2016: Obama's America

A profound exploration into the soul of America’s influential office unveils the struggle of whether a singular man’s past will come to reshape the nation over the upcoming four years. This documentary poses a compelling question: “If Obama wins a second term, where will we be in 2016?”

In 2008, individuals both in America and around the world yearned for a leader capable of unifying a nation battered by economic challenges and conflicts. Much aligned with America’s foundational ideals, they placed their trust in a transformative new leader—Barack Obama. Little did they realize that Obama carries a deep-rooted past, significantly influencing his identity, ideology, and aspirations for both America and the globe.

The journey unfolds under the guidance of Dinesh D’Souza, a bestselling author racing against the clock to uncover Obama’s history and predict American’s fate in 2016. This voyage spans four continents, revealing how the concepts of hope and change have been radically misinterpreted, while also highlighting potential flashpoints for significant global conflicts. This narrative weaves through the remnants of old colonial empires into America’s promising vision of liberty, illustrating the shifting dynamics among nations and plotting the global future.

Drawing inspiration from his book, The Roots of Obama’s Rage, the film traces Barack Obama’s lineage back to Kenya’s fight for independence. The audience is presented with a medley of historical clips, Election Day footage, and iconic moments from his inauguration. The narrator, emphasizing that “we are all shaped by our past,” introduces us to Dinesh D’Souza’s childhood experiences as a young immigrant from India to Dartmouth College in 1978. Amidst misinterpretation of cultural landmarks, D’Souza reveals the stark contrasts in his upbringing compared to what he envisioned. Rising through the ranks of renegade conservatives, D’Souza was a proud member of the Reagan generation, landing a position within the White House, disregarding his immigrant status.

As the film transitions to Obama’s election, the parallels between D’Souza and Obama become apparent—both men share similar demographics, including age, Ivy League educations, and a mixed-race background. Choosing a relatively unknown senator over established political figures, America saw a repeat of history reminiscent of Abraham Lincoln’s ascendancy.

Initially heralded with the slogan “hope,” Barack Obama’s leadership soon faced scrutiny. His critics, who once championed him, now lament the significant losses in wealth experienced during his presidency—the worst downturn since the Great Depression. D’Souza notes the oddities in Obama’s Democratic actions—supporting Argentina, hesitating on the Keystone Pipeline, restricting oil drilling while allocating funds abroad, and halting NASA initiatives. He intervenes in conflicts like Libya but remains passive regarding Syria, showing negligence towards America’s security against Iran, while siding with the Palestinians over Israel.

Obama’s father, who permeates his narrative, was born in Kenya during the 1930s, fathering two children from Africa before marrying Barack’s mother, Ann, in Hawaii. Upon returning to Kenya after pursuing education at Harvard, he essentially left his family behind. Reflecting on the psychologist Paul Vitz’s insights, D’Souza ponders how Obama’s estranged father influenced his life when he had little interaction with him. The warm remembrances from Obama’s mother, who often glorified his father, manifested in his quest to validate his significance.

As Obama’s childhood unfolds, we learn about the move to Jakarta, Indonesia, where additional hardships awaited. His stepfather, Lolo, painted a vivid picture of loss due to the Indonesian Revolution, amplifying the challenges that Ann Obama faced during this turbulent time. D’Souza draws a parallel to his own upbringing in British India, highlighting the detrimental legacies of colonialism.

We meet Dr. Alice Dewey, who reflects on her memories of young Obama, showcasing his inherent kindness and the impact of his mother’s teachings. Ann consistently emphasized resilience and principles, steering Barack down a path toward his father’s influence.

The narrative then takes us deep into Obama’s paternal heritage, where D’Souza journeys to Kenya, connecting the roots of Obama’s life with his father’s legacy. Despite familial complexities, Obama strives to confront his father’s ghost, depicting the reconciliation process while grappling with feelings of neglect during his childhood.

Discussing the ideological struggles of son and father, the documentary reveals Obama Sr.’s radical thoughts on wealth redistribution and government control over private industries. Amidst rising global economic powers flourished by capitalism—marking contrasts to America’s faltering economy—D’Souza questions Obama’s diplomatic tactics and his overarching anti-American perspective, while asserting the curiosity of how a president could maintain such views while leading the nation.

As Dr. Shelby Steele, a Senior Fellow at the Hoover Institution, observes, Obama’s historic election carries a significant racial undertone, showcasing America’s attempts to transcend racial barriers—even amidst potentially flawed decision-making.

Examining influential figures within Obama’s life, including Frank Marshall Davis—an anti-American journalist—and Bill Ayers, who once sought violent liberation through bombings, D’Souza investigates how these relationships informed Obama’s worldview. Conclusively, the film presents a critical examination of Obama’s foreign policy maneuvers, his stance on nuclear disarmament, and the economic responsibilities he shoulders.

The final moments resonate with a children’s choir praising Obama, encapsulating the pervasive sentiment of “Sing for Change.” The once-unforeseen reality of change is now palpable, leaving an open-ended reflection on whether we carry forward Obama’s democratic dream or one grounded in the principles of American tradition by 2016.

“The future is in our hands.”

Last Updated: October 25, 2024 at 11:44