Oh Barack…  How much do I love thee?  Let me count the ways…

Anyone who knows me knows that I love Barack Obama (and Michelle — post to come later) almost as much as I love Jesus Christ (and that’s a whole lot — okay, fine — slight exaggeration).  The only reason why he and I are not married to one another is because we live in two different countries, we were raised during two different generations and time periods and Michelle got to him first (I suppose all things work out for the best though).

Politics aside, Barack is an impressive individual.  As a person, he has my respect and admiration.  I have a picture of him in my living room, and his life continues to serve as ongoing inspiration for my own.  Because my love for Barack knows no end and because I have no shame, and because he will soon be leaving the Oval Office, allow me to share with you in words and pictures why I love Barack Hussein Obama II.

He’s smart.

Undergraduate degree from Columbia, law degree from Harvard, former constitutional law professor, creative thinker, articulate, eloquent, well-spoken and well-read — he has intelligence in spades.

He’s fine (and fit).

Need I say more?

He has a great personality.

He speaks Spanish.

When it comes to men, I have two weaknesses: men with a British accent, and men who are Hispanophones. Spanish, to me, is the sexiest language ever.

He’s Black.

I would love him even if he wasn’t Black.  That said, feel free to check out the 11 Blackest Moments of Barack Obama’s Presidency.

He married a Black woman.

There is something to be said for an educated Black  man marrying an educated Black woman.  Hear me out on this before you get all up in arms.

We live in a world where Black women often don’t feel like they are seen as viable marriage partners.  Many Black women feel passed up and looked over when compared to women of other races.  It seems that the men who often pass over them are the Black men themselves.  It also seems to be the case, often enough, that when some Black men attain a certain level of success, they are apt to marry, to quote Beyonce, a  “Becky with the good hair.”  Much has been written on how marrying a white woman can sometimes be seen as a capstone to ones’ achievement as a Black man.

I’m not against Black men marrying White women.  Not at all.  Love is love.  I really don’t care who marries who.  It’s just that there is something affirming in seeing an educated Black man choose to marry an educated Black woman.  It is affirming to see Black love on grand display, contrary to the negative stereotypes and tropes that are often trotted out by the media.

He’s an adoring husband.

A word on the Obama marriage: There’s just something about the way that Barack looks at Michelle.  Have you ever noticed (how could you not?)? He always looks at her with love, yes, but with veneration, admiration, adoration, and respect.  He looks at her as if she is still all that and a bag of chips, as if she is the best thing since sliced bread.

I have been so inspired by this look that one day when I had time, I compiled photos of Barack and Michelle and created a vision board of times when Barack looked lovingly at his wife.

I’ve long maintained that I want a husband who looks at me like Barack looks at Michelle.  And it has helped serve as a reminder for me — many times when I’ve met a man who has shown interest in me, I ask myself, “Does he look at me the way Barack looks at Michelle?” “Does he treat me like Barack would treat Michelle?” and that has sometimes helped me keep focused in terms of knowing what I’m looking for in a partner.

Barack and Michelle are #relationshipgoals.  Barack has found in Michelle his equal — equal in educational attainment, equal in intelligence (although Barack would disagree; he’s always maintained that he married up) and equal in values and outlook.  He found a woman who would keep him grounded and act as a confidant and friend.  They are each other’s biggest cheerleaders, and they obviously have a strong marriage — one based on love, communication and respect, one that has weathered media scrutiny and derision.

There are far too many pictures out there of Barack and Michelle looking cute together, so allow me to refer you here, here (my Pinterest page dedicated to this phenomenon) and see below:

He’s an affectionate (and engaged) father.

See also my Pinterest page.

He’s an astounding orator.

He’s down-to-earth.

He has jokes for days.

He can dance.

He can sing.

Not just, “he sings.” But rather, “he can sing.”

He’s a gentleman.

He keeps Michelle’s skirt from flying up and he holds the umbrella for staffers who do not have their own.

He’s compassionate.

I admire the friendship that has developed between Joe Biden and Barack Obama.

He’s a hard-worker.

The New York Times piece, “Obama  After Dark,” sheds some light on the long days of President Obama.

His swag, his sense of humour… he’s unapologetically himself.