The election of Barack Obama in 2008 was viewed as an aspirational moment for the country as he symbolized unity and hope. However, the speaker believes that the most crucial election was in 2012, not the current one, as Obama's cynical political strategy to divide the nation along racial lines for reelection marked a significant shift from the unity he symbolized in 2008. The speaker criticizes Obama's approach and highlights that electing Mitt Romney in 2012 could have steered the country back towards traditional values, party relationships, and American history.