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sheshe2

(87,324 posts)
Thu Mar 20, 2014, 05:35 PM Mar 2014

"What I learned from President Obama"

I had to decide whether or not to wait until I'd stopped crying before I posted this video. As regular readers know, I'm a huge fan of Jon Favreau. And no, its not simply because he's so nice to look at. He is an incredibly wise, thoughtful, authentic, and articulate young man! Also - I don't believe I've ever heard anyone capture the essence of Barack Obama any better than he does.

In this speech, Jon gives us a glimpse into how Barack Obama - and his election as President - helped a young man overcome his cynicism and follow his dream of making a difference in the world. As someone entering their "golden years," I'm facing that same thing on the other end of life's journey. Through the tears, I just want to say: "Thank you, Jon. You are an inspiration."



UPDATE: Here's the kind of thing Favreau tells us about the man who is our President. From about 5:55 in the video:

He [President Obama] taught me the value of honesty and authenticity in writing. After delivering one of the most candid, heartfelt, politically risky speeches on race in America, he said to me, "I don't know if you can get elected president saying the things I did about race today. But I also don't know that I deserve to be president if I don't say the things that I believe."

It strikes me that at that moment, Barack Obama didn't know how that speech would be received by voters. He simply knew that he'd said what he believes and was willing to live with the consequences. That's the definition of authenticity.

http://immasmartypants.blogspot.com/2014/03/what-i-learned-from-president-obama.html

I know, it's 12 minutes, however it is well worth it.
17 replies = new reply since forum marked as read
Highlight: NoneDon't highlight anything 5 newestHighlight 5 most recent replies
"What I learned from President Obama" (Original Post) sheshe2 Mar 2014 OP
Excellent lumpy Mar 2014 #1
Thank you lumpy! nt sheshe2 Mar 2014 #2
bookmarking for later, looks great ! Thanks sheshe2 ! nt steve2470 Mar 2014 #3
Thanks steve. sheshe2 Mar 2014 #4
Thanks sheshe. That was a wonderful way to start my day. lamp_shade Mar 2014 #5
Thanks lamp_shade! sheshe2 Mar 2014 #8
I saw interviews of Jon Favreau mountain grammy Mar 2014 #6
He is mountain grammy! sheshe2 Mar 2014 #9
Very well worth it! sorechasm Mar 2014 #7
Thanks for taking the time to watch sorechasm! sheshe2 Mar 2014 #10
well worth every minute to hear this brilliant young man's hopemountain Mar 2014 #11
12 minutes? Just scratches the surface. IrishAyes Mar 2014 #12
Jon Favreau. sheshe2 Mar 2014 #13
Thanks she! Cha Mar 2014 #14
K&R to watch soon. classof56 Mar 2014 #15
thank you classof56. sheshe2 Mar 2014 #16
Hi again, sheshe2 classof56 Mar 2014 #17

sorechasm

(631 posts)
7. Very well worth it!
Sat Mar 22, 2014, 06:45 PM
Mar 2014

Thank you sheshe2.
Good writing is all about sincerity, great storytelling, and great characters like Anne Nixon Cooper and our President who 'instill a sense of Hope'.

hopemountain

(3,919 posts)
11. well worth every minute to hear this brilliant young man's
Sat Mar 22, 2014, 10:25 PM
Mar 2014

perspective on what makes a great writer - thank you for the link, she2. storytelling is huge in my family for teaching and learning. nothing brings it home like a true story delivered with sincerity and respect for the story, the audience, and the art.

IrishAyes

(6,151 posts)
12. 12 minutes? Just scratches the surface.
Sun Mar 23, 2014, 06:13 PM
Mar 2014

My computer won't play videos anymore, but I've seen that before and now have it bookmarked once again. Thanks. I'm one of those strange folks who love great speeches. How wonderful that with videos and CD's I can hear them whenever I choose. Got a great collection of Mario Cuomo's speeches. MLK too. etc.

Sadly, no Lincoln though.

classof56

(5,376 posts)
15. K&R to watch soon.
Wed Mar 26, 2014, 09:28 PM
Mar 2014

Thanks so much for posting, sheshe2. Have a feeling this is going to lift me spirits as it validates my appreciation and support for our President.

Blessings!

classof56

(5,376 posts)
17. Hi again, sheshe2
Wed Mar 26, 2014, 09:38 PM
Mar 2014

After some other posts I've read here recently, this is just what I need. Sigh...

Take care!

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