"We're up against the conventional thinking that..." - Quote by Barack Obama
We're up against the conventional thinking that says your ability to lead as president comes from longevity in Washington or proximity to the White House. But we know that real leadership is about candor and judgment and the ability to rally Americans from all walks of life around a common purpose, a higher purpose.
More by Barack Obama
“Leaving the broken system the way it is, that`s not a solution.”
“The notion that somehow as a consequence of me knowing somebody who engaged in detestable acts 40 years ago, when I was 8 years old, somehow reflects on me and my values doesn't make much sense.”
“There are very few moments in our lives where we have the privilege to witness history taking place. This is one of those moments. This is one of those times.”
More on Leadership
“A born democrat is a born disciplinarian.”
“When we are debating an issue, loyalty means giving me your honest opinion, whether you think I'll like it or not. Disagreement, at this state, stimulates me. But once a decision is made, the debate ends. From that point on, loyalty means executing the decision as if it were your own.”
“I can make a General in five minutes but a good horse is hard to replace.”
More on Presidency
“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.”
“If all of you had voted the other way - there's about 5500 of you here tonight - I would not be the President of the United States.”
“There are times where I'd say the Oval Office, you use to gather the facts. The decisions you probably make late at night, or at least I do. But there are some times where you think you've made a decision, but during that walk, where you're announcing the decision, you've just got to make sure that, you're prepared to live with it, because as you know George, a lot of these decisions are not - the outcomes are uncertain.”