Former U.S. President George W. Bush (R) walks on the colonnade with U.S. President-elect Barack Obama at the White House November 10, 2008 in Washington, DC. This is the first visit for Barack Obama to the White House before he is sworn into office as President of the United States. Source: Pool / Pool / Getty
NewsOne is back with Episode 13 of The Black Ballot, titled “The First ‘Worst’ President,” exploring Former President George W. Bush’s legacy and the rise of Barack Obama.
Each episode dives into how U.S. presidents’ decisions have shaped the lives of African Americans, particularly in voting rights and social issues.
This episode examines Bush’s challenging presidency, marked by the Iraq War, Hurricane Katrina, and the 2008 economic crash. Despite these events, Bush pursued “compassionate conservatism” and appointed Black Republicans such as Colin Powell and Condoleezza Rice, contrasting with Reagan’s policies. Yet, his popularity waned, creating an opportunity for Obama’s message of “hope” and “change.”
Bush’s Leadership and Response to Crises
Bush attempted to address issues affecting Black Americans, but his efforts often fell short. No Child Left Behind faced poor implementation, and although he extended the Voting Rights Act in 2006, his response to Hurricane Katrina left many feeling abandoned. Images of him observing New Orleans from Air Force One contributed to the perception of detachment from those affected on the ground.
Obama’s Rise Amid Bush’s Declining Popularity
As Bush’s popularity declined, Barack Obama entered the scene, though many initially doubted his chances. Reecie Colbert shares, “I’m not going to lie—I didn’t think Obama had a chance at first, right?” Don Lemon adds, “No one believed that he would become the president of the United States.” But as Obama gained momentum, he shifted the conversation on race and hope in America. John McCain’s attempt to add diversity to his ticket with Sarah Palin ultimately backfired, while Obama’s broad appeal won him support across racial lines, leading to a historic win. This victory symbolized a long-awaited dream for Black Americans, even as Obama inherited an economy in turmoil.
Insights from Notable Commentators
The episode features insights from commentators such as Lenny McCallister, Dr. Ben Chavis, Don Lemon, and Tiffany Cross. They discuss Bush’s presidency, Obama’s rise, and how these two leaders shaped America’s political landscape and impacted Black communities.
