
Americans cast ballots in one of the most significant elections in the history of our nation. A year ago today, Barack Obama was sworn into office as the 44th President of the United States. Obama, who has been the president for a year now has been plague with many headlines and stories. The first issue in his presidency was the economy with job loss, widespread foreclosures and uncertainty in the auto industry. While the campaign was focused on the economy lets not forget about the campaign promises like health care and closing Guantanamo Bay to Afghanistan and Iraq.
Before commenting about Obama first year. Lets take a look at the road to the White House. Over two years ago, I began covering the people who were apart of changing history. They were first time voters, new immigrants, and centenarians to revelers dancing in city streets around the world. After coming off the heels of Bush Administration communities had feelings of euphoria. I wanted to capture this mood of change and hope.
Enjoy this slide show.
Behind the Lens: Road to The White House
It has been a year and I have mixed emotions about Obama’s first year. There were a lot of high expectations for Obama. As I was listening to an interview I did for The Barack Obama Block Party with Tara Lake. I could hear the excitement of in my voice documenting Obama’s win as president. I fasinated by this man who seem to have people memorize with his speeches and slogans of Yes We Can! I knew it couldn’t be done within his first year, we were facing way too many problems as a nation. Now that this year is over, I still believe in Obama, but I feel like he can do more. I know we need to have better health care systems where all American can find coverage and are not penatlized because of income. But, as to how do it, I am not sure of the best way. Yes, I do feel like our troops need to come home, but how to do you leave a region that you have destroyed. How do you equip these people with the tools and resources. Better yet, how do we change the corporate greed in our country. All of these things need to be dealt with and I am hopeful that Obama can tackle these issues. I am sure we not feel the direct impact during his four year term. I guess you can call me the hopeless dreamer, who believes that Obama has chops to facilate change. But, what do you think? What are you impression of his first year. I would love to hear your thoughts.
Below are some great timelines of Barack Obama’s first year.
The Guardian
Jon Stewart, The Daily Show- First 364 days of Obama (video)
Obama’s First Year: By the Numbers
Obama First Year by FT