"When you take on the position of..." - Quote by Barack Obama
When you take on the position of president, you are committing yourself to, first and foremost, protecting the American people. You are accepting an institutional role that requires you to make hard decisions and hard choices, and as a consequence you have to take your moral sense and not put it aside.
More by Barack Obama
“John McCain likes to say that he'll follow bin Laden to the Gates of Hell - but he won't even go to the cave where he lives.”
“We will stand against violence and intimidation. We will stand for the rights and dignity of all human beings.”
“On this Thanksgiving, as we spend time with our family and friends, let's all reflect on what we're thankful for in our own lives. And let's remember those who cannot be with their loved ones because they're serving overseas. But let's also do our part to help those who have no place to go for a meal. I encourage all Americans to do what they can to help those in need-because the best way to show our gratitude for what we have is by doing our part for those who have less.”
More on Presidency
“When I turn over the keys to the president-elect, America will be much stronger than it was when I came into office.”
“I must be wanting to be President. Every young man does. But I won't let myself think of it; I must not, because if I do, I will begin to work for it; I'll be careful, calculating, cautious in word and act, and so - I'll beat myself.”
“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 on Leadership
“....those who become princes through their skill acquire the pricipality with difficulty, buy they hold onto it with ease.”
“Change the leader, change the organization.”
“The topic of leadership is a touchy one. A lot of leaders fail because they don't have the bravery to touch that nerve or strike that chord. Throughout my years, I haven't had that fear.”