Most Memorable #Obama Moments

These are some of the Most Memorable #ObamaMoments for Me.

1. In 2008 as a college student, I knocked on one college mate’s dorm room and asked if he had registered to vote and if he has not if he would like to register? He said He has already registered. Then I asked if he had made up his mind about his choice for president? Besides asking people to register, we (with the College Democrats) were also trying to do some survey…

                  He said, “Yes. I am going to vote for the tall one.”

I said, Obama?

He said, "No. The White guy.” 

By that time, there already have been few presidential debates I believe, and it was obvious that then Sen. Obama was way taller than his opponent Sen. McCain. Why this college mate perceived the “White guy” to be the taller candidate never left my curious mind. 

2. Attending Obama’s 2008 inauguration in DC and separating from my roommate; despite our well thought-out strategy to stick together…and then sustaining some minor pain in my leg that lasted at least three months from the freezing cold temperature of that day.

3. Obama’s Presidential speeches...

 

#CampaignSpeech. It would been acceptable to hear a mediocre speech after losing the New Hampshire Primary in 2008, but Obama’s Concession Speech was one of the best one. It was so good that I thought, wow this guy plans to go all the way.

#GunViolence. Tearful and visibly angry Obama speaking after the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting Newtown, Connecticut

#OnRace. Obama singing "Amazing Grace" during his eulogy for Reverend Clementa Pinckney were some of his most moving moments for me. 

#Family. Obama speaking about his wife Michele and his children at his Farewell Speech and when Sasha reminded her dad to wave at his supporters who were seated behind him during his 2012 Victory speech in Chicago. 

4. This quote from the New Yorker Magazine, stating how “[Obama] sought to persuade by explaining and reasoning, not by simplifying or dramatizing—a form of respect that the citizenry didn’t always deserve."

5. My biggest disappointment with Obama will always be for choosing not to endorse Sen. Bernie Sanders for his the presidency.  He would have won and built on Obama’s legacy. In Sanders, with all his greatness and an admirable man of character, a man so cool, composed and measured, I saw the Promised Land in Bernie more than I ever saw in candidate Obama. Honest politician a genuine candidate who stood on the right side of history for justice and equal rights for all. As lofty as some of his goals might have been, I believe in them. Resetting our course in the right direction was important enough in itself regardless of how much was achievable. 

Now it’s Trump, and our work to right his wrongs by speaking and writing his wrongs has to be unrelenting. 

If you understand Tigrigna, here is my view on Obama Presidency, its a short few minutes interview with Betre SilTan of VOA Tigrigna. 

http://tigrigna.voanews.com/a/3683765.html

#PoliticsMatters

#DanielEthiopia