America: Change is still ahead.

(Baonghean) - Eight years, two terms leading the United States, historical achievements and unfulfilled promises were all encapsulated by outgoing President Barack Obama in his farewell speech in Chicago.

The emotions remain as strong as when he first announced his inauguration on a January morning in 2009, but a lingering sense of regret remains, knowing that the future for America will be very different.

A man of history

At the same place where he delivered his victory speech in his second presidential campaign in 2012, President Barack Obama stood before the American public, but with a different demeanor.

His nearly hour-long speech also conveyed another message. It wasn't just a review of what the 44th President of the United States had accomplished over the past eight years, but also a message that America still needs to remain united, despite the irreconcilable differences exposed throughout the 2016 election season.

Obama's healthcare reform policy (Obamacare) was his biggest but also most criticized domestic achievement. (Photo: VOAnews)

One thing is quite certain: the United States has made many positive strides under President Obama's leadership, with many domestic and foreign policy issues reaching new milestones. This aligns with the slogan that helped him win: "Change is what we need."

Eight years after its initial recession, the United States has emerged from recession, with its economy growing steadily at a rate of 2% per year. The real estate market is beginning to recover, and the federal budget deficit is improving. Key industries such as automobile manufacturing are reviving, and the US is experiencing its longest period of job growth in history.

His dedication over the past eight years to reforming social security policies has culminated in the affordable healthcare program (Obamacare). More than 20 million Americans now have health insurance.

But it is also because of this that America and American politics have become more divided than ever. This is why the Republican Party has targeted him with criticism and denounced the achievements of the Obama administration over the past eight years.

Rising racism and discrimination against immigrants have also been a dark spot in American society throughout the past two terms. It raises questions about immigration policy and whether America will turn its back on its own foundations.

But even that much criticism cannot overshadow the historic foreign policy achievements of outgoing President Barack Obama. The nuclear deal with Iran and the normalization of relations with Cuba are undoubtedly the greatest legacies for which the United States will need to thank Obama. America's increased engagement and understanding in the Asia-Pacific region has also been affirmed. And it was certainly the right choice, as the United States has and will continue to have many interests in this region.

America will continue to change.

It's difficult to find words to accurately describe the current political landscape in the United States. A outgoing administration is racing to protect and quickly pass policies before the handover date. They're also unsure how many of these new policies will remain in place after January 20th.

On the other side, the incoming administration is poised to dismantle many previously enacted policies to align with its own goals. The image of a deeply divided America is accurately portrayed at this moment.

The United States is predicted to remain "divided" under President Donald Trump's term. Photo: CNN.

President Obama's eight years in power exposed the "irresolvable" contradictions between the two major parties, the Democrats and Republicans, that control American politics. The situation of a "lame duck" president, with Obama facing a Republican majority in both houses of Congress, created a state of conflicting forces.

While President Obama's Democratic administration prioritized policies that benefited the middle class and the poor, the Republican administration leaned towards protecting American corporations and tycoons. This confrontation led to many bills being stalled in Congress, passed by narrow margins, or even forced Obama to use his presidential veto power.

Gun control policies and budget delays, leading to government shutdowns on at least one occasion during the past two terms, are prime examples of this. Meanwhile, racial discrimination is on the rise, particularly within law enforcement agencies, causing public outrage, especially among communities of color and minorities.

The conflict between the Republican and Democratic parties also directly impacts the implementation of an effective policy to contain the self-proclaimed Islamic State (IS) in Syria and Iraq. And if there is any criticism leveled against President Obama's legacy, the Republicans also bear some responsibility.

The United States is also facing significant uncertainty ahead of the inauguration of President-elect Donald Trump. The policies, considered "unpredictable" by someone with little political experience like billionaire Trump, are causing pessimism. Internal divisions and animosity could render these policies unfeasible.

America will become more conservative, more pragmatic, and turn its back on the values ​​that once defined American democracy, as stated in campaign promises. Or perhaps Americans will still have to accept the rules of global integration. America's allies and partners are now also reconsidering Washington's role in their interests. Many questions are being raised. This will challenge America once again. And change is still ahead, awaiting President-elect Donald Trump to realize his slogan: "Make America Great Again."

Thanh Son