Hi, everybody. It's the most wonderful time of the year. Not just for spreading holiday cheer-but also for list makers1. You've got wish lists; Santa's list; and of course, a blizzard2 of year-in-review lists. So I decided3 to get in on the action.
As a nation, we face big challenges. But in the spirit of 2015 retiree David Letterman, here-in no particular order-are my top 10 things that happened in 2015 that should make every American optimistic about 2016.
Number ten: The economy. Over the past 12 months, our businesses have created 2. 5 million new jobs. In all, they've added 13. 7 million new jobs over a 69-month streak4 of job growth. And the unemployment rate has fallen to 5 percent-the lowest it's been in almost eight years.
Number nine: More Americans are getting health coverage5. The rate of the uninsured in America dropped below 10 percent for the first time ever. In all, 17. 6 million people and climbing have gained coverage as the Affordable6 Care Act has taken effect. And don't forget, you can still sign up through January 31st at HealthCare.gov.
Number eight: America's global leadership on climate change. Last week, in Paris, nearly 200 countries came together to set the course for a low-carbon future. And it was only possible because America led with clean energy here at home and strong diplomacy7 around the world.
Number seven: Progress in the Americas. We
