Why Obama Won Time Magazine's Person of the Year 2008

In December 2008, Time Magazine announced U.S. President-Elect Barack Hussein Obama as the winner of its prestigious Man of the Year title. When Russian President Vladimir Putin won in 2008, the outcry generated a very public explanation of how the winner is chosen. As noted in my article about President Putin's win, "It is merely a means of recognizing the individual or group with the most impact on the course of history for the year in which they are nominated."

In the selection process for the 2008 winner, the Time Magazine panel had little reason to choose anyone other than United States President-Elect Obama. Whether they liked him or not, he met the very letter and spirit of their guideline.

Making Headlines

Not a month went by in 2008 when the first-term senator from Illinois was not on the cover of a magazine or in newspaper headlines. From election buzz to email rumors to questioned associations, Barack Obama's face and name were everywhere.

International Appeal

Even leaders of countries considered hostile towards the United States and U.S. policies came out in vocal support of Barack Obama becoming president. Headlines in newspapers around the world followed Barack Obama's campaign and kept him in the international public eye.

Making History

Widely touted during the campaign, Barack Obama becoming President of the United States symbolized a change in the country. For the first time in history, a black man was elected president.

New Audience

As no candidate before him, Barack Obama motivated the young and the first-time voters to go to the voting booth. Part of this is attributed to his well-run campaign as well as his skillful utilization of such social media applications as twitter. Obama supporters further boosted his reach with YouTube videos and promotional items such as t-shirts.

Promises, Promises

The catchword promise of 'Change' captured the attention and heart of the world. Inside as well as outside of the U.S.A., people were longing for a change that would impact the world. Barack Obama's promise to create that change with international reach was exactly what the world longed to hear and to believe.

TIME is on His Side

In the blurb for the issue, TIME states, "In one of the craziest elections in American history, he overcame a lack of experience, a funny name, two candidates who are political institutions and the racial divide to become the 44th President of the United States."

TIME Magazine has chosen the President-Elect of the given year multiple times in the past. President George W. Bush was given the title both times, and even President Richard M. Nixon was recognized.

What is in a Title?

With a history of ever-changing types of selections, some cast doubt upon the prestige of the title of TIME Magazine's Person of the Year. FOX News correspondent James Rosen states in a segment with FOX News that, "After so many surprise twists, arbitrary choices, and incessant monkeying with the title, . . . the idea of the world's most influential figure in any given year being chosen by a news weekly magazine . . . seems so 1927."

Regardless of the TIME Magazine title, there is no question that President-Elect Barack Hussein Obama has been a person who has had national and international impact in the year 2008. Only time will tell if the TIME Magazine recognition will apply in years to come.

Resources:

Why President Vladimir Putin Won TIME Magazine's 2007 Person of the Year

Daniella Nicole. 12/21/2007.

http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/498617/why_president_vladimir_putin_won_time.html?cat=9

TIME. Person of the Year 2008.

http://www.time.com/time/specials/2008/personoftheyear

FOX News "Legendary Label?". James Rosen. December 17, 2008

http://www.foxnews.com/video/index.html?playerId=videolandingpage&streamingFormat=FLASH&referralObject=3333420&referralPlaylistId=ad0207d555d845cfe1a4295a9d6dc8dd0f2b3139&maven_referrer=staf