50 People Who Matter 2010 | 2. Barack Obama

Barry White House.

By New Statesman Published 21 September 2010

Last year, the significance of the Obamas was more symbolic than it is today, based in part on the presence of the first African-American family in the White House.

Now it is the prospect of real change that excites. Cynics inevitably complain that Barack Obama is failing to live up to expectations, with two of George W Bush's wars rumbling on abroad and economic turbulence at home.

But the promised "clean break" from the past is not - yet - out of reach. US combat troops are withdrawing from Iraq and Obama is the first president to reform America's iniquitous health-care system. He is also one of the few presidents to engage directly with the Middle East stalemate in his first term.

If steps towards that elusive peace can be made within a year, as promised, Obama will secure his place as a great president, regardless of the colour of his skin.

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5 comments

Wed, 2010-12-22 21:41 — Wood (not verified)

Well said, James.. you hit the nail right on it's head...

Tue, 2010-09-28 21:21 — Mailman (not verified)

I wonder if Obama might place his 2nd place trophy next to the Nobel peace prize?

I mean what exactly has Obama achieved, apart from rivalling jimmy carter as perhaps the worst modern day president and heading towards being a single term president?

I'd further say that the only reason Obama is on the list is not because he can make wine out of water BUT because he is the President of America.

Hmmm, I'm thinking that a lot of people are going to be in for the shock of their lives cone the mid term elections should the dems be decimated as expected. Given the almost relies reverence of the tone of the justification for being number two on the list I think the writer of this article is going to be stunned in November too.

Mailman

Tue, 2010-09-28 23:52 — Tony James (not verified)

Good comm' mailman!

Wed, 2010-09-29 00:44 — Mailman (not verified)

That should be;

"Given the almost RELIGIOUS reverence of the tone of the justification for being number two on the list I think the writer of this article is going to be stunned in November too."

Mailman

Wed, 2010-09-29 02:21 — James Thomas (not verified)

Unfortunately it appears that the change we can count on is the positive growth of R designations in the House and Senate. Thank you Mr. President. The cupidity and stupidity of the Republicans is narrowly outstripped by that of the Democrats.