President Obama on the July Cover of ESSENCE (BLOG)

“I’ve always approached my presidency as a long-term proposition… I didn’t run for office just to clean up the mess I inherited. I didn’t ...

“I’ve always approached my presidency as a long-term proposition… I didn’t run for office just to clean up the mess I inherited. I didn’t run for office just to return to the status quo. Understanding that some of the things I get done, we may not see the benefits from them for ten years. But that’s how change happens…” —President Barack Obama, ESSENCE

As the Election 2012 season ramps up, ESSENCE sits down exclusively with President Barack Obama to hear his plan for improving the economy, our health, homes and future, and why he’s excited about the next four years. First Lady Michelle Obama also shares a special heartfelt salute to our military and their families in “Pride & Glory.” Plus, in “Back in the U.S.A.” ESSENCE puts the spotlight on soldiers from the 3rd Brigade Combat Team for Operation New Dawn who are fresh from Iraq deployments, adapting to life at home and celebrating July 4th with their family and friends.