Proud of the President -- A Breath of Fresh Air

During the George W. Bush administration, traveling to other countries was an invitation for criticism. You found yourself either dodging or countering attacks. We have, indeed, been down in international opinion polls. What a breath of fresh air it is to see our president and first lady impress the world with their sincerity, calmness and intelligence.

This wouldn't be the case had the president decided to present speeches void of spontaneity. Instead, he was relaxed and spoke of Roosevelt and Churchill having a brandy together, those being easier times, and in a light-hearted manner framed for the world today's challenge of bringing multiple opposing parties together to reach agreements important to us all.

Michelle Obama couldn't have been more impressive. Some didn't care for her hair or outfits, but how little such things matter when an accomplished woman reaches out to a queen and children with equal honesty and graciousness. I could go into how ridiculous it is for the media to be constantly focusing on her clothing and hair instead of on what comes from her heart, instead of the impressive way she presents her thoughts and has come to embrace being a role model for girls and women, but I'll put that on hold.

Don't get me wrong; it's great to look attractive. But will women ever be free of front-and-center superficial evaluations? What you have to like about Michelle Obama is that she doesn't appear to let such pettiness weaken the messages she is intent upon delivering -- among them that little girls, "little jewels," everywhere should aspire to great heights.

Tomorrow is another day. And when President Obama gets home, the problems left behind will still be there. But America has been going it alone for a long time. It has caused us extraordinary problems and exacted inestimable losses. We learned again that just as no man is an island, no country that considers itself above or indifferent to others avoids ultimately paying a high price. This president promised the same wouldn't happen on his watch, and is delivering on that promise.

So take a deep breath. The air is cleaner now. Travel advisories are turning positive. It seems even the French are starting to like us again.

Dr. Reardon also blogs at bardscove.

Comments

[Coopforobama]

THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU Dr. Reardon. Your article brings REAL tears of joy to my eyes and put a BIG BRIGHT smile on my face when I see or hear OUR President and first lady.

I can not put into words how depressing the last eight years have been. I'm not speaking from the Democratic, Republican, Conservative, Liberal, Right Wing or Left Wing perspective. It is based on the manner in which the Bush/Cheney administration divided this GREAT country, smeared the image of our nation around the world and took OUR men and women into war, yet still will not admit their faults and mistakes. But that was then, this is now and we've been blessed with a new beginning.

[PatA]

All we have to do is watch "Presidential Moments" on Dave Letterman's show. I think that is what it is called. Bush was a constant embarrassment for 8 years.

[Stevie57]

As someone who spends every summer in Europe, it will be a joy to go this year and not have a president and a government who are a laughing stock. I think it is crystal clear that whether the rest of the world agrees with President Obama or not, they respect him and adore his classy, intelligent and empathetic wife. The Bush years were just a nightmare. You could see that everyone thought he was an illiterate, incompetent, hick and really...who could argue ! Even though we are experiencing tough times, it is a relief to have a "thinking" man in charge, who actually seems to be able to pronounce the countries he's visiting and to understand global issues.

[DeloresT]

You may not agree with President Obama when he speaks, but you know that he will NOT embarrass us....and neither will Michelle! I am so proud of the two of them. I know that she is happy to return to her daughters ( that's a story I'd enjoy reading), but Michelle and the president have represented us well..

[Yola]

I am so proud of our POTUS and FLOTUS. I just could not get enough this week and fought back tears of pride and joy when I saw how First Lady Michelle inspired those London schoolgirls. Today I am just so proud of my vote!

[AngieMom57]

"...an accomplished woman reaches out to a queen and children with equal honesty and graciousness..."

Barbara Walters said on a recent video that it was the Queen of England that touched Mrs. Obama first; and yes the tears she held back when talking at the girls school made me think that she was realizing just how far away her daughters were.

Yet it is only our own minds we can really know...right?

[Kathleen Reardon - Huffpost Blogger]

Somehow accidentally deleted this when posting. From runfastandwin

It's going to take some getting used to, having an intelligent president. Maybe even a year or two. I am planning my trip to Paris now...

[Crissy Patters]

If is wonderful to feel proud of our leader and his wife as we watch them introduce themselves to the world. I look forward to seeing what Michelle is wearing and I love seeing she and P,O holdng hands and posing for pictures. But that's just the icing on the cake, I know with the clothes, poses and hand holding these two are deep, intelligent, empathetic people who embrace all people from all walks of life.

[Kathleen Reardon - Huffpost Blogger]

Crissy Patters: I agree. Absolutely. It's a whole different world when the people in charge are good people.

[elcerritan]

Yes, the grown ups are in charge again.

[Kathleen Reardon - Huffpost Blogger]

elcerritan: It was a LONG wait!