Notable Quotable: Barack Obama

Summary

Former President Barack Obama delivered a virtual commencement address to high school seniors, highlighting the challenges and responsibilities faced by their generation in the wake of the pandemic, while also incorporating humor and direct commentary aimed at then-President Donald Trump.

Abstract

In a virtual commencement address, Barack Obama spoke to the nation's high school seniors, acknowledging the unconventional end to their school year due to the pandemic. He touched on the significant issues exposed by COVID-19, such as economic inequality, racial disparities, and inadequate healthcare. Obama emphasized the importance of community and empathy, suggesting that personal success is intertwined with the well-being of others. The speech, laced with humor and veiled critiques of the current administration, challenged the graduates to take responsibility for shaping their future.

Opinions

The author uses humor to contrast Obama's speech style with that of Donald Trump, implying a preference for Obama's approach.
There is a clear critique of the Trump administration's perceived lack of engagement with the realities of societal issues.
The author commends Obama's self-deprecating humor as a positive leadership quality.
Obama's message about the interconnectedness of society is presented as a fundamental truth that the author believes should be univers

This Is What A President SHOULD Be Saying

Former President Barack Obama gave a virtual commencement address to the nation’s high school seniors. You can read the full transcript here.

I’ve selected a few passages . . . with comment (of course) . . .

“I bet that being stuck at home with your parents and playing board games or watching Tiger King on TV is not exactly how you envisioned the last few months of your senior year.” [Donald, this is called humor. Are you familiar with the concept?]

“I know my commencement speeches usually go on way too long. Also, not that many people look great in those caps, especially if you have big ears like me.” [Donald, this is called SELF-DEPRECATING humor. Do you . . . oh never mind.]

“This pandemic has shaken up the status quo and laid bare a lot of our country’s deep-seated problems — from massive economic inequality to ongoing racial disparities to a lack of basic health care for people who need it” [Donald, this is called REALITY. Take a day off from Fox News and visit this strange world.]

“It doesn’t matter how much money you make if everyone around you is hungry and sick. Our society and our democracy only work when we think not just about ourselves, but about each other.” [Donald, I know this is a totally foreign concept to you, but . . . hey, I’m not gonna even try on this one.]

“This is your generation’s world to shape.” [Donald, this is called a Challenge and an Inspiration. I know it’s not as fun as bashing skulls, but try it sometime. PLEASE?]

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