The holiday season is almost over and we here at GlobalGrind got exactly what we wanted: President Obama’s second term.
DETAILS: Work Work Work! Obama Leaves Hawaii Early To Keep Us Off Fiscal Cliff
It wasn’t easy. There were some bumps along the way and even some frightening moments when it seemed like the people wouldn’t pull through. But in retrospect, the win isn’t surprising.
Obama had one hell of a year. And we’re not even counting the re-election. Well, we are…but there were some moments in his presidency this year that spoke directly to his commitment to this nation, his decency and relatability, his compassion and his work ethic.
They were heartbreaking.
They were powerful.
And they made us laugh.
But these are the moments that summed up 2012 as the year Obama really held the weight of the nation on his back. And he did it well.
12. Supporting American Athleticism This Summer:
President Barack Obama couldn’t be at the Olympics with his wife Michelle Obama, but he still sent his support and love for America. Here, he meets with The Fierce Five – Gabby Douglas, McKayla Maroney, Kyla Ross, Aly Raisman, and Jordyn Wieber – after they claimed the gold at this summer’s London Games.
11. Honoring Our Veterans:
The President does this every year and 2012 was no exception. But his pledge to end the Afghanistan war and his continued support for military personnel and family is stronger than ever. It might have been his fourth time laying the wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, but it was the first time he was able to say: “This is the first Veterans Day in a decade in which there are no American troops fighting and dying in Iraq.” Touche.
10. Second Debate Scolding:
Don’t call it a comeback! After critics said Obama was a little too subdued for bully Mitt Romney, he came back in the second round of debates ready to battle. He blocked Romney’s attempts to cut him off. He debunked his lies. And at some points, the two were so close that you thought they were about to square off. But the bossiest moment of the debate was when Obama told Romney to “Check the transcript” regarding his remarks after Benghazi. And maybe it was that which made Tagg Romney, son of Mitt, say that he wanted to “take a swing” at Obama. Easy boy. Don’t be mad your dad just got served.
9. Supporting Aurora After Massacre:
There seemed to be no shortage of Obama’s support during the time of despair in Aurora, Colorado after James Holmes opened fire on a movie theater in July 2012. He focused on the recovery, bravery, and lives of those involved, not that of the killer. And as always, he approached the situation “as a father,” and not as a politician. Unfortunately, it wouldn’t be the last time this year he had to do that.
8. Democracy In Egypt:
In light of the violence and protests that stemmed from Egyptian President Mohamed Morsi’s rule, Obama called him to stress the nation’s support for the Egyptian people and to denounce the violence. With the tension still raging, Obama is keeping an eye out and urging Egyptian leaders “across the political spectrum to put aside their differences and come together to agree on a path that will move Egypt forward.”
7. Sending Hillary Clinton To The Middle East:
In November, Obama announced he would send Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton to the Middle East to help contain the bloody conflict between Israel and Hamas. It was the most forceful action the Obama administration has taken promote peace in the Middle East.
6. Hurricane Sandy:
Obama was on the ground within a day of the destructive hurricane and in the most touching of moments, he and governor of New Jersey, Chris Christie, put aside their differences to mend the broken communities.
5. Gun Task Force
In the wake of the Sandy Hook shootings, Obama assigned Vice President Joe Biden to head the gun task force to fight gun-control regulations. In the first step the President has taken to reform gun laws, he urged the task force to submit concrete proposals by the beginning of January.
4. Avoiding Fiscal Cliff
Obama ended his annual Hawaii vacation and urged Congress to do the same to avoid falling off the fiscal cliff: automatic budget cuts and tax increases that are set to begin in January. He plays zero games.
3. Hugging On The Campaign Trail:
His undying love for his wife made this photo the most tweeted picture ever. Like. Ever.
2. Obama’s Re-Election:
Nuff said.
1. Sandy Hook Elementary School Shooting:
Some may argue that this moment alone sparked the gun-control crackdown that is set to start in the new year, but whether it did or not, we seen Obama in a light we have never seen him in before. He approached the grieving community of Newtown as a father…and a mourner. And he wasn’t afraid to show his compassion and concern.
Now that may be the defining moment of his presidency this year. And though all of these moments were powerful, we think this one takes the cake.
You rocked in 2012, President Obama!
