Opinion: ‘Thanks for giving us a scandal-free administration’: Readers bid a fond farewell to Barack Obama

Before the brash, unpredictable Donald Trump, there was the contemplative, cool Barack Obama (remember him?). Perhaps the only obvious thing the two have in common is their service to a deeply divided nation, but Obama’s absence appears to have already made our letter writers’ hearts grow fonder.

In the final days of the his administration, the letters written about Obama skewed more favorable than usual for the 44th president. Several writers set aside politics and praised the former president for what they consider his admirable personal qualities; others reacted warmly to the defiant optimism expressed by someone whose successor promises to undo much of his legacy. Of course, some readers were happy to see Obama go.

Here are some of those letters.

Stella Wilson of Savannah, Ga., approvingly lists Obama’s accomplishments:

Obama was the epitome of class and grace. His administration set an example that others would do well to follow.

Here is some of what he deserves gratitude for:

Expanding access to healthcare for more than 20 million Americans; implementing an economic recovery program; signing into law the Lily Ledbetter Fair Pay Act; ending the Iraq war; finding and destroying Osama bin Laden; saving the American auto industry from collapse; and making an effort to close the Guantanamo Bay detention center.

Lastly, Obama deserves thanks for giving us a scandal-free administration.

Thousand Oaks resident Rodney K. Boswell hopes Americans can justify the former president’s optimism:

Say what you will about our outgoing president. You can demean him. You can castigate him. You can insult him, the first lady and their family.

But as he made clear in his final news conference as president, he still has confidence and trust in the future of the republic and “we the people.” I pray that his faith in us is justified.

Sandra Stubban of Stanton came away from Obama’s news conference with a different impression:

The liberal media may have seen “hope” in Obama’s final news conference as president. I saw proof, once again, of a man lacking in class.

His refusal to comment on the Democratic lawmakers who boycotted Trump’s inauguration was, in and of itself, a comment on them. He should have urged them to attend as a sign of respect for our country. He should also show some class (as George W. Bush did) by refusing to comment on his successor’s presidency.

Obama turned out to be the great divider.

Downtown L.A. resident Morrie Markoff says Obama set a good example for Trump:

In the panoply of presidents during my long life of 103 years, the standards of conduct set by Obama and his wife Michelle have made me proud to be an American.

How can the new president “make America great again”? It would be an achievement if he can keep it the same.

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