Barack Obama’s farewell speech to the nation was just what you expect from the man. Whether you were a fan or a critic, his composure and eloquence were undeniable. Many of us have forgotten the circumstances in which he came into office eight years ago. Certainly his critics have.

The country was in the midst of its most dire and prolonged economic downturn since the Great Depression (1919-1929). We were in the midst of extended warfare on two fronts (Iraq and Afghanistan) with no discernible game plan or end in sight.

He came into office under such tumultuous circumstances and with two years of a Democratic controlled House and Senate, he helped this country recover. Healthcare was next after ensuring our economic stability and with much resistance, he delivered an attempt at universal healthcare. Obamacare is not without problems or critics, but what most cannot argue is that so many more Americans in our history have some form of sustained healthcare for the first time. READ MORE