Snap Fact #151

A President's legacy is mostly measured by the legislation that he or she leaves behind. As we demonstrate each day, President Obama's legacy is already one of the most impressive in the history of the presidency. However there are other, more subtle, measurements of the quality and the character of a Chief Executive. President Obama has shown incredible leadership by using the Bully Pulpit to address many issues large and small social issues that affect the lives of citizens. The President has been an outstanding spokesperson for such issues including race relations, a green environment, alternative energy, etc. He has also paid attention to, and taken time, to honor outstanding Americans and call attention to their good works. Presently, Mr. Obama has demonstrated his leadership style by calling for justice and calm in a sensitive situation. 

Without taking sides or imposing his judgment, the President conveyed words of condolence to the dead boy's family while asking for an impartial factual investigation to get at the truth of this tragedy. In calling for a thorough investigation to examine all aspects of the case the President remarked to reporters in the White House Rose Garden, "I can only imagine what these parents are going through" "When I think about this boy, I think about my own kids, and I think every parent in American should be able to understand why it is absolutely imperative that we investigate every aspect of this." Expressing his feeling of the pain of the bereaved parents he continued, "You know, if I had a son, he'd look like Trayvon."

Sources:

http://www.christianpost.com/news/white-house-defends-obamas-trayvon-martin-remarks-72051/

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/darnell-l-moore/obama-tryavon-martin_b_1383427.html

http://www.miamiherald.com/2012/03/23/2709583/president-trayvon-case-a-tragedy.html

http://miami.cbslocal.com/2012/03/23/obama-trayvon-martin-case-a-tragedy/