Obama’s Moment

What vision do you have for your presidency?

"This is our time, to put our people back to work and open doors of opportunity for our kids, to restore prosperity and promote the cause of peace, to reclaim the American dream and reaffirm that fundamental truth, that, out of many, we are one — that while we breathe, we hope."

(November 2008)

What words of inspiration do you have for the United States in these tumultuous times?

"Historically, what has always brought us through hard times is that national character, that sense of optimism, that willingness to look forward, that sense that better days are ahead."

(December 2008)

What is America's greatest attribute?

"That's the true genius of America: that America can change. Our union can be perfected. What we've already achieved gives us hope for what we can and must achieve tomorrow."

(November 2008)

Why do you think your story is so remarkable?

"I was never the likeliest candidate for this office."

(November 2008)

What does your success say about the United States?

“For as long as I live, I will never forget that in no other country on earth is my story even possible.”

(October 2008)

In what major way will your presidency be different?

"In this country, we rise or fall as one nation, as one people. Let's resist the temptation to fall back on the same partisanship and pettiness and immaturity that has poisoned our politics for so long."

(November 2008)

What role do you see government playing in the private sector?

"The change we need goes beyond the laws and regulation. We need a shift in the cultures of our financial institutions and our regulatory agencies. It's time to realign incentives and the compensation packages so that both high-level executives and employees better serve the interests of shareholders."

(November 2008)

But are you realistic about government's limitations?

"We don't want government to run companies. Historically, it hasn't done that very well."

(December 2008)

And finally, are you tough enough to be president?

“I’m skinny — but I’m tough.”

(August 2008)