I’VE BEEN an Obama fan ever since his speech at the Democratic Nation Convention in 2004, where he won me over with his willingness to embrace change, and his resounding emphasis on listening to young people. Despite certain trepidations, I still had faith Obama would be a positive role model for the next generation in terms of social issues (which was much-needed after the anti-LGBT Bush era), and that he had the best interest of all Americans at heart. During his eight years in office, I saw him move the country forward on a variety of issues by quietly using his powers and carefully using his words to set an example. And in Obama’s farewell address he helped me recall just how far we’ve come in terms of change (“Yes, we did!”) and remember that the coming generation is full of altruistic Americans who value inclusivity, reason, and science. If nothing else, Obama reminded me that the future (if not the immediate present) is bright. There are many things to be grateful for, but here are my favorite moments from the last eight years that made me say, “Thanks, Obama!”
