Barack Obama
Related: About this forum"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.
lumpy
(13,704 posts)sheshe2
(87,324 posts)steve2470
(37,468 posts)sheshe2
(87,324 posts)It was great to watch.
lamp_shade
(15,091 posts)I just posted it on my FB.
sheshe2
(87,324 posts)I loved what he had to say. Thanks for putting it on FB!
mountain grammy
(27,236 posts)with Jon Stewart and Stephen Colbert. He's terrific!
sheshe2
(87,324 posts)Thanks!
sorechasm
(631 posts)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'.
sheshe2
(87,324 posts)hopemountain
(3,919 posts)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)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.
sheshe2
(87,324 posts)A wonderful speech, Irish! He is an amazing young man.
Cha
(305,208 posts)classof56
(5,376 posts)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!
sheshe2
(87,324 posts)I do believe it will lift your spirits and put a smile on your face.
classof56
(5,376 posts)After some other posts I've read here recently, this is just what I need. Sigh...
Take care!