America, we weaken our ties when we allow our political dialogue to become so corrosive that people of good character aren't even willing to enter into public service; so coarse with rancor that Americans with whom we disagree are seen not just as misguided but as malevolent. We weaken those ties when we define some of us as more American than others, when we write off the whole system as inevitably corrupt, and when we sit back and blame the leaders we elect without examining our own role in electing them.
Barack ObamaMy 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.
Barack ObamaLeadership isn't just legislation, that it's a matter of persuading people and giving them confidence, and bringing them together and setting a tone.
Barack ObamaThere 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.
Barack ObamaPeople are less certain of their national identities or their place in the world. It starts looking different and disorienting. And there is no doubt that that has produced populist movements both from the left and from the right in many countries in Europe.
Barack Obama