The last eight years of the Obama administration has been a magnificent gumbo of hilarious, historic and sometimes unsettling moments as President Barack Obama cast solutions in choppy partisan waters. Official White House photographer, Pete Souza was there to capture the most candid, natural and priceless moments of the Obama legacy. These images reflect the humanity, resilience and humor of a man who balanced it all with class.
Here are 31 of our favorite photos from the historic Obama presidency.
1. When he tucked in his sweatpants and bossed up on the basketball court.
2. When he couldn’t resist the opportunity to tip the scale in his favor.
3. When we all knew there is no way he could keep a straight face after slow-jamming the news.
4. When he put that quarterback spin on it. Souza, are you low key stalking?
5. When a young Obama reported for duty.
6. When his singular focus was on that one slice.
7. When Bo let him know what time it is.
8. When a baby crashed the oval.
9. The moment that three-year-old, Clark Reynolds decided what he wanted to be when he grows up.
10. When he was no match for miniature Spiderman.
11. When Prince George said, forget nap time, the President is here.
12. When the babies sized him up.
13. When he couldn’t keep up with the toddler.
14. “It looks like mine, let me feel it.”
15. When he fended off a baby elephant.
16. When President Obama and the First Lady epitomized black love in front of the Edmund Pettus Bridge.
17. When they shared this playful moment with 106-year-old Virginia McLaurin in the Blue Room of the White House. Really take this in.
18. When the Obama’s embraced for the kiss cam.
19. When Sasha felt the gravity of the moment during a visit to Nelson Mandela’s former prison cell in South Africa.
20. Backstage at Sasha’s recital when the President had to let her know she’s not the only one with skills.
21. When he and Michelle shared a behind the scenes moment on the night of the inauguration.
22. The first couple on the 50th anniversary of the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom.
23. When the President took a private moment of silence before a public speech.
24. Because sometimes you just need a fist bump.
25. Obama shares a hearty laugh with his staff before the Summit of the Americas in Singapore.
26. When the burden of the world literally rests on your shoulders.
27. When President Obama received an honorary degree from Howard University
28. When he shared this moment with Nobel Laureate and Holocaust survivor, the late Elie Wiesel.
29. Sharing an embrace with British Prime Minister David Cameron before Brexit happened.
30. Greeting His Holiness, the Dalai Lama at the White House.
31. When he improved the economy, staved off the depression and love won.
President Obama’s two terms in office have been inspiring, challenging and magical. We salute you Mr. President and Pete Souza for being there to capture it all.
