Remember Barack Obama?video mixed sex-wrestling domination
You know, the 44th President of the United States who didn't tweet five times before your alarm even went off. The dude who didn't fire someone from the White House weekly. Yes yes, the man who helped legalize same-sex marriage and led America in the global effort to combat climate change — thatBarack Obama.
Well while America is over here longing for the days when major WTF-worthy news didn't break from the White House every other hour, he's celebrating his 56th birthday Friday.
SEE ALSO: Obama shut down Scaramucci so hard in 2010 he's probably still shookWe're happy for you Obama, and we're gonna let you celebrate — but we must also take this time to remember the good old days because President Donald Trump's nonsensical and erratic behavior has catapulted America into political chaos.
Here are 10 Obama moments to remind you that things haven't always been this awful. Being led by a man who calls the White House a dump, blows off work a bunch to go golfing at his own club, lies about very important things like crowd size and compliments from Boy Scouts leaders, hates the press, and has just over 30 percent of the country's approval hasn't always been considered the political norm.
1. When he got real AF in his 'A More Perfect Union' speech
Back in 2008 when Obama was campaigning for the Democratic Party nomination, he delivered one of the most iconic, straightforward speeches on politics, racism, poverty, and tragedy that still plague America to this day.
Trump, meanwhile, just told a group of Boy Scouts about a sex yacht.
2. When he touched America's core with a rendition of 'Amazing Grace'
One of the most stirring moments in Obama's presidency was when he gave the eulogy at Rev. Clementa Pinckney's funeral. Not only did he speak for nearly 40 minutes on gun violence and Pinckney's legacy (the state senator was one of nine killed by a white supremacist in a Charleston church), but he also broke out into a beautiful, raw, and unexpected rendition of "Amazing Grace" that captivated the entire country.
Trump likes music too, but only if it's a cheesy jazz band playing that's completely out of place before a controversial announcement.
3. That time he was just a genuinely friendly human getting his ID checked
Please just look at Obama introducing himself to everyone and cracking dad jokes about his ID card before voting in Chicago. Oh the memories.
Notice how Obama respectfully compliments this woman for doing her job withoutcreepily commenting on her looks — something Trump has had trouble with.
4. When he praised women's achievements
"Women deserve equal pay for equal work ... I believe when women succeed, America succeeds." — Barack Obama
"You don’t give a shit if a girl can play a violin like the greatest violinist in the world. You want to know what does she look like." — Donald Trump
5. When he celebrated same-sex marriage
After the Supreme Court ruled lesbian and gay couples could legally marry throughout America, Obama made a remarkably heartfelt speech in the Rose Garden, announcing, "This ruling will strengthen all of our communities ..."
So what's Trump do? After claiming to support the LGBTQ community during his campaign, he has since rescinded the Obama-era rule allowing transgender students to use the restroom matching their gender identity, neglected to proclaim National Pride Month, and tried to ban transgender people from serving in the military.
6. When he celebrated the 50th anniversary of the Selma Civil Rights March
Barack Obama and family participate in a symbolic march across the Edmund Pettus Bridge, in Selma, Alabama to mark the 50th anniversary of "Bloody Sunday." Credit: jacquelyn Martin/AP/REX/Shutterstock The Obama family attended the 50th Anniversary of the March on Edmund Pettus Bridge in Selma, Alabama and Obama delivered a historic 40-minute speech to the audience, explaining "If Selma taught us anything, it’s that our work is never done."
Trump's also done a great deal to raise awareness for past civil rights accomplishments this year, like insulting U.S. Representative John Lewis — an active Civil Rights leader and former Freedom Rider — and briefly mentioning Martin Luther King Jr. in his Black History Month speech before talking about himself.
7. When he cared about (and believed in) climate change
Back in 2016 the United States and China — two of the largest emitters of greenhouse gasses — formally joined the Paris Climate Agreement, joining 70 other countries in the "fight to protect the planet for future generations."
In 2017 Obama watched Trump shatter this milestone by reneging on the United States commitment. As it currently stands, the U.S., Syria, and Nicaragua are the only countries not in the agreement.
8. Every single time he interacted with children
Mandatory Credit: Photo by REX/Shutterstock (927337b) President Barack Obama bends over so the son of a White House staff member can pat his head during a visit to the Oval Office President Barack Obama in the Oval Office of the White House, Washington, D.C., America - 08 May 2009 Credit: pete souza/REX/Shutterstock Obama had a way with children and during his eight years in office we were blessed to see some adorable moments. One of the most memorable shots captured by official White House photographer Pete Souza shows a five-year-old touching Obama's hair.
Trump has also had touching interactions with kids, like that time he signed a boy's hat for him and then threw it into a crowd.
9. When he presented Joe Biden with the Medal of Honor
Everyone knew Obama and his Vice President Joe Biden were tight, but when the POTUS unexpectedly awarded his "brother" Biden with the Presidential Medal of Freedom with distinction, there was not a dry eye in America.
Pence has given Trump at least one known compliment at a King Lear-esque cabinet meeting, and Trump said "thank you, Mike." So they also seem like best buds for life. Right?
10. His heartbreaking final press conference
At a time when the nation was politically divided, Obama was there to offer reassurance to Americans and members of the press, specifically. "Sometimes I get mad. And frustrated like everybody else does, but at my core, I think we're going to be OK," he went on. "We just have to fight for it, we have to work for it and not take it for granted. And I know that you will help us do that. Thank you very much, press corps. Good luck." he said.
While Obama treated reporters and members of his communications staff with the utmost respect, Trump has already fired a press secretary that liked to hide among bushes and a communications director who used a bit too much "colorful language."
Oh and let's not forget his frequent "fake news" rants attacking the press:
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All of this is simply to say: Happy Birthday, Obama! Thanks for the memories. 😭
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