Saying goodbye: A final farewell to President Barack Obama
Jan 19, 2017, 1:48 PM
President Barack Obama smiles during his final presidential news conference, Wednesday, Jan. 18, 2017, in the briefing room of the White House in Washington. (AP Photo/Pablo Martinez Monsivais)
(AP Photo/Pablo Martinez Monsivais)
PHOENIX — On Friday, Barack Obama’s time as the 44th president of the United States will officially come to a close with the swearing in of Donald Trump.
The president spent his last full day Thursday at the White House before becoming a former president. The big decisions and grand pronouncements are all behind him, but he is still in charge until Trump takes the oath at noon on Friday.
While his staff said Obama planned to use Thursday to pack up the remainder of his family’s belongings, many were thinking about the past eight years and what his legacy will be.
But reducing a presidency — especially one that stretches two terms — down to just a few ideas or words is a difficult task. We tried.
Instead, we used the past week to put together different stories to sum up Obama’s time in the White House. You can scroll through them below.
Revisit the highs and lows of Obama’s presidency through photos
The photos begin with his nomination in 2008 and end with the farewell speech he gave last week.
KTAR weighs in on the legacy of Obama
We asked some of the reporters and hosts here at KTAR News to weigh in on his legacy. We asked them a simple question: For what will Obama be remembered?
8 in 8: A look back at Obama’s eight presidential visits to Arizona
He made eight official trips to Arizona in his eight years in office, but a majority of those came during his first term.
Obama to leave White House with mixed immigration legacy
When Obama departs the White House for the final time of his presidency this week, he will leave behind a mixed legacy when it comes to immigration.
Obama led the nation — and pop culture — during administration
Love him or hate him, it can’t be denied that Obama had a major influence on pop culture throughout his administration.
During administration, Obama sets social media precedent for presidents
There’s one first that had a lasting impact throughout his presidency: His constant and historic use of social media.
Farewell to first daughters Malia and Sasha Obama
The president, first lady Michelle and daughters Malia and Sasha have been smiling for the world’s cameras for eight straight years.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
