthday " gift" ever. We got him and in many ways we deserve him. Almost half the country voted for him, a third to a half of all adults didn't bother to vote or register to vote. We allow propaganda " news" and all out fake news to exist. We allowed our education system to become flacid. We allow Science fact to be denied and allow Bible-based " facts" to hold sway. Religious freedom does not justify delusional views of the age of the earth, the clear and provable existance of Natural Selection, Evolution, Global climate change abetted by human activity. Science is not opinion, it is our best efforts to understand our existence.
Our priorities are questionable. Our values are confused.
Our civic duties are often looked upon as a burden, not the great boon and treasure of a Democracy. Russia didn't this to us. rasPutin didn't do this to us ( though he helped ). We did this to us. One can only hope it is enough of a wake up call to make us change before " that guy " makes too many changes that cannot be easily remedied. Our reputation, our welfare, our ethical standards, our dignity and our future is at stake and yet so far we have not put in the effort or energy to assure those treasures are protected. We did this, however we voted or if we even bothered.
Our priorities are questionable. Our values are confused.
Our civic duties are often looked upon as a burden, not the great boon and treasure of a Democracy. Russia didn't this to us. rasPutin didn't do this to us ( though he helped ). We did this to us. One can only hope it is enough of a wake up call to make us change before " that guy " makes too many changes that cannot be easily remedied. Our reputation, our welfare, our ethical standards, our dignity and our future is at stake and yet so far we have not put in the effort or energy to assure those treasures are protected. We did this, however we voted or if we even bothered.
2
last full day of Obama as president - good luck to you Mr President - time to celebrate the work to begin on Monday undoing the illegitimate work Obama did around congress, time to make America work 'by the rules' again, America is a land of laws that the Dems disrespected for far too long.....time will be the judge of the Trump presidency but if you're a snowflake liberal or the NYT you can get a head start by lying and playing psychic with all your dire whining predictions. John Lewis good work of the past does not immunize him from the stupidity and lack of judgement in his comments today. Remember liberals, '....elections have consequences', now excuse me while I celebrate your pathetic tears.
4
Trump: 3 wives, 100s of lawsuits, bankruptcies, insults to women, disabled, immigrants compared to Obama steady, well-read, deeply committed to all Americans. Despite 78 months of job gains, Democrats, except for Bernie, missed the need for good jobs for all - for that we get Tweetin Trump.
2
'where hawkish pro-Israeli members are campaigning to deny Obama membership — even though there’s no official indication he will even apply.'
This is so utterly meanspirited and presumptuous.
Aside from the continuance of Obama persecution, he is clearly not against Israel but rather, against its leaders excesses.
'Mostly, I think we journalists overdo the personal and pay insufficient attention to policies '
That is undeniable and of great concern. One way or another it cost the election.
This is so utterly meanspirited and presumptuous.
Aside from the continuance of Obama persecution, he is clearly not against Israel but rather, against its leaders excesses.
'Mostly, I think we journalists overdo the personal and pay insufficient attention to policies '
That is undeniable and of great concern. One way or another it cost the election.
3
You have it wrong....we won't soon miss Obama - WE ALREADY MISS HIM!
3
"We can argue about Obama’s policies. For my part, I deplored his passivity on Syria. But even on issues that I disagreed with him on, I never doubted his integrity or intelligence, his decency or honor."
Like yourself, I have never doubted any of those, despite disagreeing with a lot more of his policies than you did. His passivity on Syria, however, was one of the few I agreed with. As the President of the United States, his first responsibility is to this country and the lives of its citizens, and by declining to play Texas Ranger to the world, he kept our troops safe.
I believe that Mr. Obama, like Mr. Carter before him, was too good a man to be a great president. As a man of strong moral character, he found it difficult to compromise his ideals. That is a good trait in many ways, but does not translate well into the give and take of practical politics. He also attempted to rely on rational argument and facts, when bombast and threats are often the more effective methods of persuasion.
Like yourself, I have never doubted any of those, despite disagreeing with a lot more of his policies than you did. His passivity on Syria, however, was one of the few I agreed with. As the President of the United States, his first responsibility is to this country and the lives of its citizens, and by declining to play Texas Ranger to the world, he kept our troops safe.
I believe that Mr. Obama, like Mr. Carter before him, was too good a man to be a great president. As a man of strong moral character, he found it difficult to compromise his ideals. That is a good trait in many ways, but does not translate well into the give and take of practical politics. He also attempted to rely on rational argument and facts, when bombast and threats are often the more effective methods of persuasion.
1
I know what you mean, Nick. I'm already nostalgic for the Obama era's divisiveness, racism, self-regard, weak presidential appointments, dismal economic recovery, and wrong-headed, excessive regulation.
Thank you for another column from the Obama-worshipping New York Times parallel universe...
Thank you for another column from the Obama-worshipping New York Times parallel universe...
3
I will not miss his authoritarian politically correctness run amok regime. Maybe the country can move forward now that the mainstream media isn't calling the shots and propagandizing the pseudo success of a puppet for globalism who has dark skin.
2
On some level, these qualities shone through during the primary campaign in 2008... and on some level Ms. Clinton's association with her husband's Foundation seemed to undercut her integrity and contribute to the perception that she was as corrupt or--- in the eyes of some--- MORE corrupt than her opponent. Maybe one takeaway for the Democrat party is to run a squeaky clean candidate with the kind of integrity former Presidents Obama and Carter exude.
As someone who has been lucky enough to live and travel overseas extensively, I can safely say that President Obama is highly regarded around the world and did much to repair the damage done by the Bush Administration. For the last year, as Trump gained momentum, every person I met abroad was shocked by his popularity among some Americans and asked for reassurance that "surely he cannot win." They are unnerved by his election and fear that international disorder and conflict will soon follow. Too bad more Americans did not see the obvious dangers posed by a psychologically unstable and unfit candidate that were so clear to those in the rest of the world.
12
The Bushes (W and Laura) also conducted themselves well.
8
Mr. Kristof,
I agree with everything you have stated to the letter! I am so very ashamed of the GOP, not even a single person is trying to say, 'we disagree with Mr. Obama on policies, but find him to be a decent human being!' It is their loss. I for one Mr. Obama & Family the most. That is how a first family should conduct themselves! I felt the same way about the 43rd President & his family as well. They did not bring a bad name. Mr Obama did not get involved with Syria because he know what happens if you get involved in the middle east and they will always live in hatred and in a poison well that is just the way they are. Only Jordan so far is living with civility, my opinion only!
I agree with everything you have stated to the letter! I am so very ashamed of the GOP, not even a single person is trying to say, 'we disagree with Mr. Obama on policies, but find him to be a decent human being!' It is their loss. I for one Mr. Obama & Family the most. That is how a first family should conduct themselves! I felt the same way about the 43rd President & his family as well. They did not bring a bad name. Mr Obama did not get involved with Syria because he know what happens if you get involved in the middle east and they will always live in hatred and in a poison well that is just the way they are. Only Jordan so far is living with civility, my opinion only!
6
Just hang the Confederate Flag on the White House already........
4
Don't compare the Democrats to when Obama came into office. That penalizes him for his coattails in 2008. Compare to the Democrats in 2004. We will miss him more and more-dark times ahead.
4
Trump is just different from Obama. its like David Robinson and Dennis Rodman the only similarities is that they both played basketball. We will see though.
President Obama, and I refuse to address any one else with that title, is a MAN in every sense of Kipling's great poem IF. We are better for having the privilege of knowing and hearing him these eight years. Historians and journalists may honestly disagree with his policies but there is no shred of doubt about the principles that guided him or the reasons he made his choices. Those that are trying to unravel his legacy have no arguments to offer, just their hatred.
And with Michelle Obama as FLOTUS, we had two helpings of grace and decency.
On this the last full day of the Obamas in the WH, as we already get nostalgic let us remember-
"Don't let it be forgot, that once there was a spot, for one brief shining moment, that was known as Camelot."
And with Michelle Obama as FLOTUS, we had two helpings of grace and decency.
On this the last full day of the Obamas in the WH, as we already get nostalgic let us remember-
"Don't let it be forgot, that once there was a spot, for one brief shining moment, that was known as Camelot."
3
Thank you for this column Mr. Kristof! I never thought I would see the day when a person of such low-quality would become President of the United States. I think reality tv has helped skew people -- many seem to not be able to distinguish between fake news and real facts, for example Mr. Trump by all accounts and several bankruptcies is a failed businessman -- no matter how good his ratings were (as compared to his tweet about Arnold Schwarzenegger's ratings) on the Apprentice. It's no secret (and not reality tv entertainment) that Mr. Trump favors Mr. Putin over his own President and his own intelligence agency -- a mind-boggling breach with the people he is now set to serve. And in true reality tv fashion, the public seems to think this is all a game that will end or has ended with Trump as the winner. But what have (he) and they won -- and how will they feel when the REAL REALITY sets in. This Reality TV Show will, I fear, have a lot of losers -- not just in the United States, but around the world.
5
To borrow from Gladiator: Trump is smarter that he looks. The U.S. is the mob. Tweet for them and they’ll be distracted. Put unqualified billionaires in charge and they will roar. The beating heart of the U.S. is not the marble of the Congress, it is the electronic ethos of the internet. He’ll bring them a lower standard of living and they love him for it.
President Obama made missteps and was somewhat politically naive coming into the Presidency, but his heart was always firmly pro USA - we are one people. He firmly believes what unites us is much larger than what divides us. His optimism will be sorely missed.
President Obama made missteps and was somewhat politically naive coming into the Presidency, but his heart was always firmly pro USA - we are one people. He firmly believes what unites us is much larger than what divides us. His optimism will be sorely missed.
6
I feel your pain, Mr. Kristof. If Hillary had won, we'd be missing Obama already too. But which will you miss most -- the rising insurance premiums, loss of jobs, terrorism , executive orders, anti-straight agenda, anti-cop agenda, anti-white agenda, anti-legal-immigration agenda, anti-conservative agenda, scorn for Christians, scorn for the Heartland or something else entirely?
2
Rising insurance premiums: yes, they rising under Obamacare but at a SLOWER rate than before t.
Loss of jobs: over six continuous years of consecutive job growth. How is that a loss? The recession started under Bush.
Terrorism: it didn't start under Obama. Bush didn't stop it, and neither will Trump.
Executive orders: Bush gave more executive orders than Obama.
Anti-straight agenda: How many straight people were denied marriage, jobs, loans, housing, etc., under Obama?
Anti-cop agenda? Please explain.
Anti-white agenda? Please explain.
Anti-legal immigration agenda? What are you talking about?
Anti-conservative agenda? Again, please explain. Is the GOP pro-liberal? It seemed very anti-liberal. Isn't that expected?
Scorn for Christians and the Heartland? I won't argue with your feelings, but I never felt scorned as a Christian by Obama, nor for being from the Deep South. These two topics are subjective, and no argument either way will be that convincing.
Loss of jobs: over six continuous years of consecutive job growth. How is that a loss? The recession started under Bush.
Terrorism: it didn't start under Obama. Bush didn't stop it, and neither will Trump.
Executive orders: Bush gave more executive orders than Obama.
Anti-straight agenda: How many straight people were denied marriage, jobs, loans, housing, etc., under Obama?
Anti-cop agenda? Please explain.
Anti-white agenda? Please explain.
Anti-legal immigration agenda? What are you talking about?
Anti-conservative agenda? Again, please explain. Is the GOP pro-liberal? It seemed very anti-liberal. Isn't that expected?
Scorn for Christians and the Heartland? I won't argue with your feelings, but I never felt scorned as a Christian by Obama, nor for being from the Deep South. These two topics are subjective, and no argument either way will be that convincing.
3
Missing Obama already? At this rate, we'll be missing Nixon as well.
7
"When Obama won the Nobel Peace Prize..."
The only recipient to ever win a Nobel prize for being black. Obama then proceeded to be one of the longest wartime Presidents in US history.
The only recipient to ever win a Nobel prize for being black. Obama then proceeded to be one of the longest wartime Presidents in US history.
4
As a never Trumper, the only good I see with a Trump is his last name is not Clinton or Obama. I have no doubt that ISIS would not be a household name if McCain or Romney had won in 2008 or 2012. Now, let's watch Obama's boot lickers come out to defend him.
They arrogance of NYT is nauseating. PLEASE, do not every quote a poll on anything again. EVERY POLL said HRC was going to win. Why do u continue propagate a false hood. Polling is obsolete. Talk to real real people.
3
No, not every poll, especially when you take your not account my the margin of error. The mistake was not in the polls themselves but in the misinterpretation of them.
Nate Silver of fivethirtyeight.com said that Clinton was more likely to win, but definitely made clear that Trump had about a 1/3 chance of winning. He knew it wasn't a done deal.
Nate Silver of fivethirtyeight.com said that Clinton was more likely to win, but definitely made clear that Trump had about a 1/3 chance of winning. He knew it wasn't a done deal.
2
Unless Trump is a closet Progressive whose utterances and actions were designed to bamboozle the frightened, naive elements of our society - and the cynics who would exploit their ignorance and simple-mindedness - into putting him in power, the next four years are likely to ruin much that made America both a powerful and basically moral world leader. The notion that Trump is a secret Progressive who will act for the common good is, of course, nonsense. He is what he seems, an amoral neo-fascist.
What then can we as citizens, as well as those men and women in positions of power, do when Trump acts to dismantle the essential character of our polity, our character as a moral people governed by laws gradually evolved to further extend justice for all not the few?
In that institution most given to obedient response to even distasteful orders, the military justice system provides a significant legal principle: illegal or immoral orders need not be obeyed and obedience to such orders is, itself, a violation of the code of justice. I believe a similar concept exists in most civil codes. It behooves us all to remember such an ethical/legal concept during the next four years (even if Trump is impeached and convicted, his successor is equally a threat).
What then can we as citizens, as well as those men and women in positions of power, do when Trump acts to dismantle the essential character of our polity, our character as a moral people governed by laws gradually evolved to further extend justice for all not the few?
In that institution most given to obedient response to even distasteful orders, the military justice system provides a significant legal principle: illegal or immoral orders need not be obeyed and obedience to such orders is, itself, a violation of the code of justice. I believe a similar concept exists in most civil codes. It behooves us all to remember such an ethical/legal concept during the next four years (even if Trump is impeached and convicted, his successor is equally a threat).
5
This is one of the saddest days in my life. I just can't wrap my mind about the fact it's Barack Obama's last day.
Anyone else feel this way?
Anyone else feel this way?
26
I keep looking at the clock. Down to 22 hours.
Hard to believe this is happening.
Hard to believe this is happening.
3
I can't help comparing the image of half naked Melania Trump brandishing a rifle standing on the wing of an airplane with her considerable ass in a thong to the beautiful, articulate, intelligent Michelle Obama. Makes my skin crawl. From first class to white trash.
14
Hold on. Despite myself, I really feel sorry for her. Just imagine that thing grabbing you. Nauseating.
2
Well expressed. This says it all:
"But even on issues that I disagreed with him on, I never doubted his integrity or intelligence, his decency or honor."
I greatly appreciate his and his families service to our nation and will greatly miss his leadership. God Bless President Obama!
"But even on issues that I disagreed with him on, I never doubted his integrity or intelligence, his decency or honor."
I greatly appreciate his and his families service to our nation and will greatly miss his leadership. God Bless President Obama!
11
Mr. Obama is definitely a good and decent man. He values his faith, his family and his country. Unfortunately for him, his presidency will be regarded as historic, but not exceptional. His greatest legacy, Obamacare, is so flawed that it must be repealed and replaced. His missteps in Syria led to horrific results, and I will only mention without going into detail that his actions in Iraq, Iran, Israel and the Russian reset only compound his failures. At home, things aren't looking too rosy for too many of our fellow Americans. While the job numbers on paper look good, in reality, the jobs that have been created are mostly low wage and part time. We need to do better on the homefront.
It astounds me, that there are still blinders on when it comes to the election results. Those who voted for Mr. Trump, voted for change. They do not care if he is brash, boorish and downright obnoxious. Half of our country feels disenfranchised and they are looking for help from anyone who listens. Mr. Trump, like him or not, listened.
It astounds me, that there are still blinders on when it comes to the election results. Those who voted for Mr. Trump, voted for change. They do not care if he is brash, boorish and downright obnoxious. Half of our country feels disenfranchised and they are looking for help from anyone who listens. Mr. Trump, like him or not, listened.
2
Reminds me of an old country song: how can I miss you when you won't go away?
Millions have put up with his preening and posturing and failures for eight years. We didn't march, lather at the mouth, wring our hands with teen-girl-like emotions, protest or roll in the floor when the most inexperienced president in history was elected.
Please, let him go.
Millions have put up with his preening and posturing and failures for eight years. We didn't march, lather at the mouth, wring our hands with teen-girl-like emotions, protest or roll in the floor when the most inexperienced president in history was elected.
Please, let him go.
2
I have immersed myself in President Obama and Michelle Obama as much as I could the last two weeks, often with tears wheling in my eyes. His farewell address, his last news conference, his 60 Minutes interview and the profile of Michelle on CNN. He made me proud to be an American, if only for a little while. Whenever I saw him on TV in the past, he brought me a sense of peace and that he was a man who knew the meaning of the nautical term 'steady as she goes'. To keep to the nautical metaphor I fear the next president will quickly steer, along with those in his administration, America on to the rocks.
3
Not.
Integrity, honor, ethics, kindness, virtue, dignitiy, professionalism does not in any way describe Mr. Trump. I will never, can never, call him Pr@@@@ent Trump. Even Mr. is unwarranted. I don't care what your politics are or how much you hated Mrs. Clinton. Shame on you for voting in this spoiled rotten baby. The only beneficiaries will be people like me with assets. My portfolio is up already 10%. Good on me.
This man is deplorable, and if you still support him, then so are you. A truly virtuous person puts his own immediate needs aside in favor of the long run. How I will miss the dignity of the Obamas. As this gaudy want to be and his equally superficial former porn star wife stomp in the front door,they will leave mud all over the place and all over this country.
This man is deplorable, and if you still support him, then so are you. A truly virtuous person puts his own immediate needs aside in favor of the long run. How I will miss the dignity of the Obamas. As this gaudy want to be and his equally superficial former porn star wife stomp in the front door,they will leave mud all over the place and all over this country.
4
We won't miss the ego, or the preening, or the self-righteousness, or the "arc of history" blather. The Left's messiah has been revealed as false, and his legacy of "phone and a pen" will be ashes and dust.
2
Thank you President Obama and family. Not only have you inspired me, you made me believe in the positive power of the Presidency again. While traveling abroad, I was proud when our European friends admired our country again for its courage and class to elect a progressive, forward thinking, compassionate man. You encouraged woman by your respect for us, and the visual of how you treated Michelle with such love and admiration was breathtaking. Lastly, your love for not only your own children, but the world's children as well will long stay with me. You called on us to collectively rise to make e the better place for all of them. In spite of our present circumstance, I hope we have the courage to heed this call.
2
Never miss reading your columns. This one is perfectly stated and we share with you our sadness in seeing Mr Obama leave. We, too, are disturbed by the incoming administration.
2
People can scoff, publications can scoff, I don’t care. For eight years, we had a forward-looking President who understands that this single globe we all live on, home to every one of us regardless of ethnicity or religion, is precious and must be preserved. That means minimizing military conflict, protecting our environment, and caring about people. All people. It means working to get everyone to at least try to get along, both at home and abroad, for the sake of our long term common good. Did Barack Obama do everything right? Maybe not, but understanding his core values has let me sleep at night.
We are saying goodbye to a calm man of peace willing to listen to everyone at the table, whether it’s about domestic policy or international issues. We are saying hello to a hotheaded bully who wants to throw his weight around everywhere so everyone understands that he is top dog, and that America is top-dog-nation. It’s just ridiculous.
We Americans need to get over ourselves. We share this planet with billions of people. With each new administration, we should inch a little closer to becoming one united Earth. I fear this is not the goal now. This time, it’s all about how we’re the best, it’s us against them, we’re going to win and they’re going to lose. It’s a shame, because there is no “us” and “them.” There’s just humanity. I will not be sleeping as well going forward.
Barack Obama is a man ahead of his time. He’ll be missed.
We are saying goodbye to a calm man of peace willing to listen to everyone at the table, whether it’s about domestic policy or international issues. We are saying hello to a hotheaded bully who wants to throw his weight around everywhere so everyone understands that he is top dog, and that America is top-dog-nation. It’s just ridiculous.
We Americans need to get over ourselves. We share this planet with billions of people. With each new administration, we should inch a little closer to becoming one united Earth. I fear this is not the goal now. This time, it’s all about how we’re the best, it’s us against them, we’re going to win and they’re going to lose. It’s a shame, because there is no “us” and “them.” There’s just humanity. I will not be sleeping as well going forward.
Barack Obama is a man ahead of his time. He’ll be missed.
6
Thank you Mr. Kristof for your beautiful video on immigration in America. One of those could have been my grandfather in 1904. John Joseph Lynch. I am so grateful to this country.
1
I'll never forget election night 2016: It began with high excitement anticipating the election of America's first female president, highly qualified and ready day one; it ended with sadness, fear and disbelief that a person so disqualified and ridiculous had won.
In the days and weeks since, I have reflected on what we were losing and what we will be saddled with over the next four years. The sadness, fear and disbelief have only magnified and become overbearing. Mr. Obama was not my first choice in 2008; Hillary was. However, I voted for him because he was the better choice over the Republican candidate. Mr. Obama has won me over during his eight year presidency and then some. In this age of "reality TV" where the "dregs of the earth parade" around scandalizing us at every turn, and bad behavior seems to be what the masses adore, Mr. Obama, et al are and have been a breath of fresh air. His policies and work for the American people have always been exemplary and his intelligence and "cool" something I will always remember.
The following is, in a comment to the NY Times, really "preaching to the choir", but come on America, READ REPUTABLE NEWS!!! The lazy procurement of "news??" from the internet is more times than not, fiction.
Mr. Obama, thank you for you and God bless you and your family! I miss you already!
In the days and weeks since, I have reflected on what we were losing and what we will be saddled with over the next four years. The sadness, fear and disbelief have only magnified and become overbearing. Mr. Obama was not my first choice in 2008; Hillary was. However, I voted for him because he was the better choice over the Republican candidate. Mr. Obama has won me over during his eight year presidency and then some. In this age of "reality TV" where the "dregs of the earth parade" around scandalizing us at every turn, and bad behavior seems to be what the masses adore, Mr. Obama, et al are and have been a breath of fresh air. His policies and work for the American people have always been exemplary and his intelligence and "cool" something I will always remember.
The following is, in a comment to the NY Times, really "preaching to the choir", but come on America, READ REPUTABLE NEWS!!! The lazy procurement of "news??" from the internet is more times than not, fiction.
Mr. Obama, thank you for you and God bless you and your family! I miss you already!
6
I can't ever remember any U.S. president calling any of his fellow Americans "enemies" like Trump has done. Yeah, we're gonna miss Barack alright.
4
....that led Obama’s presidency to enjoy the longest streak of consecutive private-sector job creation in the 78 years the statistic has been recorded.
I guess Kristof didn't see the article yesterday from his colleagues showing that Presidents and their policies, in fact, have very little impact on the economy.
I guess Kristof didn't see the article yesterday from his colleagues showing that Presidents and their policies, in fact, have very little impact on the economy.
1
William F.Buckley and his publisher of National Review, William Rusher, often used the word, "sourpuss"to designate a lack of sportsmanship, a sore loser in the game of politics, and this, I believe applies to MR. kRISTOF and all the other liberal elitists who refuse to give Trump and his millions of supporters benefit of doubt despite election which he won fair and square. NK mocks Trump for his bad grammar, which he shares with most Americans, for his low approval rating. Trump talks and writes like his millions of supoporters--nothing wrong with that. He is a man of the people, vox populi, and as a supporter, have yet to hear one aficionado complain about his experiment with the king's English. By contrast, NK praises O for receiving Nobel Prize, given to him precociously and prematurely,many weeks of consecutive job creation. Ask any employee of a super market chain about job creation. Jobs r part time,employees transferred w/o their say so. Some job creation!Finally,
0 may have been brought up by a single mom, but one who had her Ph.D.and sent Barack to best private schools. Have a heart, Mr. Kristof.Give the new "admin"benefit of doubt until proven otherwise. Any government which Haley is part of must have something positive going for it. She is the most valuable addition to the Trump team.Mr. Kristof,don't be a sorehead, Trump "admin" may be more virtuous, more to your liking than you think at the present time.
0 may have been brought up by a single mom, but one who had her Ph.D.and sent Barack to best private schools. Have a heart, Mr. Kristof.Give the new "admin"benefit of doubt until proven otherwise. Any government which Haley is part of must have something positive going for it. She is the most valuable addition to the Trump team.Mr. Kristof,don't be a sorehead, Trump "admin" may be more virtuous, more to your liking than you think at the present time.
2
AlAlexander,
' Have a heart, Mr. Kristof.Give the new "admin"benefit of doubt until proven otherwise. Any government which Haley is part of must have something positive going for it. She is the most valuable addition to the Trump team.'
According to you, the fate of 333M people is in good hands because Mr.Trump has Haley in his cabinet?
' Have a heart, Mr. Kristof.Give the new "admin"benefit of doubt until proven otherwise. Any government which Haley is part of must have something positive going for it. She is the most valuable addition to the Trump team.'
According to you, the fate of 333M people is in good hands because Mr.Trump has Haley in his cabinet?
Sorry, Alalexander. We might have given Trump a chance, but his horrendous picks for his cabinet say it all...We're in a for a rough ride.
2
With every day, hour and minute till President Obama's term in office ends, I am in deep depression. Not for me and my wife. We live a comfortably retired existence here but a few blocks west of the grotesque gold-plated monstrosity on Fifth and Fifty-Sixth. We have known the odious inhabitant of the penthouse there for decades. A more despicable, conniving, con artist you won't come across if you lived nine lives. That is why 90% of this borough voted Hillary, the most competent, qualified, well-informed and brilliant candidate we have met since the Kennedy's were in the White House and Congress.
But no mind, the naive gullible trumpians will see what we have seen of this obnoxious buffoon. Of course he is not going to change. Like Popeye, he 'yam what he 'yam. You're about to get the full-blown Trump Scam, good and hard. Bend over, Trumpians, this is not going to be pretty.
DD
Manhattan
But no mind, the naive gullible trumpians will see what we have seen of this obnoxious buffoon. Of course he is not going to change. Like Popeye, he 'yam what he 'yam. You're about to get the full-blown Trump Scam, good and hard. Bend over, Trumpians, this is not going to be pretty.
DD
Manhattan
10
Nick, it appears you are currently not at Davos cavorting with banking, IT, and other global elites as you have done in the past during January. Good for you. Apparently it's gotten through to your head that you ought to spend the first month of each year somewhere else.
"...and the impression he made on all of us." Yes, I'll miss Obama, but that "us" you mention sadly does not include a lot of people in the US who look forward to something like Trump.
But hey. Let's give him a chance. Maybe he'll prove all of "us" wrong.
Not a chance.
But hey. Let's give him a chance. Maybe he'll prove all of "us" wrong.
Not a chance.
4
Yup!
5
I'd like to compare President Obama to another black American man who broke barriers:
Jackie Robinson.
It's amazing that in the intervening 50 years, racial hatred was exactly the same.
And it's now 150 years since the end of the Civil War. But racial hatred is very slow to resolve.
Anti-semitism has a very long history. Religious hatreds have also lived a long long time. The Muslim community is still fighting battles that began more than a thousand years ago.
I hope we can find a way to heal fear and hatred. It's essential.
Fear of lesbians and gays seemed to wane when most folks realized they already knew some, even in their own families. I take heart when I see families of mixed race. Viva blending!!!
Jackie Robinson.
It's amazing that in the intervening 50 years, racial hatred was exactly the same.
And it's now 150 years since the end of the Civil War. But racial hatred is very slow to resolve.
Anti-semitism has a very long history. Religious hatreds have also lived a long long time. The Muslim community is still fighting battles that began more than a thousand years ago.
I hope we can find a way to heal fear and hatred. It's essential.
Fear of lesbians and gays seemed to wane when most folks realized they already knew some, even in their own families. I take heart when I see families of mixed race. Viva blending!!!
5
The hagiography and gushing adulation here is beyond the pale.
Sir, this is more propaganda than commentary or op-Ed. Unfortunately, the echo chamber continues among the writers and editorial management of the NYTimes. What a shame.
Sir, this is more propaganda than commentary or op-Ed. Unfortunately, the echo chamber continues among the writers and editorial management of the NYTimes. What a shame.
3
Why so angry?
2
I have been dreading this day for quite some time.
7
After 8 years of destructive, snarky, condescending, teacher's lounge theorizing, and alinsky-ite games, 1/20/17 cannot come soon enough.
Obama's legacy of failure, is now swirling at the bottom of the historic toilet. Just a bad memory, and soon to be erased.
Goodbye Boy King, Goodbye Sweet Prince, don't let the door hit ya on the way out.
Obama's legacy of failure, is now swirling at the bottom of the historic toilet. Just a bad memory, and soon to be erased.
Goodbye Boy King, Goodbye Sweet Prince, don't let the door hit ya on the way out.
3
Just you wait and see whose arms you are running into!
2
I miss Obama already. His poise, decency, grace and elegance of thought and word will always be remembered. How sad to think he will be followed by this malicious, vindictive, adolescent clown. The only hope I have is that his thought process is so scattered(Like someone with ADD) that he can't seem to dwell on one thing for any length of time and is continuously distracted and confused by any perceived real or unreal insult, that he won't do damage that can't be undone.. But my greatest fear is that he will send our troops into battle to fight and die because HE was insulted. God help us especially our service people left in the hands of this incompetent buffoon.
11
Thank you Mr. President. You made us proud. You may leave office and hold your head high. You will be sorely missed.
10
you don't know what you've got until it's gone is already a common lament. it's hard to see how trump does anything but bring anger, confusion and chaos both nationally and internationally. i enjoy kristof, but i see he has the american disease of taking credit for everything. the usa didn't 'win' the cold war. it led the fight--often to crazy extremes--but had support from other countries. poland's solidarity movement and the polish pope weren't inconsequential. the usa does the same thing with ww2--constantly declaring 'we' won the war. no you didn't-especially in europe; you can take the lion's share for japan, but certainly not in europe.
4
Yes, we will ALL grow in appreciation of his courtesy, his civility and his attention to avoiding even the appearance of scandal, conflicts of interest and profiteering.
Even Trump's supporters will tire of a man who has never outgrown the boorish behavior of singling 2nd graders' bathroom humor, and who cannot stop telling us how terrific he is as he lurches from misstep to misstep accomplishing little but unravelling our nation.
Even Trump's supporters will tire of a man who has never outgrown the boorish behavior of singling 2nd graders' bathroom humor, and who cannot stop telling us how terrific he is as he lurches from misstep to misstep accomplishing little but unravelling our nation.
7
Given your theory of how we elect the polar opposite of our prior leaders, I can only say that it will be quite the paragon of virtue that we will have leading us in (very hopefully) four years from now.
5
Amen!
4
Obama deserves a huge had for having the nerve to take over an historic mess from the worst president in history.
Right after he was elected he held a meeting with all of the top banking criminals responsible for the Great Recession and told them "Don't worry, I've got you backs..."
To call him liberal is really to ignore his record which places him right in the center if not to the right. He was a servant to wealth and privilege, period.
Right after he was elected he held a meeting with all of the top banking criminals responsible for the Great Recession and told them "Don't worry, I've got you backs..."
To call him liberal is really to ignore his record which places him right in the center if not to the right. He was a servant to wealth and privilege, period.
2
Beautifully written, Mr Kristof. My heart is heavy today for all that we are losing.
13
When I was in Tanzania in December, a 9 year old girl asked me who I voted for. I replied, "Clinton." She replied, "I love Hilary! And Obama is my FAVORITE!" We went on to have a lengthy conversation on American politics and how the electoral college process works. She explained the Tanzanian system to me. She had a few facts confused, but as a retired high school social studies teacher, I was amazed at her interest, knowledge and understanding compared to my American students. She told me, "I listen to the BBC news with my family. I do not think Trump will be a friend to Tanzania and I do not think he is trustworthy. Why did Americans vote for him? He says mean things and he will not let people see his taxes. Why? This means he is hiding something. Obama is an honest man. I think everyone will miss his honesty." All this from a 9 year old from Tanzania.
So, yes, I agree Americans will miss Obama's positive role model and deep integrity...and so will my 9 year old friend in Tanzania.
So, yes, I agree Americans will miss Obama's positive role model and deep integrity...and so will my 9 year old friend in Tanzania.
13
...my guy had the integrity to release his taxes.
Makes you wonder what draft dodger trump is trying to dodge this time.
Makes you wonder what draft dodger trump is trying to dodge this time.
6
The Wall Street Journal has evolved into just one more propaganda rag owned by that fascist Australian who is despised by his own countrymen. I cancelled my decades-long subscription a couple of years ago when I just couldn't take it anymore...basically Fox News in print. I do miss having that extra plastic delivery bag for my dog's use.
6
You are absolutely right. His last speech to the Press Corps. was so inspiring and calming I am waiting for the next time he speaks. I refuse to watch Trump in the inauguration. I will read the press reports the next day. Watching Trump at the inauguration only serves to legitimize and normalize his behavior. "Just say No" as a slogan works here for me too.
I need Obama to stay out there and keep speaking to help hold the nation together. He is the one who speaks to core American values: dignity, steadfastness, honesty, sharing, and problem solving patiently. I miss him already.
I wish their would be a huge competition in America for young people ages 14 to 18 to write and draw/paint a statement of American values. Maximum 200 words. The winner would be judged by editors at the NYTimes, the Guardian, Vanity Fair, LA Times, Chicago Tribune, the Atlantic, Washington Post, Miami Herald, Detroit Free Press, Dallas Morning News. Absolutely no letting that little town in the midwest that judges about 80% of all scholarship entries take this on! The winning statement would be published front and center with the art in all of those papers on July 4th. We need ways to connect urban and rural families and our young people are a good way. If these papers all publish the same statement at the same time, smaller papers will report it too. Inevitably, family dinner conversation will result. It is a statement about what matters to the people we cherish the most, our children.
I need Obama to stay out there and keep speaking to help hold the nation together. He is the one who speaks to core American values: dignity, steadfastness, honesty, sharing, and problem solving patiently. I miss him already.
I wish their would be a huge competition in America for young people ages 14 to 18 to write and draw/paint a statement of American values. Maximum 200 words. The winner would be judged by editors at the NYTimes, the Guardian, Vanity Fair, LA Times, Chicago Tribune, the Atlantic, Washington Post, Miami Herald, Detroit Free Press, Dallas Morning News. Absolutely no letting that little town in the midwest that judges about 80% of all scholarship entries take this on! The winning statement would be published front and center with the art in all of those papers on July 4th. We need ways to connect urban and rural families and our young people are a good way. If these papers all publish the same statement at the same time, smaller papers will report it too. Inevitably, family dinner conversation will result. It is a statement about what matters to the people we cherish the most, our children.
2
...and unlike reagan, and the bush bums I know President Obama will continue to work to better the lives of the lives of others just as President Jimmy Carter and President Bill Clinton continue to do to this day.
I guess rightists are just lazy.
I guess rightists are just lazy.
7
7 out of 10 eligible voters did not vote for Mr. Trump.
This sad fact, while disputed by some, is simple math. Those that didn't vote for Mr. Trump plus those that didn't vote at all.
We live in an age when more information is available to more people than in any time in the history of humanity. At the same time, we're living in an age of fake news and political partisan tribalism that blinds us so badly that hapless voters choose Mr. Trump in the mistaken belief that he can handle a job that he has demonstrated exactly no qualifications.
In Mr. Trump's entire life he has never had a job that he had to apply for, compete with peers, win the job and then keep based on simple competent execution. Never once.
He was never selected by any publicly traded company to be on their board.
He is a billionaire with little or no accomplishments, no innovation, no real record of improving the human condition. He won by showing up with a bundle of cash that was handed to him by his father.
In short, he is more like the listless aristocracy that our founders banished from governance.
We the voters need to remember that in addition to voting we need to convince our fellow citizens that voting counts and that we are NOT looking for a new king. #NoNewKing
This sad fact, while disputed by some, is simple math. Those that didn't vote for Mr. Trump plus those that didn't vote at all.
We live in an age when more information is available to more people than in any time in the history of humanity. At the same time, we're living in an age of fake news and political partisan tribalism that blinds us so badly that hapless voters choose Mr. Trump in the mistaken belief that he can handle a job that he has demonstrated exactly no qualifications.
In Mr. Trump's entire life he has never had a job that he had to apply for, compete with peers, win the job and then keep based on simple competent execution. Never once.
He was never selected by any publicly traded company to be on their board.
He is a billionaire with little or no accomplishments, no innovation, no real record of improving the human condition. He won by showing up with a bundle of cash that was handed to him by his father.
In short, he is more like the listless aristocracy that our founders banished from governance.
We the voters need to remember that in addition to voting we need to convince our fellow citizens that voting counts and that we are NOT looking for a new king. #NoNewKing
7
Amen!
6
President Obama was and will remain a calm hand on the wheel. A mature, thoughtful, insightful intellectual who guided us through a perilous time. Trump is the polar opposite.
Our FLOTUS Michelle Obama is a double Ivy League educated attorney and former corporate litigator.
Melania Trump worked in the U.S. under the wrong VISA, faked her entire education and posed full frontal nude while fingering herself.
Leadership in china and Russia are rolling on the floor laughing, can't believe their luck.
Our FLOTUS Michelle Obama is a double Ivy League educated attorney and former corporate litigator.
Melania Trump worked in the U.S. under the wrong VISA, faked her entire education and posed full frontal nude while fingering herself.
Leadership in china and Russia are rolling on the floor laughing, can't believe their luck.
9
For eight years, under Obama, the Republican party was not just the party of "No" but the party of of "No, n*****"...Now, under Trump, The Democrats need to become the party of "No, n*********" (that translates to "No, narcissist"). Let's see if the Democrats AND reasonable Republicans can accomplish that; it will be necessary to prevent Trump from making America hate (and hated) again.
6
"We" have replaced an articulate, compassionate and intelligent man with a moron. Go figure.
10
Everything you say about Obama and Trump is true. The problem is, as Obama stated, this is racial backlash. After Melania Trump spoke at a rally, decrying Cyber bullying- ironic because she is married to one- a woman in the crowd said this: It will be such a pleasure to have a woman with class as First Lady after "what" we have had. Michelle did not even rate a "who." This is about race- A former escort who posed nude is Trump's third wife. Michelle was classier than anyone- but apparently, to this woman, she could not be classy because she is black. Hillary was right- this is deplorable.
10
both houses plagued...the republican try at nullfying BHO's presidency from the start and the democratic (using the term loosely for you lot of right-center establishment guard dogs) try at doing the same BEFORE the start of trump's term
are both evidence of poor grasp of the national interest (as opposed to special and personal interests)...saddest of all is the persistence in throwing mud as if recess will go on forever without cost to schooling.
sancta simplicitas.
are both evidence of poor grasp of the national interest (as opposed to special and personal interests)...saddest of all is the persistence in throwing mud as if recess will go on forever without cost to schooling.
sancta simplicitas.
1
I don't think we fully appreciated him until we were faced with the specter of Trump. We will obviously miss him.
Wonderful article.
Wonderful article.
5
AMEN!
7
I watch in fear of the domino effect for when the President Elect becomes the IL(egitimate)POTUS. I fear that it will affect the whole world far more than predicted, economically, environmentally, politically and safety. Just please keep us all safe.
POTUS Obama, thank you!
POTUS Obama, thank you!
8
Yes quite the switch from a loving and happy family to one made up of arrogant millionaires. I do feel sorry for Melania for all the dirt she will have to deal with when her husband's past comes more to light. God help our country get through this next four years and open the eyes of voters who thought someone who used a private email server was worse than a lying egotistical man who has ripped people off for years and is anything but loyal.
7
The Obama family exemplifies the American dream.
The Trump family is the exact opposite. The entire family is as fake as Ivanka Trump's boobs.
The Trump family is the exact opposite. The entire family is as fake as Ivanka Trump's boobs.
12
when you quote "polls" to make your point, you lose all credibility. We all saw what your polls predicted and what reality was. Trump's approval rating is unknown, but for sure it is not the numbers you use, just as the approval ratings for Obama were also inaccurate. Using polls gives you Zero credibility and we all know it.
4
For just a glimpse of what we have in store, watch the video of Trump addressing the many ambassadors to the US in which he praises Tillerson by describing how he (Tillerson) went into one country and took the oil and then into another country and took their oil, etc. What in God's name must those ambassadors have been thinking? If this was an attempt at humor it was poorly selected given the audience; they must have been thinking, "what natural resources do we have that the US is now going to target and seize?" Could you ever have imagined such a mental image offered by Obama to the diplomatic corps serving in the United States? Never!
I wish we could turn the clock back to before Nov. 9 and change this outcome!
Heaven save us and the world from America's "sin" of not having sufficiently valued our democracy to prevent handing it over to someone who will abuse it.
I wish we could turn the clock back to before Nov. 9 and change this outcome!
Heaven save us and the world from America's "sin" of not having sufficiently valued our democracy to prevent handing it over to someone who will abuse it.
10
"You're not supposed to be sycophants, you're supposed to be skeptics"...
Barack Obama at Press Conference January 18 2017
NYT has failed to VET this outgoing POTUS properly. And Obama is laughing at YOU.
Barack Obama at Press Conference January 18 2017
NYT has failed to VET this outgoing POTUS properly. And Obama is laughing at YOU.
4
I cannot agree more on the writer's view of president Obama's intelect, dignity and integrity. Because of those qualities, we should be grateful that President Obama has proven that those qualities exist and that he has set a high bar for any future president to meet. We miss him already.. Thank you President Obama.
7
Thank you President Obama for your leadership, your intelligence, your choosing peaceful solutions over war, your success with our economy, your class, you leading by example as an honorable man who loves his family, you as our shining example to the world as President of the United States.
I will miss you as our President...
I will miss you as our President...
7
President Obama and his family are very nice people. President Carter and his family are also very nice people. Neither of these gentlemen were very effective presidents. Johnson was not a nice man but he got things done, some were good and some were not so good. The Vietnam war was a disaster. Nixon was also not a nice man but he got things done. I think President Trump will get things done, some good, some not so good. I know I can count on the Times to report on the not so good. I doubt I'll hear much about the good. As for my fellow commenters keep them coming I enjoy a good whine.
4
Bill Clinton is not of good character---however he was very effective in working with both parties. Great at building consensus. Obama was/is naive. Not persistent. Throws in the towel when confronted by political games. Sulks and hits the golf course to wait for his 2 terms to end. Then behaves in a self-centered way to not support a peaceful/statesmanlike transition to another party. Bitter and resentful. Assumed Americans are gullible enough to elect a weak untrustworthy candidate. Very disappointing. I voted for him in 2008...but he will be remembered for very few accomplishments.
He poisoned the well as he rode away into the sunset. Very disappointing. At least Clinton knew how to leave the ranch...with dignity even though the scandal was fresh in everybody's mind.
Obama behaves like he had no father figure to be his role model.
Perhaps Trump will get some things done. Obama will be a bitter troublemaker, I am afraid. He could have chosen the high road but did not. Pathetic. Trump is not the only narcissistic guy in D.C. Look in the mirror, Barry!! You will be remembered by how you were such a sore loser.
He poisoned the well as he rode away into the sunset. Very disappointing. At least Clinton knew how to leave the ranch...with dignity even though the scandal was fresh in everybody's mind.
Obama behaves like he had no father figure to be his role model.
Perhaps Trump will get some things done. Obama will be a bitter troublemaker, I am afraid. He could have chosen the high road but did not. Pathetic. Trump is not the only narcissistic guy in D.C. Look in the mirror, Barry!! You will be remembered by how you were such a sore loser.
3
Miss him? 26 hours to good riddance! Legacy in trash. Go Trump!
5
Steve, thank you for that cogent explanation of why you don't like Obama and what you do like about Trump. It's all clear now.
4
Donald Trump a self absorbed conman, professional swindler and laughingstock.
Right about now, leadership in Russia and China are rolling on the floor laughing, they can't believe their luck.
Right about now, leadership in Russia and China are rolling on the floor laughing, they can't believe their luck.
7
The unthinkable has happened, and the ignoramus is just about to ascend to the highest office of this land.
That made this atheist to ask God to save us all.
That made this atheist to ask God to save us all.
5
"... I never doubted [Obama's] integrity or intelligence, his decency or honor."
Nor did I. What I do doubt now is the value that these traits hold with many American voters. Based on all recent evidence, there are a lot of folks out there who value bluster and bullying and ignorance.
Nor did I. What I do doubt now is the value that these traits hold with many American voters. Based on all recent evidence, there are a lot of folks out there who value bluster and bullying and ignorance.
10
I don't know what's more pathetic, the Kristof essay or the fawning comments from the global coastal elites. Obama was an elitist snob who did all he could to subvert our political processes
- Executive Actions instead of seeking support from Congress, the IRS Scandal (yes, scandal), imposing social values on our military that will weaken our defense capabilities, and the list goes on. Good riddance. But thanks, Mr. Obama, for weakening your party.
- Executive Actions instead of seeking support from Congress, the IRS Scandal (yes, scandal), imposing social values on our military that will weaken our defense capabilities, and the list goes on. Good riddance. But thanks, Mr. Obama, for weakening your party.
4
Donald Trump views the presidency as little more than purchasing another company to bankrupt, while blaming everyone around him for its failure. Another article in this morning's Times notes that he believes ordering military parades be held in America's cities, a la Moscow, Beijing or Pyong Yang will make North Korea cower and shake in its boots. It's all about appearances to Donald Trump. There is no "there" there.
7
Obama's legacy will unravel because it was always about a nice speech and not about doing the hard work, or upholding the laws of this nation.
Good riddance. Celebrity presidency become cult leader. The rest of us, even those who voted for him, many twice, saw through this. And are glad for the change.
Good riddance. Celebrity presidency become cult leader. The rest of us, even those who voted for him, many twice, saw through this. And are glad for the change.
6
I thought that after the election the New York Times was going to look more closely at their writing, editorials and reporting and attempt to present a more rounded view of the nation. Instead, it it is still one unending tale of bias and one sided opinion. No wonder I still feel so very let down by this papers coverage of the election which so woefully missed presenting a more nuanced view of the country. I am seriously questioning whether I should retain this subscription.
5
Barack Obama's most loyal long suffering base rests in the black African American community particularly black women and the brown Latino Hispanic community particularly Mexicans and Puerto Ricans especially women.
Barack Obama regularly and routinely talked down to and disrespected black folks particularly black women as being innately uniquely ignorant, lazy, immoral, violent and criminal caste. And there are more blacks in prison on welfare and unemployed than ever before in the Age of Obama.
Obama contemptuously and arrogantly proclaims that he is the President who happens to be black rather than the black President and that blacks should stop whining and expecting special treatment. Blacks deserve and need special treatment due to their dire socioeconomic, political and educational class condition instead of the colored "racial" caste. Triage instead of homage. And no Americans see Obama as being half-white by biological nature nor all white by cultural nurture.
Barack Obama has deported more Americans than any President in history. Primarily brown Latino Hispanic Mexican Americans.
Neither black Africans nor brown Latinos should miss Barack Obama. Trump can do no worse with his open clear bigotry. A bloody jaw rabid wolf like Trump is preferable to a sneaky coyote like Obama.
Barack Obama regularly and routinely talked down to and disrespected black folks particularly black women as being innately uniquely ignorant, lazy, immoral, violent and criminal caste. And there are more blacks in prison on welfare and unemployed than ever before in the Age of Obama.
Obama contemptuously and arrogantly proclaims that he is the President who happens to be black rather than the black President and that blacks should stop whining and expecting special treatment. Blacks deserve and need special treatment due to their dire socioeconomic, political and educational class condition instead of the colored "racial" caste. Triage instead of homage. And no Americans see Obama as being half-white by biological nature nor all white by cultural nurture.
Barack Obama has deported more Americans than any President in history. Primarily brown Latino Hispanic Mexican Americans.
Neither black Africans nor brown Latinos should miss Barack Obama. Trump can do no worse with his open clear bigotry. A bloody jaw rabid wolf like Trump is preferable to a sneaky coyote like Obama.
2
What alternate reality did you slither in from?
3
It is so sad that we have gone from a president of the highest moral conviction, intelligence and love of country to a narcissistic, lying idiot for 4 years.
10
Nick you are a master of understatement. For one more day we have a sane, intelligent president. Trump should be locked up and on meds.
11
I will not miss Barack Obama for even one minute. All he did was prance around the country, and indeed the world, proclaiming "I am the first Black President!" The one thing that immediately turned me off to Obama was when the elitist global community awarded Obama the Nobel Peace Prize when he did nothing about peace. They awarded the prize to him on his second day in office. That showed to me the mess that was awaiting us.
6
The phrase, 'Thank you, Mr. President', is due to be retired in only one day. May I please write it just once more, in loud flaming caps, before it sinks into the realm of myth?
THANK YOU, MR. PRESIDENT.
Now we go ungently into that DT universe, the Delirium Trumpens. God save us.
THANK YOU, MR. PRESIDENT.
Now we go ungently into that DT universe, the Delirium Trumpens. God save us.
16
One more day of this leftist in office. ONE MORE DAY. I sure don't miss his tax increases, his deficit spending, and his weak foreign policy. The man was a complete failure as President and I won't miss him
5
Pathetic. One would think that after eight years acting as the propagandists for Obama the press might have some guilt about it's role. Not a chance. However the American people did notice and they hold the press in lower esteem than used car salesmen. They deserve every bit of derision heaped upon them. And now they will go into full attack mode because it's a repub in the White House now. Too late. You have no credibility and the American people no longer listen to your daily form of Pravda. You did this to yourselves.
4
You appear to be listening. You will get your Pravda soon enough; look on Twitter. The Times subscriptions and readership are up since the election. Hillary won by 3 million votes. Far more people dislike Trump than like him and the active resistance is powerful and poised to act. The American people are not you: you are part of a minority. In other words, you're wrong on every count.
3
Ironic that "class" so important to New Yorkers (remember Justice Stewart paraphrasing the New York saw in Roth--I can't define it, but I know it when I see it, in Wyoming talent is important, in New York everybody has talent--it's class that counts, sometimes you win, sometimes you lose,but you always play with class) is best exemplified by a Chicagoan. Fortunately the 5th Avenue clown is a public reminder of what "class" is not, no matter how much money you have, you can't buy it, it is not for sale and cannot be branded. No surprise the President elect has twinned with that other New Yorker famous for his lack of class ,Rudy Giuilani. And that is why real New Yorkers respect immigrants, most do not have money, but they work hard, raise their families, value education, serve their religion. As has been pointed out many times before it is incongruous evangelicals are not kissing their butts every day.
4
Maybe you could let him leave already before the constant barrage of revisionist myth making surges anew. Trump isn't the only one that spews emotionally and vindictively, you and your clique of culture warriors at the NYT have tried and failed to make an art of it. That unreal grating cacophony and President Obama's very real record of soaring rhetoric and failure to produce was a major factor in the election of Trump.People don't trust your fawning accolades because propaganda never quite adds up. Obama was the most partisan overtly political President in my lifetime. He politicized the State Department, IRS, and especially the Justice Department to a degree that it will take years to undo the damage and have the American people trust their sacred non-partisan status again. A lot has been swept under the rug by a media whose job was to expose this politicization and long term damage that king like executive orders do to the fabric of a democracy. Similar short term stunts for political gain such as Saint Harry Reid's foolish curtailment of the minority party's rights in the senate that should have been condemned by the media have come back to haunt the same Democrats that changed the centuries old rule. Spin as you like Mr. Kristof, the last eight years have damaged our Democracy badly and you, your ultra partisan comrades and Obama are responsible. Your straw man scapegoat Trump couldn't be any worse, even if he was a Russian spy, Hitler, Stupid, Smart, immoral ect.
5
Amen. President Obama demonstrated true resolve and dignity in the face of significant hostility...political and racial. He made me proud as an American. He is a President that I can point to and tell my children and grandchildren, be like him, to emulate his values and grace. From a policy perspective, he saved thousands of lives with the ACA...and those lives matter and will not be 'erased' no matter what Republicans wish. He helped restore the economy after it was 'driven into the ditch' by the Republicans. Despite any lack of appreciation for this by the Trump crowd...thousands of auto-workers have jobs because of him.
To those who hated him and his policies and wished for something else, I would say, as my mother would say to me.... 'Be careful what you wish for'. Donald Trump, certainly is the antithesis He is a man, whose bombastic, brazen, bullying ways are so disgraceful, that I tell my children and grandchildren, do NOT be like this man. He will stain the image and reputation of this country at home and abroad for decades. Whether his policies will be harmful, remains to be seen but seems likely.
To those who hated him and his policies and wished for something else, I would say, as my mother would say to me.... 'Be careful what you wish for'. Donald Trump, certainly is the antithesis He is a man, whose bombastic, brazen, bullying ways are so disgraceful, that I tell my children and grandchildren, do NOT be like this man. He will stain the image and reputation of this country at home and abroad for decades. Whether his policies will be harmful, remains to be seen but seems likely.
12
"We’ll be craving Obama’s prudence, intellect and reserve."
Sorry, this isn't accurate. We will not be craving this. We already are.
Sorry, this isn't accurate. We will not be craving this. We already are.
8
Thank you!
3
Tragically, Evangelicals favored a man who discards women like empty burger bags, over a woman who was submissive to her husband.
3
Wow! Something positive to say ... and in more characters than a tweet. Thank you!
3
While Barack Obama's prudential caution may be what you see on the surface, just below is moral courage of a caliber rarely seen in history. He faced down American racism to rise to the Presidency, then did his job and maintained his dignity and the dignity of the office despite ceaseless torrents of abuse and mortal threats. Like Jackie Robinson, he opened the way out of "no way." Remember him.
14
Amen! The country club issue is appealing!
1
Amen! Unfortunately there are no mulligans in elections.
Being a glass is half empty person, I fear you may not have to venture far and wide around the globe over the next four years reporting on atrocities and assaults on the human condition. An extended rider pass on the DC Metro will provide you with all the material you will need to write your thoughtful op-eds.
Being a glass is half empty person, I fear you may not have to venture far and wide around the globe over the next four years reporting on atrocities and assaults on the human condition. An extended rider pass on the DC Metro will provide you with all the material you will need to write your thoughtful op-eds.
2
Hey your bubble called - it's wants you to pick up some arugula and flax seeds on the way home.
5
Imagine a world in which all companies do the right thing and generously share profits with their workers with no government mandate or rules.
A world in which most companies dedicate a fixed portion of their profits to addressing societal issues, wherever they might be occurring.
Imagine if companies sought to return as much natural capital from the world as they extracted and problems like climate change got solved before they ever reached crisis levels.
A world in which companies care much less about what is "legal" and instead focus far more on doing what is "right".
Imagine a world with few to no economic recessions, financial crises, and ever-growing innovation, stability, and broadly shared prosperity.
A world in which taxes and national governments get smaller and smaller, because they have less and less to do.
Imagine a world in which wealthier nations actively invest in the infrastructure, education, and economies of developing nations - not with the singular intent to extract value - but with the greater purpose of lifting all people up by spreading the blessings of free enterprise, democracy, and prosperity.
A world with economic growth significantly greater than current levels and much lower levels of poverty.
If you think all of this sounds too good to be true, think again.
***
World governments may not be able to get us there, but free enterprise likely can.
See: www.we-capitalism.com for more info
A world in which most companies dedicate a fixed portion of their profits to addressing societal issues, wherever they might be occurring.
Imagine if companies sought to return as much natural capital from the world as they extracted and problems like climate change got solved before they ever reached crisis levels.
A world in which companies care much less about what is "legal" and instead focus far more on doing what is "right".
Imagine a world with few to no economic recessions, financial crises, and ever-growing innovation, stability, and broadly shared prosperity.
A world in which taxes and national governments get smaller and smaller, because they have less and less to do.
Imagine a world in which wealthier nations actively invest in the infrastructure, education, and economies of developing nations - not with the singular intent to extract value - but with the greater purpose of lifting all people up by spreading the blessings of free enterprise, democracy, and prosperity.
A world with economic growth significantly greater than current levels and much lower levels of poverty.
If you think all of this sounds too good to be true, think again.
***
World governments may not be able to get us there, but free enterprise likely can.
See: www.we-capitalism.com for more info
3
Some of us are still missing Bushes 41and 43. Hang in there Nick. Like those predecessors, Obama is now in a better place. And, in the March of Time, soon will be Trump. Let us be glad that it will not be another Clinton that we miss. It could have been worse.
Barack's new book series on "How to Rule" will be forthcoming soon. Pour a vodka and lime, and relax in your favorite reading chair. It's going to be OK.
Barack's new book series on "How to Rule" will be forthcoming soon. Pour a vodka and lime, and relax in your favorite reading chair. It's going to be OK.
3
I remember how excited I was when President Obama was elected. He is truly a great human being. No one has all the answers... No one. Obama knew this. I believe he grew wiser as he served his second term. Served is the key word. Obama served the American People, wisely and with integrity. Trump serves himself, greedily and narcissitically, Obama was a leader. Trump is a celebrity buffoon. Behind the curtain our the wealthiest, greediest, self-centered Oil Barons and Corporate Executives who are all about the money... Not the money for the People... the money for their private bank accounts.. A large majority of the American People have been had. And if WE the People don't stand firm, our democratic society will be destroyed.
22
I wholeheartedly agree. I am not bitter about t-rump. I am resolved to ensure I engage constructively as an effective force against the evil brought by these people that care only about themselves. For those that voted for The President Obama of the world, you have moral imperative to fight the fight against fascism and oligarchy. We are in a civil war and must wake up everyday as soldiers to defend human and civil rights.
1
He isn't gone and won't be.
Barack is my leader and will be for a long time.
He isn't leaving us. No way. We won't let him.
Barack is my leader and will be for a long time.
He isn't leaving us. No way. We won't let him.
25
Honey, I got started missing Barack Obama months ago. Take a number.
25
I look at the fabulous breadth of knowledge and interest Mr Obama has in the world of arts and letters, his unflagging willingness to shake off insult after insult (including the nutso idea that he was born in Kenya and his birth announcement planted in the Hawaiian papers because 'they' knew he'd be president someday!) and still smiles, wishing no harm comes to a country that deserves the small, small man coming next to the Oval Office. President -elect Cheesedoodle-I hope you reign is brief.i hope its effect does not shrink our world down to your size.
Thank you to the least wealthy Prez and Veep we've had in years. Wishing you only good things for the future.
Thank you to the least wealthy Prez and Veep we've had in years. Wishing you only good things for the future.
30
Amen.
8
How do you become a President of Consequence? If you have the courage to bring our own safely home - not just regular soldiers but also someone like Bergdahl; if you commute a traitor because you feel justice cannot be more cruel than the crime committed; if you negotiate and find solutions with your enemies rather than go to war; if you save the economy; give people on the fringe a chance to be included in the mainstream; if you care not about just this generation but the future (climate); if you believe that everyone has a right to be taken care of whether ill or well; and if you believe in the idea of America and it's greatness and restore the stature of the Presidency - you should be called a President of Consequence. Did he? I think He has!
26
All if this in the face of opposition that only cares about the rich. Let's not forget the tenacity with which they fought Obama, the country, and average Americans.
2
Excuse me while I grab my airsick bag. "If you feel justice cannot be more curel than the creim committed"? What does that even mean. Should we not bring killers to justice because justice can't be more cruel than murder?
1
Tim - I meant to imprison a woman in a male prison even if she were to be a traitor in a solitary cell - no civilized country should ever do that - even Charles Manson got better treatment
1
Yes, sir, here it is, "Mostly, I think we journalists overdo the personal and pay insufficient attention to policies..."
The media treats everything like some kind of popularity show. Democratic governments are social constructs to protect average people against predators like The Con Don and his Top 1% Global Financial Elite Robber Baron/ Radical Religion Party. Governments are not "business" and should not be run or function like one.
Major Media's importance and place in American lives would be restored when/if they start to report the whole, REAL news about the attempts to further destroy OUR democracy and governments at every level like those that are happening right now. Today. If they don't get the message they will die along with OUR democracy and their workers will be on the streets, begging, with the rest of us.
The media treats everything like some kind of popularity show. Democratic governments are social constructs to protect average people against predators like The Con Don and his Top 1% Global Financial Elite Robber Baron/ Radical Religion Party. Governments are not "business" and should not be run or function like one.
Major Media's importance and place in American lives would be restored when/if they start to report the whole, REAL news about the attempts to further destroy OUR democracy and governments at every level like those that are happening right now. Today. If they don't get the message they will die along with OUR democracy and their workers will be on the streets, begging, with the rest of us.
8
The media can start by not shouting out the news that makes it sound like The Con Don is saving jobs and tell the American people how much he is going to pay them to stay. He plans to put WE hardworking taxpayers in debt of $1 TRILLION DOLLARS with Corporate welfare for them. That is what gets their attention - not social conscience. He's buying them - just like he bought the place he has no human right to occupy.
10
Dang, $1TRILLION. That seems like a bargain compared to the what $10 TRILLION deficit Obama rang up.
1
I will miss Obama. I started to subscribe the Times because of him. The world stage will be a less civil one without him. Despite his flaws and imperfections, he will be fondly remembered by the world and many Americans who are not racists.
Trump has to grow up and behave like a sensible adult. Just because he has no way to match Obama, he seeks to destroy his legacy. George W. Bush has something to look forward to - somebody will soon replace him as America's worst president in recent history.
Trump has to grow up and behave like a sensible adult. Just because he has no way to match Obama, he seeks to destroy his legacy. George W. Bush has something to look forward to - somebody will soon replace him as America's worst president in recent history.
19
Obama - sitting in the Oval Office reading letters from Americans and doing his best to address their concerns. More integrity and class than any president I've known n my life. Able to brush off the horrible racist undignified insults of his detractors and keep on going. Eyes on the prize - always.
Trump is not even in the same universe of men. A truly sick man who dishes it out but can't take it. A stupid man who doesn't read and can't even write his own books. A man who treats women like possessions and discards them when something hotter comes along. Whose own children accuse him of loving money over them.
Obama set the bar high, as did Michelle, who we will miss even more. Let's keep that bar high. Let's see if pigs can fly.
Trump is not even in the same universe of men. A truly sick man who dishes it out but can't take it. A stupid man who doesn't read and can't even write his own books. A man who treats women like possessions and discards them when something hotter comes along. Whose own children accuse him of loving money over them.
Obama set the bar high, as did Michelle, who we will miss even more. Let's keep that bar high. Let's see if pigs can fly.
51
I contrast the Obama exit, to seeing his predecessor GWB taking off in the helicopter right after Obama's election. I felt like those rotor blades lifted my heart as much as the Bush entourage, up, and finally, away. Bush, was finally gone!
The best part of our Constitution is term limits for the President. Clearly, it should extend to ALL branches of government.
Obama, was certainly smart and cautious. The President, should be that person who is borrowing your brand new car, the family car, where you know it will be safe and sound when it is returned. Trump may never return it, or say he'll buy you a new one, and it will never happen.
Obama, being "smart" is way too broad a term. There are many kinds of smart. I would have preferred that he not a read a single book while in office. He should have been flying around the country educating the public on the ACA. At least half the population was ignorant and misinformed of the program, and that was his fault. Now, he will have all the time in the world to read.
His legacy has been a steady, constant, eight year, loss of power for the Democrats. Today, there is nothing the Republicans don't have majorities in. It's not enough to be smart, you have to communicate. It's hard to say here, but Trump's message, is far more effective, then the smug intellectual superiority of the, professorial, Obama.
A year ago, he, (and Hillary), was professing NAFTA and TARP was great for the country. Smart?
The best part of our Constitution is term limits for the President. Clearly, it should extend to ALL branches of government.
Obama, was certainly smart and cautious. The President, should be that person who is borrowing your brand new car, the family car, where you know it will be safe and sound when it is returned. Trump may never return it, or say he'll buy you a new one, and it will never happen.
Obama, being "smart" is way too broad a term. There are many kinds of smart. I would have preferred that he not a read a single book while in office. He should have been flying around the country educating the public on the ACA. At least half the population was ignorant and misinformed of the program, and that was his fault. Now, he will have all the time in the world to read.
His legacy has been a steady, constant, eight year, loss of power for the Democrats. Today, there is nothing the Republicans don't have majorities in. It's not enough to be smart, you have to communicate. It's hard to say here, but Trump's message, is far more effective, then the smug intellectual superiority of the, professorial, Obama.
A year ago, he, (and Hillary), was professing NAFTA and TARP was great for the country. Smart?
4
I think this response missed a key message. GWB was also an exemplary family man. His children are also scandal free. Yet their heart was lifted with his departure.
The decency of both President Bush and President Obama will be missed, but both personally attacked the opposition and questioned their motives rather than their policies. These are politicians, not saints.
The decency of both President Bush and President Obama will be missed, but both personally attacked the opposition and questioned their motives rather than their policies. These are politicians, not saints.
3
The whole Obama family has set an example for all American families
to follow in terms of thoughtful lives always in the public eye with humor
and grace. Just a glance at Pete Souza's photographs of their lives
brings tears to my eyes as I consider what we are losing. It's a hard
act to follow and I don't think the Trump family is up to it.
to follow in terms of thoughtful lives always in the public eye with humor
and grace. Just a glance at Pete Souza's photographs of their lives
brings tears to my eyes as I consider what we are losing. It's a hard
act to follow and I don't think the Trump family is up to it.
13
President Obama, whatever history's judgement on his contributions to the political and economic well being of his nation and the world, will always be acknowledged as a good man. In his personal life, Mr. Obama embodies strong family values of fidelity to his spouse and children. His administration was virtually scandal free.
The GOP--"The Family Values Party"--gives us Mr. Trump who views the world through the lens of "The Art of the Deal", who views all relationships as transactional exchanges, and who is at best a serial misogynist and at worst--we don't really need Mr. Putin to tell us what Mr. Trump has been at his worst. With regard to family values, the public record and his own words reveal what Mr. Trump at his worst has been.
The Republicans have selected a psychologically and morally flawed "leader" to replace Mr. Obama. The Trump administration--given the "quality" of Mr. Trump's past behavior; given the "character" of most of his present cabinet and staff appointees; given his choice of Vladimir Putin as an admirable leader--in all probability will pursue an authoritarian course, and will be plagued by rumors of scandals and actual scandals.
With Mr. Trump as our "leader" we as a nation must guard as never before against the forces of unbridled greed and against the transformation of our democratic republic into a plutocratic kleptocracy
The GOP--"The Family Values Party"--gives us Mr. Trump who views the world through the lens of "The Art of the Deal", who views all relationships as transactional exchanges, and who is at best a serial misogynist and at worst--we don't really need Mr. Putin to tell us what Mr. Trump has been at his worst. With regard to family values, the public record and his own words reveal what Mr. Trump at his worst has been.
The Republicans have selected a psychologically and morally flawed "leader" to replace Mr. Obama. The Trump administration--given the "quality" of Mr. Trump's past behavior; given the "character" of most of his present cabinet and staff appointees; given his choice of Vladimir Putin as an admirable leader--in all probability will pursue an authoritarian course, and will be plagued by rumors of scandals and actual scandals.
With Mr. Trump as our "leader" we as a nation must guard as never before against the forces of unbridled greed and against the transformation of our democratic republic into a plutocratic kleptocracy
19
Your comment on Obama's legacy of dignity and old-fashioned virtue is what we must cling to and keep repeating to counteract the complete opposite in Donald Trump. Whatever successes he and his team may (or may not) have in the coming years the poison permeating our atmosphere during his campaign will have profoundly changed something in a large part of our country.
7
I feel honored to have had a person with President Obama's intelligence, honor, morals, coolness under fire, etc.etc (I could go on forever)
You get the picture. I am proud that I voted for him twice.
I trusted him and he made me feel safe in a world of chaos.
It didn't hurt that I was also proud of the great example of loving humanity that Michelle, my First Lady, showed the world as well as my President Obama.
You get the picture. I am proud that I voted for him twice.
I trusted him and he made me feel safe in a world of chaos.
It didn't hurt that I was also proud of the great example of loving humanity that Michelle, my First Lady, showed the world as well as my President Obama.
17
This reminds me of how the nation of Israel insisted on having a king rather than godly leadership. They were warned of the consequences but went ahead and got their wish.
I feel that electorate placed a king in the White House - a narcisstic, thin skinned egomaniac who has the emotional maturity of a two year old child.
He claims to be a man of the people but chooses millionaires and billionaires for various positions. They chief qualification is the size of the bank account.
Under his erractic and tempermental leadership, this country will find itself at war because someone insulted him and/or the economy will collapse.
But the people have spoken but once things go south and they realized they made a sucker bet, they will have buyer's remorse. But it will be too late.
I feel that electorate placed a king in the White House - a narcisstic, thin skinned egomaniac who has the emotional maturity of a two year old child.
He claims to be a man of the people but chooses millionaires and billionaires for various positions. They chief qualification is the size of the bank account.
Under his erractic and tempermental leadership, this country will find itself at war because someone insulted him and/or the economy will collapse.
But the people have spoken but once things go south and they realized they made a sucker bet, they will have buyer's remorse. But it will be too late.
4
To be a legitimate President of the United States of America, you first have to be a legitimate human being.
Legitimate human beings do not lie all the live-long day; ridicule handicapped people; lay hands on women without their permission; denigrate large numbers of people for belonging to particular racial or religious groups; associate with bigots and racists; incite violence against other people; invent and promote false accusations against their political enemies; engage in illegal business practices; fail to pay a fair share of taxes or ignore threats to their country coming from foreign powers. And they apologize for their mistakes.
Mr. Trump has fallen woefully short in all of these categories. On top of which, he colors and styles his hair in a vulgar fashion.
Legitimate human beings do not lie all the live-long day; ridicule handicapped people; lay hands on women without their permission; denigrate large numbers of people for belonging to particular racial or religious groups; associate with bigots and racists; incite violence against other people; invent and promote false accusations against their political enemies; engage in illegal business practices; fail to pay a fair share of taxes or ignore threats to their country coming from foreign powers. And they apologize for their mistakes.
Mr. Trump has fallen woefully short in all of these categories. On top of which, he colors and styles his hair in a vulgar fashion.
11
To be a legitimate President of the United States of America, you first have to get elected. That's it.
We fought the Revolutionary War, and the Civil War, not to mention WW2, and in the process created this republic, only to have the likes of you lecture us on who is a "legitimate human being"?
No.
Not so long ago, another deluded individual attempted to create a world order based on who is and who is not a legitimate human being. That wannabe empire is now justly wiped off the face of the earth.
I believe you might want to rethink your views, Mr. Stanton.
We fought the Revolutionary War, and the Civil War, not to mention WW2, and in the process created this republic, only to have the likes of you lecture us on who is a "legitimate human being"?
No.
Not so long ago, another deluded individual attempted to create a world order based on who is and who is not a legitimate human being. That wannabe empire is now justly wiped off the face of the earth.
I believe you might want to rethink your views, Mr. Stanton.
1
Thank you for your continued wisdom and incite. I am so trying to understand the "drawbridge up" sorts all over the world. I fear history treats xenophobia harshly and it is spreading everywhere. The consequences of entering Iraq I fear are the world we are now struggling to hold together. One giant misstep and we have decades of unrest. I also fear that the Trumps of the world think the only way to contain that is with arms. It is keeping me up at night! Just as the proliferation of arms, guns, here will lead to nothing but but more guns and death. And I have ever been an optimist. Not easy to be anymore.
3
"When Obama won the Nobel Peace Prize, he solicited a 13-page memo from Justice Department lawyers verifying that there was absolutely no conflict in accepting it. And then he donated the money to charities."
A more honest person, one in touch with reality and the world as it is, would have refused to accept the Prize.
And by the way, Obama's being awarded the Prize and his accepting it is now a running global joke.
A more honest person, one in touch with reality and the world as it is, would have refused to accept the Prize.
And by the way, Obama's being awarded the Prize and his accepting it is now a running global joke.
5
"...Mostly, I think we journalists overdo the personal and pay insufficient attention to policies..."
No, from what I hear from Trump voters, they are angry at some real and not real things, and want a similarly angry person (dare I say "man") to channel this anger while sitting on the highest platform in the world. Overcome by anger, they risk the results of an angry, needy narcissistic man actually acting on his angry impulses and throwing the world into chaos.
No, from what I hear from Trump voters, they are angry at some real and not real things, and want a similarly angry person (dare I say "man") to channel this anger while sitting on the highest platform in the world. Overcome by anger, they risk the results of an angry, needy narcissistic man actually acting on his angry impulses and throwing the world into chaos.
1
We have one day to go before our national blunder becomes reality.
After all these fond memories of the President who is about to become
the latest ex-president, maybe we can get some investigative reporting
done on who, exactly, are the American People who choose someone like Trump
to represent them. Who would do such a thing?
After all these fond memories of the President who is about to become
the latest ex-president, maybe we can get some investigative reporting
done on who, exactly, are the American People who choose someone like Trump
to represent them. Who would do such a thing?
4
You might want to rethink this. Would you be enthusiastic
about the Trump people investigating, " who, exactly, are the American
People" who voted for Hillary? I don't think so. I agree that this
country has lost its way from its founding during the Age of Enlightenment, but it is as much my fault as anyone who voted for Trump. If we have gotten stupid as a nation, we need to become smarter as individuals. And we need to do that right now.
about the Trump people investigating, " who, exactly, are the American
People" who voted for Hillary? I don't think so. I agree that this
country has lost its way from its founding during the Age of Enlightenment, but it is as much my fault as anyone who voted for Trump. If we have gotten stupid as a nation, we need to become smarter as individuals. And we need to do that right now.
1
Trump is not my President. He is not even an example of a President.
On the other hand, Obama was the classiest, most "cool," unflappable (except when speaking over the funeral biers of adults and children slain by madmen with guns) national leader we've had in years. A absolutely devoted family man and a giant of an intellect. History will be very kind to Barack Obama.
Somehow, some way, the American people got it seriously wrong in how they selected his successor. Trump is as Caligula to Obama's Marcus Aurelius.
On the other hand, Obama was the classiest, most "cool," unflappable (except when speaking over the funeral biers of adults and children slain by madmen with guns) national leader we've had in years. A absolutely devoted family man and a giant of an intellect. History will be very kind to Barack Obama.
Somehow, some way, the American people got it seriously wrong in how they selected his successor. Trump is as Caligula to Obama's Marcus Aurelius.
13
Many, including President Obama, interpret the election results in terms of a desire for change.
Let's see: after eight years of a well-informed, eloquent, moderate, careful and gracious man, let's try an ignorant, arrogant sociopath with the impulse control of a teenager.
Change indeed. And now we will reap the whirlwind.
Let's see: after eight years of a well-informed, eloquent, moderate, careful and gracious man, let's try an ignorant, arrogant sociopath with the impulse control of a teenager.
Change indeed. And now we will reap the whirlwind.
7
"Newly elected presidents usually enjoy a honeymoon." At this point can we all ask for an annulment rather than wait for a truly messy divorce?
Obama's most obvious legacy is that anyone can become president of this nation, regardless of race.
Trump's most obvious legacy is that indeed anyone - ANYONE!!! - can become president of our great nation, regardless of qualifications or disqualifications.
Obama "is a superlative family man" with integrity, intelligence, decency and honor who has always had good intentions. Can any of these very important characterizations be said of Trump?
There was no voter fraud. However, many of us did vote for a fraud.
Obama's most obvious legacy is that anyone can become president of this nation, regardless of race.
Trump's most obvious legacy is that indeed anyone - ANYONE!!! - can become president of our great nation, regardless of qualifications or disqualifications.
Obama "is a superlative family man" with integrity, intelligence, decency and honor who has always had good intentions. Can any of these very important characterizations be said of Trump?
There was no voter fraud. However, many of us did vote for a fraud.
5
"Barack Obama’s legacy is being systematically unraveled even before he leaves office, with The Wall Street Journal scoffing that he 'has been a historic president but perhaps not a consequential one.'"
That’s fair. I guess saving and improving the American – and therefore the world – economy isn’t consequential.
How about *destroying* the American economy – *and* starting an unjust war that led to hundreds of thousands of needless deaths and destabilized the Middle East? Now *that* is consequential.
By these standards, I’ll take historic but not consequential every time.
Thanks, Obama.
That’s fair. I guess saving and improving the American – and therefore the world – economy isn’t consequential.
How about *destroying* the American economy – *and* starting an unjust war that led to hundreds of thousands of needless deaths and destabilized the Middle East? Now *that* is consequential.
By these standards, I’ll take historic but not consequential every time.
Thanks, Obama.
6
Mr. Kristoff: With all due respect, I disagree that the Democratic party is in far worse shape than before President Obama took office. It wasn't the Democratic party that ran a businessman with no impulse control, narcissistic, megalomaniac, compulsive liar for the highest office in the land. The Democratic party didn't put forth any real outliers. If someone like Donald Trump had run on the Democratic primaries. Yes, the candidates that prevail are due to the gerrymandering the Republicans did to Republican districts during the last census. But when they had the opportunity to bring him down they stood by and did nothing. For all the unity the Republicans supposedly had, when it was time to unite for the good and love of their country, they stood by and did nothing. "All sound and fury signifying nothing". There is no way the Democrats would have let something like that go down. Just saying,
As a liberal, I was never enamored with Obama, mostly because I felt he never took a hard enough line against the nastiness of the Republican party determined to make him fail. The failure to live up to the "red line" on Syria also shocked me. Nevertheless, he was the most decent, intelligent, and well-intentioned president we have ever had. As I begin stocking up emergency food and supplies for Trumpocalypse, because I am sincerely concerned there will soon be need for them, I now see how much more I liked Obama than I thought.
5
As usual, a thoughtful Op-Ed by Mr. Kristof.
The president was far from perfect as Commander-in-Chief, and his learning curve was apparent as a relatively inexperienced politician when he took office, but one cannot deny his grace under pressure, his intellect and wit, his solid ethical core and his compassion for Americans who were suffering.
Fast forward to President Donald J. Trump, whose only similarity to President Obama is his inexperience in government. While I am a loyal patriot, a Vietnam Veteran and a retired public servant, I just cannot bring myself to think positively on a Trump Presidency. Everything up to this point indicates a catastrophic failure on his part to be the leader of the free world.
The president was far from perfect as Commander-in-Chief, and his learning curve was apparent as a relatively inexperienced politician when he took office, but one cannot deny his grace under pressure, his intellect and wit, his solid ethical core and his compassion for Americans who were suffering.
Fast forward to President Donald J. Trump, whose only similarity to President Obama is his inexperience in government. While I am a loyal patriot, a Vietnam Veteran and a retired public servant, I just cannot bring myself to think positively on a Trump Presidency. Everything up to this point indicates a catastrophic failure on his part to be the leader of the free world.
4
If the president's choices with regard to Syria had only been characterized by passivity, I’d find his policy easier to understand, given the complexity of the challenge, and the lack of popular support for engagement. It’s not the president's passivity which has concerned me, but rather, his suggesting that he wasn't presented with realistic, if difficult, policy choices:
“When I hear people offering up half-baked ideas as if they are solutions or trying to downplay the challenges involved in the situation, what I’d like to see people ask is, specifically, precisely, what exactly would you do and how would you fund it and how would you sustain it?” he said. “And typically, what you get is a bunch of mumbo-jumbo.” October, 2015
To suggest that the team lead by the former ambassador to Syria, Robert Ford, would have ever presented "half-baked ideas" in the guise of strategy, or even minimized the risk, is deeply disappointing; and to characterize their analysis as "mumbo-jumbo" is profoundly discourteous.
The ambassador has received accolades for his championing of human rights, at great risk to himself; yet what may not be as well known are the more quiet sacrifices that he and his spouse, also a diplomat, have made. If I'm not mistaken, they served in separate countries for over a decade total, and I'd imagine that to be separated must have been the greater sacrifice. Their example makes it harder for me to view policy choices as separate from family roles.
“When I hear people offering up half-baked ideas as if they are solutions or trying to downplay the challenges involved in the situation, what I’d like to see people ask is, specifically, precisely, what exactly would you do and how would you fund it and how would you sustain it?” he said. “And typically, what you get is a bunch of mumbo-jumbo.” October, 2015
To suggest that the team lead by the former ambassador to Syria, Robert Ford, would have ever presented "half-baked ideas" in the guise of strategy, or even minimized the risk, is deeply disappointing; and to characterize their analysis as "mumbo-jumbo" is profoundly discourteous.
The ambassador has received accolades for his championing of human rights, at great risk to himself; yet what may not be as well known are the more quiet sacrifices that he and his spouse, also a diplomat, have made. If I'm not mistaken, they served in separate countries for over a decade total, and I'd imagine that to be separated must have been the greater sacrifice. Their example makes it harder for me to view policy choices as separate from family roles.
1
Was the time when Mr. Obama's personal virtues as President and our national leader would have been assumed as prerequisites in a President. No longer. Perhaps, this is our greatest collective loss. We have denigrated and abandoned even the most assumed and mundane civic values in our political culture to the point of seeing our current (and pitiful) circumstance as "new territory". Sure, politics was always a blood sport, but never in such a vacuum of decency and principle.
5
An incoming Trump administration is beyond depressing to me, it is upsetting. I was angry when George W. Bush sneaked into office with the help of the U.S. Supreme Court, and for eight years I seethed every time he opened his mouth and sounded like he was still learning how to read, or he walked to the Rose Garden with his odd sarms-out swagger.
But this is different. After righting course with this country and the world with the election of President Obama, Americans once again demonstrated to the world how ignorant we are. I'm embarrassed all over again. And ashamed of my fellow citizens.
I am more optimistic than Mr. Kristoff about Mr. Obama's legacy however. This unravelling is only temporary. Some of the ignoramuses who voted for Trump without realizing they were choosing against their own self-interests, will see realize the Emperor had no clothes and will vote for a democrat four years from now. Obama's policies will be judged in a more reasonable light by then and people will demand them once again.
I keep repeating this to myself, because it is the only way I can remain sane with what is going on right now.
But this is different. After righting course with this country and the world with the election of President Obama, Americans once again demonstrated to the world how ignorant we are. I'm embarrassed all over again. And ashamed of my fellow citizens.
I am more optimistic than Mr. Kristoff about Mr. Obama's legacy however. This unravelling is only temporary. Some of the ignoramuses who voted for Trump without realizing they were choosing against their own self-interests, will see realize the Emperor had no clothes and will vote for a democrat four years from now. Obama's policies will be judged in a more reasonable light by then and people will demand them once again.
I keep repeating this to myself, because it is the only way I can remain sane with what is going on right now.
5
If saving our financial and social fabric from the wreckage of the Great Recession and restoring our economic vitality are not consequential, I don't know what is.
If bringing health care to 20 millions American -- with a plan whose elements, and mark my words, will endure for many decades to come -- is not consequential, I don't know what is.
If stopping the flow of body bags out of Iraq and Afghanistan is not consequential, I don't know what is.
If dismantling Al Qaeda, killing Bin Laden and dumping him in the ocean are not consequential, I don't know what is.
If restoring diplomacy over war and demonstrating its efficacy by undoing Iran’s nuclear weapons programs – an accord forged with allies and adversaries – are not consequential, I don't know what is.
If reversing 50 years of an anachronistic and ineffective policy toward Cuba is not consequential, I don’t know what is.
If accepting science and facts and exhibiting leadership in forging the Paris Climate Agreement ratified by 125 nations are not consequential, I don't know what is.
If having a moral compass and always carrying your self with dignity, grace, calmness and humanity -- while under the incessant spotlight of hungry media and in the face of obstructionism and racist barbs -- is not consequential, I don't know what is.
The Wall Street Journal is dead wrong.
If bringing health care to 20 millions American -- with a plan whose elements, and mark my words, will endure for many decades to come -- is not consequential, I don't know what is.
If stopping the flow of body bags out of Iraq and Afghanistan is not consequential, I don't know what is.
If dismantling Al Qaeda, killing Bin Laden and dumping him in the ocean are not consequential, I don't know what is.
If restoring diplomacy over war and demonstrating its efficacy by undoing Iran’s nuclear weapons programs – an accord forged with allies and adversaries – are not consequential, I don't know what is.
If reversing 50 years of an anachronistic and ineffective policy toward Cuba is not consequential, I don’t know what is.
If accepting science and facts and exhibiting leadership in forging the Paris Climate Agreement ratified by 125 nations are not consequential, I don't know what is.
If having a moral compass and always carrying your self with dignity, grace, calmness and humanity -- while under the incessant spotlight of hungry media and in the face of obstructionism and racist barbs -- is not consequential, I don't know what is.
The Wall Street Journal is dead wrong.
19
Missing Obama already, absolutely, feel like throwing myself at his departing feet while screaming, don't leave us, don't go. That can't happen, of course. I have long believed that American voters are as fickle as you write, choosing the exact opposite of the outgoing president and this election has increased by belief. Well, they have outdone themselves this time and this voteqq was distorted by unaknowledged racism and the distorted unfair view of Sec. Clinton nurtured by home grown and Russian propaganda. Those speeches to Goldman-Sacks look pretty tame compared to Trumps's cabinet of Goldman-Sacks plutocrats, public school hating, and environment hating heads of departments that protect both public schools and the environment. I won't even discuss in detail Rick Perry for the Departmemt of Energy as I don't have the energy. All we citizens can do is work hard to to demonstrate that we aren't going to accept the destruction that Trump and company are plotting.
5
Kristof says "We’ll be craving Obama’s prudence, intellect and reserve." And certainly those of us who opposed Trump's candidacy and are terrified of his presidency will crave those traits and more. But it is precisely Trump's shiny object impulsivity, anti-intellectual stupidity and astonishing vulgarity that appeal to his supporters. They don't see an unhinged man when they read his 140 character rants. They see someone "telling it like it is." And while I admire Kristof's optimism that they will somehow see the light, I doubt it. Though perhaps once Trump and his unconscionable allies take away their healthcare and social welfare safety nets, decimate the environment and fully embrace our enemies, those who still support the least qualified president on history will see a glimmer of truth. Here's hoping that by then it won't be too late to save our democracy.
5
I have found myself getting teary watching coverage of each of President Obama's past several public appearances, including his eloquent farewell address, his Medal of Freedom ceremony for Vice President Biden and even his final press conference. As much as tears of sadness over the frightful path down which the incoming administration seems to be leading us, my tears have been of joy for the grace, dignity, intellect, level-headedness and compassion with which Mr. Obama has led us these past 8 years and for the excellent example he and his family have set.
Dreading the seeming vulgarity of the coming years, I am grateful that my teenage daughters will have the Obama legacy to lean on to know how rational, decent, empathetic public discourse should be conducted.
Dreading the seeming vulgarity of the coming years, I am grateful that my teenage daughters will have the Obama legacy to lean on to know how rational, decent, empathetic public discourse should be conducted.
4
I am not going to miss Mr. Obama.
I thought he was a decent man, articulate and better than his awful predecessor, but he was not an effective president.
His reflective nature did not convey the gravitas of the leader of the strongest nation in the history of mankind.
Foremost, his lack of experience creating wealth harmed the nation disparate for jobs.
Instead, he allowed the Federal Reserve to fiddle with interest rates the net effect of which was to transfer wealth from Main Street to Wall Street.
Nevertheless, history may treat him better than he deserves if the incoming president replicates policies that triggered the depression or is impeached for actions that place his business interests ahead of the nation's interests.
I thought he was a decent man, articulate and better than his awful predecessor, but he was not an effective president.
His reflective nature did not convey the gravitas of the leader of the strongest nation in the history of mankind.
Foremost, his lack of experience creating wealth harmed the nation disparate for jobs.
Instead, he allowed the Federal Reserve to fiddle with interest rates the net effect of which was to transfer wealth from Main Street to Wall Street.
Nevertheless, history may treat him better than he deserves if the incoming president replicates policies that triggered the depression or is impeached for actions that place his business interests ahead of the nation's interests.
2
The Wall Street Journal exemplifies the sheer stupidity of the American right wing. It is incomprehensible that the man that brought healthcare to millions of Americans, struck a deal with Iran, opened the door to Cuba and pulled the US out of two losing wars in Iraq and Afghanistan could be anything other than "consequential." But it is this arrogant and vicious salivating at the prospect of erasing the legacy of the first African American President that makes the right in the US so utterly and unreservedly repulsive. Racism is, perhaps, the truest and most deeply felt American value, and it is exemplified in publications like the WSJ.
That being said, let me point out, again, that Obama may be missed for his dignity, class and compassion - all things that Trump simply doesn't possess. But he will be particularly missed for his competence and clear vision. Obama knew what he was talking about, he thought deeply and in sophisticated ways about complex issues. Again, Trump possesses none of this. As for the state of the Democratic Party, I suggest we wait 2-4 years to see what will happen. In the end, the Republicans are going to end up wearing Trump. The GOP has not been fit to govern in the US for at least the past two decades. The fact that it keeps being returned to power by American voters speaks badly of the average voter. Trump was the natural end of Republican politics; it's hard to see much future in hatred, bigotry and racism.
That being said, let me point out, again, that Obama may be missed for his dignity, class and compassion - all things that Trump simply doesn't possess. But he will be particularly missed for his competence and clear vision. Obama knew what he was talking about, he thought deeply and in sophisticated ways about complex issues. Again, Trump possesses none of this. As for the state of the Democratic Party, I suggest we wait 2-4 years to see what will happen. In the end, the Republicans are going to end up wearing Trump. The GOP has not been fit to govern in the US for at least the past two decades. The fact that it keeps being returned to power by American voters speaks badly of the average voter. Trump was the natural end of Republican politics; it's hard to see much future in hatred, bigotry and racism.
6
What is longed for is neither of the leaders that confront us, the one departing and the one arriving. What is longed for is honesty and humility and universal values reflective of all citizens and those hoping to become. When politics merged with the media circus, all bets were off and we have been confronted, if not surrounded, by narcissism and sycophants while quiet leadership and wisdom is the requirement for progress benefitting all.
Fearful of stillness, we live in a time of excess stimulation devoid of patience, respect, and appreciation. When these return, we will be righted, but without a hint of nostalgia for an aloof and disconnected ideologue with much destruction left in his wake.
Fearful of stillness, we live in a time of excess stimulation devoid of patience, respect, and appreciation. When these return, we will be righted, but without a hint of nostalgia for an aloof and disconnected ideologue with much destruction left in his wake.
1
For 75 years, it was said that Roosevelt's New Deal saved capitalism. By softening the rough edges of the free market capitalism with reforms such as social security and unemployment insurance, FDR may have prevented adoption of much more radical changes.
75 years from today it is unlikely that anyone will think Obama saved market-priced medical care. Rather, he only prolonged it, and that will not be thought of as a good thing. In the developed world, market-priced medical care still exists only in the USA.
The reason that no nation, including the wealthiest can allow markets to set the prices of medical care indefinitely is that demand for medical care is inelastic. Demand for a good or service is inelastic if a percentage increase in price results in a smaller percentage decrease in the quantity demanded. Basic economics tells us that sellers facing inelastic demand will continuously raise prices until prices reach the elastic portion of the demand curve. Consequently in every developed country in the world, all goods or services with inelastic demand have their prices regulated by government. Medical care in the USA being the only exception.
Health care is one of the very few things for which the sellers face inelastic demand. The prices of all other goods and services facing inelastic demand in the USA are regulated by government. Retail electricity service providers face inelastic demand. Consequently, their prices are c...."
http://seekingalpha.com/article/1647632
75 years from today it is unlikely that anyone will think Obama saved market-priced medical care. Rather, he only prolonged it, and that will not be thought of as a good thing. In the developed world, market-priced medical care still exists only in the USA.
The reason that no nation, including the wealthiest can allow markets to set the prices of medical care indefinitely is that demand for medical care is inelastic. Demand for a good or service is inelastic if a percentage increase in price results in a smaller percentage decrease in the quantity demanded. Basic economics tells us that sellers facing inelastic demand will continuously raise prices until prices reach the elastic portion of the demand curve. Consequently in every developed country in the world, all goods or services with inelastic demand have their prices regulated by government. Medical care in the USA being the only exception.
Health care is one of the very few things for which the sellers face inelastic demand. The prices of all other goods and services facing inelastic demand in the USA are regulated by government. Retail electricity service providers face inelastic demand. Consequently, their prices are c...."
http://seekingalpha.com/article/1647632
1
What is "consequential?" Reagan and his failure to address the AIDS plague? Bush's lying the country into Iraq, indifference to Karina, then ruining the economy?
Avoiding deadly consequences, and making a better world is the only consequence worth having. Thanks Mr. President!
Avoiding deadly consequences, and making a better world is the only consequence worth having. Thanks Mr. President!
7
BHO spent most of his Presidency on the golf course and it's looks like his post-presidency will be the same. If you miss him just make a tee time.
3
less vacation time than Bush, and Uncle Donnie doesn't work weekends. you buyer's remorse will kick in soon enough.
2
Your comment betrays a lack of diverse news sources. I'm not sure how useful it really is, but if that's your metric for measuring presidents, do a little research on how much time previous presidents spent on the golf course, or at their Texas ranch, Maine retreat, California ranch, etc.
Then, I suggest you note how often our next president is in his New York Tower, his Palm Beach Resort or his NJ golf club.
Then wait to see if some media outlets calculate tab US taxpayers will bear for his visits to his other "White Houses".
I'm guessing those who reported President Obama's golf games will not report the cost incurred.
Then, I suggest you note how often our next president is in his New York Tower, his Palm Beach Resort or his NJ golf club.
Then wait to see if some media outlets calculate tab US taxpayers will bear for his visits to his other "White Houses".
I'm guessing those who reported President Obama's golf games will not report the cost incurred.
2
Do you have access to his schedule? Funny, that's not the way I remember things.
And calling him "BHO" appears to be a dead giveaway of your political views. Liberals and progressives seldom emphasize the president's middle initial, while conservatives, in my experience, put it front and center, as often as possible.
And calling him "BHO" appears to be a dead giveaway of your political views. Liberals and progressives seldom emphasize the president's middle initial, while conservatives, in my experience, put it front and center, as often as possible.
3
Last night I watched the Frontline piece about how divided we are. Going down "memory lane" of Obama's presidency: the GOPs obstruction, Sandy Hook, etc. was painful. I can imagine he's ready to "get out of dodge." I listened to his press conference yesterday and compared it to Trump's of last week. Obama: God bless and good luck press corp. Trump: You are fake news. I have really, really tied to understand what his voters see in him. How may articles have been written about Trump voters (NONE about Hillary voters!)? How many interviews? They all seem like decent people, but I'm sorry, I just don't get it. I plan on watching ZERO of the inauguration. ZERO of the SOTU speech. It is the only way I can survive the next four years. That and finding a T-Shirt that screams "Don't Blame Me."
19
There's still one day left to be proud of America. Sometime tomorrow the lesser beings who crawl around Washington will stop holding their breath and stomping their feet. Republicans are drooling down their shirt fronts waiting to get at the spoils that are our tax dollars. They'll get to drop bombs wherever they want, but of course they'll hire those jobs out to the military because they're cowards.
All you folks in Kentucky, West Virginia and Wyoming get those shovels ready cause we're gonna be diggin' up some coal, but don't start till Mitch McConnell gives the signal. Wisconsin, Michigan and Pennsylvania they promised to get those factories humming so get your lunch buckets ready.
All you folks in Kentucky, West Virginia and Wyoming get those shovels ready cause we're gonna be diggin' up some coal, but don't start till Mitch McConnell gives the signal. Wisconsin, Michigan and Pennsylvania they promised to get those factories humming so get your lunch buckets ready.
12
Spot on Nicholas! He's an amazing, intelligent, and most importantly, a moral man. I sure hope he continues to contribute his insight and genius to our suffering society. Truly a great Orator. Thank you for publishing my exact thoughts and feelings toward President Obama.
9
There is a sense of unease everywhere I go in my smallish town; people asking: why can't Obama have another term? what is trump going to do? is he really as crazy as he acts? why does he lie so much? why does he act like he hates America and loves Putin? what's wrong with him? from the clerk at the corner store, the cashier at the checkout, the librarian, my grandchildren calling me....trump is a big black cloud hanging over us. With Obama we felt safe, stable, knowing that we could move forward on fixing things..but now, who knows what trump will do. How can anybody trust him?
Yes, Obama is, and will ever-increasingly so, be missed. His legacy will stand the test of time no matter how much of it republicans tear it apart. Republican incompetence at governing always comes back to bite them.
You should all be proud to call President and Mrs. Obama Americans.
Yes, Obama is, and will ever-increasingly so, be missed. His legacy will stand the test of time no matter how much of it republicans tear it apart. Republican incompetence at governing always comes back to bite them.
You should all be proud to call President and Mrs. Obama Americans.
10
Thank you Mr. President. You show us a world of decency and kindness. I hope that our next president will be half the human being that you are but I doubt it. However, if decency is not forgotten, hope will remain.
18
Well-said, Nick. May I be so bold as to suggest that Obama's Hawaii roots have much to do with his popularity?
We value modesty and humility in our state. We praise the "quiet, but effective" leader and greatly admire those who think before they speak.
Conversely, we disdain the arrogant, loud-mouthed type. We love a "cool" guy, and hate a screaming idiot. To lose one's temper, brands you as a jerk.
Friday, January 20 will be a day of mourning in the Islands.
We value modesty and humility in our state. We praise the "quiet, but effective" leader and greatly admire those who think before they speak.
Conversely, we disdain the arrogant, loud-mouthed type. We love a "cool" guy, and hate a screaming idiot. To lose one's temper, brands you as a jerk.
Friday, January 20 will be a day of mourning in the Islands.
17
Oh come on Nick -- you knew the day was coming when Barack Obama would hand over the presidency to his successor. Of course it's this incoming successor that you never anticipated which disappoints you the most. How is it possible that the saintly Obama could even conceive of leaving the White House to a devil like Trump??
I'm sure Nick Kristof has seen enough transitions between people of different parties to know that is hardly an earthshattering occurrence. Even George W Bush wasn't treated with this much contempt by the media after his controversial win over Al Gore in 2000. Things were simple back in the day--the loser congratulated the winner and life went back to normal quickly. I am so sick to death of Obama's long good by and the puff pieces surrounding his imminent departure.
You're also too old to be a snowflake, Nick. As the late Joan Rivers used to say "Oh grow up already."
I'm sure Nick Kristof has seen enough transitions between people of different parties to know that is hardly an earthshattering occurrence. Even George W Bush wasn't treated with this much contempt by the media after his controversial win over Al Gore in 2000. Things were simple back in the day--the loser congratulated the winner and life went back to normal quickly. I am so sick to death of Obama's long good by and the puff pieces surrounding his imminent departure.
You're also too old to be a snowflake, Nick. As the late Joan Rivers used to say "Oh grow up already."
2
Presidential transitions earth-shattering? No.
A president with integrity, intelligence, loyalty, and dignity being replaced by a serially bankrupt, tax-dodging, adulterous, lecherous, empty gasbag who can't even spell, let alone keep his cool and comport himself like a leader? That's a whole different kettle of fish.
A president with integrity, intelligence, loyalty, and dignity being replaced by a serially bankrupt, tax-dodging, adulterous, lecherous, empty gasbag who can't even spell, let alone keep his cool and comport himself like a leader? That's a whole different kettle of fish.
3
The "Obama legacy" will certainly be mixed. As a family man and human I think he was a decent, smart, hard working fellow, ( as were President Bushs' 1 & 2) but politically he was prone to believe what his politics told him ( not unlike President Bush 2 regarding Iraq) not what the facts and reality told him were happening. His remarks and speeches referred to himself constantly and the subject of the speech occasionally. His scandals were minor but annoying and none family related but that could also be due to a boot licking press who went looking for family trouble with his predecessor. Had the ACA been sold without resorting to half truths, lies, deceptions and bribery, and read by those voting for it so they could fix what was wrong before passing the legislation, it would have been smaller, more effective and more likely to survive the upcoming stupidity of "repeal". His campaigning for Hillary amounted to pleading and whining, hardly Presidential but in many ways the last 8 years have been all about him, for good and ill. Our allies never doubted where we stood under G.W. Bush but question the same under Obama /Kerry. I suspect they will long for these days once P-E Trump takes office. Sadly I fear the upcoming 4 years will be all about the new President and i don't think there will be much for the good but we shall see. I never thought I'd say this but I think will miss President Obama.
1
America seems to have decided to trade in 'class' for 'crass', 'thoughtfulness' for 'gut reaction', and a 'silk purse' for a 'sows' ear'. How sad for America and how disturbing for the rest of the world.
32
Our nation's character will never be the same.
23
Trump and his cabinet picks have collectively had more "ethical lapses" -- an understated euphemism for illegal activities -- than rival and perhaps surpass what we experienced during the Nixon and Bush years, two eras we cannot afford to duplicate.
We felt so safe with Obama and Biden leading us. Now we're entering uncharted waters that are dark, rough and horrifically dangerous.
We felt so safe with Obama and Biden leading us. Now we're entering uncharted waters that are dark, rough and horrifically dangerous.
27
I am grieving the loss of a fine man who was our president for eight years, and I am grieving the potential loss of our democracy as I have known it.
31
Obama's reputation is indeed unimpeachable.
13
I expect the Woodmont County Club is exhibiting old fashioned bias. Or maybe the effects of bullying.
7
On my best days I could not do a better job than President Obama. On my worst days I could not do a worse job than trump.
22
Not only do journalists pay too much attention to the man and and not enough to the policies, but democrats do too. Obama was indeed a respectable family man to be looked up to....who has almost brought down the healthcare industry with his policies, the ACA. I am a physician, and doctors have risen to the top of one remarkable category over the last 5 years-we now have the highest suicide rate of any white collar worker in the US. So let's celebrate the man, and look forward to reversing his damaging policies, both at home and abroad.
What happened to so many of your thoughts on November 9, when you admonished readers to "give President Trump a change"??
i don't know if he is the smartest president ever but i would love to share a room and my record collection. yes i will miss this man and this President immensely. thank you mr President
8
I believe that this prediction of Mr. Kristoff's will turn out as so many other of his predictions - totally incorrect.
3
You are soooo right...Worst President Ever - Barrack Hussein Obama .
and is the rare president who got through a second term without significant scandals!!!!
Unless I missed something, Obama get through a second term without *any* scandal.
Unless I missed something, Obama get through a second term without *any* scandal.
President Obama is the epitome of grace under fire, Trump is a disgrace...
31
Barack Obama has been the best President in my 65-year life. Tomorrow, I suspect the worst will take office. I will hold the memories of this president and his family close to my heart in the difficult weeks and months ahead.
32
He's been the second worst in my 62 years. Only JImmy Carter was worse. I am glad to see him go.
Had any of the banksters who wrecked the world economy been arrested and jailed Trump would not have had his window of opportunity. And that would also have made Obama a great rather than a good president.
4
In the office of President, we are replacing a man with a boy.
10
And a very bad boy at that.
1
Yes, yes, and yes!
4
All of what we hope to see will be contingent on a press willing to present the truth for what it is, not for what they think will garner the most "clicks." Faux objectivity has become the norm, thus we find ourselves up to our ears in random tweets and other irrelevancies that lend themselves to a new journalistic norm that equates rumor with fact. Yes, the Obamas have been exemplary in their behavior, but this is meaningless in an information universe that has accommodated the ascendancy of a carnival barking hot head to the pinnacle of power.
6
One of the reasons that his approval numbers are so high upon his exit is that he's such a glaring contrast with the incoming president-elect....night and day....
5
Obama has something I highly value in a person, while Trump has never had one and apparently never will: a sense of humor.
24
Marcus--One actually has to have some intelligence in order to develop a sense of humor. Dumb people don't get real humor, they just make fun of, and degrade, others.
2
Yes he and his classy wife and family will be missed while we enjoy 4 years of the Trump reality show. Nice article and yes...elections have consequences America,.
19
Add "humble" to President Obama's traits and you get a sense of why he is underestimated as the fantastic leader he is. For President Obama, the ends are more important than the glory. He places his achievements above the petty political realm.
History will take note. President Obama will be noted in a league with Lincoln and FDR. President Obama made America greater than any poll could capture.
History will take note. President Obama will be noted in a league with Lincoln and FDR. President Obama made America greater than any poll could capture.
30
Humble? really? I guess you don't watch TV or listen to the radio. Obama is the antithesis of humble. I liken him to a petulant junior high student who thinks he's always the smartest kid in the room.
2
Personal character, person’s inner quality, one’s essence, always leaves an authentic seal, a more or less delicate “watermark” on all of that person’s affairs and interactions with physical world and surrounding people, even regardless of one’s intentions, abilities or façade (and, also, despite the counter-measures of the opponents)…
Thank you for writing this.
Thank you for writing this.
5
He already made America great again.
10
Trump's bull in a China shop brand of politics will become boring over time. The anger he will generate will destroy the Republican Party in 4 years!
5
Thank you, I could not agree more with you. It makes me weep to think we have replaced this fine human being with DT. Barack has been ever thoughtful. We knew that his decisions, although not always agreed with, were made with precision and took many aspects in to consideration. Perhaps he has been too good at role reversing.
6
"Voters are fickle and promiscuous, suffering an eight-year itch for a fling with someone who is the opposite of their last infatuation."
Nick, I wish I could believe your implication that Trump supporters might soon have buyers' remorse, but I'm not sure. Not until he touches their wallets would that occur.
But I otherwise agree with all your role model distinctions. I began missing President Obama the night of November 8 when it hit me what the nation had done. "Unprincipled narcissist" is an apt description, provided it stops there.
But reading Mr. Blow's quote about Trump planning military parades a fascist display of governmental military might made me simply sick to my stomach. This man can, and likely will, do a lot of damage. Whether he can completely turn democracy upside down is debatable, but if he weakens our civil liberties, punishes the poor, and continues spinning alternate views of reality that people grab onto, Americans could be in for a rough ride.
I think that many would agree that President Obama is the polar opposite of Donald Trump. But the people have spoken. If this country survives four years of Trump it could become unrecognizable.
But President Obama has promised to speak out on his core values: just think about that ! That a fairly popular outgoing president assures the nation he'll be watching as an extremely unpopular, threatening man assumes power must be a first.
Thank you President Obama, for all you are and will remain.
Nick, I wish I could believe your implication that Trump supporters might soon have buyers' remorse, but I'm not sure. Not until he touches their wallets would that occur.
But I otherwise agree with all your role model distinctions. I began missing President Obama the night of November 8 when it hit me what the nation had done. "Unprincipled narcissist" is an apt description, provided it stops there.
But reading Mr. Blow's quote about Trump planning military parades a fascist display of governmental military might made me simply sick to my stomach. This man can, and likely will, do a lot of damage. Whether he can completely turn democracy upside down is debatable, but if he weakens our civil liberties, punishes the poor, and continues spinning alternate views of reality that people grab onto, Americans could be in for a rough ride.
I think that many would agree that President Obama is the polar opposite of Donald Trump. But the people have spoken. If this country survives four years of Trump it could become unrecognizable.
But President Obama has promised to speak out on his core values: just think about that ! That a fairly popular outgoing president assures the nation he'll be watching as an extremely unpopular, threatening man assumes power must be a first.
Thank you President Obama, for all you are and will remain.
32
It must be the NYC water. There are millions of wonderful men and women who are gracious, good parents, and well-spoken, it's not all that special to most of us. Yet most of these decent folks would not be great presidents. Is there a reason why Times' columnists continue to perseverate in this tedious, repetitive cycle of self-indulgent grief over the election? The election is finished - get over yourselves and your disappointment.
3
Sheesh, I accidentally recommended this. Sorry. It's true that most decent folks would not be good Presidents--I'd be terrible, and George W was the first one I thought worse than I'd be.
I think we have at least four years to indulge in grief--the same four years the Republicans indulged in sulks, lies, and vituperation. What, you thought we wouldn't notice?
I think we have at least four years to indulge in grief--the same four years the Republicans indulged in sulks, lies, and vituperation. What, you thought we wouldn't notice?
1
As an aficionado of good English, I will miss the use of complete, coherent sentences. Such usage shows that effective and insightful thinking has occurred, something for which Resident Trump has shown no talent.
40
I've been searching for the appropriate address for Trump. "RESIDENT TRUMP" is perfect!!!
2
There's never been a president in my adult life (my first vote was in 1980) who I've liked and respected more, when I agreed with him and when I didn't, and I don't expect to see one if I live another 30-40 years...
And my bet is Trump will take an equally indelible place on the other end of my presidential ledger. He already makes Nixon look like a saintly man in comparison, and that takes some doing...
And my bet is Trump will take an equally indelible place on the other end of my presidential ledger. He already makes Nixon look like a saintly man in comparison, and that takes some doing...
34
Well. BHO's final presser and for all intents his high quality administration are over. We won't see such class, clarity and coherence again any time soon. The trite but realistic message at the end is optimistic: "keep calm and carry on." I'll try, once I've finally dried my tears.
33
Obama does not have a legacy. No one will miss him except the socialistic democrats who are a fraction of the socialistic democratic party Obama decimated. Respect for the taxpayer dollar comes back to the White House on January 20, 2017.
4
How about respect for the ordinary taxpayer's dollar, instead of only the Very Rich taxpayer's dollar? I think there are a lot of people who don't realize how rich the very rich are--so rich that they can make in a year enough that they and their children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren will never have to work at all, and will still have more money every year than the ordinary taxpayer sees in a lifetime.
3
Like Trump, you can't even express a coherent thought without contradicting yourself.
How can the "socialist democartic Party" be socialist, when earlier in the sentence you say that the "socialist democrats are [just] a fraction of the party?"
And you're spouting off the word "socialist" without even knowing what it means; socialists are not synonymous with democrats.
I suspect that either you're just another troll paid by the Russians; or maybe just a Foxbot or Limbaugh Dittohead who spews whatever they tell you to spew without even understanding it.
How can the "socialist democartic Party" be socialist, when earlier in the sentence you say that the "socialist democrats are [just] a fraction of the party?"
And you're spouting off the word "socialist" without even knowing what it means; socialists are not synonymous with democrats.
I suspect that either you're just another troll paid by the Russians; or maybe just a Foxbot or Limbaugh Dittohead who spews whatever they tell you to spew without even understanding it.
3
It's always amazed me and pleased me that the girls were "off limits" to the media. Yay! At one time I was close to the Episcopalian mafia of northwest DC (I lived in DC for over 40 years) and protecting the children from the foolishness that goes on there is just wonderful. A little boy saluting as his father's casket goes by nothwithstanding...
9
Perhaps "our children" would have a realistic chance of admiring Trump if the adults would give him a chance. Over 60 Democratic from Congress are grandstanding the innaug tomorrow....they are not going to attend which is the most childish response to a loss. The role model ( Obama) had the opportunity to promote the peaceful transition yesterday by simply asking the Dems to attend the event tomorrow. This is not the America we want to be.
As far as fatherhood goes...it appears from the outside that Obama has done a wonderful job raising his daughters. The same should be said about Trump.
As far as fatherhood goes...it appears from the outside that Obama has done a wonderful job raising his daughters. The same should be said about Trump.
3
Your analogy falls flat. By all accounts, Trump spent as little time as humanly possible raising his children, even bragging about how low a priority child rearing was for him.
2
Or, they could act exactly like the "mature" Republicans did when Pres Obama was innaugirated, and proclaim that "Our goal is to make Obama a one-term president," and then refuse to work with him in any way.
Oh, but that's different; Republicans are allowed to do things like that.
Oh, but that's different; Republicans are allowed to do things like that.
3
What? If Trump raised his children, there's no reason to suspect he did a good job. No evidence that they're good people.
And why should we accept Trump, when the Republican Congress spent eight years not accepting Obama--claiming he wasn't even an American, and confessedly setting as their first priority, making him a one-term President?
We are in an awful mess, and the Republicans put us there.
And why should we accept Trump, when the Republican Congress spent eight years not accepting Obama--claiming he wasn't even an American, and confessedly setting as their first priority, making him a one-term President?
We are in an awful mess, and the Republicans put us there.
3
If for no other reason (and there are plenty), it's been wonderful to breath a bit easier knowing that a calm, reasoned, steady hand has been at the tiller these past eight years. Some might think the stated foreign policy dictum of "Don't do stupid, uhm, shtuff" was simplistic, but Mr. Obama has been the only President in my lifetime to take that seriously.
Calmly digging us out of the Republicans economic mess was nice too.
So, let's tip our hats and get our shovels ready for the coming mess. We're gonna miss that family.
Calmly digging us out of the Republicans economic mess was nice too.
So, let's tip our hats and get our shovels ready for the coming mess. We're gonna miss that family.
24
Averse to asserting privilege? The person who lectured us about having "made enough" sends his daughters to private school and now on to Harvard, while now planning to rent a &6mm dollar home ? I for one won't miss the hypocritical lecturing from someone who managed to confront the world with such immaturity and passive malevolence, alienating friends and tripping over himself to ingratiate himself to those who hate us.
3
Immaturity ? Passive malevolence ? You could apply them to the incoming Celebrity Apprentice President, only it would be active malevolence.
2
Excuse me, but what planet have you been living on for the past 8 years?
- Trump constantly talks about how much money he has made. He brags about his wealth. He was born with a silver spoon in his mouth, all from his daddy. He owns his own airplane. And you're complaining about how Pres Obama once made a single remark about how he's EARNED his money?
- The fact that Pres Obama can put together thoughtful and coherent sentences does not constitute "hypocritical lecturing." Trump espouses his thoughts in 144 characters (which contain mispellings and are grammatically incorrect); and then he changes his mind 15 minutes later. And Trump never "lectures" us? Puhlease!
- Obama never "alienated" friends. He was loved by most leaders around the world. The ones that disliked him (e.g. Netanyahu) are merely the ones whose policies he didn't agree with; and he stood up for his (and America's) principles.
You sound like you're one of those haters who never would accept ANYTHING that Pres Obama as being good. A stooge paid by the Russians? A Foxbot?
- Trump constantly talks about how much money he has made. He brags about his wealth. He was born with a silver spoon in his mouth, all from his daddy. He owns his own airplane. And you're complaining about how Pres Obama once made a single remark about how he's EARNED his money?
- The fact that Pres Obama can put together thoughtful and coherent sentences does not constitute "hypocritical lecturing." Trump espouses his thoughts in 144 characters (which contain mispellings and are grammatically incorrect); and then he changes his mind 15 minutes later. And Trump never "lectures" us? Puhlease!
- Obama never "alienated" friends. He was loved by most leaders around the world. The ones that disliked him (e.g. Netanyahu) are merely the ones whose policies he didn't agree with; and he stood up for his (and America's) principles.
You sound like you're one of those haters who never would accept ANYTHING that Pres Obama as being good. A stooge paid by the Russians? A Foxbot?
3
BHO made his money with his hard work and his own talents.
He did make enough to send his kids to private school and Harvard. Pretty good for a scholarship boy.
He did make enough to send his kids to private school and Harvard. Pretty good for a scholarship boy.
2
I can't imagine any responsible parent looking to Trump as a role model. What do we tell our children? What is it about this man that we can respect? The GOP of my youth spoke of family values. I guess that is a golden oldie idea now.
21
The Wall Street Journal is a successful media outlet, just not a moral one.
President Obama is a great President, perhaps the best in my 70 years. It is more the hatred of the Billionaire White Power Republicans who opposed his every move that deserves the derision.
Hugh Massengill, Eugene Oregon
President Obama is a great President, perhaps the best in my 70 years. It is more the hatred of the Billionaire White Power Republicans who opposed his every move that deserves the derision.
Hugh Massengill, Eugene Oregon
42
I stopped reading WSJ after Murdoch took it over AND found that its editorial was full of praise and justifications for George W Bush even as he hid the huge deficits the country was running in engaging in 2 wars.
1
Thanks for reminding us and making us feel worse.
The countdown has begun - only 1,096 days left.
The countdown has begun - only 1,096 days left.
21
As of noon on January 20th, Elvis has left the building. Another day that will live in infamy.
17
Back in 2000 I was stuck on a plane to NY. The guy in front of me was regaling his seatmate with praise for the W. Bush-Cheney election saying, "Now it's time for some real leadership." Real leadership? Let's remember the strong "leaders" in history from Rome to Berlin to Beijing to Moscow. It's true Obama was unable to rally the nation to some self-serving frenzy which "leaders" specialize in driving. His cool prevented an overheated foreign policy that might have resulted in another war abroad. So now, according to the GOP "leaders" Trump will drive that strong "leadership", and possibly drive us off a cliff. Be careful, very careful what you ask for.
23
Will miss this great man terribly. He is an astounding human being. A wonderful father, a thoughtful leader, voracious learner. He exemplifies class and dignity. Thank you Obama for fighting for us. For fighting for equity and justice for all.
54
Just a minute. In 2000 and 2016 the winner of the popular vote was not inaugurated. The loser was. Just because we live in a banana republic that installs gop losers is no reason to pretend the voters wanted that result. They didn't. To pretend otherwise is a species of fake news, giving aid and comfort to the illegitimate.
34
Neither was the winner of the 2004 election.
1
I could not agree more. The column suggests that voters were "weary" and wanted to change, but that is simply not true! The people wanted Hillary Clinton like almost 3,000,000 more votes in, which suggests that we are not a democracy and that the original purpose of the electoral college has been totally corrupted. The country needs to address this problem, and commentators need to be talking about it rather than suggesting that the outcome of the election was the will of the people.
10
The only illegitimate part I see is the garbage holding up the ticky tacky soapbox you're wobbling on, provided by the Propaganda Department NYT/DNC for you to regurgitate on command.
1
Clearly Obama viewed his work as President as public service. Trump seems to see the Presidency as another notch on his belt and a way to extend his brand.
115
President Obama is a Renascence man. In soul years, if you will, he's a transcendent wise old soul the likes of which we haven't been blessed since Abraham Lincoln, who was also by many misunderstood. I, like many others, am in a state of grief similar to losing a beloved family member or friend. God speed President Obama. We and the world still need your depth, insight and influence. Now more than ever.
63
Please do not compare Obama to Lincoln and get spell check on your computer.
1
Rewriting the closing sentence:
"And if, as I fear, we see the White House transformed into a bog of scandals flowing from an unprincipled narcissist, we as a nation will be more appreciative of a first family that set an impeccable example for all the world.",
we can achieve some balance:
And if, as I fear, we see the White House transformed from a bog of constitutional overreach, institutionalized suppression of free speech, and feckless foreign policy flowing from a dignified narcissistic globalist-collectivist into a bog of scandals flowing from an unprincipled narcissist, we as a nation will be more appreciative of a first family that set an impeccable example for all the world."
"And if, as I fear, we see the White House transformed into a bog of scandals flowing from an unprincipled narcissist, we as a nation will be more appreciative of a first family that set an impeccable example for all the world.",
we can achieve some balance:
And if, as I fear, we see the White House transformed from a bog of constitutional overreach, institutionalized suppression of free speech, and feckless foreign policy flowing from a dignified narcissistic globalist-collectivist into a bog of scandals flowing from an unprincipled narcissist, we as a nation will be more appreciative of a first family that set an impeccable example for all the world."
8
"But even on issues that I disagreed with him on, I never doubted his integrity or intelligence, his decency or honor." BINGO!
Washington had it ("His Excellency" by Joseph Ellis); Lincoln had it ("A Team of Rivals" by Doris Kearns Goodwin); Obama has it and he will be sorely missed as the Trump administration works its will by any means necessary and regardless of human cost. Think integrity, intelligence and decency don't matter in politics?
It is at "crunch time" we especially need a president with balanced judgment who is fair-minded, with a good heart--what G.W. Bush clearly did not have as he plunged us into his preemptive Iraq war under false pretenses.
Good man that Obama is, thanks to the obstinate, obstructionist, obdurate Republicans and a vicious right-wing media spreading propaganda, lies, and disinformation, Obama could not get much of anything done. Why?
If Obama got things done, 1. voters might not vote GOP; 2. government is bad because it taxes the greedy wealthy and regulates business; 3. punishment is preferred over kindness and compassion; and 4. in the GOP, it's always more money for the rich ttrumping the well being of all the people.
Plus: 1. the media obsessed over Trump's disturbed personality but not issues; 2. the Democratic Party, the party of opposition to the GOP, was too timid, inept, and insular inside the beltway to be effective even when it had the majority; 3. Clinton was not perceived as having integrity.
Integrity matters
Washington had it ("His Excellency" by Joseph Ellis); Lincoln had it ("A Team of Rivals" by Doris Kearns Goodwin); Obama has it and he will be sorely missed as the Trump administration works its will by any means necessary and regardless of human cost. Think integrity, intelligence and decency don't matter in politics?
It is at "crunch time" we especially need a president with balanced judgment who is fair-minded, with a good heart--what G.W. Bush clearly did not have as he plunged us into his preemptive Iraq war under false pretenses.
Good man that Obama is, thanks to the obstinate, obstructionist, obdurate Republicans and a vicious right-wing media spreading propaganda, lies, and disinformation, Obama could not get much of anything done. Why?
If Obama got things done, 1. voters might not vote GOP; 2. government is bad because it taxes the greedy wealthy and regulates business; 3. punishment is preferred over kindness and compassion; and 4. in the GOP, it's always more money for the rich ttrumping the well being of all the people.
Plus: 1. the media obsessed over Trump's disturbed personality but not issues; 2. the Democratic Party, the party of opposition to the GOP, was too timid, inept, and insular inside the beltway to be effective even when it had the majority; 3. Clinton was not perceived as having integrity.
Integrity matters
26
Your quote is what got to me, too. I don't expect to agree with everything any president--or person--does, but Obama was someone you would trust to pick up your kids at school. Trump? Naahh...
2
Trump has been 4 times bankrupt and twice divocded and caught on tape admitting to adultery...that's integrity?????????????????????
3
Funny how Mr. Obama and his family exemplify all of the qualities that the GOP supposedly care about: family, a belief in a higher power, personal conservatism, etc. while the man they elected is the polar opposite. Amazing how hate can blind.
1014
You are right in your assessment of what Gopers syand for. However, you have overlooked one important fact: Obama is a black man.
1
Amazing how hate can blind and bind, indeed.
1
So true... the problem for Obama was all of his personal virtue ( real and perceived) were trumped, no pun intended, by his incompetence in performing his job.
Donald Trump thinks POTUS is a prize he won. Does not realize it was a job interview & he was hired to work for the citizens of the United States.
For the People. For the Common Good.
Both of those are concepts that are unknown to Trump.
The billionaire living in his golden tower knows nothing of the life most Americans lead. A rich bully, Trump has had money and lawyers to cover his excesses and failures his entire life. He makes people sign pledges of silence, if they speak, he sues. He hires people to surround him that will defer to him, he buys their respect. Trump does not earn it. He's never needed to.
He's not politically correct because he's never needed to be civil. Ask his former wives about his behavior. Or his current one.
Obama is much more like most Americans. It was the main reason I voted for him in 2008. Mixed race. Raised by his single mom. Public schools, no healthcare. College on scholarships. Hard worker. 1 marriage. 1 home. 1 mortgage. Kids to buy shoes for. No one to bail him out. No one to pay his way. Like most of us. Obama's word, behavior and work ethic mattered. Just like us.
Obama knew more about average U.S. life than McCain in 2008 or Romney in 2012. Trump? Not a chance. Donald thinks real life is like reality TV. His Cabinet couldn't be further removed from everyday American life. They do not know about budgets and bills and doing without till the next paycheck. Never even thought about it.
None of what's coming will be good.
For the People. For the Common Good.
Both of those are concepts that are unknown to Trump.
The billionaire living in his golden tower knows nothing of the life most Americans lead. A rich bully, Trump has had money and lawyers to cover his excesses and failures his entire life. He makes people sign pledges of silence, if they speak, he sues. He hires people to surround him that will defer to him, he buys their respect. Trump does not earn it. He's never needed to.
He's not politically correct because he's never needed to be civil. Ask his former wives about his behavior. Or his current one.
Obama is much more like most Americans. It was the main reason I voted for him in 2008. Mixed race. Raised by his single mom. Public schools, no healthcare. College on scholarships. Hard worker. 1 marriage. 1 home. 1 mortgage. Kids to buy shoes for. No one to bail him out. No one to pay his way. Like most of us. Obama's word, behavior and work ethic mattered. Just like us.
Obama knew more about average U.S. life than McCain in 2008 or Romney in 2012. Trump? Not a chance. Donald thinks real life is like reality TV. His Cabinet couldn't be further removed from everyday American life. They do not know about budgets and bills and doing without till the next paycheck. Never even thought about it.
None of what's coming will be good.
731
I agree about almost everything you said but I don't think Obama went to many, if any, public schools. His high school was the best private school in Hawaii. His mother was a single mom but she was also a PhD anthropologist who worked for the Ford Foundation. Let's praise him for his many good qualities but he did not rise from a ghetto childhood.
2
Actually, the President attended private schools. His working class family made many sacrifices to enable this, I think to try to give him a head start as a bi-racial child in a time when that was a more difficult position than today.
7
Actually, Barack Obama attended 4 years of government, indonesian language schools in Jakarta, not private schools as his step father and his mother could not afford to send him to an international school.
He went back to Hawaii to live with his grandparents and attended the private school there Punahao School as a SCHOLARSHIP BOY. His mother divorced his step father, his maternal grandfather worked in a furniture store and his grandmother supported the family starting out as a bank officer - in 1960 before being promoted to becoming a bank VP. No one there came from a privileged background.
He went back to Hawaii to live with his grandparents and attended the private school there Punahao School as a SCHOLARSHIP BOY. His mother divorced his step father, his maternal grandfather worked in a furniture store and his grandmother supported the family starting out as a bank officer - in 1960 before being promoted to becoming a bank VP. No one there came from a privileged background.
3
Obama is certainly a decent man through and through but he was also a person who valued what we should all value, the principles that are embedded in the constitution. We are about to see them trashed to our peril.
He stood alone as his political enemies and friends alike looked for flaws in his character so they could shake their heads and say what do you expect from a black man. Underlying Kristof's praise is partly sthe thought isn't he amazing because he showed such dignity in the face of such burning hatred for something he cannot change.
There is no art of the deal that could have changed the deep boned rejection of him and his policies just because a black man proposed them.. I, for one, wish that he hadn't had to work within that racial box he was in, that contempt that wasn't far from the surface when he was dealing with the politicians and voters who wouldn't give him the time of day. Ryan. McConnell, the Freedom party would have had less of a following for their terrible politics.
Obama was blamed for being too above the fray, not collegial enough. I read that to mean he should have back slapped those who sneered at him behind his back. Well, I am glad he didn't grovel to that clique of uncivil men.
I admire the man but what I will miss is his excellent ideas and policies that looked to the future and not the past.
He stood alone as his political enemies and friends alike looked for flaws in his character so they could shake their heads and say what do you expect from a black man. Underlying Kristof's praise is partly sthe thought isn't he amazing because he showed such dignity in the face of such burning hatred for something he cannot change.
There is no art of the deal that could have changed the deep boned rejection of him and his policies just because a black man proposed them.. I, for one, wish that he hadn't had to work within that racial box he was in, that contempt that wasn't far from the surface when he was dealing with the politicians and voters who wouldn't give him the time of day. Ryan. McConnell, the Freedom party would have had less of a following for their terrible politics.
Obama was blamed for being too above the fray, not collegial enough. I read that to mean he should have back slapped those who sneered at him behind his back. Well, I am glad he didn't grovel to that clique of uncivil men.
I admire the man but what I will miss is his excellent ideas and policies that looked to the future and not the past.
506
The thing which must gnaw at Donald Trump more than anything else will get worse in the coming months. It is the regard by honest people for Barack Obama as a good and decent man.
Donald Trump also will become more and more frustrated by the fact that raw power, ruthlessness and cunning will never be admired as much as grace, intelligence, erudition and vision.
The television talking heads focus on the over-used term, “legacy.” They see the concept simplistically as a check list of specific programs, regulations and policies.
The commentators fail to realize that we would not be watching the spectacle of dishonest cabinet nominees carefully evading the truth of their opposition to ideas President Obama championed, had our departing President not made those values the norm.
Republican nominees are jumping through hoops and disgracing themselves because they are too afraid to openly oppose ideas like healthcare for all, clean water and air, reduced use of fossil fuels, fairness to people of all races, religions and sexual orientations, and strength in international affairs through intelligent negotiation rather than aimless bloodshed.
A few years ago the Republican Party would have proudly opposed these ideas without having to skulk around.
Barack Obama already has won.
Donald Trump also will become more and more frustrated by the fact that raw power, ruthlessness and cunning will never be admired as much as grace, intelligence, erudition and vision.
The television talking heads focus on the over-used term, “legacy.” They see the concept simplistically as a check list of specific programs, regulations and policies.
The commentators fail to realize that we would not be watching the spectacle of dishonest cabinet nominees carefully evading the truth of their opposition to ideas President Obama championed, had our departing President not made those values the norm.
Republican nominees are jumping through hoops and disgracing themselves because they are too afraid to openly oppose ideas like healthcare for all, clean water and air, reduced use of fossil fuels, fairness to people of all races, religions and sexual orientations, and strength in international affairs through intelligent negotiation rather than aimless bloodshed.
A few years ago the Republican Party would have proudly opposed these ideas without having to skulk around.
Barack Obama already has won.
13
Watching the last news conference of President Obama I felt a sense of profound sadness. For those who say he didn't accomplish anything I say history will confirm that his years in office were stained only by the lack of disrespect and treasonist disregard of the Republicans. No President is perfect. To expect everyone to be fully satisfied by their accomplishments is naive. President Obama has set the bar very high for the incoming administration, his optimism and hope for the future will prove true. Morality and honesty will trump hate and lies. President Obama believes in the future and American exceptionalism. He has faith in the next generation. Let's hope that as the next generation comes to understand that they hold the keys to the future direction of our country. I pray that Trump et al are the last of a dying breeed.
9
Nicholas,
The one area where you should be most focused is on how the developed countries handle the responsibilities of climate change, for its cost will fall most heavily on the developing world.
Will our response be simply to arrest global growth?
How much growth in economic activity will be allowed for those corners of the world for which each incremental percentage point of growth is a matter of life and death.
Do you have clear prescriptions for how developed countries, staggering under the pressures of universal health care, declining labor participation, the coming retirement and pressure on social safety nets will endure if economic activity is slowed or stopped?
Have you studied ZERO economic growth in an era of continuing population growth with that growth pressing on carbon emissions (absent other fuel sources)?
I have found your writings, particularly your recent defense of faithful Americans and persecuted people groups, to be incredibly important. On his "signature" accomplishment, Obama's pledge to "cool" the Earth is not compelling. My great hope is that our leadership, particularly those who understand economics and refrain from rose-colored proclamations, will tackle the realities of energy. It will rest on cost and sources, not screeds and hysterical speechmaking.
That is the biggest contribution that we and successive leaders can make to the corners of the world you cover. Obama's legacy will be viewed for its initiation and incompleteness.
The one area where you should be most focused is on how the developed countries handle the responsibilities of climate change, for its cost will fall most heavily on the developing world.
Will our response be simply to arrest global growth?
How much growth in economic activity will be allowed for those corners of the world for which each incremental percentage point of growth is a matter of life and death.
Do you have clear prescriptions for how developed countries, staggering under the pressures of universal health care, declining labor participation, the coming retirement and pressure on social safety nets will endure if economic activity is slowed or stopped?
Have you studied ZERO economic growth in an era of continuing population growth with that growth pressing on carbon emissions (absent other fuel sources)?
I have found your writings, particularly your recent defense of faithful Americans and persecuted people groups, to be incredibly important. On his "signature" accomplishment, Obama's pledge to "cool" the Earth is not compelling. My great hope is that our leadership, particularly those who understand economics and refrain from rose-colored proclamations, will tackle the realities of energy. It will rest on cost and sources, not screeds and hysterical speechmaking.
That is the biggest contribution that we and successive leaders can make to the corners of the world you cover. Obama's legacy will be viewed for its initiation and incompleteness.
1
I keep wondering what will happen to all the ceremonial traditions that president's usually preside over. Awarding the Medal of Freedom, the Medal of Honor, bringing kids to the White House to celebrate their science projects, bringing in winning sports teams ( including women's teams). In short, recognizing and celebrating the achievements of other Americans.
Has Donald Trump ever publicly celebrated someone else? Has he ever willingly ceded the spotlight to others? I don't think so. I can't imagine how he'll handle these moments, and I will miss Obama's gracious, humble, and enthusiastic, easy way of doing it.
Has Donald Trump ever publicly celebrated someone else? Has he ever willingly ceded the spotlight to others? I don't think so. I can't imagine how he'll handle these moments, and I will miss Obama's gracious, humble, and enthusiastic, easy way of doing it.
32
Oh, he'll give awards, but he'll make it all about him and his tremendous genius in spotting and rewarding merit.
3
Yes, the president is "a role model, a symbol of American values around the world."
But so are we. Americans as citizens are also symbols of our values around the world. And of all the "checks and balances" we the people are the strongest, by vigilantly keeping ourselves on alert for any erosion of our mutual constitutional rights and nonviolently resisting in every possible way any executive actions which diminish these rights or skew them for certain subgroups of our citizenry.
So the world will watch our president's behavior, and draw conclusions. But they will also watch us. Will we be diligent and fierce in our opposition to any efforts by the upcoming administration to circumvent a free press, harass legitimate journalists, stifle or control information, demean reporters and twitter away the time-honored political norms by which all our presidents responded to criticism?
Will we be diligent and fierce in our opposition to any actions that disproportionately or unfairly impact the vulnerable, the poor, the disabled, the undocumented, women, people who look or worship differently from the majority of us?
Will we the people do our job? The world is watching............
But so are we. Americans as citizens are also symbols of our values around the world. And of all the "checks and balances" we the people are the strongest, by vigilantly keeping ourselves on alert for any erosion of our mutual constitutional rights and nonviolently resisting in every possible way any executive actions which diminish these rights or skew them for certain subgroups of our citizenry.
So the world will watch our president's behavior, and draw conclusions. But they will also watch us. Will we be diligent and fierce in our opposition to any efforts by the upcoming administration to circumvent a free press, harass legitimate journalists, stifle or control information, demean reporters and twitter away the time-honored political norms by which all our presidents responded to criticism?
Will we be diligent and fierce in our opposition to any actions that disproportionately or unfairly impact the vulnerable, the poor, the disabled, the undocumented, women, people who look or worship differently from the majority of us?
Will we the people do our job? The world is watching............
5
Contrary to what Nicholas Kristof says here, the weight of academic evidence supports the view that voters vote on the basis of economic issues, rather than values and personality.
We have been seeing in the data for many years that the white working class has been departing the Democratic Party. In the New Deal era the Democrats won many elections with working class majorities. Since the 1970s, Democratic presidential campaigns have almost never worn a white working class majority though there has been a plurality or two for a Democrat, as in the case of Bil Clinton.
To suggest that voters are merely fickle, and they'll come back, is fundamentally wrong, because it overlooks the major pattern in the data that I cited above.
Whether or not the Democrats can take back the presidency in 2020 because Trump's personality finally offends public sentiment is not the issue. As long as there is hardly a white male at a Democratic National Convention, as long as the working class rightly feels that they have no one looking out for them in the party, the Democratic Party will continue to be a weak party.
We have been seeing in the data for many years that the white working class has been departing the Democratic Party. In the New Deal era the Democrats won many elections with working class majorities. Since the 1970s, Democratic presidential campaigns have almost never worn a white working class majority though there has been a plurality or two for a Democrat, as in the case of Bil Clinton.
To suggest that voters are merely fickle, and they'll come back, is fundamentally wrong, because it overlooks the major pattern in the data that I cited above.
Whether or not the Democrats can take back the presidency in 2020 because Trump's personality finally offends public sentiment is not the issue. As long as there is hardly a white male at a Democratic National Convention, as long as the working class rightly feels that they have no one looking out for them in the party, the Democratic Party will continue to be a weak party.
I share your gratitude for the dignity of the Obama family. It matters enormously from afar. The Obamas have been extraordinary. (Think only of the grade school lessons we all absorb on presidents and their families.) My worry now is not just that long-voiced American fear that we might elect "a demagogue," a worry loudly voiced almost two centuries ago around the time Andrew Jackson was elected. Now we have elected a demagogue who is also clueless about what it means to govern. Hard for our second graders to take in an incompetent demagogue.
9
For many of us, the nightmare is about to become a waking horror. The President has consistently supported a peaceful transition, but I wish all Democrats and Independents had agreed to stay away from the Inauguration. That includes the Obamas and the Clintons. Their presence legitimizes this illegitimate president, who should be impeached on Day One.
6
While it's true that President Obama has been an imperfect President, the "unravelling" may be less permanent than we may now fear.
As one example, let's look at the Affordable Care Act. Administrations since at least Nixon have known that we've needed to take a new approach, and many tried, but it was only Obama that pulled off large changes. (Admittedly at a price.) The act was as imperfect as he, but movement was accomplished. We learned that change can happen.
Even if the program is pulled apart, there's little doubt (due to popularity) that some of the sections will remain in some form.
In other areas that are flipped back to a pre-Obama stage, we'll see some winners and losers. We'll find out what Obama policies should have remained, and the fact that those successful Obama program were done once will inform us that we can return.
History can't be unravelled.
As one example, let's look at the Affordable Care Act. Administrations since at least Nixon have known that we've needed to take a new approach, and many tried, but it was only Obama that pulled off large changes. (Admittedly at a price.) The act was as imperfect as he, but movement was accomplished. We learned that change can happen.
Even if the program is pulled apart, there's little doubt (due to popularity) that some of the sections will remain in some form.
In other areas that are flipped back to a pre-Obama stage, we'll see some winners and losers. We'll find out what Obama policies should have remained, and the fact that those successful Obama program were done once will inform us that we can return.
History can't be unravelled.
2
I wasn't a big fan of Mr. Obama. I wanted the Democrats to run Hillary Clinton for president eight years ago with Mr. Obama as her vice-president. She was a seasoned veteran of Washington; he was a naive up and coming star of the party. But that was not the way the Democratic went. I suspect they thought with Mr.Obama as the candidate they would get a huge turnout from the black voters and that would be the edge they needed. I still believe my scenario was better and now after eight years of Hillary we would have a lock on eight years with Obama. I believe Mr. Obama grew into the role of President, and his wife Michelle brought new strength and grace to the unofficial office of First Lady. Regardless of his performance in the role, I believe if he had had eight years as vice president to temper him to the ways of Washington then we would now be welcoming him to the office. Now I find myself bidding farewell to a President I grew to admire; but still I wonder what he might have been had the Democratic Party just been more patient before forcing him to the world stage. Yes, I miss Barack Obama already but I still wonder, what if . . . .
1
Unfortunately, I was worried about Hillary's baggage eight years ago and I was even more worried about it this year. I believe she would have made a very good president, but unfortunately, she always skated a little too close to the sun. Ironically, this time she lost to a man who claimed to want to drain the swamp but who is the swamp and whose greatest accomplishment was to slime her with accusations of all the things he does every day before breakfast--and his days go downhill from there.
5
Chelsea Manning? Oscar Lopez Rivera? Wet feet, dry feet?
What's next, release Charlie Manson? Because none of these makes sense, at all.
For those of us with calendars, it is down to hours. My fear is the man will not go away. No 60 minutes pieces on life in Hawaii helping homeless people and vets. No hobbies to explore such as pottery or painting.
I foresee a book, speaking fees of $250k, endless fundraisers, and an effort to rebuild a party he destroyed.
The elite progressives will never be able to rebuild the Democratic party, a new entity must emerge, one that rejects no one.
What's next, release Charlie Manson? Because none of these makes sense, at all.
For those of us with calendars, it is down to hours. My fear is the man will not go away. No 60 minutes pieces on life in Hawaii helping homeless people and vets. No hobbies to explore such as pottery or painting.
I foresee a book, speaking fees of $250k, endless fundraisers, and an effort to rebuild a party he destroyed.
The elite progressives will never be able to rebuild the Democratic party, a new entity must emerge, one that rejects no one.
Thanks for letting us know that you, like so many Americans, prefer a man who had to pay $25 million for committing fraud against thousands of Americans two days before taking the oath of office as president and whose long business history is rife with fraud, tax avoidance, and sexual assault to a man of personal honesty and intelligence. Mencken was right: no one ever went broke underestimating the intelligence of the American people. If you are not in the 1%, I'd advise hanging on to your wallet very tightly. But I suspect you'll be handing it over voluntarily and then wonder what happened to Dear Leader's promises. Welcome to Venezuela.
5
I am 62, and Obama is the first president I thoroughly trusted to act in the public interest and in accordance with my deepest values. That meant that I gave him the benefit of the doubt on issues I disagreed with, trusting that he was privy to information and had a larger view of events than I. Our hesitancy in the middle east was frustrating, yet I am confident that he chose that course with full deliberation, weighing all available options carefully. In my profession, sometimes the "no-build" option is the best one. Restraint can be courageous. Why did I invest such trust in this young man with so little experience, someone I didn't even vote for? Because he so clearly thinks deeply and seeks the best while acknowledging the worst outcomes. Yes, he is the opposite of a tweeter. Now I shift to a mode of reflexive distrust. SAD.
40
"The most boring personal life imaginable"? I think most people envy what President Obama has accomplished in his personal life. And what his wife and daughters have accomplished in theirs. He is , simply put, a great human being. Mr. Trump's lack of a moral and ethical compass has gotten old for so many people. One person told me a year ago " he will change as he gets into the general election". Guess what it didn't happen. The leopard doesn't change its spots. I have put my support/respect/ recognition button for the office on pause. Nothing, absolutely nothing in what I have seen so far has begun to lead me to release that button
7
Obama had class, dignity and a vision for this country that many were not ready for. His legacy will be felt for years even it not appreciated initially. I will miss a president who clearly cared for the people regardless of race, gender, religion or sexual orientation, and made many of us proud to stand behind him. As someone who travels abroad often, it was a refreshing 8 years to come in contact with a world that respected our president and our country for electing him. Yes, I miss him already and I expect I will often in the coming years. Godspeed to you and family President Obama.
16
As I read your column I began to wonder what might have happened if President Obama had acted badly. I think that there would have been the trotting out of the generalizations about Black Men, how they are "all" that way, and the wagging fingers and shaking heads would have been legion.
The attacks on Michelle Obama have been equally vicious, and yet she also rose above that.
And yet, even when they have acted in an exemplary way, when he and his wife and children were seen as models of intelligence, wit and decorum, I don't hear anyone suggesting that they represent how Black Men and Women behave to set examples for their children, how they act respectfully towards each other, that they are intelligent and compassionate, that they do not have uncontrolled emotions.
They are seen as singular exceptions to our biased beliefs.
Bob Dylan comes to mind.
The attacks on Michelle Obama have been equally vicious, and yet she also rose above that.
And yet, even when they have acted in an exemplary way, when he and his wife and children were seen as models of intelligence, wit and decorum, I don't hear anyone suggesting that they represent how Black Men and Women behave to set examples for their children, how they act respectfully towards each other, that they are intelligent and compassionate, that they do not have uncontrolled emotions.
They are seen as singular exceptions to our biased beliefs.
Bob Dylan comes to mind.
5
I am thrilled president Obama, the man and leader, is getting the admiration he so richly deserves. We will need the example of this outstanding public servant, philosopher, and leader to inspire us in dark days. His grace, humor, intellect, wisdom, adventurousness, and unending desire to understand the world and its people have been a joy. But his fierce dedication to our democracy, and passion to see all citizens play a role in their destiny will be a continuing call on Americans to be their best. As he said "these truths are self evident, but not self executing." Let's make this man as proud of us as we are of him.
10
Inauguration Day 2009, I turned on my classroom television so that my second graders could watch Barack Obama take the oath of office. I so wanted my young students to see the young senator become our first African American president. I wanted them to imagine great things for their own lives, and to see the possibilities. They may not have understood all the words of his Inaugural Address, but seeing their young faces raptly watching history unfold gave me so much joy and hope.
President Obama and his family have been wonderful, positive role models. Whether one agrees or disagrees with his policy or politics that is an indisputable fact. My second graders are now well into their high school years, beginning to make important life choices. I can only hope and pray that they will remember that day, and carry it with them-yes you can.
President Obama and his family have been wonderful, positive role models. Whether one agrees or disagrees with his policy or politics that is an indisputable fact. My second graders are now well into their high school years, beginning to make important life choices. I can only hope and pray that they will remember that day, and carry it with them-yes you can.
25
Hear, hear, Mr. Kristof.
Barack Obama has modeled integrity, reasonableness, balance, and good faith in the face of vicious, racist vitriol from many, including from the Donald.
And he's been humble even in achieving great things - pulling us back from the brink of a financial meltdown, introducing universal health care after a century's effort, ending ill-conceived foreign wars. That humility he ascribes to his partner, Michelle and his family.
He will be sorely missed.
Barack Obama has modeled integrity, reasonableness, balance, and good faith in the face of vicious, racist vitriol from many, including from the Donald.
And he's been humble even in achieving great things - pulling us back from the brink of a financial meltdown, introducing universal health care after a century's effort, ending ill-conceived foreign wars. That humility he ascribes to his partner, Michelle and his family.
He will be sorely missed.
26
Yes, even my die hard Republican neighbors admit he was a class act personally and now, I even sense some disgust with Trump. I still confused over a party that for so long pushed family values, and yet, now, seems perfectly comfortable with an individual they would not allow their daughters to date.
30
I wouldn't let my daughters in the same room with him let alone date him, but then again I didn't vote for him.
1
Thank you Mr President for a great 8 years. For the first time in modern history, we didn't have one major scandal and we had a president we could look it up to. A few of your accomplishments include:
He pulled the nation out of a great recession
His signature domestic achievement -- Obamacare -- may be in grave danger, but what it's replaced with will still contain many elements of his vision for health care
He stood up for the rights of the LGBT community
He sounded the alarm on climate change
He offered a different perspective in the nation's long-running conversation on race.
He pulled the nation out of a great recession
His signature domestic achievement -- Obamacare -- may be in grave danger, but what it's replaced with will still contain many elements of his vision for health care
He stood up for the rights of the LGBT community
He sounded the alarm on climate change
He offered a different perspective in the nation's long-running conversation on race.
650
"He pulled the nation out of a great recession"
He actually presided over the slowest recovery from a recession in history and had the worst GDP during his time in office.
His signature domestic achievement -- Obamacare -- may be in grave danger, but what it's replaced with will still contain many elements of his vision for health care"
He used partisan politics to force the worst domestic policy down the throats of the American people, lying to them the entire time regarding keeping their policies and their doctors.
"He stood up for the rights of the LGBT community"
For his entire life he believed that marriage was between a man and a woman, and then, miraculously, changed that stance weeks before a national election.
"He sounded the alarm on climate change'
He worships at the altar of climate change since it is yet another way for the federal government to extract money from corporations and individuals in this country as other countries do little to nothing to reduce pollution.
"He offered a different perspective in the nation's long-running conversation on race."
Hardly. Obama threw the race card at every opportunity, striving to divide the country. He turned up at every event that saw a white person mistreat a black person but NEVER commented on or sent an entourage to a setting where there was black on black crime or black on white crime. He never wanted a "conversation" on race. He wanted to lecture everyone else.
He actually presided over the slowest recovery from a recession in history and had the worst GDP during his time in office.
His signature domestic achievement -- Obamacare -- may be in grave danger, but what it's replaced with will still contain many elements of his vision for health care"
He used partisan politics to force the worst domestic policy down the throats of the American people, lying to them the entire time regarding keeping their policies and their doctors.
"He stood up for the rights of the LGBT community"
For his entire life he believed that marriage was between a man and a woman, and then, miraculously, changed that stance weeks before a national election.
"He sounded the alarm on climate change'
He worships at the altar of climate change since it is yet another way for the federal government to extract money from corporations and individuals in this country as other countries do little to nothing to reduce pollution.
"He offered a different perspective in the nation's long-running conversation on race."
Hardly. Obama threw the race card at every opportunity, striving to divide the country. He turned up at every event that saw a white person mistreat a black person but NEVER commented on or sent an entourage to a setting where there was black on black crime or black on white crime. He never wanted a "conversation" on race. He wanted to lecture everyone else.
1
Remember these:
IRS Scandal
Benghazi
Obamacare Website
Eric Holder calling us Cowards
IRS Scandal
Benghazi
Obamacare Website
Eric Holder calling us Cowards
1
@wynnosu:
"He turned up at every event that saw a white person mistreat a black person but NEVER commented on or sent an entourage to a setting where there was black on black crime or black on white crime."
What exactly are you talking about? The only thing that comes to mind is killings by police, but that's not about white people killing black people, it's about police killing black people. And yes, most murders occur within ethnic groups, but that is relevant how? Obama decried gang violence in his push for reasonable gun control.
I just don't understand where the idea that the administration was sending out "entourages" for victims of violent crimes comes from. The major exception is mass shootings - most police shootings didn't get that much attention from the white house.
"He turned up at every event that saw a white person mistreat a black person but NEVER commented on or sent an entourage to a setting where there was black on black crime or black on white crime."
What exactly are you talking about? The only thing that comes to mind is killings by police, but that's not about white people killing black people, it's about police killing black people. And yes, most murders occur within ethnic groups, but that is relevant how? Obama decried gang violence in his push for reasonable gun control.
I just don't understand where the idea that the administration was sending out "entourages" for victims of violent crimes comes from. The major exception is mass shootings - most police shootings didn't get that much attention from the white house.
3
President Obama leaves with a nearly 60% approval rating and I think he was right much to the consternation of Donald Trump when he said recently in a moment of candor, that if he had been allowed to run for a third term, he could have defeated Donald Trump.
You are right, Americans tend to separate the personal from policies and no doubt, they will become nostalgic about President Obama when Trump appears to resort to the "madman theory" of conducting foreign policy.
You are right, Americans tend to separate the personal from policies and no doubt, they will become nostalgic about President Obama when Trump appears to resort to the "madman theory" of conducting foreign policy.
246
Being liked or likeable does not equate to being right or being a good president. We've had plenty of really good presidents that weren't "liked" and plenty of mediocre that were liked. Obama was an abysmal failure when it comes to leading our nation.
Obama is a weak leader in the classic sense of leadership (as I am sure Trump will be and from the same root). When you go back to the beginning of his first administration with his infamous line "I won" and then look forward at how he did things, he worked from a position of authority, not influence. A leader's number one trait is the ability to influence (not through threat or coercion). Obama chose political progress over being a leader at home while at the same time, influenced poorly on the world stage and did not use the power of his position. Leadership requires that a person can do more than create a compelling vision and connect to listeners with their communication.
Obama is a weak leader in the classic sense of leadership (as I am sure Trump will be and from the same root). When you go back to the beginning of his first administration with his infamous line "I won" and then look forward at how he did things, he worked from a position of authority, not influence. A leader's number one trait is the ability to influence (not through threat or coercion). Obama chose political progress over being a leader at home while at the same time, influenced poorly on the world stage and did not use the power of his position. Leadership requires that a person can do more than create a compelling vision and connect to listeners with their communication.
1
Trump's election marks a sea change in a way journalists rarely talk about. Before Trump, Presidents were mostly readers with the written word their primary source of information. Trump, on the other hand, prefers to watch television. Both convey information, but to think TV is the equal of the written word much less superior (if a picture is worth 1000 words, after all, a picture that talks must be worth 10,000) is not unlike the person who thinks that because a rose smells better than a cabbage, it would make a superior soup. Teddy Roosevelt may have been a man of bold action, but he was also a voracious reader and the leavening of the written word made him a man whose many passions were contained and directed toward achieving peace with that strength, and conveying an America at once young and vigorous, yet learned and wise. Only when you have read enough history do you realize that it seems an endless loop presenting the same challenges over and over again. Adapt or die? Maybe. But first, read or regret. And that sense that the President, for all his human flaws and limited alternatives, is thinking and playing the long game is what I will miss most when Barack Obama leaves the White House tomorrow.
275
Mostly, I want to criticize policies. I never disliked George W. Bush, although his "with us or against us" attitude showed a lack of perceptive depth. I agreed with few of his policies.
But with Trump, I am not sure what policies to disagree with. He turns on a dime, and promises his audience whatever they want to hear. With Trump, it is hard not to get personal, because Trump makes everything personal. He is remarkably petty in his conversation and tweets - and vindictive. His speeches and tweets and quotes tend to go more vainglorious than modest, and nothing he has said indicates a thoughtful approach to complex problems.
Yes, we will miss President Obama, who could have been accused of overthinking things. But President Obama thought before he acted; nothing Trump has said through the whole election cycle makes one believe he will study a problem before acting.
But none of this is new. We wanted a shoot-from-the-hip guy, and we got one. We are just going to need to duck if he actually starts shooting from the hip.
But with Trump, I am not sure what policies to disagree with. He turns on a dime, and promises his audience whatever they want to hear. With Trump, it is hard not to get personal, because Trump makes everything personal. He is remarkably petty in his conversation and tweets - and vindictive. His speeches and tweets and quotes tend to go more vainglorious than modest, and nothing he has said indicates a thoughtful approach to complex problems.
Yes, we will miss President Obama, who could have been accused of overthinking things. But President Obama thought before he acted; nothing Trump has said through the whole election cycle makes one believe he will study a problem before acting.
But none of this is new. We wanted a shoot-from-the-hip guy, and we got one. We are just going to need to duck if he actually starts shooting from the hip.
284
Yes, we will miss President Obama. On Fri evening I plain joining friends for a Wake, reviewing the many positive qualities and accomplishments of Barack Obama and his administration. My TV will be off all day and during the inauguration, I'll go for a walk on a nearby trail, or if inclement weather, visit my local library for inspiration of our Founding Fathers and check out a book on the rise of Hitler's power to see if there are comparisons to Trump's campaign to the presidency.
Thank you President Obama
Thank you President Obama
1
Ready, fire, aim.
2
Actually, Obama thought and then didn't act.
1
This is a lovely tribute to a president, and first family, many Americans will soon be badly missing. But, and it seems ungracious even to say, many of our fellow citizens did not feel the universal pride the column asserts regarding the man or his family. The case of tea parties with their hideous monkey signs and, more recently, comments made by Trump supporters about Michelle and Barack Obama--Google Obama and Clay County, W.Va., and/or Carl Paladino if you missed these noisome episodes--are evidence that many in our midst were incapable of even basic decency toward Obama and were eager to spout and share the worst of racist stereotypes to rhetorically keep him and his family in their historic place of presumed inferiority. Leaving the White House may provide the Obama family with some relief from the haters. As for the rest of us, it would be nice to think the voices of ignorance might fade, but who among us thinks that will be the case anytime soon? Trump began his long march to the presidency by helping propagate the birther lie and has helped poison the political atmosphere by railing against 'political correctness' and by modeling hate speech for his supporters. We are in the midst of what amounts to an intellectual and moral civil war between two opposing visions of the past and the future. New national voices who can act as a counterweight to Trump and his ilk are badly needed.
557
Pride? How about results that actually made a difference in people's lives? The most affected (per data): blacks and single women, those most loyal to him - or his image. Go figure.
2
The stark contrast between the outgoing president and the incoming (illegitimate) president is another very telling measurement of just how divided this country is. It isn't divided just by left and right, by political ideology, but also by civility. Going out is arguably the most poised president who possesses so much grace and class in modern history, but who also possesses deep wisdom, humility, knowledge, empathy, and a soul; incoming is a man who not only possesses none of those things, but is all of the opposites of those things, and more, and worse.
Half this country wants their president to be smarter than they are, wise, civilized, empathetic, a listener, and to act with grace, class, and humility and to be informed, while it appears from the past two Republican presidential wins that the other half of this country wants boorish, ignorant, classless, incurious authoritarian figures who go by their gut instincts and are blowhards rather than informed people. And Trump following Bush only shows that divide has widened since Bush fourfold (at least).
We had a choice between being civilized and showing what true leadership is and being uncivilized and showing what bullying is. On Nov. 8, the Electoral College and 59 million Americans chose (once again) the latter. That depresses me to no end.
Half this country wants their president to be smarter than they are, wise, civilized, empathetic, a listener, and to act with grace, class, and humility and to be informed, while it appears from the past two Republican presidential wins that the other half of this country wants boorish, ignorant, classless, incurious authoritarian figures who go by their gut instincts and are blowhards rather than informed people. And Trump following Bush only shows that divide has widened since Bush fourfold (at least).
We had a choice between being civilized and showing what true leadership is and being uncivilized and showing what bullying is. On Nov. 8, the Electoral College and 59 million Americans chose (once again) the latter. That depresses me to no end.
1017
Unfortunately, a chunk of this country is made up of people who admire Trump. The undereducated country bumpkins think he's great. They feast on reality TV, sports, guns, and whining. They don't read and don't care. Don't get cross ways or they will curse you out or mow you down with their truck. I live in Dallas and forget these folks exist until I venture into Garland or Mesquite or the other exurbs. They love this guy because they are just like him.
3
It is you who's illegitimately calling a legally-elected president illegitimate.
3
Such a spot on analysis. You should post this on Facebook so it could go viral. You have but words to how so many of us are feeling. Thank you.
2
In actuality one can easily praise Mr. Obama's predecessor for the same attentiveness to family and for his having raised two bright and personable young women. What's most important is how he translated his ideals and his philosophy of life into a policy agenda for the nation. On that score our incumbent president has done exceedingly well, and it's depressing to imagine how much better still the U.S. might be faring had his "loyal opposition" been more receptive to his values and, ultimately, to his humanistic ideology. Then again, within the modern GOP the word "humanist" is tantamount to an insult- after all, if our Creator allows for royal blood, inherited wealth and exclusive golf courses as well as for hunger and poverty and disease who are we to challenge His wise and noble plan? One can blame the Russians, the Electoral College, the Alt-Right media or Hillary's tone-deaf campaign team; America has, for whatever reason, chosen to ignore the accomplishments of a good and decent man (nicely summarized by Kevin Rothstein below) and handed power over to the party of the rich and powerful and its blathering, aggrieved and indecent new leader. For the next four years we will all be reaping the whirlwind.
21
Do you personally bear any responsibility for any events or is it everyone else's fault, so you can carp freely without fear? "Our creator" also allows free will and every misguided nitwit to speak, no matter how deficient the logic and banal the thought. I'm sure there are poor children struggling to survive that never heard of the creator or a golf course over the last eight years.They're too busy starving and dodging bullets to play golf or comment on their pet peeve.
2
President Obama is one of the best presidents in this country's history since FDR. Kennedy did not live long enough. other presidents who followed FDR were not that great. President Reagan was more a comedian. Clinton had lot of issues
President Obama is an intellectual, compassionate, extremely thoughtful, well versed in international affairs,well respected by many countries and this country will miss him.
President Obama is an intellectual, compassionate, extremely thoughtful, well versed in international affairs,well respected by many countries and this country will miss him.
34
First of all, let me protest the use of the term "scion" with respect to Trump. The connotation of scion is that the person is the descendant of a noble family. Trump's father was accused of profiteering and violation of civil rights, i.e. discrimination. There is nothing "noble" about that and, I seem to remember, his grandfather came illegally to the United States, fleeing German law. Trump himself is hardly a paragon of social or personal nobility, so let's use our terms appropriately.
136
I am already missing Obama. He did many good things for this country, especially the car industry and the banks. He saved a desperate economy, increased jobs, helped those without insurance get insurance, helped the clean air propositions.
Obama did these things in spite of the strong headwind that he had to struggle with every day (obstructionist Republicans, make him a one term president).
He is a fine person and I will miss him, even if he were not turning the keys of the kingdom over to the least qualified person to be president ever.
Obama, you have been terrific and Godspeed to you and your upstanding family. You have been a fine example of someone who really cares for the little person............and that includes those angry white men that voted for an airhead.
Thank you.
Obama did these things in spite of the strong headwind that he had to struggle with every day (obstructionist Republicans, make him a one term president).
He is a fine person and I will miss him, even if he were not turning the keys of the kingdom over to the least qualified person to be president ever.
Obama, you have been terrific and Godspeed to you and your upstanding family. You have been a fine example of someone who really cares for the little person............and that includes those angry white men that voted for an airhead.
Thank you.
130
The cognitive dissonance between the dignified eloquence of Barack Obama and the brutish vulgarity of Donald Trump is enormous. Barack Obama is a metaphorical laser Donald Trump is a meat cleaver. Barack Obama's uncommon combination of grace, humor, and humanity, are remarkable. He is probably the smartest person in any room he enters. This combination will result in a presidential legacy that will only grow in stature. The contrast with Donald Trump is immense. Examining successful American Presidents, the most essential quality they possess is being secure in themselves. Donald Trump's basic insecurity is manifested by his use of Twitter to respond to almost any perceived disparagement. That insecurity coupled with his manifest policy ignorance, does not portend well for our country.
192
It's odd but the indoctrinated, like yourself, cannot recognize incompetence and failure even when readily displayed before your eyes. The fool leaves office tomorrow noon and it can't come fast enough.
3
Dignified, right. Like when he had Paul Ryan sit right in front of hm and ragged him over about entitlement reform, Like when he said "I won, elections have consequences". Well, 1000 democrats are no longer in office, and another liberal won't get elected for a generation
3
Smarter than anyone in any room if you except Michelle.
1
For all Obama's fine personal qualities his accomplishments are even less than described here. The reason he presided over the longest economic recovery since WW II is that the rate of recovery and its magnitude at each point in time was far less than had ever happened previously. Further, the ACA, despite its benefits to the 3.8% of the population who gained insurance through it, has done severe damage to U.S. healthcare overall reallocation of caregiver and hospital effort to duplicative over-regulation and bad but mandated electronic records.
11
Barack Obama was, and is, an honorable and decent man. Sometimes he was too cool for school and not effective as I hoped he would be. I am embarrassed by the way my nation treated him and undermined him and tried, very unsuccessfully, to humiliate him. A giant of a man if there ever was one.
And now a slime ball. I want to go to sleep tonight and wake up in four years. But with that psycho at the helm, I'm passingly sure I'd wake up to Mad Max.
And now a slime ball. I want to go to sleep tonight and wake up in four years. But with that psycho at the helm, I'm passingly sure I'd wake up to Mad Max.
175
You need to sleep for a generation, because America will NOT elect another liberal leftist for at least a generation
1
Thank you Mr. Kristof. We all will miss him. We love you and your family. I wish we had you for another 8 years!
43
I will also miss President Obama. Eight years ago as he was coming into office and bush leaving I felt as if our country was collapsing. We invaded a country based on lies, were stuck their in a war while our economy was in free fall. If I remember right my IRA lost 1/3 of its value in a few weeks. He turned all that around and brought us back from the wreckage while expanding civil rights, climate protection etc. Now some want to go back to the macho man, in your face days of people like Bush so we got trump. How short our memory is!!
88
Thank you for saying something I have thought. There is so much talk about dismantling Mr. Obama's "legacy." The GOP is clearly hoping to erase the man all together. Yet, his true legacy, in addition to being the first African-American President, is the man himself. That no one can erase.
Mr. Obama has been all that you say in terms of integrity, authenticity, and intellect. He has also, though, been authentically human, weeping comfortably and showing caring anger after mass shootings; singing at times either in joy and fun or in sorrow (Amazing Grace in Charleston). He has also, at times, appropriately and maturely expressed anger at the cruelty, tragedy and inequality in our world.
Mr. Obama has displayed a marvelous sense of humor and excellent comic timing. He has also displayed his maturity and healthy self-esteem as he made jokes at his own expense. He has been a president to clearly loved interacting with kids and cared more about their experience than his presumed "dignity" as POTUS.
I will miss all of that - and so much more.
Mr. Obama has been all that you say in terms of integrity, authenticity, and intellect. He has also, though, been authentically human, weeping comfortably and showing caring anger after mass shootings; singing at times either in joy and fun or in sorrow (Amazing Grace in Charleston). He has also, at times, appropriately and maturely expressed anger at the cruelty, tragedy and inequality in our world.
Mr. Obama has displayed a marvelous sense of humor and excellent comic timing. He has also displayed his maturity and healthy self-esteem as he made jokes at his own expense. He has been a president to clearly loved interacting with kids and cared more about their experience than his presumed "dignity" as POTUS.
I will miss all of that - and so much more.
226
Your remarks are beautifully states Ms. Hislop and I thank you for them. They do more to elevate my deep despair than anything else I have read.
5
Missed before leaving.
Nobel Prize before accomplishment.
Too much hope.
Nobel Prize before accomplishment.
Too much hope.
6
"Sick of Bill Clinton, we turned to a Texas governor who was utterly different."
Well, the Supreme Court turned to him. And look how that turned out. George W Bush was utterly different as in utterly unprepared, practically and intellectually, to be president. He almost single-handedly decided to invade Iraq, "possibly the worst foreign-policy decision every made by president," according to Jean Edward Smith's fascinating biography.
Trump makes W. look like Churchill.
Yes, we will be missing Obama for a long, long time.
Well, the Supreme Court turned to him. And look how that turned out. George W Bush was utterly different as in utterly unprepared, practically and intellectually, to be president. He almost single-handedly decided to invade Iraq, "possibly the worst foreign-policy decision every made by president," according to Jean Edward Smith's fascinating biography.
Trump makes W. look like Churchill.
Yes, we will be missing Obama for a long, long time.
115
Speak for yourself. I say don't let the door hit your partisan political glorified behind on the way out.
4
His Presidency was all too conditioned by the mistakes of his predecessor, and by the willful and persistent obstruction by the opposition party he had to deal with the entire time he was in office. In that light, he should be viewed as a good President who managed to accomplish a lot in spite of a very adversarial working environment.
24
That's what the groups targeted by the IRS said, and any journalist that ran afoul of perfect obedience to the annointed one.
2
Yes, it's really sad that Obama will be leaving office, knowing that the man up for the toughest job in the world may not be up to the job. Obama came into office at a time when America was at a very low point. He rolled up his sleeve and went to work and was obstructed at every point by the GOP leadership. I feel part of the political fallout where Democrats lost seats and elections where as a result of this direct opposition from the GOP.
President Obama for his part, I know did more for Israel than most president in our time. Yet, it is sad to see this man who did this much for Israel did not get anything in return, rather he is castigated by many in the Jewish communities. This is sad. Anybody who objectively looks at Obama's work regarding the security of Israel, I know would say yes he did right by Israel.
When Americans look back to the Obama years, I truly believe they'll come to a conclusion that if only the GOP had played ball with this President and worked with him, this country would have been better for it. Let's hope Mr. Trump will build on what Obama had done instead of continuing the GOP assault on his legacy.
President Obama for his part, I know did more for Israel than most president in our time. Yet, it is sad to see this man who did this much for Israel did not get anything in return, rather he is castigated by many in the Jewish communities. This is sad. Anybody who objectively looks at Obama's work regarding the security of Israel, I know would say yes he did right by Israel.
When Americans look back to the Obama years, I truly believe they'll come to a conclusion that if only the GOP had played ball with this President and worked with him, this country would have been better for it. Let's hope Mr. Trump will build on what Obama had done instead of continuing the GOP assault on his legacy.
16
The Republicans are in deep do do now because the majority of their constituents believe the government should ensure affordable healthcare to all its citizens They will be reduced to making a few tweaks, leaving the legislation intact and will rename the Affordable Care Act as their own. However, history will not be fooled and will see it as Obama's legacy. Thanks, President Obama.
34
Obama was the wisest of our Presidents. He kept on wooing the Republicans, because he knew that if he wasn't successful they would undo all the good that he was able to accomplish while he was in office.
9
I am suspicious of Charlie Rose being among those WSJ scoffers of Obama while giving Trump a pass.
6
I miss Obama already too. What a wonderful President he's been for all of us. The orange buffoon, and I'm being kind, who is taking his place will be the worst president the nation has ever known, he and his cabinet of imbeciles are about to loot this country of everything it has, we're about to lose it all people. History will show what a great President Obama was. I wish him and his family happiness and health and I thank them all for being such a shining example of what we can be.
112
Indeed.
We face a new administration poised to transfer wealth to the upper 1%--
with a dangerorus uncertainty in foreign policy marked by Trump's erratic, contradictory, impulsive tweets + rhetoric.
His cabinet picks a mess of self interest + intent to weaken agencies they would head. Not inspiring confidence...
His party's number one goal to take away your health insurance even if markets are disrupted + lives destroyed.
And meddle with your Social Security + Medicare as soon as possible.
We depart from a calm, thoughtful President Obama + an administration that almost by every measure improved our lot:
record growth now in middle class income, median wage increases, creation of millions of jobs, stock market practically tripled-- record high stock market indices across the board, energy prices low for consumers, home prices a plus, health insurance expanded, strong car sales, inflation that remained low-- even during international upheaval in Europe, Greece...investments growing for average workers, consumer/financial protections, environmental protections... + death of our troops so greatly declined.
We face an uncertain future under a Trump administration and an all-Republican rule.
The men who advocated and enacted a government shutdown are totally in charge. A party that did nothing for 8 years but obstruct President Obama.
Who unfortunately has to leave.
We face a new administration poised to transfer wealth to the upper 1%--
with a dangerorus uncertainty in foreign policy marked by Trump's erratic, contradictory, impulsive tweets + rhetoric.
His cabinet picks a mess of self interest + intent to weaken agencies they would head. Not inspiring confidence...
His party's number one goal to take away your health insurance even if markets are disrupted + lives destroyed.
And meddle with your Social Security + Medicare as soon as possible.
We depart from a calm, thoughtful President Obama + an administration that almost by every measure improved our lot:
record growth now in middle class income, median wage increases, creation of millions of jobs, stock market practically tripled-- record high stock market indices across the board, energy prices low for consumers, home prices a plus, health insurance expanded, strong car sales, inflation that remained low-- even during international upheaval in Europe, Greece...investments growing for average workers, consumer/financial protections, environmental protections... + death of our troops so greatly declined.
We face an uncertain future under a Trump administration and an all-Republican rule.
The men who advocated and enacted a government shutdown are totally in charge. A party that did nothing for 8 years but obstruct President Obama.
Who unfortunately has to leave.
22
The focus on Obama as an individual has been a problem, and his adversaries has led this effort to make everything subjective, everything personal. With the 45th president, however, his adversaries desires nothing but a focus on policies, but the president-elect is holding everyone hostage with his rants and Twitter-stream-of-consciousness. It's a Stockholm syndrome for 320 million people or perhaps the world.
9
It's too soon to paint such a brilliant portrait of the Obama family and administration.
Once the Obama's have left office tomorrow, any self censorship by the press will be null and void allowing journalists of all stripes to come forward with a more fleshed out portrait. Anyone who does not believe in or is aware of press self censorship is missing a major ingredient in the American experience.
There is a plethora of information about the Obamas on the Internet which may be a combination of fake news and something more real. Let's give time a chance to pass by and release a more complete picture!
Once the Obama's have left office tomorrow, any self censorship by the press will be null and void allowing journalists of all stripes to come forward with a more fleshed out portrait. Anyone who does not believe in or is aware of press self censorship is missing a major ingredient in the American experience.
There is a plethora of information about the Obamas on the Internet which may be a combination of fake news and something more real. Let's give time a chance to pass by and release a more complete picture!
4
I am uncomfortable with the emphasis on Obama as a family man. It only feeds into American Puritanism, lack of a broad historical vision, and anti-intellectualism. Obama was a sane, moderate and cautious president. This is enough to cement his legacy in a world out of kilter. I did not support all of his foreign policies but all in all, he has been successful in navigating the turbulent waters of globalization. Now we are going to have a president eager to destabilize the world with a single tweet. In comparison to the possibility of war, Obama's family life is of no consequence. If the roles were reversed, and Obama were a thrice-married father of five, and Trump a model of private rectitude, it would not change my political affiliation. The only way in which Obama as a man is important to me is not in his being a good husband and father but in being an intellectual. His intelligence, erudition and love of reading are the primary reasons for the venomous hatred for him felt by the ignorant rabble who voted for Trump (of course the color of his skin did not help).
15
If Obama were the thrice married father of five, he would never have been elected.
9
Agree entirely. It's as silly as denigrating Melania Trump for having posed nude. Who cares? We liberals can't say "a woman's body is her own to do as she pleases" and "slut shaming must stop" and then spit on her because she doesn't carry herself like Jacquie Kennedy. Let's all stick to the issues at hand. Obama did a good job with the economy and many other issues, and yes he is intelligent; Trump has no concrete and realistic plans for anything and can barely put a sentence together.
4
Agreed. Obama: the very best in leadership, Trump: looks to be the very worst. March on Saturday.
36
He and his wife were the real cause of Hillary's defeat when Hillary was used by them to promote their legacy, thus drowning out Hillary's own ideals. I am also amazed why Hillary let them use her as their pawn in the Presidential game of chess!!! The e-mails and Russian hacking are minor issues compared to what they did for Hillary.
1
She needed the Obama coalition to win. Look at Obama's popularity. The majority of Americans love the man and his policies.
4
Your skewed reason for Hillary's defeat ignores the non-voters, 3rd party nihilists, and phony idealists who enabled Trump to squeak by in Pa., Michigan, and Wisconsin.
You sound like a Sarah Palin voter, taking a parting shot at a man you always hated.
You sound like a Sarah Palin voter, taking a parting shot at a man you always hated.
6
When congressional investigations confirm what we all suspect to be true re this tainted election, a movement to REVOTE will develop. This is the only thing that can pull our country out of our present tailspin.
If that fails, all we have left is an intelligence community that may figure out a way to, " do the right thing' ".
Hopefully, Barak has laid the groundwork for this, or other strategeries, before he hands over the keys tomorrow.
If that fails, all we have left is an intelligence community that may figure out a way to, " do the right thing' ".
Hopefully, Barak has laid the groundwork for this, or other strategeries, before he hands over the keys tomorrow.
4
On Obama's passivity on Syria.
If it were easy to resolve Syria, it would have been resolved already. The problem is that it isn't.
Thanks to the politicisation of Islam everywhere over the last several decades at least, the attitudes in the middle east between Shiites, Sunnis and - let's call them "others" are quite toxic. Intervention of the Western powers in that region in the past to secure OIL has contributed to the conflicts which exist there now.
However, further intervention from the West, (and especially from the USA which is already the scape goat of all Middle Eastern travails,) even for the "good" of the Middle Eastern citizens, isn't going to help settle the disputes between them there. Because whatever the action, the residents are going to view it as benefitting one side more then the other. And the mere fact that one side believes that the other benefits more, is enough to make the first side feel disadvantaged and conspired against.
Stepping back, staying out of the way, providing aid to the refugees, containing the damage to the rest of the world, is probably the only thing Obama and the West can do with Syria. I can hope that those who want to fight, will fight themselves to exhaustion.
If it were easy to resolve Syria, it would have been resolved already. The problem is that it isn't.
Thanks to the politicisation of Islam everywhere over the last several decades at least, the attitudes in the middle east between Shiites, Sunnis and - let's call them "others" are quite toxic. Intervention of the Western powers in that region in the past to secure OIL has contributed to the conflicts which exist there now.
However, further intervention from the West, (and especially from the USA which is already the scape goat of all Middle Eastern travails,) even for the "good" of the Middle Eastern citizens, isn't going to help settle the disputes between them there. Because whatever the action, the residents are going to view it as benefitting one side more then the other. And the mere fact that one side believes that the other benefits more, is enough to make the first side feel disadvantaged and conspired against.
Stepping back, staying out of the way, providing aid to the refugees, containing the damage to the rest of the world, is probably the only thing Obama and the West can do with Syria. I can hope that those who want to fight, will fight themselves to exhaustion.
30
All quite true, not to mention Russia was always waiting in the wings ready to complicate any American involvement with their client state.
9
I am so glad that this extraordinary man took every opportunity since the election to demonstrate such a high regard for the office, especially in his gracious and immediate acceptance of Trump as his successor. At each public opportunity, he has been a model statesmanship and deported himself with honor and dignity, even as the president elect behaved with such immaturity and overt indignity. We could not have selected a more polar opposite as president with the election of Trump, and President Obama has provided us with a high contrast and a sense of national remorse, especially since November 8.
72
The Obamas are admirable and even more so compared to this deplorable creature and his family about to take power—whose personal failings will furnish endless easy copy for columnists for years. But we need much more than admirable personal qualities to restore America to an equal and just society. And we need much more than centrist democrats.
Obama after his office, may actually be freed up to do more good for the country.
So why do you journalists “overdo the personal and pay insufficient attention to policies?” Why write this column---more about polls and personalities? Admirable as Barack, Michelle and kids are, I’m already sick of hearing about them as our country slides into peril.
I feel like we’re being sold a public relations campaign to revere Obama---nothing like contrast to push media drama--- and it’s too much now. Sure he’s way better than the Gop and even many democrats, but alright already.
We deserve much more than a scandal free president. Now he wears a halo, but there’s plenty of pros/cons policy wise. Let’s get real.
Obama after his office, may actually be freed up to do more good for the country.
So why do you journalists “overdo the personal and pay insufficient attention to policies?” Why write this column---more about polls and personalities? Admirable as Barack, Michelle and kids are, I’m already sick of hearing about them as our country slides into peril.
I feel like we’re being sold a public relations campaign to revere Obama---nothing like contrast to push media drama--- and it’s too much now. Sure he’s way better than the Gop and even many democrats, but alright already.
We deserve much more than a scandal free president. Now he wears a halo, but there’s plenty of pros/cons policy wise. Let’s get real.
2
Mr. Kristof, I totally agree with your assessment that the country will yearn for President Obama more than people realize. But, if Americans "want their children and the world's to admire our president", why did they elect the 44th president's polar opposite to succeed him in the Oval Office? There are signs that already the country is souring on the president-elect's combative and divisive nature and his ignorance in understanding the policies and procedures of American governance. He has destroyed the goodwill that the country bestows on the election winner in its hope for the promise of better things to come under the next president. The honeymoon and the country's infatuation with the 45th president is over.
The Republican party and their legions will highlight President Obama's failures in office, something they've been doing during the last eight years. They magnify his errors and mistakes simply because he is black. His election was an affront to the traditional American order even though his personal comportment was beyond reproach. He and his wonderful family were reviled in the foulest manner by not only common citizens but elected officials as well.
The incoming president, encouraged by his party, will do everything in their power to wash away the stain of Barack Obama's presidency. But, they will never see the day when the 45th president will be the equal of President Obama. I'm missing him already.
The Republican party and their legions will highlight President Obama's failures in office, something they've been doing during the last eight years. They magnify his errors and mistakes simply because he is black. His election was an affront to the traditional American order even though his personal comportment was beyond reproach. He and his wonderful family were reviled in the foulest manner by not only common citizens but elected officials as well.
The incoming president, encouraged by his party, will do everything in their power to wash away the stain of Barack Obama's presidency. But, they will never see the day when the 45th president will be the equal of President Obama. I'm missing him already.
21
The only signs of Trump rejection are in the biased press and the big cities. The overwhelming geographical majority of America wants Trump, and will celebrate tomorrow when leftist Obama is GONE
2
One wonders, Mr. Kristof, what those who have crucified him for eight years, those who self-righteously drew the non-existent line of moral purity and rectitude in the national sand--the "evangelical Christians" and the Congressional Right--may be thinking right about now. Tomorrow America will witness the inauguration of a new president--one truly undeserving of the title but, nonetheless, embodies "the will of the people." Talk of polar opposites.
I remain amazed that President Obama's integrity, the genuine humility and generosity with which he clothed his office were interpreted as liabilities by a hostile political party and a right-wing media that swapped gentlemanly disagreement for treason. He could do no good at all; the long knives were out after the West Coast states gave him the White House keys back on Nov. 8, 2008.
I personally have no idea what the scandal-mongers were looking for. The first lady comported herself with warmth and grace. Their two lovely girls, Malia and Sasha, remained curiosities without the first fires of impropriety gaining a headwind, a nearly impossible feat for two small girls growing into comely youth and beauty under the harshest light imaginable. What can have been their thoughts these past eight years to see and hear the contumely that was their father's daily portion?
A fickle country is about to awaken from a restful slumber to a storm-tossed tempest that shakes the house. Missing Obama? You bet, and I, like you, won't be alone.
I remain amazed that President Obama's integrity, the genuine humility and generosity with which he clothed his office were interpreted as liabilities by a hostile political party and a right-wing media that swapped gentlemanly disagreement for treason. He could do no good at all; the long knives were out after the West Coast states gave him the White House keys back on Nov. 8, 2008.
I personally have no idea what the scandal-mongers were looking for. The first lady comported herself with warmth and grace. Their two lovely girls, Malia and Sasha, remained curiosities without the first fires of impropriety gaining a headwind, a nearly impossible feat for two small girls growing into comely youth and beauty under the harshest light imaginable. What can have been their thoughts these past eight years to see and hear the contumely that was their father's daily portion?
A fickle country is about to awaken from a restful slumber to a storm-tossed tempest that shakes the house. Missing Obama? You bet, and I, like you, won't be alone.
127
One would think that getting healthcare for tens of millions of citizens and saving many lives would be a productive accomplishment.
But as my fellow comment person Richard so aptly describes, the degree of willful ignorance on the part of the far right is truly mind-blowing.
Obama faced an economy in tatters; a nation at war in 2 countries; a stock market in free-fall; double-digit unemployment; record foreclosures; our auto industry on life-support.
Given the state of the union 8 years ago, how can anyone without a shred of decency or a respect for history not say that Obama was a better-than-average president?
The hatred Obama faced, most evident when he tried to give a speech via closed-circuit television to our schoolchildren and was stopped by his enemies, along with the vile insinuations regarding his birth and religion, underscore the difficulties the man had to endure.
There never has been, nor will there ever be, a president who will I be in agreement with on every issue.
Obama deserves to be in the top tier of presidents.
The haters now have their man poised to take the oath of office.
God help the United States of America.
But as my fellow comment person Richard so aptly describes, the degree of willful ignorance on the part of the far right is truly mind-blowing.
Obama faced an economy in tatters; a nation at war in 2 countries; a stock market in free-fall; double-digit unemployment; record foreclosures; our auto industry on life-support.
Given the state of the union 8 years ago, how can anyone without a shred of decency or a respect for history not say that Obama was a better-than-average president?
The hatred Obama faced, most evident when he tried to give a speech via closed-circuit television to our schoolchildren and was stopped by his enemies, along with the vile insinuations regarding his birth and religion, underscore the difficulties the man had to endure.
There never has been, nor will there ever be, a president who will I be in agreement with on every issue.
Obama deserves to be in the top tier of presidents.
The haters now have their man poised to take the oath of office.
God help the United States of America.
336
The haters and greedy have won.
God help us.
God help us.
3
Amen, Kevin. Right on.
6
18 million on Obamacare, 84% of these are on medicaid. Obamacare is a failure, and will soon be gone. Obama is happy that it will disappear because it will otherwise implode and it will be his to own for eternity. He should thank President Trump for putting it out of our misery
2
One of the costs of America losing its ' soft power ' under DJT will be the western world will no longer look upon us as a dependable leader - they will look to a group of countries instead of a single lead country.
Regarding the loss of Dem governorships/legislative seats in the O. years, David Leonhardt showed this week those losses are about average for all 2-term POTUSes since WWII:
https://www.nytimes.com/2017/01/16/opinion/a-new-take-on-democrats-obama...?
Besides, if that GOP'er talking point is going to be trotted out, it can't be glossed over that in 2016 GOP'ers lost House seats, lost Senate seats, and lost the popular vote for POTUS by a margin some 600% higher than any previous POTUS has lost the popular vote.
And GOP'ers also lost state legislative seats even in red states like Arizona, where re-districting lines were drawn by independent commissions instead of by GOP'er leaning legislatures. In Arizona, Dems increased their share of the state legislature by almost 10%, and other states would likely do the same, judging from the popular vote for POTUS, as more states follow Arizona's re-districting efforts, which GOP'ers fought and fought all the way to the Supreme Court, but lost:
https://www.nytimes.com/2016/04/21/us/politics/supreme-court-upholds-ari...
Regarding the loss of Dem governorships/legislative seats in the O. years, David Leonhardt showed this week those losses are about average for all 2-term POTUSes since WWII:
https://www.nytimes.com/2017/01/16/opinion/a-new-take-on-democrats-obama...?
Besides, if that GOP'er talking point is going to be trotted out, it can't be glossed over that in 2016 GOP'ers lost House seats, lost Senate seats, and lost the popular vote for POTUS by a margin some 600% higher than any previous POTUS has lost the popular vote.
And GOP'ers also lost state legislative seats even in red states like Arizona, where re-districting lines were drawn by independent commissions instead of by GOP'er leaning legislatures. In Arizona, Dems increased their share of the state legislature by almost 10%, and other states would likely do the same, judging from the popular vote for POTUS, as more states follow Arizona's re-districting efforts, which GOP'ers fought and fought all the way to the Supreme Court, but lost:
https://www.nytimes.com/2016/04/21/us/politics/supreme-court-upholds-ari...
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On Syria, Pres. Obama has been ham-strung by GOP'ers who threatened in 2013 to impeach him were he to intervene and try to enforce a ' red line ' there:
https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/post-politics/wp/2013/09/06/mccain-o...
Since that time, House GOP'ers have refused to even call a vote on the authorization to use military force in Syria, preferring to instead make Syria a political football, while the untold numbers of refugees have de-stabilized much of Europe.
The cynical GOP'er political calculations that have allowed such human misery and disruption in post-WWII Europe over the last 3+ years shouldn't be allowed to be flushed down the memory hole, nor blame transferred to a POTUS they labored long and hard to ham-string.
https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/post-politics/wp/2013/09/06/mccain-o...
Since that time, House GOP'ers have refused to even call a vote on the authorization to use military force in Syria, preferring to instead make Syria a political football, while the untold numbers of refugees have de-stabilized much of Europe.
The cynical GOP'er political calculations that have allowed such human misery and disruption in post-WWII Europe over the last 3+ years shouldn't be allowed to be flushed down the memory hole, nor blame transferred to a POTUS they labored long and hard to ham-string.
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I’d be among the first to praise the Obamas’ conduct of their lives and he the decency brought to the presidency. But while that’s not trivial, it’s not why we elect presidents: mostly, we elect them to do something productive. People can argue why that didn’t happen over eight years, but it’s not much of a legacy if the first thing successors want to do is unravel it, such as it is. And it’s not a ringing endorsement of his stewardship of the Democratic Party that those successors possess undivided government and CAN.
I’d also be among the first to point out that wistfulness for a departed president, plus $10, can buy you a Donald Trump Pez dispenser on Amazon. I won’t miss Barack Obama for a LONG time.
I’d also be among the first to point out that wistfulness for a departed president, plus $10, can buy you a Donald Trump Pez dispenser on Amazon. I won’t miss Barack Obama for a LONG time.
20
Was Obama better than W?
It truly is amazing that you think Obama did nothing in 8 years.
Especially since you are quite aware of the extent of the financial crisis Obama inherited, along with the two wars.
You cannot bring yourself to be objective even one tiny bit.
Orwellian does not even begin to describe your comment.
It truly is amazing that you think Obama did nothing in 8 years.
Especially since you are quite aware of the extent of the financial crisis Obama inherited, along with the two wars.
You cannot bring yourself to be objective even one tiny bit.
Orwellian does not even begin to describe your comment.
361
I agree with one thing you wrote, Mr. L. No one, not a single voter, cast a ballot for Trump because he is a good family man free of scandal.
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R. Luetggen: Can't think why you commented on this kudo to our President ....
It defys logic, but I guess you get another chance to deny the productivity and
work done by the administration despite the obstruction and disrespect Obama
received. Do you ever look at the facts? The only one who wants to unravel this
president' legacy is an idiot, Trump, who obviously hasn't a clue. And as we sit in
disbelief as he , Trump, selects the worst group of people we have ever seen to
serve his administration, it only confirms the fear and trembling most of us - yes,
a majority of us - have over this Trump excuse for a President. Legacy indeed!
It defys logic, but I guess you get another chance to deny the productivity and
work done by the administration despite the obstruction and disrespect Obama
received. Do you ever look at the facts? The only one who wants to unravel this
president' legacy is an idiot, Trump, who obviously hasn't a clue. And as we sit in
disbelief as he , Trump, selects the worst group of people we have ever seen to
serve his administration, it only confirms the fear and trembling most of us - yes,
a majority of us - have over this Trump excuse for a President. Legacy indeed!
51
Yes, I do miss Obama already. He is everything that Trump isnn"t. I am afraid for my country, for Americans, for my family and the world. I think many of Obama's enemies will come to miss him, if for no other reason than knowing he and his administration were always on duty. And so, President Obama, God speed to you and your family. Thanks for your time, effort and devotion to this job.
683
And yet my perception is that Obama is the most divisive president we have ever witnessed, and he used his power to go after his political enemies (See IRS and DOJ). Largely ineffective on the world stage, he will soon be forgotten. He is the definition of a wasted opportunity, and his unilateral edicts will be erased in short order.
7
G,
He'll be forgotten by you and that's fine. The 444 people who liked this post won't forget. The 20 million people who have health care because of his efforts won't forget him either and they' ll remember him more when it's ripped away from them.
He'll be forgotten by you and that's fine. The 444 people who liked this post won't forget. The 20 million people who have health care because of his efforts won't forget him either and they' ll remember him more when it's ripped away from them.
15