President Barack Obama covers the July 2012 issue of Essence magazine and I must say he is truly a distinguished gentleman. It’s hard to believe how fast four years have zoomed past and now in just five months he’ll be up for re-election.

Obama is highlighted for the feature “Looking Forward”, and he talks to ESSENCE about home, health, the economy and the future of this country. This issue also features a special message from First lady Michelle to the military families.

In a quote from the article he says,

“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…”

The July issue of ESSENCE will hit newsstands on June 12th.