Barack Obama’s victory in the US presidential election last November was celebrated across the globe and hailed as a world-changing event. But Obama will make real history when he is finally sworn in as President in Washington DC next Tuesday – arguably the most important presidential hand-over ceremony in the history of the United States.
Ahead of the inauguration, leaders across the world – including presumed enemies of the US – have been sending messages of goodwill to highlight the historic importance of the occasion at hand. Its significance has also been accepted closer to home by Obama’s opponents, including the outgoing President George W Bush.
Speaking at his last press conference as commander-in-chief, President Bush said: “I consider myself fortunate to have a front-row seat for what is going to be a historic moment for the country… President-Elect Obama’s election speaks volumes about how far this country has come.”
Indeed, President Bush is right in highlighting the significance of Obama’s election. The issue of race has never been well received in the history of the US, at least until now. But that is not to say that Obama’s victory was easy. It is important for us to remember that Obama worked incredibly hard to earn the position – he was not voted in because he is black.
But all that aside, as US President, Barack Obama will face one of the toughest times in recent world history. The US economic situation has worsened in the wake of the credit crisis, and millions of Americans are now unemployed. Last month alone more than 500,000 people lost their jobs, and many more are expected to be out of work by the end of this month.
Another big challenge for Obama is America’s foreign relations, including the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, and the ongoing battle against terrorism. Despite being the most powerful country in the world, the United States is the one country in the world whose citizens are most likely to be targeted abroad as a result of unfair foreign policies.
How far President Obama reverses the worsening economic problems and successfully engages with the world in his first 100 days will be the main yardstick in measuring how successful his four-year presidency will be. Obama should remember, too, that America and the world expect nothing less. He has changed history by becoming first black president of America – in light of this achievement, fixing the economy and engaging with the outside world should not be so extraordinary.
editor@metroeireann.com
