And together, you and Barack made history. You embody dignity beyond measure, Michelle. We most talked about our girls and my grandchildren and my children. Probably 40 percent of the time, we talked about family. And everybody wondered all those important things we talked about.
In fact, during our week- we had lunch once a week every week come hell or highwater. You know, Michelle, he knows, we all know: He couldn’t have done it without you. And it’s why you’ll be considered one of the most consequential Presidents in our history, along with one of the most consequential First Ladies. President - that’s why the country elected you twice. You know, we trusted him - all of you in this room. In countless hours, over countless meetings, under intense pressure, we always knew Barack Obama - we always knew what you’d do, you - what you thought was right, even if it was going to cost you politically. Helped us find that Amazing Grace - that Amazing Grace - even in darkness.
I can go on and defend what - all that you’ve done: expanding civil rights, issuing the clarion call on the climate crisis. And it’s a great generation they represent. And they’ve contributed incredibly their talents. It always boggles my mind that others can’t understand that a three-year-old kid is going to say, “No, Mom, leave me on the side of the Rio Grande. You believed in the American worker.Įven though he knew it would be controversial, you stood up for hundreds of thousands of DREAMers - DREAMers who have only known America as their home. And I’m proud - I’m proud we stood together and wouldn’t let that happen. And there were a whole lot of people, some maybe even in this room, that were telling you we should let the industry go bankrupt we should let it go. The auto rescue protected an iconic industry that represents the nation’s heart and soul. You know, his Recovery Act brought America back from a Great Recession. You said, “How can I look those people in the eye and leave anybody behind?” You weren’t about to do that. (Applause.)īecause I remember what you told me. And now, the Affordable Care Act is there permanently, and it’s even being improved on. Take the compromise” - we weren’t sure we could get anything done on ACA - “Think about the compromise” - you - you refused. When so many were telling him - including me, at one point - (laughter) - “Take the compromise. He never gave up on the simple truth that healthcare was a right for all Americans. You know, just go down the list of historic presidencies. It was always about doing what was right, literally. You know, no matter what the issue was, no matter how difficult, no matter what it was about, doing it - you never did it just the easy way - what the easy way out was. President, nothing could have prepared me better or more to become President of the United States than being at your side for eight years, and I mean that from the bottom of my heart. There are few people I’ve ever known with more integrity, decency, and moral courage than Barack Obama.
But so is this: With Barack as our President, we got up every day and went to work full of hope - for real full of purpose and excited about the possibility before us. The history books are full of stories about Presidents trying to bridge that gap - stories that include the burdens of the office, the difficult decisions, how the work is always serious and often solemn.Īnd all of that’s true. And as they say in Southern Delaware, “You done good, kid.” (Laughter.)Īnd President Kennedy once observed that “Every President must endure the gap between what he would like and what is possible.” He was right. Wilson, who - known affectionately as “Mama Kaye.” (Applause.) One of your best friends, and Malaia - and Malia and Sasha’s godmother. (Laughter.) It really is.Īnd it’s also good see Ms. (Applause.) It’s good to - it’s good to see you again, Mom. (Laughter.)Īnd - and I - and there’s someone else that I’d like to acknowledge tonight: Mrs. It includes members of your Cabinet and staff, some of whom were foolish enough to come work with me. Jill and I and Kamala and Doug are honored to host you and so many friends who have been part of this incredible journey. Thank you, John Rogers and the White House Historical Society.īarack and Michelle, welcome home. Get Involved Show submenu for “Get Involved””.The White House Show submenu for “The White House””.Office of the United States Trade Representative.Office of Science and Technology Policy.Executive Offices Show submenu for “Executive Offices””.Administration Show submenu for “Administration””.