March 19, 2024

Jasper County Democrats look back on Obama’s legacy

Following President Barack Obama’s farewell address on Tuesday, Newton Daily News asked Jasper County Democrats to reflect on the speech and the president’s legacy.

Rep. Wes Breckenridge said Obama did an outstanding job with his farewell address by highlighting accomplishments and acknowledging things that still need to be done.

“President Obama gave an impassioned speech reaching out to all Americans to stand up for what they believe in while still being respectful and accepting of one another,” Breckenridge said. “I believe President Obama’s legacy is one of equality, where every person is treated equal and given the same opportunities to achieve their dreams.”

Sen. Chaz Allen said history will determine Obama’s legacy and noted the president’s presence in Jasper County. The president toured Trinity Structural Towers in Newton in April of 2009, in addition to visiting the city during his first presidential campaign.

“He was the first (sitting) President of the United States to be in Newton since I believe Truman,” Allen said. “That was exciting for our community, for him to be here. We’ll miss him from that standpoint.”

Jasper County Board of Supervisors Chairman Joe Brock said both the president and the first lady served the country with class, dignity and humility. He said those qualities were overlooked and underappreciated.

“The Obamas, not being born into wealth and privilege and connections, accomplished what they have through education and sheer hard work. It should be admired by everyone,” Brock said. “I think Obama’s calm and intelligence and boundless optimism will be missed.”

Jasper County Recorder Denise Allan said Obama was an excellent president who thought things through carefully. She said the president walked into a mess and worked hard to turn things around.

“When I think about him, I honestly just think about someone that sincerely cared about the people of the United States,” Allan said. “I feel like he was a class act.”

Obama won Jasper County in both the 2008 and 2012 elections thanks in large part to a late surge in absentee ballots. He bested U.S. Sen. John McCain by just more than 1,400 votes in 2008. His 2012 county victory over former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney was also a difference of about 1,400 votes.

Before absentee votes were counted in both elections, the Republican candidate had a slim lead in the county. In 2008, 6,500 absentee ballots were casted, and more than 9,000 Jasper County absentee ballots were counted in 2012.

Jan. 20 will be Obama’s last day in office.