President Obama concluded his 2014 work year with a final press conference before heading to his birth state of Hawaii. The President noted that 2014 was a year marked with both success and failure in America, calling 2014 a year of “difficult times,” but ultimately the country’s resilience shined through.
“Through persistent effort, and faith in the American people, things get better. The economy’s gotten better,” said Obama. “Part of what I hope, as we reflect on the new year, this should generate, is some confidence. America knows how to solve problems. When we work together, we can’t be stopped.”
The president also took a chance to reflect on his first six years in office, and the remaining two years ahead. While many people believe the final stretch of the Obama administration will be a ‘lame duck’ session with a powerless leader at the helm, Obama has not decided to exit quietly from the White House.
“My presidency is entering the fourth quarter. Interesting stuff happens in the fourth quarter. And I am looking forward to it,” said Obama.
Obama briefly acknowledged the myriad of issues that flared up in America over the past year– ISIS, Ebola outbreaks, a sagging economy– before dismissing any worries about such problems as shadows in the night.
“Yes, there were crises that we had to tackle around the world — many that were unanticipated,” Obama said. “We have more work to do to make sure our economy, our justice system and our government work not just for the few but the many. But there is no doubt we can enter into the new year with renewed confidence that America is making significant strides where it counts.”
Obama was especially forceful in his support of the American economic system. He was quick to point out Wall Street indices were higher than ever, unemployment has dropped significantly, and the American financial crisis of 2008 is finally disappearing in the rear view mirror.
“Take any metric you want. America’s resurgence is real. We are better off,” said Obama. “We are better positioned than we have been in a very long time, and the future is ready to be written. We’ve set the stage for this American moment.”
The president also touched on the recent hacking scandal by North Korean operatives over the Sony movie “The Interview.”
“We cannot have a society where some dictator someplace can start imposing censorship here in the United States,” said Obama. “Let’s not get into that way of doing business.”
