To understand Obama's legacy walk in his shoes on Day One

[Parker DeWitt]

What Obama faced on Day One

WASHINGTON — We try to assess Barack Obama’s legacy by squinting into the murky future — debating the durability of his policies and programs, wondering what the new president will do to them.

But when we measure the 44th president’s accomplishments, do we recall where and when he started? Remember what the nation and world were like the day he took office? Imagine what might have been without him?

In his farewell this week, Obama himself cited the advice of Atticus Finch in To Kill a Mockingbird: “You never really understand a person until you consider things from his point of view. Until you climb into his skin and walk around in it.'’

So go back to the hours before Obama became president. Walk in his shoes, sit in his pew, ride in his limousine. Then, judge.

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[underpants]

1. January 20, 2009

Excellent. Thanks.

[redwitch]

2. great article! nt

[hibbing]

3. Tear coming down

Seeing the size of the crowd again just gave me chills.

Peace

[elfin]

4. So good.

Don't really expect such writing from USA Today, but the writer really hit the high mark.

[Rhiannon12866]

5. K&R! Great article!

I still remember before the 2008 election looking at the long row of Democrats on the stage, all seeking the nomination, and thinking: Who would want the job now?? He faced an almost impossible job and did it with intelligence, good humor and grace.

[Lucinda]

6. Thanks! And welcome to DU!