Obama's Legacy: 20 glorious photos of Barack Obama's time in office

We'll miss you guys!

(Image credit: Image courtesy of REX)

published 8 November 2016

We're not ready to say goodbye...

It’s hard to believe that eight years have passed since President Barack Obama was first voted into office, and with a new President of the United States about to be ushered into office, we’re still not sure if we’re ready to let go just yet - such is the Obama legacy.

On January 20th 2009, Barack Obama officially became the 44th US president and the first ever African-American to hold office - a feat previously only sung about by Kanye West. His time in office hasn't been without its detractors, but his accomplishments have included stabilising the economy in the wake of the 2008 financial crash, pushing to make healthcare affordable, the legalisation of same-sex marriage and hustling his fellow international leaders to tackle climate change.

But it must be said that, politics aside, the Obama family also brought a major dose of cool to the White House. With Barack's flair for comedy, mic drops and Twitter banter he so often masked the heavy burden of holding high office with wit and style, bolstered by his happy relationship with his wife Michelle, as well as their two daughters Malia, 18, and Sasha, 15.

In the last few years the First Lady's popularity has nearly threatened to eclipse her husband's, leading some to hope that those powerful campaign speeches on Hillary's behalf are a hint at Michelle's plans to run for President of the United States herself. With two Ivy League degrees and her focused campaigns for the rights of women and children, Michelle is widely regarded as perfectly qualified for the job. Though at present she might just be glad to be escaping the endless schedule and press goldfish bowl of the White House.

To celebrate the Obamas' time in the White House, we've put together 20 pictures which we feel encapsulate the appeal of America's coolest First Family.