When you think of Queen Elizabeth II and President Barack Obama, what comes to mind? You may consider the 90-year-old queen who has been ruling England from 1952 to 2022 and the 44-year-old president who has been ruling the United States from 2008 to 2017. Their professions are different, as the queen has taken up the duties of state and family, whereas the president has taken up the duties of state and family plus leading the free world. But their similarities are closer than you may think, both personally and politically.
After Queen Elizabeth II death, Barack Obama tweeted on Twitter “Like so many of you, Michelle and I are grateful to have witnessed Her Majesty’s dedicated leadership, and we are awed by her legacy of tireless, dignified public service. Our thoughts are with her family and the people of the United Kingdom at this difficult time.
What they have in common
Both of these leaders have histories in politics. The only difference is that one is from England and the other is an American citizen. With the United States being a Constitutional Monarchy, Queen Elizabeth was monarch from 1952 to 2022, while Barack Obama was president from 2008 to 2017. They each lead enthusiastic nations with vast international influence. Queen Elizabeth and President Obama are recognized in the world for their grace and dignity. Stephen Colbert said this on his show in 2009 when he interviewed President Obama following his guest appearance at Buckingham Palace during a state visit with Prime Minister Brown. It’s that kind of recognition that make these two politicians able to do what they do best: bring peace together.
Differences they have
Although it is debatable that they are in political relation to one another, they share some surprising similarities. One of the most common comments is that they both take public speaking very seriously and prepare extensively before making an address or speech. Although their leadership styles differ, they value their private lives. President Obama has said he likes getting out of Washington D.C. as much as possible, while Queen Elizabeth II enjoys taking long driving trips with her husband Philip on weekends.
Lessons we can learn from their relationship
Political relation has evolved with each new phase of life. From her early adulthood, Elizabeth had strong family ties to President Kennedy. Though she never met his successor Lyndon Johnson, she developed a good relationship with Richard Nixon. In contrast, after Nixon’s resignation in 1974, relations became cooler under Jimmy Carter’s administration. It wasn’t until Ronald Reagan took office that this warmed up again. She met Reagan just after he took office for tea at the White House in 1981 where they talked about fishing!