What does it mean to be a successful President? Depends on who you are asking. For many it’s reflected in the slogan, “it’s the economy stupid”.

For others it is all about whether the President was a respectful leader, statesman, diplomat etc. Some US Presidents like Jimmy Carter were almost universally admired as a person but were also almost universally viewed as unsuccessful because of how they handled the economy etc.

Was Trump helpful for the economy? Many people on all sides of the political spectrum, if they are being honest, agree that he was. Was he a successful President? Depends who you ask and what traits, accomplishments, characteristics etc. you prioritize as most important. Many people agree he was not successful as a respectful human being, admirable leader and diplomat but he was also undoubtedly successful with much of what he did for the US economy, making the US a stronger player in the world, giving a voice to many groups in the US who felt their voices were not being heard etc.

Was President Obama a successful President? Depends who you ask. Did he make major and minor mistakes? Yes. As every President has. Did he single-handedly cause the current economic division in the US? No, but he admirably admits in hindsight that his decisions added to the problem. It’s safe to say that the former social worker would never have wanted the current and ever increasing separation between the uber wealthy and the economically disadvantaged.

Was President Obama a decent human being, diplomat and respectful statesman? I have a hard time imagining many people would argue that he was not.

Will history judge Obama harshly? Depends who you ask and the their priorities.