What has Obama achieved?

Lord Tyrion

Lord Tyrion

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As Barack is now in the final throes of his Presidency this is a genuine question for those who know more about the USA than I do. He has had 8 years in charge, what changes has he brought in, what laws? How has he improved the lives of people in America?

We get to see plenty of Obama on the international stage but I don't really know how he has done domestically.
 
He is all talk. He has achieved nothing, and is possibly one of the worst presidents they have had. I know the Senate, and the house can oppose him, but even so, he has under achieved.
 
Probably of no great interest to the average US voter but I think he has transformed America's image internationally from an all time low under dubya to a place where they are respected again. I don't admire many politicians but I think he's a truly great man.

Don't know the ins and outs of Obamacare, which obviously isn't well regarded by the republicans but, on the face of it, it appeared to be a great start towards getting healthcare for all Americans.

Seemed to guide America out of the global recession much more effectively than many western governments (notably our own) managed.

Decent progress on LGBT equality, not least of which was legalising same sex marriage, but sadly facing a backlash.

I think we can only speculate what he might have achieved without the republicans blocking his every move, I feel quite sad for him that he was stymied in this way.
 
The two biggest failures for me are over gun control and race relations. Too many Americans are still getting shot and riots in recent times and the whole Black Lives Matter campaign suggest little progress has been made there either. I know both are tough issues but if you have had 8 yrs to do something you would have hoped that you could have made some progress. Throw in a third, I believe Guantanamo is still open and that is something he promised to close.

We in the UK clearly don't understand the hostility towards Obamacare, that must a cultural thing as it seems basic to me. The rumour is that Trump will kick that into touch quite quickly.

Interesting that so far nothing positive has been mentioned in domestic terms.
 
I googled this topic yesterday, had done much more than I was aware of domestically particularly given the economic mess he inherited in 2008 but he arguably hasn't got any huge things done that would have got him noticed internationally and would have been his legacy.
Fighting with one arm tied behind his back I think.
Such optimisim when he came in too.
Thoroughly decent man, inspiring even but held back by the system I feel.
Like Bill Clinton loved internationally but not so popular back home.
 
I think he's been America's best president for a long time. He achieved far more than people might think but, equally, had some flagship policies blocked at every turn. Unfortunately, he'll be remembered for the wrong things.

That aside, I have a number of American friends in the mid west who couldn't wait to get rid of him, and also didn't want Trump... not spoken to them in the last couple of days. might Skype them and ask their views.
 
Lord Tyrion said:
The two biggest failures for me are over gun control and race relations. Too many Americans are still getting shot and riots in recent times and the whole Black Lives Matter campaign suggest little progress has been made there either. I know both are tough issues but if you have had 8 yrs to do something you would have hoped that you could have made some progress. Throw in a third, I believe Guantanamo is still open and that is something he promised to close.

We in the UK clearly don't understand the hostility towards Obamacare, that must a cultural thing as it seems basic to me. The rumour is that Trump will kick that into touch quite quickly.

Interesting that so far nothing positive has been mentioned in domestic terms.
Click to expand...

The gun control thing gets blocked by republicans at every corner. He'd never get a chance to get that through whilst they had control of the house
 
Not a lot but his hands were tied, he should be congratulated for his efforts on reforming gun law but he was never going to win that particular battle.
 
FairwayDodger said:
Probably of no great interest to the average US voter but I think he has transformed America's image internationally from an all time low under dubya to a place where they are respected again. I don't admire many politicians but I think he's a truly great man.

Don't know the ins and outs of Obamacare, which obviously isn't well regarded by the republicans but, on the face of it, it appeared to be a great start towards getting healthcare for all Americans.

Seemed to guide America out of the global recession much more effectively than many western governments (notably our own) managed.

Decent progress on LGBT equality, not least of which was legalising same sex marriage, but sadly facing a backlash.

I think we can only speculate what he might have achieved without the republicans blocking his every move, I feel quite sad for him that he was stymied in this way.
Click to expand...
I agree with all of this. He came in on such a wave of optimism after the disaster that was George W, but was immediately thrown into the financial crash and stymied in his every move by the House and Senate. We will never know how great he could have been and that is a shame.
From the UK point of view, his "back of the queue" speech was a huge disappointment for me, very ill advised and probably counter productive. At the time I blamed Cameron but everyone involved should have known better and in a few weeks time they will all be gone.
That said I admire him greatly. He has been a true statesman and a credit to a nation whose politics don't deserve him.
In the last few weeks I have to say I have been extremely impressed by the First Lady. She has spoken so well and clearly from the heart. All told the Obama's have conducted themselves immaculately and have been a credit to the office of President.
 
A great orator who struggled with Republican domination in other Houses...

Huge milestone considering were Civil Rights were in the US until quite recently. (and still is in some cases)

Sadly objective debate of his Presidency will be difficult for a number of reasons..one of which is the line above
 
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