"When you're a candidate and you say..." - Quote by Barack Obama
When you're a candidate and you say something that is inaccurate or controversial, it has less impact than it does when you're president of the United States. Everybody around the world's paying attention. Markets move. National security issues require a level of precision in order to make sure that you don't make mistakes.
More by Barack Obama
“As long as I'm president of the United States Iran will not get a nuclear weapon. I made that clear when I came into office.”
“We will stand against violence and intimidation. We will stand for the rights and dignity of all human beings.”
“We honor those who walked so we could run. We must run so our children soar. And we will not grow weary.”
More on Presidency
“My hope is that's something [Donald Trump] is thinking about, because not only is the president of the United States somebody that the entire country looks to for direction but sets the agenda internationally in a lot of ways.”
“I don't think any President ever enjoyed himself more than I did. Moreover, I don't think any ex-President ever enjoyed himself more.”
“Based on current surveys of public opinion in the United States, it turns out that the majority of Americans think I've done a pretty good job.”