Obama and the left – Campus Times
The optimism that arose from Barack Obamas 08 campaign, an optimism that stemmed from his magnetism, youth, and the chance to propel a person of color to the nations highest office, was remarkable. It was the first time Id ever seen people I knew genuinely excited by politics; I hope we see something like that again in our lifetimes.
That optimism has, unfortunately, insulated the former president from well-deserved criticism from the left. Understanding his failures as president is critical to understanding Hillary Clintons failed campaign and, ultimately, central to creating the new leftist movement that employs real political resistance, not #resistance.
Look no further than Obamas use of executive orders. Much has been made of President Donald Trumps dictatorial desires, but the precedent for exercising the power of the executive branch was Obamas. Now that the orders are ones we disagree with, we seem to have a newfound respect for checks and balances.
As for the recent military strike that killed an 8 year-old in Yemen, we cant forget than it was an Obama drone strike that killed her brother just a few years ago, nor can we forget the infamous double-tap strike by U.S.-armed Saudi forces that killed over 140 people a month before the election.
What about his expansion of the NSA, which now wields even more power to spy on American citizens than it did under George Bush? What about the Obama administration treating whistleblowers more harshly than any American government in modern history? He pardoned Chelsea Manning, but what about prosecuting her and throwing her in a mens prison? What about the fact that income inequality grew significantly under his watch? Whose economy did he save, exactly? What about his severe mismanagement of diplomacy in Syria, which led to todays refugee crisis? What about his failure to close Guantanamo Bay?
Spare me the obstruction argument: he had a similarly-sized majority when he was first elected to one the Republicans currently hold, and theyve done plenty in Trumps first two weeks.
Were so quick to brand Trump the reality-star president, his supporters blinded by his fame, but what about us? When Obama slow-jammed the news, were we decrying the normalization of drone strikes? When he dazzled at the White House Correspondents Dinner, were we #resisting U.S. support of the Wahhabist government in Saudi Arabia, one of the most oppressive regimes in the world, which is currently engaged in a U.S.-supported, sustained bombing campaign against the Houthis, an oppressed ethnic minority in northern Yemen?
Were as susceptible to deception as anyone, and to explain away Clintons loss as a consequence of dumb hicks who couldnt tell fact from fiction is embarrassing and untrue, not to mention a polite way to call poor people dumb.
Unfortunately, the centrist liberalism that Obama represents seems content with winning, yes, deeply important social warsfighting repugnant -isms of all stripesbut has punted on the areas on which leftist politics used to focus.
During Obamas presidency, where were our leftist voices on our abhorrent foreign policy, or our financial system that helped create the modern racial resentment Trump rode to power? Those issues are far more complex than anything that can be summarized in a Colbert monologue and, consequently, have faded from our consciousness. Those are the fields we need to reinsert ourselves into.
Clintons legacy as a politicianhelping institute her husbands mass incarceration program, sponsoring bills to make burning the flag a jailable offense, voting for the Iraq War, resorting to thinly-veiled racial attacks on Obama during the 07-08 primary, and weak Wall Street policywas somehow overlooked because she called herself a progressive and wanly stumped for a $12.50 minimum wage.
Our inability to separate the repulsiveness of her worst critics on the right, who hate her because shes a woman in power, stopped us from scrutinizing Clintons career. Ditto with Obama. But rather than realize that people were clamoring for an inspiring vision of the future, one where their jobs would come back and they could take part in this supposed economic recovery, the Clinton campaign tried to stage a moral referendum, and failed.
Obamas personal magnetism, grace, and real, emotional attachment to public service wont be forgotten anytime soon, nor should they. But rather than reaction-GIF him into oblivion, we need to avoid whats happening to Bush now, this revisionism wherein a war criminal is becoming the old guy who paints dogs sometimes.
Excerpt from:
Obama and the left - Campus Times
- Opinion | The Obama Plan That Presaged DOGE - The Wall Street Journal - February 20th, 2025 [February 20th, 2025]
- Hurricane, the hero Belgian Malinois who protected the Obama White House from intruder, has died - NPR - February 20th, 2025 [February 20th, 2025]
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- Why the Obama Presidential Center is immune to Trump's cuts - Axios - February 20th, 2025 [February 20th, 2025]
- Former President Barack Obama scheduled to speak at Hamilton College - WSYR - February 20th, 2025 [February 20th, 2025]
- Anthony Edwards Told Barack Obama 'I'm the Truth' in Viral 'Court of Gold' Video - Bleacher Report - February 20th, 2025 [February 20th, 2025]
- "Man, y'all better stand down. I'm the truth" - Ant boldly tells US President Barack Obama that hes the real deal - Basketball Network - February 20th, 2025 [February 20th, 2025]
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- Anthony Edwards demands some respect from Barack Obama, viral video reveals: Im the truth! - New York Post - February 20th, 2025 [February 20th, 2025]
- NBA Star Anthony Edwards Goes Viral After Telling Obama 'I'm The Truth' - Black Information Network - February 20th, 2025 [February 20th, 2025]
- Manuals energetic rebrand of the Obama Foundation expands on its visual legacy - It's Nice That - February 20th, 2025 [February 20th, 2025]
- Anthony Edwards demands some respect from Barack Obama, viral video reveals: Im the truth! - NewsBreak - February 20th, 2025 [February 20th, 2025]
- Barack Obama Was Shocked by Anthony Edwards' Confidence During Team USA Meeting at Paris Olympics - Complex - February 20th, 2025 [February 20th, 2025]
- "Man, y'all better stand down. I'm the truth" - Ant boldly tells US President Barack Obama that hes the real deal - MSN - February 20th, 2025 [February 20th, 2025]
- Anthony Edwards Confidently Tells Barack Obama, 'I'm the Truth' - TMZ - February 20th, 2025 [February 20th, 2025]
- Anthony Edwards has viral moment with former President Obama in new documentary - Dunking with Wolves - February 20th, 2025 [February 20th, 2025]
- My Take: Didnt Trump gripe about Obama using too many executive orders? - Parker Pioneer - February 20th, 2025 [February 20th, 2025]
- Democrats Biggest Problem Right Now is 'The Way They Talk', Former Obama Strategist Says (Exclusive) - LatinTimes - February 20th, 2025 [February 20th, 2025]
- Anthony Edwards had the cockiest exchange with Barack Obama before the Olympics - For The Win - February 20th, 2025 [February 20th, 2025]
- Megyn Kelly calls Obama-appointed federal judges "absolute idiots" who were hired because of their "DEI profile" - Media Matters... - February 14th, 2025 [February 14th, 2025]
- Tariffs will add to inflation, ex-Obama economics advisor says - Channel 4 News - February 14th, 2025 [February 14th, 2025]
- Donald Trump pardons former Illinois governor Rod Blagojevich: How is he connected to Barack Obama? - The Times of India - February 14th, 2025 [February 14th, 2025]
- Fact Check: Yes, Trump rebuked Obama in 2012 for 'constantly issuing executive orders' - Yahoo - February 14th, 2025 [February 14th, 2025]
- Former Obama campaign advisor says with DEI purges Trump 'might as well just put on the white hood' - Yahoo News - February 5th, 2025 [February 5th, 2025]
- Obama's $800M Presidential Center Slapped With DEI Lawsuit - Washington Free Beacon - February 5th, 2025 [February 5th, 2025]
- Barack and Michelle Obama's largest donors abandon them amid rumors of turmoil in marriage; one donor says - The Economic Times - February 5th, 2025 [February 5th, 2025]
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- Subs Lawsuit Says Racial Discrimination Is Behind Blame for Obama Center Problems - Engineering News-Record - February 5th, 2025 [February 5th, 2025]
- Barack and Michelle Obama's biggest supporters abandon them amid rumored marriage turmoil - Daily Mail - February 5th, 2025 [February 5th, 2025]
- Barack Obama faces a big problem with his dream project; here's what it is - The Economic Times - February 5th, 2025 [February 5th, 2025]
- The truth about Barack Obama and Michelle's fake divorce over Jennifer Aniston: How the famous rumor was started - Marca English - February 5th, 2025 [February 5th, 2025]
- Obama Library: Behind Schedule, Over Budget and Mired in Lawsuits - Newsweek - February 5th, 2025 [February 5th, 2025]
- Trump touts national unity over air disaster before bashing Biden and Obama - Axios - February 5th, 2025 [February 5th, 2025]
- Obama's Failure To Close Guantanamo Meant It Was Open for Trump To Use - Reason - February 5th, 2025 [February 5th, 2025]
- Howard University Professor, Who Was Michelle Obama's Ex-Intern, Died In Plane Crash in D.C. - The Root - February 5th, 2025 [February 5th, 2025]
- Michelle Obama says my husband amid divorce rumours with Barack Obama. Heres what she remarked - Mint - February 5th, 2025 [February 5th, 2025]
- Barack Obama vs Donald Trump could be on the cards in four years after proposed change - Irish Star - February 5th, 2025 [February 5th, 2025]
- Obama's speech after plane crash sums up 'difference' between him and Trump - MSN - February 5th, 2025 [February 5th, 2025]
- RFK Jr. Is Starting Where Michelle Obama Left, Now With Republican Support - Newsweek - February 5th, 2025 [February 5th, 2025]
- US President Trump attacks Obama, Biden after Washington plane crash, says they 'lowered air safety standa - The Economic Times - February 5th, 2025 [February 5th, 2025]
- Barack Obama faces another setback amid rumors his marriage with Michelle is on the rocks - Daily Mail - February 5th, 2025 [February 5th, 2025]
- Y'all Got Michelle and Barack Obama All Wrong - The Root - February 5th, 2025 [February 5th, 2025]
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- Michelle Obama shares message from 'Barack and I' as she reflects on inauguration tragedy amid marriage rumors - Daily Mail - February 1st, 2025 [February 1st, 2025]
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- Trump blames Obama and Biden for plane crash as it happened - The Times - February 1st, 2025 [February 1st, 2025]
- 'Obama backed Al-Qaeda to topple Assad regime...': Tulsi Gabbard's explosive claim at Senate hearing - The Economic Times - February 1st, 2025 [February 1st, 2025]
- The truth behind Donald Trump's astounding claims Biden, Obama and DEI are to blame for crash - Daily Mail - February 1st, 2025 [February 1st, 2025]
- Barack and Michelle Obama appear determined to put on a united front in a bid to combat divorce rumors - Daily Mail - February 1st, 2025 [February 1st, 2025]
- Viral post claims Sasha Obama spotted looking depressed amid divorce rumors of Barack, Michelle - The Times of India - February 1st, 2025 [February 1st, 2025]
- Barack Obama and Jennifer Aniston's net worth: A look at their financial success - India Today - February 1st, 2025 [February 1st, 2025]
- Donald Trumps Fiery Attack On Obama & Bidens Diversity Policies After U.S. Chopper-Plane Crash - Hindustan Times - February 1st, 2025 [February 1st, 2025]
- Are Jennifer Aniston and Barack Obama having an affair? Unpacking the resurfacing rumours - Yahoo News UK - January 27th, 2025 [January 27th, 2025]
- Divorce rumours? A love triangle with Jennifer Aniston? What's really going on with Michelle & Barack Obama - Evening Standard - January 27th, 2025 [January 27th, 2025]
- Did a Joke by Barack Obama spark Donald Trumps White House bid? Here's a story of the 'Butterfly effect' - The Economic Times - January 27th, 2025 [January 27th, 2025]
- Barack Obama, Michelle Obama and Jennifer Aniston. Heres what we know about the rumors - PennLive - January 27th, 2025 [January 27th, 2025]
- This has to be the most bizarre piece of gossip; I barely know Barack Obama, let alone dating him, says Je - The Economic Times - January 27th, 2025 [January 27th, 2025]
- Members of The Obama Administration: Where Are They Now? - The Root - January 27th, 2025 [January 27th, 2025]
- How did the Jennifer Aniston and Barack Obama affair rumor begin? Here's the breakdown - The Economic Times - January 27th, 2025 [January 27th, 2025]
- Barack and Michelle Obama's younger daughter Sasha looks downcast and preoccupied and seen for the first t - The Economic Times - January 27th, 2025 [January 27th, 2025]
- Obama vs Trump in 2028? Social media users react to Rep introducing proposed change to allow third term i - The Times of India - January 27th, 2025 [January 27th, 2025]
- Michelle Obama Models The Power Of Saying No With Inauguration Skip - Forbes - January 27th, 2025 [January 27th, 2025]
- How Barack Obama is Being Plagued by Wild Jennifer Aniston Rumors - Knewz - January 27th, 2025 [January 27th, 2025]
- Kid Rock Is One Of Many Conservatives Upset About Michelle Obama Refusing To Attend Donald Trump's Inauguration - BuzzFeed - January 27th, 2025 [January 27th, 2025]
- Jennifer Aniston forced to clarify 'truth' about bizarre Barack Obama affair theory - Irish Star - January 27th, 2025 [January 27th, 2025]
- Republican introduces measure to allow Trump a third term but not Obama - Salon - January 27th, 2025 [January 27th, 2025]
- Jennifer Aniston reacts to rumours of her romance with Barack Obama - Gujarat Samachar - January 27th, 2025 [January 27th, 2025]
- Divorce rumours? A love triangle with Jennifer Aniston? What's really going on with Michelle & Barack Obama - MSN - January 27th, 2025 [January 27th, 2025]
- Barack And Michelle Obama Face 'Divorce' Rumours: Here's Their Complete Relationship Timeline - Times Now - January 27th, 2025 [January 27th, 2025]
- Why are rumors spreading of Barack Obama and Jennifer Aniston dating? - Straight Arrow News - January 24th, 2025 [January 24th, 2025]
- Are Barack Obama and Jennifer Aniston a couple? Social media reacts to the rumours, call it a political earthquake - Hindustan Times - January 24th, 2025 [January 24th, 2025]
- Obama, Aniston, and the political earthquake: Why their dating rumors are trending - The Economic Times - January 24th, 2025 [January 24th, 2025]
- Michelle Obama wasn't at the inauguration, but she shared a message on social media - NBC Chicago - January 24th, 2025 [January 24th, 2025]
- Former Presidents Obama, Clinton and Bush won't be attending Trump's inaugural lunch - NBC News - January 24th, 2025 [January 24th, 2025]
- Is Barack Obama dating Jennifer Aniston, or is it just gossip? - India Today - January 24th, 2025 [January 24th, 2025]
- Are Jennifer Aniston and Barack Obama dating? Heres what we know - PennLive - January 24th, 2025 [January 24th, 2025]
- Why is Michelle Obama not attending the inauguration? What to know - NBC Chicago - January 24th, 2025 [January 24th, 2025]