1. Ended the War in Iraq  Entered into office with the promise to end the war and bring troops home.  Began the withdrawal of troops in August of 2010, leaving a large number behind to aid the Iraqi government in the training of their security forces.  On May 2, 2011, Obama announced the confirmed killing of Osama Bin Laden.  The last group of troops left Iraq on December 18, 2011. 9 Obama welcomes home the final soldiers returning from Iraq. Source: Pool/Getty Images North America (Montopoli, 2011) (Phillips, 2011) (The Office of the President-Elect, 2008)

2. Repealed “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” Policy  During the Clinton administration, the “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” policy was put in place to prevent openly gay or lesbian Americans from joining the military.  This policy gave the military the grounds to discharge members based on their sexual orientation.  On December 22, 2010, Obama signed new legislation which repealed this policy.  The Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell Repeal Act of 2010, allowed gays and lesbians to open serve in the military and gave those who had been discharged the ability to re-enlist. 10 Obama signs the Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell Repeal Act of 2010. Photo by Judy Rolfe / HRC (Encyclopedia Britannica, 2015) (Human Rights Campaign, 2011) (Lee, 2010)

3. What Has Been Learned  Obama has shown that he is honest, confident and that he is committed to making the United States of America a better country.  His approval rating on March 30, 2015 was 48%, showing that just over half of eligible voters do not agree with the work he has done while in office.  Obama has taught us that although people may not agree with your decisions, that it is best to make the decisions with the best interests of others in mind.  He has taught us that the best decisions, like the institution of ObamaCare or the repeal of Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell, may not be the most popular decisions. 11 (Ramussen Reports, 2015)