“Now, much has been made of the fact that an African-American with the name Barack Hussein Obama could be elected president. But my personal story is not so unique. The dream of opportunity for all people has not come true for everyone in America, but its promise exists for all who come to our shores.” –President Barack Obama during speech at Cairo University in Egypt, June 4, 2009
Newswise — Since he delivered a speech at the 2004 Democratic National Convention, Barack Obama has garnered praise for his oratory prowess. But since he became President of the United States, the world has witnessed not only his profound remarks on matters of national security, financial reform, and other heady issues, but also his rapid-fire humor, and his everyday moments and expressions.
OBAMA The President’s Historic First Year in Quotes —a new booklet of Simpson’s Contemporary Quotations, Notable Quotes Since 1950—chronicles Barack Obama’s first year in office through his spoken words, most of them articulated during the major news events that have defined his administration. From his memorable inaugural speech to his first State of the Union address, the book provides context and factual background for each of its 93 entries.
The quotes, presented in chronological order, reveal a year of intense debate over some of the most contentious issues of our time—a massive federal bailout of corporate America, unemployment, health care, and racial and gender equality—as well as moments of humor and the ordinary, such as his quips at the White House Correspondents Association Dinner or ordering a cheeseburger from a popular D.C. restaurant.
Punctuated by photographs courtesy of the White House, the quotes offer a distinctive illustration of a time of historic transition through the words of a historic president. Quotes document major shifts in policy—such as ending the combat mission in Iraq, lifting the ban on federal funding for embryonic stem cell research, and creating the first White House Council on Women and Girls— and mark breaking news like the shootings at Fort Hood and the Haiti earthquake.
Among the highlights are:
—“This is the meaning of our liberty and our creed – why men and women and children of every race and every faith can join in celebration across this magnificent Mall, and why a man whose father less than 60 years ago might not have been served in a local restaurant can now stand before you to take a most sacred oath.” –January 20, 2009, inauguration address
—“This is America. We don’t disparage wealth. We don’t begrudge anybody for achieving success. And we certainly believe that success should be rewarded. But what gets people upset – and rightfully so – are executives being rewarded for failure, especially when those rewards are subsidized by U.S. taxpayers, many of whom are having a tough time themselves.” –February 4, 2009, announcing new limits on executive compensation
—“By a wide margin, the biggest threat to our nation’s balance sheet is the skyrocketing cost of health care. It’s not even close. There should be no sacred cows … That’s right. I’m talking to you liberal bleeding hearts out there. Don’t think we can solve this problem without tackling costs.” –March 5, 2009, White House forum on Health Care Reform
—“Well, look, we are going through a difficult time. I welcome the challenge. You know, I ran for president because I thought we needed big changes. I do think in Washington it’s a little bit like American Idol, except everybody is Simon Cowell.” –March 19, 2009, NBC’s Tonight Show with Jay Leno
—“Sasha and Malia aren’t here tonight because they’re grounded. You can’t just take Air Force One on a joy ride to Manhattan. I don’t care whose kids you are. We’ve been setting some ground rules here. They’re starting to get a little carried away.” –May 9, 2009, White House Correspondents Association Dinner
The booklet is sponsored by the James B. Simpson Fellowship of American University’s School of Communication. Part of the mission of the fellowship is to portray contemporary times through the words of world leaders and thinkers. The late Rev. Simpson published several volumes under the name of Simpson’s Contemporary Quotations, which have become a trusted resource for scholars, academics, and quote enthusiasts.
The James B. Simpson Research Room is housed in AU’s School of Communication. The Simpson Fellow for the 2009-2010 academic year was Professor Danna Walker, booklet editor.
The booklet is available in PDF format at http://www.american.edu/soc/journalism/upload/10-0355_ObamaQuotesBooklet_v18.pdf and on the Simpson Fellowship web site at www.profundity.net. It is also available in printed form by contacting: Danna L. Walker, Ph.D., School of Communication, 4400 Massachusetts Ave. NW, Washington, D.C. 20016, 202 885-2058, [email protected].
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