The Shoes Obama Has to Fill

George W. Bush leaves the White House after serving his country faithfully for eight years. Many have already begun to debate his legacy. In his farewell speech last night Bush highlighted a number of areas he hopes historians will specifically remember when they begin to carve out their opinions on the place he will hold in the pantheon of past presidents.

If he gets his wish President Bush will be remembered for his response to 9/11 and the subsequent changes his Administration made regarding the intelligence gathering community. He will hang his hat on the creation of the Department of Homeland Security and the resulting seven years America went without having another terrorist attack on its soil. Even amidst controversy regarding his methods, the results will carry a great deal of weight.

He also will stand by his handling of the war in Iraq and the progress the military has made in Afghanistan. This is rightfully so. The success in Iraq has proven that democracy is the right choice over a dictatorship that rules with an iron fist. The significance of Iraq's location amongst Arab nations won't be lost on historians either. Having this Arab nation as an ally is remarkable for its significance strategically. Bush also showed that standing up for the innocent and stopping possible genocide is always the right thing to do. Afghanistan is in the same situation as young boys and girls taste freedom for the first time and terrorist groups like al Qaeda find it difficult to recruit and find safe harbor.

The one thing he mentioned that will probably leave the most lasting positive impression on his legacy though was his commitment to providing financial support and help towards fighting HIV/AIDS in Africa. Although this accomplishment was only mentioned briefly it is of great importance. His stand on this issue rallied support from numerous nations and helped open the eyes of millions of Americans to the epidemic the African people are facing. This alone is enough to keep George W. Bush in the debate when it comes to presidents with significant achievements during their presidency.

It seems safe to assume that his response to 9/11, the success in Iraq, and his commitment to fighting HIV/AIDS in Africa will justify his place amongst some of the better presidents in history, regardless of his low approval rating at the end of his time in office. Only time will tell.

As Barack H. Obama begins his presidency, he couldn't have bigger shoes to fill. On his shoulders many have placed insurmountable expectations. His lack of experience in the political realm and on the world stage will certainly be a hindrance. But, for a time he will work with a congress filled with fellow Democrats who have been salivating for an opportunity to make significant change. How Barack Obama handles himself over the next few years will determine his own legacy. Knowing what we know now, that no presidency is without difficulty and surprises, adapting to circumstances and growing as a leader are imperative. As Obama begins his first term we can see he has some pretty big shoes to fill. George W. Bush served the country well, and history will remember him for it.