1 00:00:25,213 --> 00:00:27,172 BARACK OBAMA: I wanted to get everyone together 2 00:00:27,192 --> 00:00:28,203 on the first day 3 00:00:28,222 --> 00:00:31,073 to welcome you to the White House. 4 00:00:31,093 --> 00:00:33,113 And from our vantage point yesterday, 5 00:00:33,133 --> 00:00:35,082 you couldn't help but be inspired 6 00:00:35,103 --> 00:00:38,202 by the sight of Americans, as far as the eye could see. 7 00:00:39,173 --> 00:00:42,092 They were there because they believe 8 00:00:42,113 --> 00:00:44,213 this is a moment of great change in America, 9 00:00:44,232 --> 00:00:47,262 a time for reinvigorating our democracy 10 00:00:48,043 --> 00:00:50,113 and remaking our country. 11 00:00:50,133 --> 00:00:54,183 However long we are keepers of the public trust, 12 00:00:54,202 --> 00:00:56,173 we should never forget that we are here 13 00:00:56,192 --> 00:00:57,272 as public servants, 14 00:00:58,052 --> 00:01:01,052 and public service is a privilege. 15 00:01:01,073 --> 00:01:05,172 Public service is simply and absolutely 16 00:01:05,193 --> 00:01:08,202 about advancing the interests of Americans. 17 00:01:14,232 --> 00:01:17,232 (INDISTINCT CHATTER) 18 00:01:17,253 --> 00:01:20,062 MARTY NESBTT: I remember my wife and I 19 00:01:20,082 --> 00:01:22,043 heading up to the residence 20 00:01:22,062 --> 00:01:25,223 on the first day that they were in 21 00:01:25,243 --> 00:01:28,122 the White House and riding up with an elevator operator... 22 00:01:29,213 --> 00:01:30,223 this African American guy 23 00:01:30,243 --> 00:01:32,092 who had worked in the White House 24 00:01:32,112 --> 00:01:34,052 for 40 years at that time, 25 00:01:34,073 --> 00:01:37,063 and I said, "So how did it feel during this whole process 26 00:01:37,082 --> 00:01:41,152 where an African American was on his way to be elected 27 00:01:41,172 --> 00:01:42,262 President of the United States?" 28 00:01:44,103 --> 00:01:49,043 And he said, "At no time during the entire campaign 29 00:01:49,063 --> 00:01:52,082 did I ever think he was going to win." 30 00:01:53,092 --> 00:01:56,152 He said, "That is how improbable 31 00:01:56,172 --> 00:01:59,133 it all felt to a man my age." 32 00:02:01,252 --> 00:02:04,083 No one thought we would live to see this thing. 33 00:02:04,103 --> 00:02:08,142 But what did that day signify? That was the question. 34 00:02:08,163 --> 00:02:12,272 How much had America changed because it had finally 35 00:02:13,052 --> 00:02:15,172 gotten rid of this hereditary barrier 36 00:02:15,193 --> 00:02:17,242 to occupancy of the White House, that is race? 37 00:02:19,172 --> 00:02:21,112 MICHELE NORRIS: During the Obama candidacy, 38 00:02:21,133 --> 00:02:24,122 there was a word that was in vogue. 39 00:02:25,172 --> 00:02:27,052 There were a lot of people, 40 00:02:27,253 --> 00:02:29,202 people of influence, 41 00:02:29,223 --> 00:02:31,232 talking about the notion that America 42 00:02:31,253 --> 00:02:34,112 might be entering a post-racial status. 43 00:02:35,253 --> 00:02:37,242 Post-racial is an interesting word, 44 00:02:37,262 --> 00:02:39,122 you know, it was a new word. 45 00:02:39,142 --> 00:02:41,193 It was not part of the American vernacular. 46 00:02:42,223 --> 00:02:44,163 It's interesting why 47 00:02:44,182 --> 00:02:47,122 we, as a society, embraced that word. 48 00:02:48,242 --> 00:02:50,103 Was it hope? 49 00:02:50,122 --> 00:02:52,253 That maybe race would be less important? 50 00:02:54,063 --> 00:02:55,153 Was a hubris? 51 00:02:56,082 --> 00:02:57,112 Were we deluded? 52 00:02:57,262 --> 00:03:00,123 (INDISTINCT CHATTER) 53 00:03:00,142 --> 00:03:03,063 AL SHARPTON: I think that when you study history... 54 00:03:03,082 --> 00:03:04,142 All right, guys. 55 00:03:04,163 --> 00:03:06,223 ...every time we made a step forward, 56 00:03:07,163 --> 00:03:09,253 there was always a backlash. 57 00:03:09,272 --> 00:03:12,262 We go from Lincoln's emancipation proclamation 58 00:03:13,043 --> 00:03:15,193 into reconstruction, Ku Klux Klan, 59 00:03:15,212 --> 00:03:18,063 White Citizens Council, backlash. 60 00:03:18,082 --> 00:03:19,172 Supreme Court decisions, backlash. 61 00:03:19,193 --> 00:03:23,133 Turn of the century, NAACP is formed. 62 00:03:23,153 --> 00:03:25,133 Backlash. Lynchings. 63 00:03:25,153 --> 00:03:28,093 All the way up through the Civil Rights Movement. 64 00:03:28,112 --> 00:03:32,073 It was naive for us to think there wouldn't be a backlash 65 00:03:32,093 --> 00:03:33,172 to the first Black president. 66 00:03:33,193 --> 00:03:38,213 ♪ (TUNE CONCLUDES) ♪ 67 00:03:43,093 --> 00:03:49,133 -(INDISTINCT CHATTER) -(CAMERA SHUTTER CLICKS) 68 00:03:49,153 --> 00:03:50,202 Hello, everybody. 69 00:03:53,163 --> 00:03:56,052 Well, it is great to see you. 70 00:03:56,073 --> 00:03:59,133 I wanna thank both the House and the Senate 71 00:03:59,153 --> 00:04:02,193 for moving forward very diligently 72 00:04:02,212 --> 00:04:04,073 on this process of getting 73 00:04:04,093 --> 00:04:08,272 a recovery and renewal plan passed. 74 00:04:10,123 --> 00:04:12,073 I know that it is a heavy lift 75 00:04:12,093 --> 00:04:15,112 to do something as substantial as we're doing right now. 76 00:04:15,133 --> 00:04:17,242 I recognize that there are still some differences 77 00:04:17,263 --> 00:04:19,232 around the table, and between the administration 78 00:04:19,252 --> 00:04:23,213 and members of Congress, about particular details 79 00:04:23,232 --> 00:04:25,232 on the plan. 80 00:04:25,252 --> 00:04:28,103 This is Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell. 81 00:04:28,263 --> 00:04:29,263 Earlier this week, 82 00:04:30,043 --> 00:04:31,163 President Obama came to Capitol Hill 83 00:04:31,182 --> 00:04:34,072 to speak with members of my party about his plan 84 00:04:34,093 --> 00:04:36,043 for an economic recovery bill. 85 00:04:36,062 --> 00:04:37,072 Hello, everybody. 86 00:04:37,093 --> 00:04:38,182 -(INDISTINCT CHATTER) -(CAMERA SHUTTER CLICKING) 87 00:04:38,202 --> 00:04:40,213 We had a wonderful exchange of ideas, 88 00:04:40,232 --> 00:04:45,043 and I continue to be optimistic about our ability to get 89 00:04:45,062 --> 00:04:49,062 this recovery package done, and put people back to work. 90 00:04:49,083 --> 00:04:51,112 The task for Democrats in the House 91 00:04:51,133 --> 00:04:54,093 was to craft a stimulus plan that was timely, 92 00:04:55,043 --> 00:04:57,232 targeted, and temporary. 93 00:04:57,252 --> 00:04:59,182 Apparently, they didn't get the memo. 94 00:05:02,153 --> 00:05:03,223 JOHN LEWIS: They were some forces 95 00:05:03,242 --> 00:05:06,213 working against President Barack Obama, 96 00:05:06,232 --> 00:05:08,122 there were members of Congress... 97 00:05:09,182 --> 00:05:13,132 they were some very powerful individuals 98 00:05:13,153 --> 00:05:15,043 simply would not let him succeed. 99 00:05:15,062 --> 00:05:19,132 I don't expect a hundred percent agreement 100 00:05:19,153 --> 00:05:22,052 from my Republican colleagues, but I do hope that 101 00:05:23,062 --> 00:05:24,122 we can all put politics aside 102 00:05:24,143 --> 00:05:27,103 and do the American people's business right now. All right? 103 00:05:28,263 --> 00:05:30,132 MICHAEL DYSON: We know that Mitch McConnell 104 00:05:30,153 --> 00:05:31,163 was not devoted 105 00:05:31,182 --> 00:05:34,163 to making sure that he could work with this man, 106 00:05:34,182 --> 00:05:38,062 to forge a connection that would have given the world 107 00:05:38,083 --> 00:05:41,242 a sense of what is possible when Americans agree, 108 00:05:41,263 --> 00:05:43,223 even if they disagree politically. 109 00:05:44,242 --> 00:05:46,083 That they agree that the nation 110 00:05:46,103 --> 00:05:48,083 is bigger than their partisanship, 111 00:05:48,103 --> 00:05:50,182 than their political affiliation. 112 00:05:50,202 --> 00:05:53,163 BARACK: The plan's not perfect. No plan is. 113 00:05:53,182 --> 00:05:56,052 I can't tell you for sure that everything in this plan 114 00:05:56,072 --> 00:05:58,133 will work exactly as we hope, 115 00:05:58,153 --> 00:06:00,093 but I can tell you with complete confidence 116 00:06:00,112 --> 00:06:04,052 that a failure to act will only deepen this crisis, 117 00:06:04,072 --> 00:06:07,122 as well as the pain felt by millions of Americans. 118 00:06:07,143 --> 00:06:09,263 When Barack became president... 119 00:06:11,132 --> 00:06:15,213 he still had the sense of fair play. 120 00:06:17,062 --> 00:06:21,112 Now, all through his organizing days, 121 00:06:21,132 --> 00:06:24,143 this was a kind of a argument between us. 122 00:06:25,093 --> 00:06:28,172 Barack insisted that we appoint 123 00:06:28,192 --> 00:06:31,062 some of the other members of the community 124 00:06:31,083 --> 00:06:33,122 who had fought against us 125 00:06:33,143 --> 00:06:39,043 in the interest of cohesiveness, and we were, like, "Why?" 126 00:06:39,062 --> 00:06:40,223 The strongest democracies flourish 127 00:06:40,242 --> 00:06:42,213 from frequent and lively debate. 128 00:06:42,232 --> 00:06:45,153 But they endure when people of every background and belief 129 00:06:45,172 --> 00:06:48,143 find a way to set aside smaller differences 130 00:06:48,163 --> 00:06:50,103 in service of a greater purpose. 131 00:06:50,122 --> 00:06:53,202 I have full faith and confidence that we can do it. 132 00:06:53,223 --> 00:06:55,143 But we're gonna have to work together. 133 00:06:55,163 --> 00:06:59,202 (CROWD CHEERS, APPLAUDS) 134 00:06:59,223 --> 00:07:01,093 REPORTER: The Democrats are claiming this 135 00:07:01,112 --> 00:07:04,083 as a major victory for President Obama. 136 00:07:04,103 --> 00:07:08,122 Barack Obama, in just a few short weeks as president, 137 00:07:08,143 --> 00:07:12,143 has passed one of the biggest packages for economic relief 138 00:07:12,163 --> 00:07:13,203 in our country's history. 139 00:07:14,112 --> 00:07:16,093 There you go, it's done. 140 00:07:16,112 --> 00:07:18,223 REPORTER: The package is intended to cut taxes, 141 00:07:18,242 --> 00:07:21,192 increase jobs, and modernize infrastructure. 142 00:07:21,213 --> 00:07:22,252 But it's a victory that came 143 00:07:22,273 --> 00:07:25,072 with almost no Republican support, 144 00:07:25,093 --> 00:07:27,273 a long way from those hopes of bipartisanship. 145 00:07:28,052 --> 00:07:32,242 (CROWD CHEERING, APPLAUDING) 146 00:07:32,263 --> 00:07:36,223 They didn't care whether the American people suffer. 147 00:07:37,242 --> 00:07:42,153 They only cared with the perception 148 00:07:42,172 --> 00:07:45,062 of not working with this president, 149 00:07:45,083 --> 00:07:46,263 and it was all about race. 150 00:07:47,273 --> 00:07:52,093 You can dress it up, you can dress it down, 151 00:07:52,112 --> 00:07:55,143 but it was all about race. 152 00:07:55,163 --> 00:07:56,263 ANNOUNCER: Madam Speaker, 153 00:07:57,263 --> 00:08:00,043 the President of the United States. 154 00:08:01,263 --> 00:08:03,112 MICHELE: When he was elected, 155 00:08:03,132 --> 00:08:06,072 there were a lot of Americans who've never had a Black boss. 156 00:08:06,093 --> 00:08:09,252 And here he was the highest authority figure in the land. 157 00:08:12,143 --> 00:08:14,223 DAVID REMNICK: Look, let's not be naive here. 158 00:08:14,242 --> 00:08:16,213 Political parties are in a permanent state 159 00:08:16,232 --> 00:08:18,223 of opposition and political battle. 160 00:08:18,242 --> 00:08:20,103 And to some degree 161 00:08:20,122 --> 00:08:22,172 that's as it should be. It's a battle for ideas 162 00:08:22,192 --> 00:08:25,062 and whose policy is better, and all the rest. 163 00:08:26,122 --> 00:08:27,252 On the other hand, 164 00:08:27,273 --> 00:08:32,172 he was met with absolute wall of recalcitrance from day one. 165 00:08:34,062 --> 00:08:35,182 I don't think you can ever separate 166 00:08:35,202 --> 00:08:39,123 politics from race, when it comes to Barack Obama. 167 00:08:40,172 --> 00:08:43,052 How did he become president, and why. 168 00:08:43,072 --> 00:08:46,143 The first important reason was the speech he gave in 2004 169 00:08:46,163 --> 00:08:50,182 at the Democratic Convention where his whole theme was 170 00:08:50,202 --> 00:08:54,082 bringing the divergent threads of America together, 171 00:08:54,102 --> 00:08:56,133 and he gets elected president, and the Republicans say 172 00:08:56,153 --> 00:08:59,092 "Forget that. We don't want that." 173 00:08:59,113 --> 00:09:00,172 "We don't want you." 174 00:09:01,273 --> 00:09:03,153 TA-NEHISI COATES: This does not require 175 00:09:03,172 --> 00:09:05,072 a Mitch McConnell or John Boehner, 176 00:09:05,092 --> 00:09:07,192 or Paul Ryan to be personally racist. 177 00:09:07,212 --> 00:09:09,072 That's not really the question, 178 00:09:09,092 --> 00:09:11,163 or be bad people, or bigots, or whatever, 179 00:09:11,182 --> 00:09:13,192 however, you want it. That's not the actual question. 180 00:09:13,212 --> 00:09:15,212 The question is structural. 181 00:09:15,233 --> 00:09:17,192 What is the Republican Party right now? 182 00:09:17,212 --> 00:09:19,153 What was the Republican Party when Barack Obama 183 00:09:19,172 --> 00:09:20,192 entered office? 184 00:09:20,212 --> 00:09:23,273 ♪ (MELANCHOLIC MUSIC PLAYING) ♪ 185 00:09:24,052 --> 00:09:26,123 TA-NEHISI: It was a white party. 186 00:09:26,143 --> 00:09:28,222 How can you have your first Black president 187 00:09:28,243 --> 00:09:33,052 and race, or racism be no factor? 188 00:09:34,243 --> 00:09:36,082 Ann Compton. 189 00:09:37,043 --> 00:09:38,182 Hey, Ann. 190 00:09:38,202 --> 00:09:41,182 -Could I ask you about race? -BARACK: You may. 191 00:09:41,202 --> 00:09:43,233 ANN COMPTON: Yours is a rather historic presidency, 192 00:09:43,253 --> 00:09:46,253 and I'm just wondering whether in any of the policy debates 193 00:09:46,273 --> 00:09:48,273 that you've had within the White House, 194 00:09:49,222 --> 00:09:51,123 the issue of race has come up, 195 00:09:51,143 --> 00:09:56,273 or has the last 64 days been a relatively colorblind time? 196 00:09:57,052 --> 00:10:01,143 I think that the last 64 days has been dominated by 197 00:10:01,163 --> 00:10:04,123 me trying to figure out how we're gonna fix the economy. 198 00:10:05,153 --> 00:10:08,113 And that affects Black, brown, and white. 199 00:10:09,133 --> 00:10:13,092 And, you know, obviously, at the inauguration, 200 00:10:13,113 --> 00:10:16,143 I think that there was justifiable pride 201 00:10:16,163 --> 00:10:18,273 on the part of the country that we have taken 202 00:10:19,052 --> 00:10:20,202 a step to move us beyond... 203 00:10:22,052 --> 00:10:24,062 some of the searing legacies 204 00:10:24,082 --> 00:10:27,192 of racial discrimination in this country. 205 00:10:27,212 --> 00:10:30,133 But that lasted about a day. 206 00:11:18,133 --> 00:11:21,202 Frankly, I spend a lot of time trying to forget the details 207 00:11:22,123 --> 00:11:23,133 of that day. 208 00:11:25,143 --> 00:11:26,253 But I learned something. 209 00:11:29,043 --> 00:11:31,243 I learned that being locked in a cage, 210 00:11:31,263 --> 00:11:33,133 no matter how short a time, 211 00:11:34,113 --> 00:11:36,072 is one of the worst nightmares 212 00:11:36,092 --> 00:11:38,192 any human being could ever experience. 213 00:11:40,202 --> 00:11:44,133 There's nothing quite like the sense of finality. 214 00:11:47,123 --> 00:11:51,163 Someone puts you in a cage, slams the door behind you, 215 00:11:51,182 --> 00:11:53,143 and you hear that clank. 216 00:11:53,163 --> 00:11:56,133 And you have no idea how long you're gonna be there. 217 00:12:00,072 --> 00:12:03,133 BARACK: Good evening. Before I take your questions, 218 00:12:03,153 --> 00:12:04,273 I wanna talk for a few minutes about 219 00:12:05,052 --> 00:12:07,153 the progress we're making on health insurance reform, 220 00:12:07,172 --> 00:12:10,172 and where it fits into our broader economic strategy. 221 00:12:10,192 --> 00:12:12,273 Now, six months ago, I took office... 222 00:12:13,052 --> 00:12:15,253 In the summer of 2009, we were running out of time 223 00:12:15,273 --> 00:12:18,172 to get health care reform done that year, 224 00:12:18,192 --> 00:12:19,243 and it was important to finish it, 225 00:12:19,263 --> 00:12:21,172 so that we could move on to the rest 226 00:12:21,192 --> 00:12:23,123 of President Obama's agenda. 227 00:12:23,143 --> 00:12:25,153 So, President Obama decided to have 228 00:12:25,172 --> 00:12:26,253 a press conference where he would have 229 00:12:26,273 --> 00:12:28,263 the sole topic be health care. 230 00:12:29,043 --> 00:12:31,062 We will pass reform that lowers cost, 231 00:12:31,082 --> 00:12:33,113 promotes choice, and provides coverage 232 00:12:33,133 --> 00:12:35,082 that every American can count on, 233 00:12:35,102 --> 00:12:37,143 and we will do it this year. 234 00:12:37,163 --> 00:12:39,222 With that, I'll take your questions. 235 00:12:39,243 --> 00:12:41,243 The press conference went very well, 236 00:12:41,263 --> 00:12:44,123 and except the last question. 237 00:12:44,143 --> 00:12:46,212 REPORTER: Recently, Professor Henry Louis Gates Jr. 238 00:12:46,233 --> 00:12:49,052 was arrested at his home in Cambridge. 239 00:12:49,072 --> 00:12:50,233 What does that incident say to you, 240 00:12:50,253 --> 00:12:54,062 and what does it say about race relations in America? 241 00:12:54,082 --> 00:12:55,253 BARACK: I don't know all the facts. 242 00:12:57,133 --> 00:12:59,072 What's been reported, though, 243 00:12:59,092 --> 00:13:02,052 is that the guy forgot his keys, 244 00:13:03,072 --> 00:13:05,273 uh, jimmied his way to get into the house. 245 00:13:07,212 --> 00:13:08,222 There was... 246 00:13:09,273 --> 00:13:11,243 a report called into the police station 247 00:13:11,263 --> 00:13:14,092 that there might be a burglary taking place. 248 00:13:14,113 --> 00:13:15,263 So far so good. 249 00:13:16,043 --> 00:13:18,133 My understanding is, is that Professor Gates 250 00:13:18,153 --> 00:13:21,273 then shows his ID to show that this is his house. 251 00:13:22,052 --> 00:13:23,233 And at that point, he gets arrested 252 00:13:23,253 --> 00:13:25,102 for disorderly conduct. 253 00:13:25,263 --> 00:13:27,222 Now, I've... 254 00:13:29,113 --> 00:13:31,092 I don't know, not having been there, 255 00:13:31,113 --> 00:13:33,163 and not seeing all the facts, 256 00:13:33,182 --> 00:13:35,212 what role race played in that. 257 00:13:35,233 --> 00:13:38,192 But I think it's fair to say, number one, 258 00:13:38,212 --> 00:13:41,153 any of us would be pretty angry. 259 00:13:41,172 --> 00:13:45,052 Number two, that the Cambridge Police... 260 00:13:46,163 --> 00:13:50,202 acted stupidly in arresting somebody 261 00:13:50,222 --> 00:13:51,263 when there was already proof 262 00:13:52,043 --> 00:13:53,202 that they were in their own home. 263 00:13:54,253 --> 00:13:56,092 JAMES CROWLEY: I support the President 264 00:13:56,113 --> 00:13:57,222 of the United States 110 percent. 265 00:13:57,243 --> 00:14:00,182 I think he's way off base, wading into a local issue, 266 00:14:00,202 --> 00:14:03,043 without knowing all the facts as he himself stated 267 00:14:03,062 --> 00:14:04,092 before he made that comment. 268 00:14:04,113 --> 00:14:06,043 That's not to say Gates was wrong, 269 00:14:06,062 --> 00:14:07,243 that's not to say the officer was wrong. 270 00:14:07,263 --> 00:14:10,233 Should President Obama had gone on national television 271 00:14:10,253 --> 00:14:15,062 last night and decided that the officers acted stupidly? 272 00:14:15,082 --> 00:14:18,113 In arresting him after proving that was his home. 273 00:14:18,133 --> 00:14:19,202 You have to add that, Rick. 274 00:14:20,192 --> 00:14:21,202 You know... 275 00:14:23,082 --> 00:14:25,212 it's difficult to be the first anything. 276 00:14:27,062 --> 00:14:28,273 And I think those figures expend 277 00:14:29,052 --> 00:14:31,253 an extraordinary amount of energy 278 00:14:31,273 --> 00:14:35,143 resisting situations that might inflame. 279 00:14:35,163 --> 00:14:38,222 President Obama has tried to bridge the racial divide 280 00:14:38,243 --> 00:14:41,273 in this country, but based on the ferocious response 281 00:14:42,052 --> 00:14:44,243 to his comment last night, he may have opened up 282 00:14:44,263 --> 00:14:46,153 a new chasm. 283 00:14:46,172 --> 00:14:48,072 I think what he said was true. 284 00:14:48,273 --> 00:14:50,082 But the backlash... 285 00:14:51,163 --> 00:14:54,182 My office was flooded with hate phone calls 286 00:14:54,202 --> 00:14:56,153 and hate email. 287 00:14:56,172 --> 00:14:58,043 And you could see it in the media, 288 00:14:58,062 --> 00:14:59,082 the way he was attacked. 289 00:14:59,102 --> 00:15:01,153 Let's face it. President Obama's Black, 290 00:15:01,172 --> 00:15:03,113 and I think he's got a chip on his shoulder, 291 00:15:03,133 --> 00:15:05,133 I think there are elements in this country 292 00:15:05,153 --> 00:15:07,043 he doesn't like, and he never has liked. 293 00:15:07,062 --> 00:15:10,133 This president, I think, has exposed himself as a guy, 294 00:15:10,153 --> 00:15:14,233 over and over and over again, who has a deep-seated hatred 295 00:15:14,253 --> 00:15:17,043 for white people or the white culture, 296 00:15:17,062 --> 00:15:18,102 I don't know what it is. 297 00:15:19,202 --> 00:15:22,263 KEN MACK: He knows what it's like to be a Black man 298 00:15:23,043 --> 00:15:24,273 in the United States. 299 00:15:25,052 --> 00:15:26,253 But also he has to symbolize something larger, 300 00:15:26,273 --> 00:15:29,062 than just being a Black man in the United States, 301 00:15:29,082 --> 00:15:30,253 he's gotta be President of the United States. 302 00:15:30,273 --> 00:15:33,143 To the extent that my choice of words 303 00:15:33,163 --> 00:15:35,163 didn't illuminate, but rather contributed 304 00:15:35,182 --> 00:15:40,082 to more media frenzy, I think that was unfortunate. 305 00:15:40,102 --> 00:15:44,133 And that just was a microcosm of one of the conundrums 306 00:15:44,153 --> 00:15:49,092 he faced as president, that if he spoke about race, 307 00:15:49,113 --> 00:15:52,082 there was immediately a controversy. 308 00:15:52,102 --> 00:15:54,263 But people wanted him to speak about race, 309 00:15:55,043 --> 00:15:57,102 and he felt these things, too. 310 00:15:57,123 --> 00:15:59,182 So, there's no real right answer. 311 00:16:01,143 --> 00:16:02,172 One last point I guess I'd make. 312 00:16:02,192 --> 00:16:05,243 So, there are some who say that as president, 313 00:16:05,263 --> 00:16:07,172 I shouldn't have stepped into this at all 314 00:16:07,192 --> 00:16:09,043 because it's a local issue. 315 00:16:10,113 --> 00:16:12,202 I have to tell you that, that thing-- 316 00:16:12,222 --> 00:16:14,072 that part of it I disagree with. 317 00:16:14,263 --> 00:16:17,202 Whether I were Black or white... 318 00:16:18,233 --> 00:16:19,263 I think that... 319 00:16:21,102 --> 00:16:23,163 me commenting on this, 320 00:16:23,182 --> 00:16:25,263 and hopefully, contributing to constructive, 321 00:16:26,043 --> 00:16:31,113 as opposed to negative understandings about the issue, 322 00:16:31,133 --> 00:16:33,253 is part of my portfolio. 323 00:16:34,123 --> 00:16:35,123 So... 324 00:16:39,153 --> 00:16:41,043 HENRY GATES JR.: President Obama called me 325 00:16:41,062 --> 00:16:44,062 and he said he had spoken to Officer Crowley, 326 00:16:44,082 --> 00:16:47,062 and what did I think about the idea... 327 00:16:48,123 --> 00:16:50,192 of having a beer at the White House. 328 00:16:52,043 --> 00:16:53,202 And instinctively, 329 00:16:53,222 --> 00:16:58,043 I realized that this wasn't about Officer Crowley and me. 330 00:16:58,062 --> 00:17:03,143 This was about addressing this wave of white supremacy 331 00:17:03,163 --> 00:17:08,052 that had erupted so unexpectedly at the embarkation 332 00:17:08,072 --> 00:17:10,122 of the era of racelessness, 333 00:17:10,142 --> 00:17:13,112 which we thought his election had inaugurated. 334 00:17:15,152 --> 00:17:17,173 MICHAEL: Many people in his administration 335 00:17:17,193 --> 00:17:19,193 did not want him to apologize. 336 00:17:19,213 --> 00:17:20,273 No beer summit. 337 00:17:21,052 --> 00:17:22,233 Many young Black people, staffers, 338 00:17:22,253 --> 00:17:25,112 "You didn't do anything wrong. You spoke the truth." 339 00:17:25,132 --> 00:17:27,173 But speaking the truth is one thing, 340 00:17:27,193 --> 00:17:30,132 offending whites upon whom you depend 341 00:17:30,152 --> 00:17:34,072 for polls and reelection is another. 342 00:17:34,092 --> 00:17:37,072 That spelled bad news for those who were advocates 343 00:17:37,092 --> 00:17:39,243 for an explicit engagement with the issue of race. 344 00:17:41,052 --> 00:17:45,203 It was an attempt by Obama to calm the waters, 345 00:17:45,223 --> 00:17:47,152 because the polls were showing... 346 00:17:48,193 --> 00:17:50,102 that the numbers were against Obama 347 00:17:50,122 --> 00:17:51,243 being critical about the police. 348 00:17:51,263 --> 00:17:54,043 He was siding against the police. 349 00:17:55,263 --> 00:17:59,142 HENRY: The day after Officer Crowley and I 350 00:17:59,162 --> 00:18:01,173 met at the White House, 351 00:18:01,193 --> 00:18:04,223 all the phone calls, all the hate mails, 352 00:18:04,243 --> 00:18:07,173 and all the people picketing outside my house, 353 00:18:08,132 --> 00:18:11,152 poof, disappeared like magic. 354 00:18:20,243 --> 00:18:22,173 Hello, North Carolina. 355 00:18:22,193 --> 00:18:26,193 Health care reform was a challenging issue 356 00:18:26,213 --> 00:18:27,263 for many presidents. 357 00:18:28,043 --> 00:18:31,112 Seven presidents had tried, seven presidents had failed. 358 00:18:32,183 --> 00:18:35,273 Barack Obama was determined to get it done. 359 00:18:36,052 --> 00:18:39,263 It is not only great to be back in Raleigh. 360 00:18:40,043 --> 00:18:42,193 It is also nice to get out of Washington. 361 00:18:42,213 --> 00:18:46,152 (ALL CHUCKLE) 362 00:18:46,173 --> 00:18:49,162 With all the noise and the fussing 363 00:18:49,183 --> 00:18:53,132 and the fighting that goes on, 364 00:18:53,152 --> 00:18:59,092 it's pretty easy for the voices of everyday people to get lost. 365 00:18:59,112 --> 00:19:01,122 So, let me just explain why the health 366 00:19:01,142 --> 00:19:04,043 of the American people, and the American economy 367 00:19:04,062 --> 00:19:05,243 demands health insurance reform. 368 00:19:05,263 --> 00:19:07,082 ♪ (DRAMATIC MUSIC PLAYING) ♪ 369 00:19:11,183 --> 00:19:13,043 REPORTER: They're vocal. 370 00:19:13,062 --> 00:19:14,082 Say no! Just say no! 371 00:19:14,102 --> 00:19:15,152 REPORTER: They're impassioned. 372 00:19:15,173 --> 00:19:17,122 We want you to represent us as the majority. 373 00:19:17,142 --> 00:19:18,203 REPORTER: And they've got everyone 374 00:19:18,223 --> 00:19:20,052 talking about health reform. 375 00:19:20,072 --> 00:19:22,233 Now, this led us to ask questions. 376 00:19:22,253 --> 00:19:25,092 REPORTER: Many of those raising their voices at town halls 377 00:19:25,112 --> 00:19:27,092 have never been politically active. 378 00:19:27,112 --> 00:19:28,132 Take John Bair. 379 00:19:28,152 --> 00:19:30,102 He found an outlet in the conservative 380 00:19:30,122 --> 00:19:31,253 anti-tax Tea Party movement, whose organizers 381 00:19:31,273 --> 00:19:36,112 are now busing protesters to health care town halls. 382 00:19:36,132 --> 00:19:38,052 The American people are not stupid. 383 00:19:38,072 --> 00:19:40,193 Only common sense tells you we just can't support this. 384 00:19:40,213 --> 00:19:42,132 (CROWD CLAMORS) 385 00:19:42,152 --> 00:19:44,072 I got one letter from a woman. 386 00:19:44,092 --> 00:19:47,132 She said, "I don't want government-run health care. 387 00:19:47,152 --> 00:19:49,183 I don't want your socialist plan. 388 00:19:50,193 --> 00:19:52,092 And don't touch my Medicare." 389 00:19:54,223 --> 00:19:57,062 The opponents of the Affordable Care Act, 390 00:19:57,082 --> 00:19:59,253 some of whom would be the beneficiaries of it... 391 00:19:59,273 --> 00:20:01,173 No more Medicare. 392 00:20:01,193 --> 00:20:03,152 DAVID: ...were led to believe... 393 00:20:03,173 --> 00:20:05,132 by political forces 394 00:20:05,152 --> 00:20:07,243 that they were going to lose something, 395 00:20:07,263 --> 00:20:10,082 someone else was going to gain something. 396 00:20:10,102 --> 00:20:14,173 The inference was that 'someone' were poor minorities, 397 00:20:14,193 --> 00:20:18,213 you know, maybe illegal immigrants, and so on. 398 00:20:18,233 --> 00:20:22,092 I mean, it was-- it was an ugly campaign. 399 00:20:22,112 --> 00:20:25,092 Democrats have been scrambling to put to bed the rumors 400 00:20:25,112 --> 00:20:27,132 that death panels that will decide the fate 401 00:20:27,152 --> 00:20:30,043 of your loved ones is a part of healthcare reform. 402 00:20:30,062 --> 00:20:31,263 And some committee is gonna decide, 403 00:20:32,043 --> 00:20:34,263 what is the cost-benefit analysis for grandma? 404 00:20:35,043 --> 00:20:36,253 Grandma is not just your grandmother, 405 00:20:36,273 --> 00:20:38,102 she's a statistic. 406 00:20:38,122 --> 00:20:39,223 REPORTER: Even former Alaska governor 407 00:20:39,243 --> 00:20:41,142 Sarah Palin jumped into the fray 408 00:20:41,162 --> 00:20:43,213 with a Facebook posting, claiming her young son, 409 00:20:43,233 --> 00:20:45,102 who suffers from Down Syndrome, 410 00:20:45,122 --> 00:20:46,233 would be subjected to death panels 411 00:20:46,253 --> 00:20:48,183 under the proposed health reforms. 412 00:20:48,203 --> 00:20:51,102 Where we do disagree, let's disagree over things 413 00:20:51,122 --> 00:20:52,173 that are real. 414 00:20:52,193 --> 00:20:55,052 Not these wild misrepresentations 415 00:20:55,072 --> 00:20:56,223 that bear no resemblance 416 00:20:56,243 --> 00:20:59,082 to anything that's actually been proposed. 417 00:20:59,243 --> 00:21:01,122 (CHEERS) 418 00:21:01,142 --> 00:21:04,193 JELANI COBB: There had been a paranoia around Obama, 419 00:21:04,213 --> 00:21:06,072 all with the current of it, 420 00:21:06,092 --> 00:21:09,102 you know, since he became a viable figure 421 00:21:09,122 --> 00:21:10,152 in national politics. 422 00:21:11,213 --> 00:21:14,273 And so it's not shocking 423 00:21:15,052 --> 00:21:18,072 that you see these town hall meetings 424 00:21:18,092 --> 00:21:22,152 that seem to teeter on the brink of bedlam. 425 00:21:22,173 --> 00:21:26,233 They really don't belong here, and I'm gonna ask them to leave. 426 00:21:26,253 --> 00:21:30,203 All of this is happening in direct relationship 427 00:21:30,223 --> 00:21:32,152 to this idea of who the president is, 428 00:21:32,173 --> 00:21:33,243 and, you know, what you believe 429 00:21:33,263 --> 00:21:36,243 that this president's ultimate agenda is. 430 00:21:36,263 --> 00:21:39,243 Most inscrutably for a legislation 431 00:21:39,263 --> 00:21:42,132 that was going to overwhelmingly benefit 432 00:21:42,152 --> 00:21:43,253 uninsured white people, 433 00:21:43,273 --> 00:21:46,162 one of the right-wing talking points was that 434 00:21:46,183 --> 00:21:49,152 the Affordable Care Act was some sort of stealth plan 435 00:21:49,173 --> 00:21:51,173 to give Black people reparations. 436 00:21:54,243 --> 00:21:56,082 BARACK: Some of people's concerns 437 00:21:56,102 --> 00:21:58,112 have grown out of bogus claims, 438 00:21:58,132 --> 00:22:00,203 spread by those whose only agenda 439 00:22:00,223 --> 00:22:02,233 is to kill reform at any cost. 440 00:22:04,142 --> 00:22:06,043 The best example is the claim, 441 00:22:06,062 --> 00:22:08,243 made not just by radio and cable talk show hosts 442 00:22:08,263 --> 00:22:13,062 but by prominent politicians, that we plan to set up 443 00:22:13,082 --> 00:22:14,243 panels of bureaucrats with the power 444 00:22:14,263 --> 00:22:16,132 to kill off senior citizens. 445 00:22:18,193 --> 00:22:21,223 Now such a charge would be laughable, 446 00:22:21,243 --> 00:22:24,142 if it weren't so cynical and irresponsible. 447 00:22:24,162 --> 00:22:27,082 It is a lie, plain and simple. 448 00:22:27,102 --> 00:22:32,273 (CROWD CHEERS, APPLAUDS) 449 00:22:38,072 --> 00:22:39,072 Now. 450 00:22:42,102 --> 00:22:43,102 Now. 451 00:22:45,092 --> 00:22:47,213 There are also those who claim that our reform efforts 452 00:22:47,233 --> 00:22:49,142 would insure illegal immigrants. 453 00:22:50,243 --> 00:22:53,122 This, too, is false. 454 00:22:53,142 --> 00:22:57,092 The reforms-- the reforms I'm proposing 455 00:22:57,112 --> 00:22:59,173 would not apply to those who are here illegally. 456 00:23:00,243 --> 00:23:03,233 (CROWD INDISTINCT CHATTER) 457 00:23:03,253 --> 00:23:06,072 That's not true. 458 00:23:06,092 --> 00:23:10,043 And one more misunderstanding I wanna clear up... 459 00:23:11,263 --> 00:23:14,253 A member of Congress blurted out and heckled the President, 460 00:23:14,273 --> 00:23:17,193 "You lie" in the middle of the speech. 461 00:23:17,213 --> 00:23:20,142 I mean, we had presidents that had got up, 462 00:23:20,162 --> 00:23:24,092 and said all kind of things that we didn't like. 463 00:23:24,112 --> 00:23:27,112 And you had civil rights leaders in the Congress 464 00:23:27,132 --> 00:23:29,273 from Adam Clayton Powell all the way to John Lewis, 465 00:23:30,052 --> 00:23:32,072 that never happened. 466 00:23:32,092 --> 00:23:36,072 But they almost felt they were entitled to do that to him. 467 00:23:37,203 --> 00:23:39,223 SHERRILYN IFILL: I'll never forget the feeling of it. 468 00:23:39,243 --> 00:23:42,162 I'll never forget. I mean, I'm right now, I'm discussing it 469 00:23:42,183 --> 00:23:44,112 and I'm enraged at this moment. 470 00:23:45,162 --> 00:23:50,043 Of the disrespect that was shown to this Black man, 471 00:23:50,062 --> 00:23:51,273 because that's who he was for them. 472 00:23:52,052 --> 00:23:53,122 He was not the president. 473 00:23:55,052 --> 00:23:57,082 And it was despicable. 474 00:23:57,102 --> 00:24:00,092 I, last night, heard from the leadership 475 00:24:00,112 --> 00:24:03,213 that they wanted me to contact the White House, 476 00:24:03,233 --> 00:24:10,052 and state that my statements were inappropriate, I did. 477 00:24:10,072 --> 00:24:14,273 I'm a big believer that we all make mistakes. 478 00:24:15,052 --> 00:24:19,072 He apologized quickly and without equivocation, 479 00:24:19,092 --> 00:24:20,223 and I'm appreciative of that. 480 00:24:22,253 --> 00:24:25,043 VALERIE: There are people who thought he should have stopped 481 00:24:25,062 --> 00:24:26,062 and checked him for that, 482 00:24:26,082 --> 00:24:28,243 and chastised him in public, and he said, 483 00:24:28,263 --> 00:24:30,203 "I'm trying to get healthcare passed." 484 00:24:33,092 --> 00:24:35,273 SHERRILYN: I could understand why he was driving them crazy. 485 00:24:36,052 --> 00:24:38,263 There were just moments where he was so masterful, 486 00:24:39,043 --> 00:24:41,142 so intellectually capable, 487 00:24:41,162 --> 00:24:45,213 so astute, so informed, so clear. 488 00:24:45,233 --> 00:24:49,132 Part of the goal here, I think, is to figure out, 489 00:24:49,152 --> 00:24:51,213 what are the areas that we do agree on, 490 00:24:51,233 --> 00:24:54,082 what are the areas where we don't agree, 491 00:24:54,263 --> 00:24:57,162 and at the end of that process, 492 00:24:57,183 --> 00:25:00,203 then make an honest assessment 493 00:25:00,223 --> 00:25:05,223 as to whether we can bridge these differences. 494 00:25:05,243 --> 00:25:07,203 I don't know yet whether we can. 495 00:25:08,243 --> 00:25:11,263 And this is, of course, the reality about race, 496 00:25:12,043 --> 00:25:13,122 and racism in this country. 497 00:25:14,193 --> 00:25:16,092 The exclusion of Black people 498 00:25:16,112 --> 00:25:19,203 was not because they actually thought we were inferior, 499 00:25:19,223 --> 00:25:21,213 it was because they feared competition. 500 00:25:22,243 --> 00:25:27,183 And it was the fear of somebody just like him 501 00:25:27,203 --> 00:25:32,263 that would potentially shatter, and smash every stereotype. 502 00:25:33,043 --> 00:25:35,092 And I think it was maddening for them. 503 00:25:39,183 --> 00:25:43,072 Does it frustrate you when your own supporters 504 00:25:43,092 --> 00:25:45,183 see racism when you don't think it exists? 505 00:25:45,203 --> 00:25:47,122 Well, look, 506 00:25:47,142 --> 00:25:52,203 I think that race is such a volatile issue 507 00:25:52,223 --> 00:25:55,152 in this society, always has been, 508 00:25:55,173 --> 00:25:58,092 that it becomes hard for people 509 00:25:58,112 --> 00:26:00,243 to separate out race 510 00:26:00,263 --> 00:26:04,072 being sort of a part of the backdrop 511 00:26:04,092 --> 00:26:05,213 of American society 512 00:26:05,233 --> 00:26:08,112 versus race being a predominant factor 513 00:26:08,132 --> 00:26:09,233 in any given debate. 514 00:26:09,253 --> 00:26:14,132 The overwhelming part of the American population 515 00:26:14,152 --> 00:26:17,082 I think is right now following this debate, 516 00:26:17,102 --> 00:26:19,142 and they're trying to figure out is this gonna help me? 517 00:26:20,162 --> 00:26:23,162 CROWD: (CHANTING) Kill the bill! Kill the bill! 518 00:26:23,183 --> 00:26:25,142 JOHN BOEHNER: This healthcare bill 519 00:26:25,162 --> 00:26:28,253 will ruin our country. It's time to stop him. 520 00:26:30,072 --> 00:26:32,102 REPORTER 1: It is the 11th hour in the debate 521 00:26:32,122 --> 00:26:33,183 over health care reform. 522 00:26:33,203 --> 00:26:35,233 Democrats insist they've got the momentum, 523 00:26:35,253 --> 00:26:38,082 but the President is taking no chances. 524 00:26:38,102 --> 00:26:40,162 REPORTER 2: President Obama made a last-minute visit 525 00:26:40,183 --> 00:26:42,092 to the Capitol this afternoon. 526 00:26:42,112 --> 00:26:45,102 To call on Democratic lawmakers to ignore the political risk 527 00:26:45,122 --> 00:26:47,082 and do what he calls the right thing. 528 00:26:47,102 --> 00:26:49,253 The question is whether enough right-leaning Democrats 529 00:26:49,273 --> 00:26:53,223 will go along when the votes are cast tomorrow afternoon. 530 00:26:53,243 --> 00:26:55,072 REPORTER 3: Around the Capitol today, 531 00:26:55,092 --> 00:26:58,062 protesters gather to cheer on the plan's opponents... 532 00:26:58,082 --> 00:26:59,112 CROWD: (CHANTING) Kill the bill! 533 00:26:59,132 --> 00:27:01,162 REPORTER 3: ...and to jeer Democratic leaders. 534 00:27:02,072 --> 00:27:04,062 (CROWD CHEERS) 535 00:27:04,082 --> 00:27:06,072 JOHN: As we start walking, 536 00:27:06,092 --> 00:27:09,253 the Democratic members, I will never forget it. 537 00:27:09,273 --> 00:27:14,173 (CROWD CHEERS, CLAMORS) 538 00:27:14,193 --> 00:27:16,082 JOHN LEWIS: This is the 100th anniversary 539 00:27:16,102 --> 00:27:18,263 of the march across the bridge in Selma. 540 00:27:19,043 --> 00:27:23,072 (CROWD CHEERING) 541 00:27:23,092 --> 00:27:24,183 JOHN: And it reminded me. 542 00:27:29,223 --> 00:27:33,132 There were people yelling using the N-word... 543 00:27:34,183 --> 00:27:35,253 cursing people... 544 00:27:37,072 --> 00:27:38,142 spitting on members. 545 00:27:39,273 --> 00:27:43,062 This debate has been a difficult debate. 546 00:27:44,233 --> 00:27:46,102 Don't do it for me. 547 00:27:47,132 --> 00:27:48,243 Don't do it for the Democratic Party, 548 00:27:48,263 --> 00:27:51,102 do it for the American people. 549 00:27:51,122 --> 00:27:54,142 They're the ones who are looking for action right now. 550 00:27:56,112 --> 00:27:58,243 Dr. King, like President Obama, 551 00:27:58,263 --> 00:28:01,183 believed that healthcare is a right. 552 00:28:01,203 --> 00:28:03,162 CROWD: (CHANTING) Kill the bill! Kill the bill! 553 00:28:03,183 --> 00:28:05,052 JOHN LEWIS: And we were determined. 554 00:28:05,233 --> 00:28:07,102 We walked on the floor, 555 00:28:07,243 --> 00:28:10,062 we cast our votes, 556 00:28:10,082 --> 00:28:12,102 -and we passed the bill. -ANNOUNCER: That's it. 557 00:28:12,122 --> 00:28:19,052 (ALL APPLAUD) 558 00:28:19,072 --> 00:28:21,132 DAVID: When the final votes came in, 559 00:28:21,152 --> 00:28:23,102 I went into my office and I closed the door. 560 00:28:23,122 --> 00:28:27,223 I just sobbed because I had a child with a chronic illness, 561 00:28:27,243 --> 00:28:30,062 and I almost went bankrupt 562 00:28:30,082 --> 00:28:32,043 when I was a young newspaper reporter 563 00:28:32,062 --> 00:28:35,112 because we couldn't afford her medication. 564 00:28:35,132 --> 00:28:38,043 -Yeah! -All right! What's next? 565 00:28:40,052 --> 00:28:42,112 DAVID: And I knew that because of what he had done, 566 00:28:42,132 --> 00:28:44,152 others wouldn't have to go through that. 567 00:28:44,173 --> 00:28:45,243 And I went and I found him... 568 00:28:47,102 --> 00:28:50,092 and I thanked him on behalf of those families. 569 00:28:51,223 --> 00:28:54,162 And he put his hand on my shoulder and he said, 570 00:28:55,183 --> 00:28:57,043 "That's why we do the work." 571 00:29:02,052 --> 00:29:04,142 MICHAEL: Mr. Obama is an extraordinary human being 572 00:29:04,162 --> 00:29:06,253 who's a great president potentially. 573 00:29:06,273 --> 00:29:10,142 We love him, we think he's a marvelous human being, 574 00:29:10,162 --> 00:29:12,193 but at the same time, a Black agenda 575 00:29:12,213 --> 00:29:14,183 is not qualified or surrendered 576 00:29:14,203 --> 00:29:17,092 because Mr. Obama is in the White House. 577 00:29:17,112 --> 00:29:20,062 I was hoping that he would make poverty 578 00:29:20,082 --> 00:29:22,043 much more of a central issue 579 00:29:22,062 --> 00:29:25,052 even as he was trying to reconstruct the economy. 580 00:29:25,072 --> 00:29:28,092 But by reconstructing the economy, he had a chance 581 00:29:28,112 --> 00:29:33,122 to render Wall Street elites accountable. 582 00:29:33,142 --> 00:29:36,122 And that was the beginning of my deep suspicion 583 00:29:36,142 --> 00:29:39,152 that lo and behold he was leaning in the direction 584 00:29:39,173 --> 00:29:42,142 away from the legacy of Martin Luther King Jr. 585 00:29:44,092 --> 00:29:47,152 We already see that any president 586 00:29:47,173 --> 00:29:51,052 is under tremendous pressure from the strong, 587 00:29:51,072 --> 00:29:53,152 the corporate elites, Wall Street oligarchs. 588 00:29:53,173 --> 00:29:56,052 Various powerful folks at the top, 589 00:29:56,072 --> 00:29:59,043 and can easily push Obama in such a way 590 00:29:59,062 --> 00:30:01,173 that he tilts too much toward the strong, 591 00:30:01,193 --> 00:30:04,122 and doesn't focus the way he ought on the weak, 592 00:30:04,142 --> 00:30:08,062 on the poor, on working people. That's why we're here today. 593 00:30:09,173 --> 00:30:13,102 MICHAEL: Look, on the one hand who could blame Obama? 594 00:30:13,122 --> 00:30:16,243 I don't wanna be pigeonholed as the Black president. 595 00:30:16,263 --> 00:30:18,072 I don't wanna pigeonholed 596 00:30:18,092 --> 00:30:20,122 as the only thing I can talk about is race. 597 00:30:20,142 --> 00:30:22,203 In fact, when I come into office, the greatest thing 598 00:30:22,223 --> 00:30:25,203 that is confronting the nation is the economy. 599 00:30:26,142 --> 00:30:28,092 Do I allow the banks to fail? 600 00:30:28,112 --> 00:30:31,082 Stop. Can you imagine the headlines 601 00:30:31,102 --> 00:30:35,183 after the first Black president allows the banks to fail? 602 00:30:35,203 --> 00:30:40,043 And yet, equally de-spiriting was his reluctance 603 00:30:40,062 --> 00:30:41,092 to even weigh in. 604 00:30:42,183 --> 00:30:44,263 I don't think that there was any way possible 605 00:30:45,043 --> 00:30:48,052 for Barack Obama as president to ever come up 606 00:30:48,072 --> 00:30:50,263 to the expectations of the African American community 607 00:30:51,043 --> 00:30:57,122 because they expected him really to undo 400 years of injustice 608 00:30:57,142 --> 00:30:59,243 with the stroke of a pen. 609 00:30:59,263 --> 00:31:02,173 KEN: I understand the left critique of Obama, 610 00:31:02,193 --> 00:31:05,092 or either the Black left critique of Obama, 611 00:31:05,112 --> 00:31:09,043 that America hasn't solved its race problem, 612 00:31:09,062 --> 00:31:11,213 that the president has immense power 613 00:31:11,233 --> 00:31:15,052 to talk about and to institute public policy 614 00:31:15,072 --> 00:31:16,132 to address that, 615 00:31:16,152 --> 00:31:20,132 that America hasn't solved its economic inequality problem. 616 00:31:21,162 --> 00:31:24,142 So with Obama, the only question is 617 00:31:24,162 --> 00:31:28,173 does it make any difference being a Black president? 618 00:31:28,193 --> 00:31:31,273 I tell you, Mr. Obama, to deal with the Black agenda 619 00:31:32,052 --> 00:31:34,152 is what every president before you had to do. 620 00:31:34,173 --> 00:31:36,082 How you gonna be any different? 621 00:31:36,102 --> 00:31:38,112 Abraham Lincoln had to deal with race. 622 00:31:38,132 --> 00:31:40,082 George Washington had to deal with race. 623 00:31:40,102 --> 00:31:41,233 LBJ had to deal with race. 624 00:31:41,253 --> 00:31:43,132 How come you're the first president 625 00:31:43,152 --> 00:31:44,243 that ain't got to deal with race? 626 00:31:44,263 --> 00:31:47,183 It wasn't a Black president who passed the Civil Rights Bill. 627 00:31:47,203 --> 00:31:49,183 It wasn't a Black president who passed this-- 628 00:31:49,203 --> 00:31:50,263 the Voting Rights Act. 629 00:31:51,043 --> 00:31:53,102 It wasn't a Black president who passed the Fair Housing Act. 630 00:31:53,122 --> 00:31:54,122 It wasn't a Black president 631 00:31:54,142 --> 00:31:55,253 who dealt with affirmative action! 632 00:31:55,273 --> 00:31:58,162 You're gonna be like every other president 633 00:31:58,183 --> 00:32:00,043 deal with race! 634 00:32:00,062 --> 00:32:05,193 (CHEERS, APPLAUDS) 635 00:32:09,233 --> 00:32:14,253 When President Obama was elected there was an expectation 636 00:32:14,273 --> 00:32:18,193 that he might lead some sort of national conversation 637 00:32:18,213 --> 00:32:19,223 around race. 638 00:32:21,213 --> 00:32:24,243 Some of that had to do with the fact that he was a person of color. 639 00:32:25,243 --> 00:32:27,263 And most conversations around race 640 00:32:28,043 --> 00:32:30,082 are often led by people of color. 641 00:32:31,102 --> 00:32:32,273 The expectations might be heightened 642 00:32:33,052 --> 00:32:36,062 because of the speech he gave in Philadelphia 643 00:32:36,082 --> 00:32:40,173 where he talked with candor and with eloquence and honesty 644 00:32:40,193 --> 00:32:44,173 about a subject that a lot of politicians don't talk about. 645 00:32:44,193 --> 00:32:47,173 One of the more interesting things about the First Family 646 00:32:47,193 --> 00:32:49,132 and the conversation around race 647 00:32:49,152 --> 00:32:51,233 is the casual nature with which they have 648 00:32:51,253 --> 00:32:53,253 the conversation that often was missed by people. 649 00:32:53,273 --> 00:32:56,132 Here we go, here we go, here we go, here we go. 650 00:32:56,152 --> 00:32:58,173 VALERIE: And they did it in interesting ways 651 00:32:58,193 --> 00:33:00,122 through the way that they used 652 00:33:00,142 --> 00:33:01,253 the architecture of the White House. 653 00:33:01,273 --> 00:33:04,092 ♪ ("SIGNED, SEALED, DELIVERED, I'M YOURS" BY STEVIE WONDER) ♪ 654 00:33:04,112 --> 00:33:06,082 ♪ Oh, yeah, baby ♪ 655 00:33:07,102 --> 00:33:09,253 ♪ Like a fool I went And stayed too long ♪ 656 00:33:09,273 --> 00:33:12,082 VALERIE: The people that they brought inside the building. 657 00:33:12,102 --> 00:33:14,162 ♪ How does a bastard orphan ♪ 658 00:33:14,183 --> 00:33:17,122 ♪ Son of a whore And a Scotsman... ♪ 659 00:33:17,142 --> 00:33:19,162 VALERIE: Using programs around culture... 660 00:33:19,183 --> 00:33:24,263 ♪ Ain't gonna let nobody Turn me around ♪ 661 00:33:25,043 --> 00:33:27,263 VALERIE: ...to help America see their country 662 00:33:28,043 --> 00:33:31,092 and to see each other in an interesting way. 663 00:33:31,112 --> 00:33:32,223 -Yeah! -(CROWD APPLAUDS) 664 00:33:32,243 --> 00:33:35,183 -All right. -Yeah! 665 00:33:35,203 --> 00:33:39,132 VALERIE: His presidency begins at a moment 666 00:33:39,152 --> 00:33:41,142 where we are turning the page 667 00:33:41,162 --> 00:33:44,162 to sort of a new era in America 668 00:33:45,173 --> 00:33:47,072 where the demographics are changing. 669 00:33:49,082 --> 00:33:54,122 We're moving closer to becoming a majority, minority culture. 670 00:33:54,142 --> 00:33:57,173 And we have to think about what it means to be American 671 00:33:57,193 --> 00:34:00,092 because for a long time the cultural norm 672 00:34:00,112 --> 00:34:04,102 around Americanness was built around whiteness. 673 00:34:06,162 --> 00:34:10,222 TA-NEHISI: Obama I think gets a lot of flack 674 00:34:10,242 --> 00:34:12,213 from the perspective of the 675 00:34:12,233 --> 00:34:14,193 presidency, first Black presidency 676 00:34:14,213 --> 00:34:17,273 only being symbolic, but, you know, as I argue, 677 00:34:18,053 --> 00:34:20,122 I think people underrate the value of symbols. 678 00:34:21,142 --> 00:34:24,073 I think the way Obama conducted himself 679 00:34:24,093 --> 00:34:26,133 in terms of specifically his relationship 680 00:34:26,153 --> 00:34:27,182 with Black culture... 681 00:34:27,202 --> 00:34:28,253 -Hey, brother. -Hello, sir. 682 00:34:28,273 --> 00:34:30,273 TA-NEHISI: ...communicated a totally different symbol 683 00:34:31,053 --> 00:34:32,102 to other people. 684 00:34:32,122 --> 00:34:35,053 And I think one of the great mistakes was we forgot that. 685 00:34:35,073 --> 00:34:36,173 We forgot that there were other people, 686 00:34:36,193 --> 00:34:38,193 you know, who were watching. 687 00:34:39,273 --> 00:34:41,202 You get an understanding there were other people 688 00:34:41,222 --> 00:34:42,222 who are gonna see that, 689 00:34:42,242 --> 00:34:45,093 like see him playing basketball for instance. 690 00:34:45,113 --> 00:34:47,233 And they would feel a kind of way about that. 691 00:34:49,273 --> 00:34:51,202 VALERIE: As the cultural default changes, 692 00:34:51,222 --> 00:34:53,133 as the conversation changes, 693 00:34:53,153 --> 00:34:55,133 as the demographics of the country change... 694 00:34:56,262 --> 00:35:00,222 that change creates vertigo for some people. 695 00:35:00,242 --> 00:35:04,073 That change makes some people feel really uncomfortable. 696 00:35:06,093 --> 00:35:08,073 DAVID: He knows that there's a huge 697 00:35:08,093 --> 00:35:09,133 number of people out there 698 00:35:09,153 --> 00:35:12,122 talking about taking their country back. 699 00:35:12,142 --> 00:35:13,273 A big slogan of the Tea Party movement. 700 00:35:15,213 --> 00:35:18,153 He knew that his presence in the White House 701 00:35:18,173 --> 00:35:23,043 invariably exacerbated some of the worst elements 702 00:35:23,062 --> 00:35:24,262 in our history that are always there, 703 00:35:25,202 --> 00:35:27,142 and so he was very careful. 704 00:35:35,233 --> 00:35:37,173 Back into the segment tonight, Reality Check, 705 00:35:37,193 --> 00:35:40,193 where we fervently embrace the truth, check one. 706 00:35:40,213 --> 00:35:43,213 Speaking at an NAACP event in March, 707 00:35:43,233 --> 00:35:47,053 Department of Agriculture official Shirley Sherrod 708 00:35:47,073 --> 00:35:50,113 was caught on tape saying something very disturbing. 709 00:35:50,133 --> 00:35:53,043 Seems a white farmer in Georgia had requested 710 00:35:53,062 --> 00:35:55,162 government assistance from Ms. Sherrod. 711 00:36:09,233 --> 00:36:14,102 Breitbart released a video in which 712 00:36:14,122 --> 00:36:16,213 Shirley Sherrod was giving a speech 713 00:36:16,233 --> 00:36:19,273 that appeared to disparage white people. 714 00:36:25,043 --> 00:36:27,222 Wow. Well, that is simply unacceptable, 715 00:36:27,242 --> 00:36:30,102 and Ms. Sherrod must resign immediately. 716 00:36:30,122 --> 00:36:32,073 The federal government cannot have skin color 717 00:36:32,093 --> 00:36:33,253 deciding any assistance. 718 00:36:33,273 --> 00:36:35,193 And the White House flinched. 719 00:36:35,213 --> 00:36:38,053 REPORTER: The reaction was swift and certain. 720 00:36:38,073 --> 00:36:40,133 White House official say the decision to fire 721 00:36:40,153 --> 00:36:43,053 this official was solely at the discretion 722 00:36:43,073 --> 00:36:46,043 of the Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack, 723 00:36:46,062 --> 00:36:48,093 but the President was briefed afterwards, 724 00:36:48,113 --> 00:36:51,202 and we're told, fully supports the decision. 725 00:36:51,222 --> 00:36:54,153 Do you feel as though you had an opportunity 726 00:36:54,173 --> 00:36:57,102 to state your side of the story? 727 00:36:58,162 --> 00:37:00,213 No, I didn't, the administration didn't-- 728 00:37:00,233 --> 00:37:04,122 They were not interested in hearing the truth. 729 00:37:05,093 --> 00:37:07,213 No one wanted to hear the truth. 730 00:37:07,233 --> 00:37:10,213 Everyone was running scared so much, 731 00:37:10,233 --> 00:37:14,043 with this story out there. 732 00:37:16,142 --> 00:37:19,073 You hear my words, but you don't realize 733 00:37:19,093 --> 00:37:23,242 he's cut it to make it appear that it had just happened, 734 00:37:23,262 --> 00:37:27,202 I was telling the story from 24 years earlier. 735 00:37:27,222 --> 00:37:31,082 You know, it was just total shock to me 736 00:37:31,102 --> 00:37:35,162 that someone would do what this guy did to me. 737 00:37:35,182 --> 00:37:39,153 This story is about the NAACP, 738 00:37:39,173 --> 00:37:42,233 this story is about the NAACP falsely accusing 739 00:37:42,253 --> 00:37:45,073 the Tea Party of being racist. 740 00:37:45,093 --> 00:37:47,142 Everyone is thinking I'm this terrible, 741 00:37:47,262 --> 00:37:48,273 terrible person. 742 00:37:49,053 --> 00:37:52,242 I've spent my whole life trying to help people. 743 00:37:52,262 --> 00:37:56,082 Racism is used by the left, and the Democratic Party 744 00:37:56,102 --> 00:37:58,142 to shut up opposition, and I am showing you 745 00:37:58,162 --> 00:38:00,113 that people who live in glass houses 746 00:38:00,133 --> 00:38:01,262 should not be throwing stones. 747 00:38:02,043 --> 00:38:05,093 As things unfolded I realized, you know, 748 00:38:05,113 --> 00:38:08,222 I was just a target that he was using 749 00:38:08,242 --> 00:38:10,233 to get at the President. 750 00:38:18,213 --> 00:38:23,093 Only after the fact do they realize that 751 00:38:23,113 --> 00:38:25,053 this video has been doctored. 752 00:38:25,073 --> 00:38:26,253 What appears to be an inflammatory 753 00:38:26,273 --> 00:38:32,093 anti-white speech is actually an empowering speech 754 00:38:32,113 --> 00:38:36,062 about the importance of understanding human beings 755 00:38:36,082 --> 00:38:38,262 as human beings irrespective of what they look like 756 00:38:39,043 --> 00:38:41,122 where they're from, or their background, 757 00:38:41,142 --> 00:38:43,222 and it's coming from a woman... 758 00:38:43,242 --> 00:38:46,053 who had experienced the worst of Southern racism. 759 00:38:47,233 --> 00:38:51,173 It was four to five years ago today 760 00:38:51,193 --> 00:38:54,093 that my father's funeral was held. 761 00:38:55,122 --> 00:38:58,202 I was a young girl at the age of 17 762 00:38:58,222 --> 00:39:00,262 when my father was murdered 763 00:39:01,043 --> 00:39:03,193 by a white man in Baker County. 764 00:39:06,053 --> 00:39:09,043 On the night of my father's death 765 00:39:09,062 --> 00:39:11,162 the thought just came into my head, 766 00:39:11,182 --> 00:39:15,093 you can give up your dream of living in the North, 767 00:39:15,113 --> 00:39:18,213 you can stay in the South, and devote your life 768 00:39:18,233 --> 00:39:20,162 to working for change. 769 00:39:20,182 --> 00:39:21,273 When I made that commitment, 770 00:39:22,053 --> 00:39:24,193 I was making that commitment to Black people. 771 00:39:25,162 --> 00:39:27,162 And to Black people only. 772 00:39:27,182 --> 00:39:30,253 But, you know, God will show you things, 773 00:39:30,273 --> 00:39:33,193 and he'll put things in your path so that... 774 00:39:34,233 --> 00:39:37,253 that you realize that the struggle 775 00:39:38,043 --> 00:39:39,262 -AUDIENCE MEMBER: Right. -...is really about poor people. 776 00:39:40,043 --> 00:39:41,122 AUDIENCE MEMBER: All right, all right. 777 00:39:41,142 --> 00:39:44,142 I decided to use... 778 00:39:45,213 --> 00:39:47,253 the story of my transformation 779 00:39:48,273 --> 00:39:51,093 to try to say to them 780 00:39:51,113 --> 00:39:54,153 if you look at all that I've been through, 781 00:39:54,173 --> 00:39:56,162 my father's murder, and all of this. 782 00:39:56,182 --> 00:39:59,173 If I can place that where it should be... 783 00:39:59,193 --> 00:40:03,182 now and try to work together, why can't we all do it? 784 00:40:06,133 --> 00:40:09,162 KEN: Here you have a Black woman, civil rights activist. 785 00:40:10,093 --> 00:40:11,153 In her family, 786 00:40:11,173 --> 00:40:13,182 you know, is this history of brutality, 787 00:40:13,202 --> 00:40:17,053 just the worst kind of racism that you ever wanna see... 788 00:40:18,122 --> 00:40:20,122 and the notion that the Obama Administration 789 00:40:20,142 --> 00:40:22,182 bought that this woman was perpetuating 790 00:40:22,202 --> 00:40:26,193 some sort of vengeful scheme against white people. 791 00:40:28,222 --> 00:40:30,262 They believed Andrew Breitbart, they believed the guy 792 00:40:31,043 --> 00:40:32,242 who actually was trying to do them in. 793 00:40:34,153 --> 00:40:37,093 It was sad that you would part with Shirley Sherrod, 794 00:40:37,113 --> 00:40:39,122 you know, who, in some really, you know, profound ways 795 00:40:39,142 --> 00:40:42,213 have made it possible for a Black president to exist. 796 00:40:42,233 --> 00:40:46,093 You know, in pursuit of people who don't like you, 797 00:40:46,113 --> 00:40:48,222 who will never like you, who will never believe you, 798 00:40:48,242 --> 00:40:52,122 who will never support you, who have never accepted you. 799 00:40:52,142 --> 00:40:55,133 Last week I had the chance to talk to Shirley Sherrod... 800 00:40:57,133 --> 00:41:00,093 an exemplary woman whose experiences marked 801 00:41:00,113 --> 00:41:03,133 both the challenges we have faced, 802 00:41:03,153 --> 00:41:05,102 and the progress that we've made. 803 00:41:07,202 --> 00:41:09,262 She deserves better than what happened last week. 804 00:41:10,173 --> 00:41:14,043 (CROWD APPLAUDS) 805 00:41:14,062 --> 00:41:17,233 Now, many are to blame for the reaction, 806 00:41:17,253 --> 00:41:21,173 and overreaction that followed these comments 807 00:41:21,193 --> 00:41:23,193 including my own administration. 808 00:41:25,142 --> 00:41:27,262 What I said to Shirley was that the full story 809 00:41:28,043 --> 00:41:29,062 she was trying to tell... 810 00:41:30,162 --> 00:41:34,053 a story about overcoming our own biases, 811 00:41:34,073 --> 00:41:37,043 and recognizing ourselves and folks who on the surface 812 00:41:37,062 --> 00:41:39,193 seem different, is exactly the kind of story 813 00:41:39,213 --> 00:41:41,043 we need to hear in America. 814 00:41:44,193 --> 00:41:46,182 That we can take an opportunity to learn 815 00:41:46,202 --> 00:41:51,073 from our imperfections, and our mistakes, 816 00:41:51,093 --> 00:41:54,193 And I'm confident that we can move forward together... 817 00:41:55,273 --> 00:41:58,082 and make this country a little more perfect 818 00:41:58,102 --> 00:41:59,122 than it was before. 819 00:42:04,162 --> 00:42:08,102 GLENN BECK: This country has spent far too long 820 00:42:08,122 --> 00:42:10,142 worried about scars, 821 00:42:10,162 --> 00:42:14,202 and thinking about the scars and concentrating on the scars. 822 00:42:14,222 --> 00:42:16,213 Today we are going to concentrate, 823 00:42:16,233 --> 00:42:18,222 on the good things in America. 824 00:42:18,242 --> 00:42:20,193 The things that we have accomplished, 825 00:42:20,213 --> 00:42:23,122 and the things that we can do tomorrow. 826 00:42:23,142 --> 00:42:25,113 Oh, huzzah! 827 00:42:25,133 --> 00:42:27,173 REPORTER: Roughly 87,000 people 828 00:42:27,193 --> 00:42:29,193 gathered here at this event today, 829 00:42:29,213 --> 00:42:32,073 that's the largest gathering here on the mall 830 00:42:32,093 --> 00:42:34,262 since President Obama was inaugurated. 831 00:42:35,043 --> 00:42:36,193 SARAH PALIN: It is so humbling to get 832 00:42:36,213 --> 00:42:39,113 to be here with you today patriots. 833 00:42:39,133 --> 00:42:44,082 You who are motivated, and engaged and concerned. 834 00:42:44,102 --> 00:42:47,053 REPORTER: Democrats are worried about an enthusiasm gap, 835 00:42:47,073 --> 00:42:48,213 headed into the fall elections, 836 00:42:48,233 --> 00:42:50,253 and judging by all the conservatives 837 00:42:50,273 --> 00:42:53,193 who are willing to board buses and head here to Washington, 838 00:42:53,213 --> 00:42:55,182 they should be. 839 00:42:55,202 --> 00:42:58,182 The influence of the Tea Party could be the story 840 00:42:58,202 --> 00:43:00,073 of campaign 2010. 841 00:43:00,093 --> 00:43:02,182 The movements have been turning voting anger 842 00:43:02,202 --> 00:43:04,122 into energy coast to coast. 843 00:43:06,093 --> 00:43:08,273 REPORTER: Several Tea Party groups have sparked criticism 844 00:43:09,053 --> 00:43:11,043 for using racist slurs and images 845 00:43:11,062 --> 00:43:12,173 at marches around the country. 846 00:43:12,193 --> 00:43:16,053 Organizers say each group sets its own agenda. 847 00:43:16,073 --> 00:43:19,093 REPORTER 2: The star attraction of today's Tea Party Express rally, 848 00:43:19,113 --> 00:43:21,053 Sarah Palin, whose endorsements 849 00:43:21,073 --> 00:43:23,133 have already helped 25 candidates 850 00:43:23,153 --> 00:43:25,053 win their primary races. 851 00:43:25,073 --> 00:43:28,113 Tea Party Americans, you're winning. 852 00:43:28,253 --> 00:43:30,053 You're winning. 853 00:43:31,182 --> 00:43:33,193 And the left, they just don't know 854 00:43:33,213 --> 00:43:35,233 what the heck to do with you. 855 00:43:35,253 --> 00:43:38,233 Are you fired up, and ready to go? 856 00:43:38,253 --> 00:43:41,253 REPORTER: For the first time since 2008, Michele Obama 857 00:43:41,273 --> 00:43:44,043 joined her husband on the campaign trail. 858 00:43:44,062 --> 00:43:46,233 The first lady's campaign swing is a shot in the arm 859 00:43:46,253 --> 00:43:48,122 for weary democrats, 860 00:43:48,142 --> 00:43:50,153 and her husband whose approval numbers, 861 00:43:50,173 --> 00:43:52,173 especially in battleground states, 862 00:43:52,193 --> 00:43:54,093 continue to sag. 863 00:43:54,113 --> 00:43:56,043 We'll see you. We'll see you. 864 00:43:56,062 --> 00:43:58,222 BARACK: Tuesday is Election Day, and here in Washington, 865 00:43:58,242 --> 00:44:01,242 the talk is all about who will win and who will lose 866 00:44:01,262 --> 00:44:04,043 about parties and politics. 867 00:44:04,062 --> 00:44:06,142 I believe it's the fundamental responsibility 868 00:44:06,162 --> 00:44:10,102 of all who hold elective office to seek out common ground. 869 00:44:10,122 --> 00:44:12,043 All right, everybody have a seat. 870 00:44:12,062 --> 00:44:13,273 JELANI: Time and time again, he's trying to find 871 00:44:14,053 --> 00:44:15,122 some sort of middle ground, 872 00:44:15,142 --> 00:44:17,193 only to realize that there is no middle ground. 873 00:44:17,213 --> 00:44:19,122 -STAFF MEMBER: Hello there, sir. -How are you? 874 00:44:19,142 --> 00:44:20,242 STAFF MEMBER: Good to see you this morning. 875 00:44:20,262 --> 00:44:23,082 JELANI: The Republicans are very much following the electorate. 876 00:44:23,102 --> 00:44:26,213 They don't want him to be successful in any way. 877 00:44:26,233 --> 00:44:30,193 When Mitch McConnell said that his main objective 878 00:44:30,213 --> 00:44:34,173 was to ensure that Barack Obama would be a one-term presidency, 879 00:44:34,193 --> 00:44:38,082 he was reflecting a really significant impulse 880 00:44:38,102 --> 00:44:41,053 among a not small number of white people 881 00:44:41,073 --> 00:44:42,162 in the United States. 882 00:44:42,182 --> 00:44:45,182 That Obama, by virtue in fact of who he was, 883 00:44:45,202 --> 00:44:49,102 was an illegitimate occupant of the White House. 884 00:44:54,062 --> 00:44:56,213 Our current president came out of nowhere. 885 00:44:56,233 --> 00:44:58,173 -Came out of nowhere. -AUDIENCE MEMBER: Kenya! 886 00:44:58,193 --> 00:45:00,053 In fact, I'll go a step further. 887 00:45:00,073 --> 00:45:01,173 The people that went to school with him, 888 00:45:01,193 --> 00:45:02,262 they don't even know, they never saw him, 889 00:45:03,043 --> 00:45:05,102 they don't know who he is, crazy. 890 00:45:09,093 --> 00:45:10,162 I heard “birther” this, 891 00:45:10,182 --> 00:45:11,253 and I keep saying what is “birther”? 892 00:45:12,043 --> 00:45:14,222 To people, like, what is this “birther” stuff? 893 00:45:14,242 --> 00:45:17,053 "You know, because Barack Obama wasn't born in Hawaii." 894 00:45:17,073 --> 00:45:18,253 What do you mean he wasn't born in Hawaii? 895 00:45:18,273 --> 00:45:22,062 Hey guys, I got a whole 300 and something classmates 896 00:45:22,082 --> 00:45:23,253 that we all grew up together, too. 897 00:45:23,273 --> 00:45:24,273 DONALD TRUMP ENTREPRENEUR 898 00:45:25,053 --> 00:45:26,073 People have birth certificates, 899 00:45:26,093 --> 00:45:27,113 he doesn't have a birth certificate. 900 00:45:27,133 --> 00:45:30,053 Now, he may have one, but there's something 901 00:45:30,073 --> 00:45:34,062 on that birth, maybe religion, maybe it says he's a Muslim, 902 00:45:34,082 --> 00:45:36,142 I don't know. 903 00:45:36,162 --> 00:45:38,173 Long ago, the President did release 904 00:45:38,193 --> 00:45:39,273 a certificate of live birth 905 00:45:40,053 --> 00:45:42,242 which many non-partisan watchdog groups say 906 00:45:42,262 --> 00:45:46,053 definitively proves he was born in the US. 907 00:45:46,073 --> 00:45:49,162 Just wanna be clear, I was born in Hawaii. 908 00:45:51,202 --> 00:45:55,043 Donald Trump didn't begin the birther movement, 909 00:45:55,062 --> 00:45:58,122 but he extended it, he gave it legs. 910 00:45:58,142 --> 00:46:00,262 He exacerbated the narrow 911 00:46:01,043 --> 00:46:02,193 and hateful positions 912 00:46:02,213 --> 00:46:05,102 on Obama that the Birthers had adopted. 913 00:46:05,122 --> 00:46:09,113 I heard he had terrible marks, and he ends up in Harvard. 914 00:46:09,133 --> 00:46:11,173 He wrote a book that was better than Ernest Hemingway, 915 00:46:11,193 --> 00:46:14,162 but his second book was written by an average person. 916 00:46:14,182 --> 00:46:16,133 Quite vigorously, and quite explicitly, 917 00:46:16,153 --> 00:46:19,093 Donald Trump had introduced racist rhetoric 918 00:46:19,113 --> 00:46:21,062 into the presidency 919 00:46:21,082 --> 00:46:23,182 by attacking Barack Obama as he did. 920 00:46:23,202 --> 00:46:26,142 Questioning his talent, questioning his skill, 921 00:46:26,162 --> 00:46:28,133 questioning his grades in school, 922 00:46:28,153 --> 00:46:29,162 which is kind of ironic. 923 00:46:29,182 --> 00:46:31,222 And, you know, I wrote many best sellers, 924 00:46:31,242 --> 00:46:33,273 and also number one best sellers including The Art of Deal, 925 00:46:34,053 --> 00:46:35,193 I know something about writing. 926 00:46:37,062 --> 00:46:38,253 -Hello, everybody. -Here's the President. 927 00:46:39,193 --> 00:46:40,202 Here he is! 928 00:46:42,073 --> 00:46:43,253 As many of you have been briefed, 929 00:46:45,093 --> 00:46:48,193 we provided additional information today 930 00:46:48,213 --> 00:46:52,122 about the site of my birth, 931 00:46:52,142 --> 00:46:56,053 and I have to say that over the last two and half years, 932 00:46:56,073 --> 00:46:57,262 I have watched with... 933 00:46:59,262 --> 00:47:00,262 bemusement, 934 00:47:01,222 --> 00:47:03,213 I've been puzzled at the degree 935 00:47:03,233 --> 00:47:06,173 to which this thing just kept on going. 936 00:47:08,053 --> 00:47:11,253 We've had every official in Hawaii, 937 00:47:11,273 --> 00:47:14,082 Democrat and Republican, 938 00:47:14,102 --> 00:47:19,062 every news outlet that has investigated this, 939 00:47:19,082 --> 00:47:23,102 confirmed that yes, in fact, I was born in Hawaii 940 00:47:23,122 --> 00:47:26,122 August 4th, 1961 in Kapiolani Hospital. 941 00:47:26,242 --> 00:47:28,233 We posted the... 942 00:47:30,233 --> 00:47:32,043 certification that is given 943 00:47:32,062 --> 00:47:34,273 by the State of Hawaii on the internet 944 00:47:35,053 --> 00:47:36,273 for everybody to see. 945 00:47:37,053 --> 00:47:40,162 I know that there's gonna be a segment of people, 946 00:47:40,182 --> 00:47:43,253 for which no matter what we put out, 947 00:47:43,273 --> 00:47:46,043 this issue will not be put to rest. 948 00:47:48,062 --> 00:47:50,073 But I'm speaking to the vast majority 949 00:47:50,093 --> 00:47:52,253 of the American people as well as to the press. 950 00:47:54,193 --> 00:47:57,102 We do not have time for this kind of silliness, 951 00:47:58,133 --> 00:48:00,133 we got better stuff to do. 952 00:48:00,153 --> 00:48:02,193 I think for a long time he treated those attacks... 953 00:48:02,213 --> 00:48:09,253 ...as yet another example of how stupid politics could be. 954 00:48:09,273 --> 00:48:13,053 That politics is a game, that, you know, 955 00:48:13,073 --> 00:48:15,193 it's filled with name-calling and insults. 956 00:48:15,213 --> 00:48:19,193 ♪ (MUSIC PLAYING) ♪ 957 00:48:19,213 --> 00:48:24,062 I think that Birther stuff from Trump got to him. 958 00:48:24,082 --> 00:48:26,213 I don't know if it made him angry because he never, 959 00:48:26,233 --> 00:48:28,073 I never really saw him get angry. 960 00:48:28,262 --> 00:48:32,073 My fellow Americans. 961 00:48:34,273 --> 00:48:36,193 But clearly, when we were writing 962 00:48:36,213 --> 00:48:38,193 his speech for the White House Correspondents' Dinner. 963 00:48:38,213 --> 00:48:40,153 Mahalo. 964 00:48:40,173 --> 00:48:42,202 We decided to make sure there were a lot of jokes 965 00:48:42,222 --> 00:48:44,182 in that speech about Donald Trump, 966 00:48:44,202 --> 00:48:48,253 And I know that he's taking some flak lately, 967 00:48:48,273 --> 00:48:51,213 but no one is happier, no one is prouder 968 00:48:52,182 --> 00:48:54,182 to put this birth certificate matter 969 00:48:54,202 --> 00:48:57,043 to rest than the Donald. 970 00:48:57,062 --> 00:49:00,202 And I can tell you that the president was delighted 971 00:49:00,222 --> 00:49:02,142 to tell those jokes. 972 00:49:02,162 --> 00:49:04,222 Say what you will about Mr. Trump, 973 00:49:04,242 --> 00:49:08,053 he certainly would bring some change to the White House. 974 00:49:08,073 --> 00:49:13,053 (CROWD CHUCKLING) 975 00:49:18,162 --> 00:49:23,202 I would describe President Obama as a still water that runs deep. 976 00:49:23,222 --> 00:49:26,233 That he has a very cool temperament and demeanor 977 00:49:26,253 --> 00:49:29,102 which requires strength because it's not 978 00:49:29,122 --> 00:49:31,253 that the emotion isn't there, it's just that he knows 979 00:49:31,273 --> 00:49:33,262 that it's important that he keep it under check. 980 00:49:36,262 --> 00:49:40,273 DAVID: There is something very writerly about him. 981 00:49:41,053 --> 00:49:43,202 Very self-examining, 982 00:49:43,222 --> 00:49:47,073 very careful in the way he talks, 983 00:49:47,093 --> 00:49:49,053 and to some people it seems formal, 984 00:49:49,073 --> 00:49:52,182 or arrogant or distant. 985 00:49:52,202 --> 00:49:55,053 It's not the typical fair in Washington. 986 00:49:56,073 --> 00:49:58,082 You know, I think that his self-confidence, 987 00:49:58,102 --> 00:50:02,193 came from nature and nurture. 988 00:50:02,213 --> 00:50:06,142 That self-confidence drove him all the way to the White House 989 00:50:06,162 --> 00:50:08,122 then would get him in trouble in the White House 990 00:50:08,142 --> 00:50:11,102 because it was thought that he didn't need people enough. 991 00:50:12,133 --> 00:50:14,062 KEEGAN KEY: There was something in the zeitgeist 992 00:50:14,082 --> 00:50:15,182 amongst the comedy community 993 00:50:15,202 --> 00:50:20,062 which was he seems so graceful and so competent. 994 00:50:20,082 --> 00:50:23,242 What is it that we're supposed to do to lampoon him? 995 00:50:23,262 --> 00:50:26,142 And I remember when I was on Mad TV, 996 00:50:26,162 --> 00:50:29,043 the only thing I could really wrap my head around 997 00:50:29,062 --> 00:50:31,213 was trying to figure out how to impersonate him. 998 00:50:31,233 --> 00:50:35,133 -(CROWD CHUCKLING) -Folks, we have hope, change, 999 00:50:36,073 --> 00:50:39,173 dignity, you, me. 1000 00:50:40,102 --> 00:50:42,173 Yes. Hooray. 1001 00:50:42,193 --> 00:50:44,233 It wasn't until Key and Peele, 1002 00:50:44,253 --> 00:50:46,193 where Jordan and I were going, okay. 1003 00:50:46,213 --> 00:50:48,153 So if he's that reserved, 1004 00:50:49,093 --> 00:50:51,173 what's happening on the inside? 1005 00:50:51,193 --> 00:50:56,222 We had to look outside of him to find the way into him. 1006 00:50:56,242 --> 00:50:58,273 How are others treating him? In particular, 1007 00:50:59,053 --> 00:51:01,102 how are white Americans treating him? 1008 00:51:01,122 --> 00:51:02,142 How are white Americans 1009 00:51:02,162 --> 00:51:04,202 in the other seats of power treating him? 1010 00:51:06,082 --> 00:51:09,053 And when that one senator said to him, 1011 00:51:09,073 --> 00:51:10,273 you know, "You lie." 1012 00:51:11,053 --> 00:51:12,262 That only happened for one reason. 1013 00:51:13,043 --> 00:51:15,182 That only happened for one reason. 1014 00:51:15,202 --> 00:51:18,133 You could think the President was an absolute buffoon, 1015 00:51:18,153 --> 00:51:20,202 and you wouldn't say that if he didn't have melanin 1016 00:51:20,222 --> 00:51:21,222 in his skin. 1017 00:51:21,242 --> 00:51:24,133 And for him to stand in a podium and go... 1018 00:51:25,162 --> 00:51:28,062 That's all he did! That's all he did. 1019 00:51:28,082 --> 00:51:29,262 Because you can't win. 1020 00:51:30,043 --> 00:51:33,202 If I overreact, I'm an angry Black man. 1021 00:51:33,222 --> 00:51:36,173 If I underreact, I'm ineffectual. 1022 00:51:36,193 --> 00:51:38,182 And Jordan and I said so if that-- 1023 00:51:38,202 --> 00:51:41,122 Okay, so we can identify with that. 1024 00:51:41,142 --> 00:51:42,273 How must that feel? 1025 00:51:43,053 --> 00:51:44,242 Good evening, my fellow Americans. 1026 00:51:45,142 --> 00:51:46,242 Now, before I begin, 1027 00:51:46,262 --> 00:51:49,142 I just want to say that I know a lot of people out there 1028 00:51:49,162 --> 00:51:52,153 seem to think that I don't get angry. 1029 00:51:52,173 --> 00:51:56,043 That's just not true. I get angry a lot. 1030 00:51:56,062 --> 00:51:58,102 It's just the way I express passion 1031 00:51:58,122 --> 00:51:59,242 is different from most. 1032 00:52:01,182 --> 00:52:03,153 So, just so there's no more confusion, 1033 00:52:03,173 --> 00:52:06,082 we've hired Luther here to be my anger translator. 1034 00:52:06,102 --> 00:52:07,113 -Luther. -Hi. 1035 00:52:07,133 --> 00:52:10,113 And that's where we came up with Luther, 1036 00:52:10,133 --> 00:52:13,242 with him being able to express his anger, 1037 00:52:13,262 --> 00:52:16,082 and his dissatisfaction through a surrogate. 1038 00:52:16,102 --> 00:52:18,093 I just want to say to my critics, 1039 00:52:18,113 --> 00:52:20,242 I hear your voices, and I'm aware of your concerns. 1040 00:52:20,262 --> 00:52:23,093 So maybe you can chill the hell out for like a second, 1041 00:52:23,113 --> 00:52:26,122 then maybe I can focus on some shit, you know? 1042 00:52:26,142 --> 00:52:27,202 That goes for everybody, 1043 00:52:27,222 --> 00:52:29,142 including members of the Tea Party. 1044 00:52:29,162 --> 00:52:30,153 Don't even get me started 1045 00:52:30,173 --> 00:52:31,242 on these motherfuckers right here. 1046 00:52:31,262 --> 00:52:34,053 I want to assure you, that we will be looking 1047 00:52:34,073 --> 00:52:36,062 for new compromises with the GOP 1048 00:52:36,082 --> 00:52:37,082 in the months ahead. 1049 00:52:37,102 --> 00:52:38,202 And you know these motherfuckers gonna say no 1050 00:52:38,222 --> 00:52:40,122 before I can even suggest some shit. 1051 00:52:40,142 --> 00:52:43,242 It's not an impersonation more than is an account 1052 00:52:43,262 --> 00:52:45,202 of how he's living through the world, 1053 00:52:45,222 --> 00:52:49,053 and through a small piece of problem-solving. 1054 00:52:49,073 --> 00:52:52,062 How can we problem-solve, and make his life easier? 1055 00:52:52,082 --> 00:52:54,182 I know, we'll do the screaming for him. 1056 00:52:54,202 --> 00:52:58,093 -I am not a Muslim. -And then you can't say, 1057 00:52:58,113 --> 00:53:00,262 "Told you. See? Look, uppity angry Black man." 1058 00:53:01,043 --> 00:53:03,173 But he's not. Luther's the angry uppity Black man. 1059 00:53:10,113 --> 00:53:12,122 REPORTER: Four years ago, Springfield. 1060 00:53:12,142 --> 00:53:14,202 -Cold. -It was freezing. 1061 00:53:14,222 --> 00:53:17,133 You declared your candidacy, and you said, 1062 00:53:17,153 --> 00:53:20,073 "The reason we've not met our challenges 1063 00:53:20,093 --> 00:53:24,073 is a failure of leadership, the smallness of our politics... 1064 00:53:24,093 --> 00:53:25,213 The ease of which we're distracted 1065 00:53:25,233 --> 00:53:28,242 by the petty and trivial, our chronic avoidance 1066 00:53:28,262 --> 00:53:30,242 of tough decisions, our preference 1067 00:53:30,262 --> 00:53:32,222 for scoring cheap political points 1068 00:53:32,242 --> 00:53:34,142 instead of rolling up our sleeves, 1069 00:53:34,162 --> 00:53:36,102 and building a working consensus, 1070 00:53:36,122 --> 00:53:39,082 to tackle the big problems of America. 1071 00:53:40,233 --> 00:53:43,273 REPORTER: Those were eloquent words, and true words. 1072 00:53:44,053 --> 00:53:47,222 Unfortunately, they're still largely true today. 1073 00:53:47,242 --> 00:53:49,102 Did you overpromise? 1074 00:53:49,122 --> 00:53:51,233 Did you underestimate how difficult this was gonna be? 1075 00:53:51,253 --> 00:53:54,242 I didn't overpromise, and I didn't underestimate 1076 00:53:54,262 --> 00:53:56,182 how tough this was gonna be. 1077 00:54:00,062 --> 00:54:05,173 I always believed that this was a long-term project. 1078 00:54:05,193 --> 00:54:09,213 The one thing I've prided myself on before I was president, 1079 00:54:09,233 --> 00:54:14,073 and it turns out that continues to be true as president, 1080 00:54:14,093 --> 00:54:15,242 I'm a persistent son of a gun. 1081 00:54:16,142 --> 00:54:17,222 I just stay at it, 1082 00:54:17,242 --> 00:54:19,142 and I'm just gonna keep on staying at it 1083 00:54:19,162 --> 00:54:22,262 as long as I'm in this office, and we're gonna get it right. 1084 00:54:23,043 --> 00:54:24,093 And America will succeed. 1085 00:54:24,113 --> 00:54:26,053 I am absolutely confident about that. 1086 00:54:56,073 --> 00:54:58,222 Man, Trayvon Martin was... 1087 00:55:00,193 --> 00:55:03,142 Trayvon Martin was such a sad situation, 1088 00:55:03,162 --> 00:55:05,202 simply because when you hear that 911 call... 1089 00:55:08,173 --> 00:55:11,202 That's everything that we as Black people, 1090 00:55:11,222 --> 00:55:13,073 especially Black men. 1091 00:55:13,093 --> 00:55:15,093 That's everything we tell you we experience, 1092 00:55:15,113 --> 00:55:18,113 but you hear it from the person who's actually doing it to us. 1093 00:55:21,213 --> 00:55:24,242 The racial profiling, the stereotyping, 1094 00:55:24,262 --> 00:55:27,213 seeing us in the neighborhood thinking we don't belong. 1095 00:55:32,253 --> 00:55:34,222 That's what we tell people we're experiencing, 1096 00:55:34,242 --> 00:55:38,233 but nobody believes it until they see it. 1097 00:55:40,062 --> 00:55:41,182 REPORTER 1: Was it self-defense, 1098 00:55:41,202 --> 00:55:44,062 or an unjustified overreaction? 1099 00:55:44,082 --> 00:55:46,142 That's the central question raised by the recent shooting 1100 00:55:46,162 --> 00:55:49,222 of a 17-year-old teenager in Florida by a member 1101 00:55:49,242 --> 00:55:51,102 of a neighborhood watch group. 1102 00:55:51,122 --> 00:55:53,102 REPORTER 2: Police got here within a minute 1103 00:55:53,122 --> 00:55:56,062 and found Trayvon Martin shot dead. 1104 00:55:56,082 --> 00:55:57,182 REPORTER 3: This shooter, George Zimmerman, 1105 00:55:57,202 --> 00:55:59,113 was questioned, but has not been arrested. 1106 00:55:59,133 --> 00:56:01,193 He holds a license to carry a concealed weapon, 1107 00:56:01,213 --> 00:56:04,082 and claims he fired in self-defense. 1108 00:56:04,102 --> 00:56:07,113 But the teen's family disputes that claim. 1109 00:56:07,133 --> 00:56:09,073 INTERVIEWER: If your son had been white, 1110 00:56:09,093 --> 00:56:12,053 do you think he would have been shot and killed that day? 1111 00:56:12,073 --> 00:56:14,053 -No. -Arrest Zimmerman now. 1112 00:56:14,073 --> 00:56:16,202 REPORTER 4: Outrage over the fatal shooting of Trayvon Martin 1113 00:56:16,222 --> 00:56:18,213 is spreading now around the country. 1114 00:56:18,233 --> 00:56:20,262 REPORTER 5: Late last night, the Department of Justice 1115 00:56:21,043 --> 00:56:23,102 announced that their civil rights division 1116 00:56:23,122 --> 00:56:25,233 and the FBI are opening a thorough 1117 00:56:25,253 --> 00:56:27,193 and independent investigation. 1118 00:56:27,213 --> 00:56:29,182 Our son is your son. 1119 00:56:29,202 --> 00:56:30,202 -Yes. -Hallelujah. 1120 00:56:30,222 --> 00:56:33,073 I want you guys to stand up for justice, 1121 00:56:33,093 --> 00:56:35,182 -and stand up for what's right. -Yeah! 1122 00:56:37,202 --> 00:56:40,253 Mr. President, will you comment on the Trayvon Martin case, sir? 1123 00:56:42,242 --> 00:56:46,043 Well, I'm the head of the executive branch, 1124 00:56:46,062 --> 00:56:49,213 and the Attorney General reports to me. 1125 00:56:49,233 --> 00:56:51,213 So, I got to be careful about my statements 1126 00:56:51,233 --> 00:56:55,182 to make sure that we're not impairing any investigation 1127 00:56:55,202 --> 00:56:57,053 that's taking place right now. 1128 00:56:58,273 --> 00:57:02,043 But obviously, this is a tragedy. 1129 00:57:03,233 --> 00:57:04,233 I can only imagine 1130 00:57:04,253 --> 00:57:06,273 what these parents are going through. 1131 00:57:10,182 --> 00:57:14,102 And when I think about this boy... 1132 00:57:15,262 --> 00:57:17,142 I think about my own kids. 1133 00:57:19,102 --> 00:57:21,142 You know, if I had son, he'd look like Trayvon. 1134 00:57:23,222 --> 00:57:28,193 And, you know, I think they are right to expect 1135 00:57:28,213 --> 00:57:34,162 that all of us, as Americans, are going to take this 1136 00:57:34,182 --> 00:57:36,053 with the seriousness it deserves, 1137 00:57:36,073 --> 00:57:37,182 and that we're going to get to the bottom 1138 00:57:37,202 --> 00:57:38,273 of exactly what happened. 1139 00:57:39,202 --> 00:57:41,053 All right. Thank you. 1140 00:57:46,073 --> 00:57:47,202 BRODERICK JOHNSON: At a very personal level, 1141 00:57:47,222 --> 00:57:52,073 what happened to Trayvon Martin, really affected President Obama. 1142 00:57:53,062 --> 00:57:55,062 And it's something that I as a, 1143 00:57:55,082 --> 00:57:57,153 you know, an African American man, 1144 00:57:57,173 --> 00:57:59,093 think about all the time. 1145 00:57:59,113 --> 00:58:02,133 That could have been one of my son's very easily. 1146 00:58:04,053 --> 00:58:07,082 He saw it in those very stark personal terms 1147 00:58:07,102 --> 00:58:08,262 and he talked about it that way. 1148 00:58:10,142 --> 00:58:12,253 CHARLAMAGNE: To us regular everyday people, 1149 00:58:12,273 --> 00:58:16,073 Trayvon Martin was a huge deal. Huge deal. 1150 00:58:16,093 --> 00:58:18,262 How many presidents would acknowledge that 1151 00:58:19,043 --> 00:58:20,193 on any given Sunday? 1152 00:58:20,213 --> 00:58:22,173 So, for him to do that, you know, 1153 00:58:22,193 --> 00:58:25,153 it was just a reminder, like, yo, that's a Black man. 1154 00:58:25,173 --> 00:58:28,113 ♪ (MELANCHOLIC MUSIC PLAYING) ♪ 1155 00:58:28,133 --> 00:58:30,233 The chair recognizes the gentleman from Illinois, 1156 00:58:30,253 --> 00:58:32,213 Mr. Rush, for five minutes 1157 00:58:34,053 --> 00:58:37,053 BOBBY RUSH: I thought that something was missing... 1158 00:58:39,182 --> 00:58:40,222 ...in his response. 1159 00:58:43,062 --> 00:58:47,233 Racial profiling has to stop, Mr. Speaker, 1160 00:58:48,202 --> 00:58:52,142 just because someone wears a hoodie, 1161 00:58:53,142 --> 00:58:56,153 does not make them a hoodlum. 1162 00:58:57,153 --> 00:59:01,122 The Bible teaches us, Mr. Speaker. 1163 00:59:01,142 --> 00:59:03,053 In the book of Micah 6:68... 1164 00:59:03,073 --> 00:59:04,262 GREGG HARPER: Member will-- The member will sustain. 1165 00:59:05,043 --> 00:59:06,242 -...these words. -(GAVEL POUNDS) 1166 00:59:06,262 --> 00:59:09,073 -The member will... -These words. 1167 00:59:09,093 --> 00:59:10,273 -The member... -"He had shown you, O man..." 1168 00:59:11,053 --> 00:59:12,182 -The member will suspend. -"...what is good." 1169 00:59:12,202 --> 00:59:14,122 -The chair must remind members... -"What does not--" 1170 00:59:14,142 --> 00:59:16,202 -...of Clause 5 of Rule 17. -"What does the Lord require of you..." 1171 00:59:16,222 --> 00:59:18,182 -The member got an order. -"...but to do justly 1172 00:59:18,202 --> 00:59:20,202 and to love mercy?" 1173 00:59:20,222 --> 00:59:22,253 My statement was delivered 1174 00:59:22,273 --> 00:59:26,193 to those young people out there who was demonstrating. 1175 00:59:26,213 --> 00:59:28,102 -What do we want? -Justice! 1176 00:59:28,122 --> 00:59:30,043 BOBBY: You know, some of us 1177 00:59:30,062 --> 00:59:33,043 feel as though that's what we need. 1178 00:59:33,062 --> 00:59:36,133 The assailant has not been charged, 1179 00:59:36,153 --> 00:59:37,262 something wrong with that. 1180 00:59:38,043 --> 00:59:41,162 We want arrest! We want arrest! 1181 00:59:41,182 --> 00:59:43,153 VALERIE JARRETT: President Obama was acutely aware 1182 00:59:43,173 --> 00:59:45,262 of the frustrations, and many quarters 1183 00:59:46,043 --> 00:59:47,173 that wanted him to be much more 1184 00:59:47,193 --> 00:59:49,213 forward-leaning and confrontational. 1185 00:59:51,262 --> 00:59:53,242 SHERRILYN: The president doesn't have the power 1186 00:59:53,262 --> 00:59:55,093 to go and order someone's arrest. 1187 00:59:55,113 --> 00:59:56,202 The president doesn't have that power. 1188 00:59:56,222 --> 00:59:57,242 We don't have a king. 1189 00:59:57,262 --> 01:00:00,253 We have a justice system that is deeply imperfect. 1190 01:00:02,202 --> 01:00:06,082 But he does have the power to just speak. 1191 01:00:06,102 --> 01:00:09,182 To speak in a way that tells us that we are seen, 1192 01:00:09,202 --> 01:00:12,043 that reminds us that he is human, 1193 01:00:12,062 --> 01:00:14,202 that reminds us that he understands 1194 01:00:14,222 --> 01:00:16,153 the shared nature of our struggle. 1195 01:00:19,073 --> 01:00:20,173 JELANI: I think that Barack Obama 1196 01:00:20,193 --> 01:00:26,133 almost inevitably was gonna be vested with 1197 01:00:26,153 --> 01:00:28,202 the weight of Black people's claim 1198 01:00:28,222 --> 01:00:30,162 on American society. 1199 01:00:30,182 --> 01:00:33,213 Everything has been denied to us... 1200 01:00:33,233 --> 01:00:37,133 starting with the right to even exist as free people. 1201 01:00:38,273 --> 01:00:42,062 And the lesson had been the less you talk openly 1202 01:00:42,082 --> 01:00:43,162 about race, the better. 1203 01:00:44,193 --> 01:00:46,053 Then Trayvon Martin was killed. 1204 01:00:48,073 --> 01:00:50,153 HENRY: W. E. B. Du Bois in one of the classics 1205 01:00:50,173 --> 01:00:53,093 of the Black tradition called The Souls of Black Folk 1206 01:00:53,113 --> 01:00:56,053 defined the double consciousness 1207 01:00:56,073 --> 01:00:57,253 of every African American. 1208 01:00:57,273 --> 01:01:01,093 And Du Bois said, "One ever feels his two-ness, 1209 01:01:01,113 --> 01:01:04,073 an American, a Negro. 1210 01:01:04,093 --> 01:01:08,082 Two warring ideals in one dark body." 1211 01:01:10,082 --> 01:01:13,233 There never has been a more classic example 1212 01:01:13,253 --> 01:01:16,262 of Du Bois's dilemma than Barack Obama 1213 01:01:17,043 --> 01:01:18,053 in the White House. 1214 01:01:19,193 --> 01:01:24,173 Bit by bit, he allows himself more sense of grief and outrage. 1215 01:01:25,242 --> 01:01:27,273 In the parameters of what he can... 1216 01:01:29,082 --> 01:01:31,093 see as possible as president. 1217 01:01:31,113 --> 01:01:32,253 He is President of the United States. 1218 01:01:32,273 --> 01:01:35,193 He is not a community activist, 1219 01:01:35,213 --> 01:01:38,043 he's not the leader of a social movement 1220 01:01:38,062 --> 01:01:40,043 to the frustration of many. 1221 01:01:40,062 --> 01:01:41,262 He's the President of the United States. 1222 01:01:42,043 --> 01:01:48,162 (CROWD CHEERS, APPLAUDS) 1223 01:01:48,182 --> 01:01:49,233 ♪ (MUSIC FADES) ♪ 1224 01:01:49,253 --> 01:01:53,062 CROWD: Four more years! Four more years! 1225 01:01:53,082 --> 01:01:56,222 BARRACK: We have come too far 1226 01:01:56,242 --> 01:02:00,222 to abandon the change we fought for these past few years. 1227 01:02:02,162 --> 01:02:03,253 We have to move forward... 1228 01:02:05,173 --> 01:02:08,193 to the future we imagined in 2008, 1229 01:02:08,213 --> 01:02:10,273 where everyone gets a fair shot, 1230 01:02:11,053 --> 01:02:13,153 and everyone does their fair share, 1231 01:02:13,173 --> 01:02:16,122 and everyone plays by the same rules. 1232 01:02:16,142 --> 01:02:18,242 That's the choice in this election 1233 01:02:18,262 --> 01:02:21,262 and that's why I'm running for a second term 1234 01:02:22,043 --> 01:02:24,142 as President of the United States. 1235 01:02:24,162 --> 01:02:28,062 ♪ (UPLIFTING MUSIC PLAYING) ♪ 1236 01:02:28,082 --> 01:02:31,062 REPORTER 6: Why do you think you deserve to be re-elected? 1237 01:02:31,082 --> 01:02:32,113 What did you accomplish? 1238 01:02:32,133 --> 01:02:34,222 Not only saving this country from a great depression, 1239 01:02:34,242 --> 01:02:36,262 not only saving the auto industry, 1240 01:02:37,043 --> 01:02:40,162 but putting in place a system in which 1241 01:02:40,182 --> 01:02:43,073 that we're gonna start lowering health care costs, 1242 01:02:43,093 --> 01:02:44,182 ending Don't Ask, Don't Tell. 1243 01:02:44,202 --> 01:02:46,182 This is done. 1244 01:02:46,202 --> 01:02:50,062 Decimating Al-Qaeda, including Bin Laden. 1245 01:02:50,082 --> 01:02:52,233 But when it comes to the economy, 1246 01:02:52,253 --> 01:02:58,053 we've got a lot more work to do, and we're gonna keep on at it. 1247 01:02:58,073 --> 01:03:00,142 REPORTER 7: Thanks to large leads among women, Hispanics, 1248 01:03:00,162 --> 01:03:01,182 and even independents, 1249 01:03:01,202 --> 01:03:04,173 the President begins with a 49-43 advantage 1250 01:03:04,193 --> 01:03:07,133 over presumptive GOP nominee, Mitt Romney. 1251 01:03:07,153 --> 01:03:08,242 But it's a six-point margin 1252 01:03:08,262 --> 01:03:11,073 that is, by no means, insurmountable. 1253 01:03:11,093 --> 01:03:14,182 Even if you like Barack Obama, we can't afford Barack Obama. 1254 01:03:14,202 --> 01:03:17,073 It's time to get someone that'll get this economy going, 1255 01:03:17,093 --> 01:03:19,073 and put the American people back to work 1256 01:03:19,093 --> 01:03:21,173 with good jobs and rising incomes. 1257 01:03:21,193 --> 01:03:23,082 REPORTER 8: A lot of African Americans 1258 01:03:23,102 --> 01:03:25,133 in this country are getting flat-out crushed 1259 01:03:25,153 --> 01:03:26,153 in this economy. 1260 01:03:26,173 --> 01:03:28,093 REPORTER 9: In 2008, African Americans 1261 01:03:28,113 --> 01:03:30,133 went to the polls in record numbers 1262 01:03:30,153 --> 01:03:32,093 but some people in the Black community feeling 1263 01:03:32,113 --> 01:03:35,162 a sense of disappointment now. The question is, 1264 01:03:35,182 --> 01:03:38,142 can the president hold on to the Black vote? 1265 01:03:38,162 --> 01:03:39,202 (CROWD CHEERING) 1266 01:03:39,222 --> 01:03:41,173 NEWS ANCHOR: Do you think there's a reasonable chance 1267 01:03:41,193 --> 01:03:43,062 that you could lose this election? 1268 01:03:43,082 --> 01:03:47,043 Oh, absolutely, I mean, this is gonna be a close race. 1269 01:03:48,053 --> 01:03:49,173 I take nothing for granted. 1270 01:03:49,193 --> 01:03:51,182 I'm gonna be working my tail off, 1271 01:03:51,202 --> 01:03:55,162 trying to present a clear choice to the American people. 1272 01:03:55,182 --> 01:03:57,222 The one thing I hope I'm able to communicate 1273 01:03:57,242 --> 01:04:00,133 in this campaign is that I'm not tired, 1274 01:04:00,153 --> 01:04:03,142 that I am, as eager every morning, 1275 01:04:03,162 --> 01:04:06,102 and as determined as I've ever been to work 1276 01:04:06,122 --> 01:04:08,173 as hard as I can on behalf of the American people. 1277 01:04:08,193 --> 01:04:10,173 -♪ (UPLIFTING MUSIC FADES) ♪ -(CROWD CHEERING, CHANTING) 1278 01:04:10,193 --> 01:04:13,153 Four more years! Four more years! 1279 01:04:13,173 --> 01:04:16,193 Four more years! Four more years! 1280 01:04:16,213 --> 01:04:19,202 Four more years! Four more years... 1281 01:04:19,222 --> 01:04:20,213 Thank you. 1282 01:04:22,053 --> 01:04:23,053 Thank you. 1283 01:04:25,253 --> 01:04:27,053 Thank you so much. 1284 01:04:30,193 --> 01:04:31,202 Tonight... 1285 01:04:33,082 --> 01:04:37,113 more than 200 years after a former colony 1286 01:04:37,133 --> 01:04:40,213 won the right to determine its own destiny... 1287 01:04:42,082 --> 01:04:46,182 the task of perfecting our union moves forward. 1288 01:04:48,093 --> 01:04:51,082 ♪ (INSPIRING MUSIC PLAYING) ♪ 1289 01:04:53,133 --> 01:04:55,153 ANNOUNCER: Ladies and gentlemen, the re-elected President 1290 01:04:55,173 --> 01:04:57,073 of the United States of America. 1291 01:04:57,093 --> 01:05:00,082 (CROWD CHEERS) 1292 01:05:03,102 --> 01:05:05,222 You know, I tried to picture myself 1293 01:05:06,162 --> 01:05:08,053 when I was your age, 1294 01:05:08,073 --> 01:05:11,182 and I first moved to Chicago at the age of 25. 1295 01:05:12,242 --> 01:05:15,062 And I had this vague inkling 1296 01:05:15,082 --> 01:05:16,102 about making a difference. 1297 01:05:16,122 --> 01:05:18,102 I didn't really know how to do it. 1298 01:05:18,122 --> 01:05:22,073 It's not that you guys actually remind me of myself, 1299 01:05:22,093 --> 01:05:25,173 it's the fact that you are so much better than I was. 1300 01:05:25,193 --> 01:05:28,043 You're just gonna do great things. 1301 01:05:28,062 --> 01:05:33,122 And that's why even before last night's results, 1302 01:05:33,142 --> 01:05:35,242 I felt that the work that I have done... 1303 01:05:37,162 --> 01:05:40,233 in running for office had come full circle... 1304 01:05:43,153 --> 01:05:48,233 because what you guys have done means that the work 1305 01:05:48,253 --> 01:05:50,193 that I'm doing is important. 1306 01:05:50,213 --> 01:05:51,233 (CAMERAS SHUTTER CLICKING) 1307 01:05:51,253 --> 01:05:53,222 And I'm really proud of that. 1308 01:05:53,242 --> 01:05:55,093 I'm really proud of all of you. 1309 01:05:56,053 --> 01:05:57,062 And... 1310 01:05:58,233 --> 01:06:00,043 (CAMERA SHUTTER CLICKS) 1311 01:06:00,062 --> 01:06:04,213 -(CROWD CHEERING, APPLAUDING) -And what you describe... 1312 01:06:04,233 --> 01:06:08,043 President Obama very quickly developed this moniker, 1313 01:06:08,062 --> 01:06:09,182 "No-drama Obama," 1314 01:06:09,202 --> 01:06:13,122 and he was seen as being very cool and very aloof. 1315 01:06:13,273 --> 01:06:15,073 Thank you, guys. 1316 01:06:16,133 --> 01:06:18,073 MICHELLE: He was a president 1317 01:06:18,093 --> 01:06:20,093 who shed tears. 1318 01:06:20,113 --> 01:06:22,262 He wasn't the first president to shed tears... 1319 01:06:24,053 --> 01:06:26,113 but he did so on several occasions 1320 01:06:27,043 --> 01:06:28,073 without apology. 1321 01:06:28,262 --> 01:06:30,253 ♪ (INSPIRING MUSIC FADES) ♪ 1322 01:06:30,273 --> 01:06:32,262 REPORTER: Connecticut State Police and SWAT teams 1323 01:06:33,043 --> 01:06:35,113 are now responding to a school shooting 1324 01:06:35,133 --> 01:06:37,222 at an elementary school in Newtown. 1325 01:06:37,242 --> 01:06:41,262 As of 10:30 Eastern, students were still being led, 1326 01:06:42,043 --> 01:06:44,262 as you see the students here, led from the school 1327 01:06:45,053 --> 01:06:47,153 by their teachers. 1328 01:06:47,173 --> 01:06:50,193 BARACK: I know there's not a parent in America 1329 01:06:50,213 --> 01:06:54,173 who doesn't feel the same overwhelming grief that I do. 1330 01:06:56,043 --> 01:06:58,233 The majority of those who died today were children... 1331 01:07:01,102 --> 01:07:03,053 beautiful little kids between the ages 1332 01:07:03,073 --> 01:07:05,113 of five and ten years old. 1333 01:07:05,133 --> 01:07:09,262 (CAMERA SHUTTERS CLICKING) 1334 01:07:12,233 --> 01:07:15,213 ♪ (MELANCHOLIC MUSIC PLAYING) ♪ 1335 01:07:16,273 --> 01:07:19,242 I think he-- he's level. 1336 01:07:19,262 --> 01:07:21,213 He's an extremely level dude. 1337 01:07:21,233 --> 01:07:23,222 You know, he don't get too hot 1338 01:07:23,242 --> 01:07:26,073 and he don't get, you know, too cold. 1339 01:07:28,202 --> 01:07:30,122 At the same time, he's a human being. 1340 01:07:32,133 --> 01:07:34,142 This evening, Michelle and I will do what I know 1341 01:07:34,162 --> 01:07:37,113 every parent in America will do, 1342 01:07:37,133 --> 01:07:39,142 which is hug our children a little tighter, 1343 01:07:40,182 --> 01:07:43,082 and we'll tell them that we love them, 1344 01:07:43,102 --> 01:07:46,273 and we'll remind each other how deeply we love one another. 1345 01:07:47,053 --> 01:07:48,202 But there are families in Connecticut 1346 01:07:48,222 --> 01:07:50,082 who cannot do that tonight. 1347 01:07:51,073 --> 01:07:53,202 And they need all of us right now. 1348 01:07:53,222 --> 01:07:57,102 Sandy Hook is, you know, I mean, you have a massacre, 1349 01:07:57,122 --> 01:07:59,093 you know, of children. 1350 01:08:00,242 --> 01:08:03,122 And the country is paralyzed in its ability 1351 01:08:03,142 --> 01:08:04,222 to do anything about it. 1352 01:08:06,102 --> 01:08:07,173 REPORTER: A poignant reminder today 1353 01:08:07,193 --> 01:08:11,102 of the toll that gun violence is taking on this nation. 1354 01:08:11,122 --> 01:08:14,082 Today, the First Lady was among those who gathered 1355 01:08:14,102 --> 01:08:17,093 in Chicago, to say goodbye to Hadiya Pendleton, 1356 01:08:17,112 --> 01:08:20,093 the teenager who was killed in a random shooting just a week 1357 01:08:20,112 --> 01:08:23,053 after performing at the president's inauguration. 1358 01:08:23,072 --> 01:08:25,232 I'm Hadiya from year 2015. 1359 01:08:28,063 --> 01:08:32,063 She was shot and killed in a place that's not too far 1360 01:08:32,082 --> 01:08:36,192 from where we all live on the south side of Chicago. 1361 01:08:37,152 --> 01:08:40,093 Hadiya Pendleton was me... 1362 01:08:41,223 --> 01:08:42,253 and I was her. 1363 01:08:45,093 --> 01:08:46,213 But I got to grow up. 1364 01:08:48,173 --> 01:08:51,242 MARTY: It made us all feel the need for... 1365 01:08:53,082 --> 01:08:58,072 fixing some of these deeply rooted problems. 1366 01:09:00,063 --> 01:09:01,112 BARACK: A few months ago, 1367 01:09:01,133 --> 01:09:03,242 in response to too many tragedies, 1368 01:09:03,263 --> 01:09:05,242 this country took up the cause of protecting 1369 01:09:05,263 --> 01:09:07,223 more of our people from gun violence. 1370 01:09:10,152 --> 01:09:12,242 Families that know unspeakable grief 1371 01:09:12,263 --> 01:09:16,162 summoned the courage to petition their elected leaders. 1372 01:09:18,072 --> 01:09:21,202 A few minutes ago, a minority in the United States Senate 1373 01:09:21,223 --> 01:09:24,122 decided it wasn't worth it. 1374 01:09:26,103 --> 01:09:28,242 They blocked common-sense gun reforms, 1375 01:09:28,263 --> 01:09:31,152 even while these families looked on 1376 01:09:31,173 --> 01:09:32,253 from the Senate Gallery. 1377 01:09:33,242 --> 01:09:35,192 There were no coherent arguments 1378 01:09:35,213 --> 01:09:39,063 as to why we wouldn't do this. It came down to politics. 1379 01:09:40,152 --> 01:09:42,192 So, all in all this was a pretty shameful day 1380 01:09:42,213 --> 01:09:43,263 for Washington. 1381 01:09:49,043 --> 01:09:51,213 ♪ (MELANCHOLIC MUSIC FADES) ♪ 1382 01:09:51,232 --> 01:09:54,253 CLERK: In the circuit court of the 18th Judicial Circuit 1383 01:09:54,272 --> 01:09:56,223 in and for Seminole County, Florida, 1384 01:09:56,242 --> 01:09:59,173 State of Florida versus George Zimmerman. 1385 01:09:59,192 --> 01:10:03,213 Verdict. We the jury find George Zimmerman not guilty. 1386 01:10:03,232 --> 01:10:06,223 -♪ (SOMBER MUSIC PLAYING) ♪ -(MOB CLAMORING) 1387 01:10:06,242 --> 01:10:09,272 Shooting death of Trayvon Martin in Sanford, Florida, 1388 01:10:10,053 --> 01:10:13,143 almost 17 months ago opened up emotional questions 1389 01:10:13,162 --> 01:10:15,082 about racial profiling, 1390 01:10:15,103 --> 01:10:17,232 and about a person's right to defend themselves. 1391 01:10:17,253 --> 01:10:19,053 Not one more! 1392 01:10:19,072 --> 01:10:21,213 REPORTER: It also sparks spirited demands for justice. 1393 01:10:21,232 --> 01:10:23,202 Now that justice has spoken, 1394 01:10:23,223 --> 01:10:26,162 those conversations have maybe even grown louder 1395 01:10:26,183 --> 01:10:28,152 as thousands have taken to the streets 1396 01:10:28,173 --> 01:10:30,112 in cities coast-to-coast. 1397 01:10:30,133 --> 01:10:34,072 Obama, I hope that you are looking. 1398 01:10:34,093 --> 01:10:37,223 -I hope that you are looking. -You know, I hope he burn hell! 1399 01:10:37,242 --> 01:10:40,213 (INDISTINCT CHATTER) 1400 01:10:40,232 --> 01:10:43,242 To see George Zimmerman get off, it's like... 1401 01:10:45,043 --> 01:10:47,223 I don't know what more 1402 01:10:48,192 --> 01:10:50,043 y'all needed to see? 1403 01:10:50,242 --> 01:10:52,202 That was a tough one to swallow. 1404 01:10:53,122 --> 01:10:55,112 (MOB CLAMORING) 1405 01:10:55,133 --> 01:10:57,082 REPORTER: There were calls for President Obama 1406 01:10:57,103 --> 01:10:59,192 to speak out in the wake of the verdict all week, 1407 01:10:59,213 --> 01:11:02,202 especially from within the African American community, 1408 01:11:02,223 --> 01:11:05,082 and White House officials tell me 1409 01:11:05,103 --> 01:11:07,232 that President Obama was watching the reaction 1410 01:11:07,253 --> 01:11:10,253 to the verdict since it came down last weekend. 1411 01:11:10,272 --> 01:11:14,122 So, he surprised us all by stepping behind the podium 1412 01:11:14,143 --> 01:11:16,043 this afternoon. 1413 01:11:16,063 --> 01:11:17,152 ♪ (SOMBER MUSIC FADES) ♪ 1414 01:11:17,173 --> 01:11:20,082 The reason I actually wanted to come out today 1415 01:11:20,103 --> 01:11:24,143 is not to take questions, but to speak to an issue 1416 01:11:24,162 --> 01:11:26,043 that obviously has gotten a lot of attention 1417 01:11:26,063 --> 01:11:27,192 over the course of the last week, 1418 01:11:27,213 --> 01:11:30,112 the issue of the Trayvon Martin ruling. 1419 01:11:31,112 --> 01:11:34,063 -(CAMERA SHUTTERS CLICKING) -You know... 1420 01:11:34,272 --> 01:11:36,242 ♪ (SOMBER MUSIC PLAYING) ♪ 1421 01:11:36,263 --> 01:11:40,082 BARACK: ...when Trayvon Martin was first shot, 1422 01:11:40,103 --> 01:11:42,173 I said that this could have been my son. 1423 01:11:44,152 --> 01:11:46,122 Another way of saying that is, 1424 01:11:46,143 --> 01:11:50,053 Trayvon Martin could've been me 35 years ago. 1425 01:11:51,072 --> 01:11:53,263 And when you think about why, 1426 01:11:54,043 --> 01:11:56,173 in the African American community at least, 1427 01:11:56,192 --> 01:12:00,152 there's a lot of pain around what happened here, 1428 01:12:00,173 --> 01:12:03,043 I think it's important to recognize that... 1429 01:12:04,103 --> 01:12:06,183 the African American community is looking 1430 01:12:06,202 --> 01:12:10,093 at this issue through a set of experiences 1431 01:12:10,112 --> 01:12:13,053 and a history that... 1432 01:12:13,072 --> 01:12:16,043 (INDISTINCT CHATTER) 1433 01:12:16,063 --> 01:12:17,202 BARACK: ...that doesn't go away. 1434 01:12:20,242 --> 01:12:23,072 There are very few African American men 1435 01:12:23,093 --> 01:12:26,263 in this country who haven't had the experience of being followed 1436 01:12:27,043 --> 01:12:28,253 when they were shopping in a department store. 1437 01:12:29,183 --> 01:12:31,152 That includes me. 1438 01:12:31,173 --> 01:12:33,192 There are very few African American men 1439 01:12:33,213 --> 01:12:37,112 who haven't had the experience of walking across the street, 1440 01:12:37,133 --> 01:12:41,162 and hearing the locks click on the doors of cars. 1441 01:12:42,152 --> 01:12:47,043 And those sets of experiences inform 1442 01:12:47,063 --> 01:12:50,223 how the African American community interprets... 1443 01:12:52,162 --> 01:12:55,072 what happened one night in Florida. 1444 01:12:55,232 --> 01:12:57,152 (MOB CHANTS) 1445 01:12:57,173 --> 01:12:58,253 BARACK: I think it's understandable 1446 01:12:58,272 --> 01:13:01,122 that there have been demonstrations, 1447 01:13:01,143 --> 01:13:03,162 and vigils and protests. 1448 01:13:03,183 --> 01:13:05,072 Not one more! 1449 01:13:05,093 --> 01:13:08,143 BARACK: But beyond protests or vigils, the question is, 1450 01:13:08,162 --> 01:13:11,173 are there some concrete things that we might be able to do? 1451 01:13:11,192 --> 01:13:13,103 We need to spend some time in thinking 1452 01:13:13,122 --> 01:13:16,253 about how do we bolster and reinforce 1453 01:13:17,183 --> 01:13:19,202 our African American boys. 1454 01:13:19,223 --> 01:13:22,232 And is there more that we can do to... 1455 01:13:24,043 --> 01:13:26,242 give them a sense that... 1456 01:13:28,162 --> 01:13:30,053 their country cares about them? 1457 01:13:37,242 --> 01:13:39,063 ANTHONY PETERSON: You never know 1458 01:13:39,082 --> 01:13:41,103 when people sign your high school yearbook 1459 01:13:41,122 --> 01:13:43,043 who's gonna be signing it. 1460 01:13:43,063 --> 01:13:45,053 I didn't know that I was gonna go to school 1461 01:13:45,072 --> 01:13:47,043 with someone who was gonna be president. 1462 01:13:47,063 --> 01:13:49,152 And certainly didn't think, 1463 01:13:49,173 --> 01:13:52,152 Barry Obama would be that person, 1464 01:13:52,173 --> 01:13:56,043 not because of any level of competence 1465 01:13:56,063 --> 01:13:58,272 but because he was gonna be a basketball player. 1466 01:13:59,053 --> 01:14:01,253 So, this is what he wrote in my yearbook. 1467 01:14:01,272 --> 01:14:05,223 He says, "Tony, man, I sure am glad I got to know you 1468 01:14:05,242 --> 01:14:09,082 before you left, all those ethnic corners, 1469 01:14:09,103 --> 01:14:11,223 trips to the snack bar, and playing ball 1470 01:14:11,242 --> 01:14:14,213 made the year a lot more enjoyable." 1471 01:14:14,232 --> 01:14:16,272 "Anyway, it's been great knowing you 1472 01:14:17,053 --> 01:14:19,063 and I hope we keep in touch. 1473 01:14:19,082 --> 01:14:22,232 Good luck in everything you do, and get that law degree. 1474 01:14:22,253 --> 01:14:25,183 Someday when I'm an all-pro basketballer 1475 01:14:25,202 --> 01:14:27,192 and I want sue my team for my money, 1476 01:14:27,213 --> 01:14:30,162 I'll call on you. Friends always, Barry." 1477 01:14:32,112 --> 01:14:36,082 I have some friends who do character education 1478 01:14:36,103 --> 01:14:38,213 in high schools and most of these kids 1479 01:14:38,232 --> 01:14:41,192 we're talking about are African American students, 1480 01:14:41,213 --> 01:14:45,162 and they sometimes have me come out and bring my yearbook. 1481 01:14:45,183 --> 01:14:49,093 The question that gets asked is, "Do you think this guy 1482 01:14:49,112 --> 01:14:52,122 who wrote this became an NBA player?" 1483 01:14:52,143 --> 01:14:55,173 And they'll say, "No," because everybody wants 1484 01:14:55,192 --> 01:15:00,253 to be an NBA player and only a handful of people get there. 1485 01:15:00,272 --> 01:15:04,183 And the next question that's asked is, 1486 01:15:04,202 --> 01:15:06,173 "What do you think happened to this guy?" 1487 01:15:07,103 --> 01:15:10,043 And the answer usually is, 1488 01:15:10,063 --> 01:15:12,082 he's either in jail or he's dead. 1489 01:15:13,202 --> 01:15:16,103 -Good afternoon. -Good afternoon. 1490 01:15:16,122 --> 01:15:18,103 My name is Christian Champagne. 1491 01:15:18,122 --> 01:15:22,242 I'm 18. I'm a senior currently at High Park Academy. 1492 01:15:22,263 --> 01:15:25,232 Last February, President Obama sat down with us 1493 01:15:25,253 --> 01:15:27,183 and shared his story. 1494 01:15:27,202 --> 01:15:30,043 And to my surprise, he was just like me, 1495 01:15:30,063 --> 01:15:31,253 growing up without a father. 1496 01:15:31,272 --> 01:15:34,202 And sometimes not too concerned with school. 1497 01:15:35,162 --> 01:15:39,263 -(CROWD LAUGHING) -(LAUGHS) 1498 01:15:44,232 --> 01:15:45,232 That's true. 1499 01:15:47,122 --> 01:15:49,133 ♪ (INSPIRING MUSIC PLAYING) ♪ 1500 01:15:49,152 --> 01:15:50,263 DAVID: The most compelling interactions 1501 01:15:51,043 --> 01:15:55,202 I ever saw Barack Obama have was with young, Black men, 1502 01:15:55,223 --> 01:15:59,232 particularly young, Black men who didn't have fathers 1503 01:15:59,253 --> 01:16:01,202 like he didn't have a father. 1504 01:16:03,213 --> 01:16:05,232 MICHELLE: He was on the South Side of Chicago, 1505 01:16:05,253 --> 01:16:07,152 and he's sitting in a circle 1506 01:16:07,173 --> 01:16:09,082 and he's talking to these young men, 1507 01:16:09,103 --> 01:16:10,263 and he's talking about his own life. 1508 01:16:11,043 --> 01:16:12,223 And he's talking about his own struggles, 1509 01:16:12,242 --> 01:16:14,253 and his search for confidence. 1510 01:16:15,242 --> 01:16:18,192 And he said, you know, I'm you. 1511 01:16:19,133 --> 01:16:20,272 That's not something 1512 01:16:21,053 --> 01:16:22,223 that you traditionally have heard 1513 01:16:22,242 --> 01:16:26,072 a president say to a roomful of young Black men. 1514 01:16:26,093 --> 01:16:28,112 Meeting the President, and have him tell me 1515 01:16:28,133 --> 01:16:31,043 that my life now is not different 1516 01:16:31,063 --> 01:16:32,192 from the way his was 1517 01:16:32,213 --> 01:16:35,202 made me realize I have potential too. 1518 01:16:35,223 --> 01:16:38,082 Ladies and gentlemen, I now have the honor 1519 01:16:38,103 --> 01:16:39,122 of introducing you 1520 01:16:39,143 --> 01:16:40,263 to the President of the United States. 1521 01:16:41,043 --> 01:16:43,133 -(CROWD CHEERS APPLAUDS) -Good job. Good job. 1522 01:16:43,152 --> 01:16:45,253 I'm proud of you, man. 1523 01:16:45,272 --> 01:16:47,253 BRODERICK: I remember the very distinct conversation 1524 01:16:47,272 --> 01:16:52,082 that he and I had not long after he'd been inaugurated 1525 01:16:52,103 --> 01:16:54,253 for the second term. And he said, you know, 1526 01:16:54,272 --> 01:16:57,053 in this second term, I'm gonna do something. 1527 01:16:58,133 --> 01:17:01,133 Recognizing that historically 1528 01:17:01,152 --> 01:17:04,232 countless boys and young men of color especially 1529 01:17:04,253 --> 01:17:07,253 are shut out of opportunities in this country. 1530 01:17:07,272 --> 01:17:11,183 And recognizing that this country is not 1531 01:17:12,093 --> 01:17:14,053 what it should be. 1532 01:17:14,072 --> 01:17:15,242 ♪ (INSPIRING MUSIC FADES) ♪ 1533 01:17:15,263 --> 01:17:17,242 OBAMA: Fifty years after Dr. King talked 1534 01:17:17,263 --> 01:17:21,072 about his dream for America's children, 1535 01:17:21,093 --> 01:17:23,173 the stubborn fact is, that the life chances 1536 01:17:23,192 --> 01:17:26,162 the average Black or brown child in this country 1537 01:17:26,183 --> 01:17:29,173 lags behind by almost every measure 1538 01:17:29,192 --> 01:17:32,072 and is worse for boys and young men. 1539 01:17:33,253 --> 01:17:35,063 If you're African American, 1540 01:17:35,082 --> 01:17:37,072 there's about one in two chance you grow up 1541 01:17:37,093 --> 01:17:39,072 without a father in your house. 1542 01:17:39,093 --> 01:17:41,112 We know that boys who grew up without a father 1543 01:17:41,133 --> 01:17:42,162 are more likely to be poor, 1544 01:17:42,183 --> 01:17:45,063 more likely to underperform in school. 1545 01:17:45,082 --> 01:17:46,242 There's a higher chance you end up 1546 01:17:46,263 --> 01:17:49,043 in the criminal justice system. 1547 01:17:49,063 --> 01:17:51,232 And a far higher chance that you are the victim 1548 01:17:51,253 --> 01:17:53,242 of a violent crime. 1549 01:17:53,263 --> 01:17:56,242 And all of this translates into a higher unemployment rates 1550 01:17:56,263 --> 01:17:59,133 and poverty rates as adults. 1551 01:18:01,122 --> 01:18:03,112 These statistics should break our hearts, 1552 01:18:04,093 --> 01:18:05,242 and they should compel us to act. 1553 01:18:07,093 --> 01:18:08,143 And that's what My Brother's Keeper 1554 01:18:08,162 --> 01:18:09,192 is all about. 1555 01:18:09,213 --> 01:18:12,122 If we help these wonderful, young men 1556 01:18:12,143 --> 01:18:13,253 become better husbands and fathers, 1557 01:18:13,272 --> 01:18:17,122 and well-educated, hardworking, good citizens... 1558 01:18:19,043 --> 01:18:20,162 then not only will they contribute 1559 01:18:20,183 --> 01:18:22,072 to the growth, and prosperity of this country 1560 01:18:22,093 --> 01:18:23,213 but they will pass on those lessons 1561 01:18:23,232 --> 01:18:25,103 onto their children, 1562 01:18:25,122 --> 01:18:27,063 onto their grandchildren. 1563 01:18:27,082 --> 01:18:29,162 And this country will be richer and stronger for it 1564 01:18:29,183 --> 01:18:31,133 for generations to come. 1565 01:18:31,152 --> 01:18:34,043 So, let's get going. Thank you, God bless you. 1566 01:18:34,063 --> 01:18:36,053 God bless the United States of America. 1567 01:18:36,072 --> 01:18:38,162 (CROWD APPLAUDS) 1568 01:18:40,133 --> 01:18:43,103 (INDISTINCT CHATTER) 1569 01:18:45,263 --> 01:18:47,143 CROWD: (CHANTING) No justice, no peace! 1570 01:18:47,162 --> 01:18:51,152 -No justice, no peace! -No justice, no peace! 1571 01:18:51,173 --> 01:18:53,192 -No justice, no peace! -No justice, no peace! 1572 01:18:53,213 --> 01:18:55,263 REPORTER 1: Tensions are high after an unarmed teenager 1573 01:18:56,043 --> 01:18:57,223 was shot dead by a police officer. 1574 01:18:57,242 --> 01:19:00,232 REPORTER 2: Eighteen-year-old Michael Brown, just days away 1575 01:19:00,253 --> 01:19:03,263 from starting college, lay dead in the street. 1576 01:19:04,043 --> 01:19:06,082 The teen's mother, inconsolable. 1577 01:19:06,103 --> 01:19:08,112 Why? Why did I do it? Why? 1578 01:19:08,133 --> 01:19:10,082 LEZLEY MCSPADDEN: You took my son away from me. 1579 01:19:10,103 --> 01:19:12,173 You know how hard it was for me to get him 1580 01:19:12,192 --> 01:19:14,133 to stay in school and graduate? 1581 01:19:14,152 --> 01:19:17,063 You know how many Black men graduate? 1582 01:19:18,082 --> 01:19:19,242 Not many. 1583 01:19:19,263 --> 01:19:22,162 Because you bring them down of this type of level 1584 01:19:22,183 --> 01:19:23,183 where they feel like 1585 01:19:23,202 --> 01:19:25,143 I don't got nothing to live for anyway. 1586 01:19:25,162 --> 01:19:27,152 They're gonna try to take me out anyway. 1587 01:19:27,173 --> 01:19:30,242 CROWD: (CHANTING) No justice, no peace. No justice, no peace! 1588 01:19:30,263 --> 01:19:33,043 DERAY MCKESSON: When I think about Black Lives Matter, 1589 01:19:33,063 --> 01:19:34,103 what is always important to remember 1590 01:19:34,122 --> 01:19:36,143 is that there is no movement without what happened 1591 01:19:36,162 --> 01:19:39,232 in Ferguson, that like that is the spark, 1592 01:19:39,253 --> 01:19:40,272 it is the impetus. 1593 01:19:41,053 --> 01:19:43,183 -Hands up. Hands up. -Don't shoot! Don't shoot! 1594 01:19:43,202 --> 01:19:45,183 DERAY: It was a movement born of the police 1595 01:19:45,202 --> 01:19:46,272 killing people on the street, 1596 01:19:47,053 --> 01:19:48,152 that is we got people in the street, 1597 01:19:48,173 --> 01:19:49,253 it's what kept people in the street. 1598 01:19:49,272 --> 01:19:51,043 (INDISTINCT CHATTER) 1599 01:19:51,063 --> 01:19:53,192 It was organic, and the protest spread organically 1600 01:19:53,213 --> 01:19:55,043 across the country. 1601 01:19:55,063 --> 01:19:57,043 -Sixteen shots. Sixteen shots. -Sixteen shots. Sixteen shots. 1602 01:19:57,063 --> 01:19:58,213 REPORTER: Across the country this weekend, 1603 01:19:58,232 --> 01:20:00,093 Americans taking to the streets 1604 01:20:00,112 --> 01:20:03,093 over what has become a pressing national issue. 1605 01:20:03,112 --> 01:20:05,213 The use of lethal force by police. 1606 01:20:05,232 --> 01:20:08,053 Protests have been going on from coast to coast 1607 01:20:08,072 --> 01:20:10,162 over a series of controversial cases. 1608 01:20:11,103 --> 01:20:13,133 ♪ (TENSE MUSIC PLAYING) ♪ 1609 01:20:13,152 --> 01:20:16,053 ELIZABETH: I think about all of these young people 1610 01:20:16,072 --> 01:20:18,253 who have grown up watching the violation of young, 1611 01:20:18,272 --> 01:20:20,183 Black men on their phones 1612 01:20:20,202 --> 01:20:22,183 over and over and over, and over again, 1613 01:20:22,202 --> 01:20:26,103 being inundated, with their vulnerability. 1614 01:20:26,122 --> 01:20:29,082 (MOB CLAMORING) 1615 01:20:29,103 --> 01:20:32,162 DERAY: In August, September, October, and November 2014, 1616 01:20:32,183 --> 01:20:34,072 there were a lot of people who didn't believe us. 1617 01:20:34,093 --> 01:20:35,173 There were a lot of people who thought 1618 01:20:35,192 --> 01:20:36,242 it was interesting what was happening 1619 01:20:36,263 --> 01:20:38,263 in the street, but they thought we were being dramatic. 1620 01:20:40,192 --> 01:20:42,072 I remember people telling us, 1621 01:20:42,093 --> 01:20:43,143 "Don't bring this to their city," 1622 01:20:43,162 --> 01:20:44,202 and we're like, "What you mean? 1623 01:20:44,223 --> 01:20:46,103 The police are killing people in your city, 1624 01:20:46,122 --> 01:20:47,133 we don't have to bring it there, 1625 01:20:47,152 --> 01:20:48,232 like, we're just highlighting this, 1626 01:20:48,253 --> 01:20:51,223 like we didn't do this." 1627 01:20:51,242 --> 01:20:54,232 ELIZABETH: I think that so many of the young people of this country 1628 01:20:54,253 --> 01:20:57,213 are in a post-traumatic depression. 1629 01:20:58,192 --> 01:20:59,253 I think it's a generation, 1630 01:20:59,272 --> 01:21:03,072 and I think we have to really, really understand and listen 1631 01:21:03,093 --> 01:21:05,093 to what those young people are dealing with 1632 01:21:05,112 --> 01:21:06,272 because we don't yet have answers 1633 01:21:07,053 --> 01:21:09,043 for how to keep them safe. 1634 01:21:09,063 --> 01:21:12,213 And how to have their humanity recognized 1635 01:21:12,232 --> 01:21:15,093 in their brown male bodies. 1636 01:21:19,103 --> 01:21:20,183 NEWS ANCHOR: You didn't start this. 1637 01:21:20,202 --> 01:21:23,093 This problem didn't begin under your watch. 1638 01:21:23,112 --> 01:21:25,263 This is incredibly persistent and pervasive. 1639 01:21:26,043 --> 01:21:27,072 -Yeah. -But how much of it 1640 01:21:27,093 --> 01:21:30,103 does your administration feel you're responsible 1641 01:21:30,122 --> 01:21:31,253 for making an impact on? 1642 01:21:31,272 --> 01:21:34,162 Well, I think an enormous amount, 1643 01:21:34,183 --> 01:21:38,263 not just because as president you're always responsible 1644 01:21:39,043 --> 01:21:42,063 for what happens in this country 1645 01:21:42,082 --> 01:21:44,093 and you got to be part of the solution, 1646 01:21:44,112 --> 01:21:45,152 not part of the problem. 1647 01:21:46,103 --> 01:21:50,053 But because of my particular 1648 01:21:50,072 --> 01:21:53,103 experiences that I bring to this office. 1649 01:21:53,122 --> 01:21:55,173 You know, part of the reason I got into politics 1650 01:21:55,192 --> 01:21:57,223 was to figure out how can I 1651 01:21:57,242 --> 01:21:59,223 bridge some of those gaps and understandings, 1652 01:21:59,242 --> 01:22:03,183 so that the larger country understands this is not just 1653 01:22:03,202 --> 01:22:05,183 a Black problem or a brown problem, 1654 01:22:05,202 --> 01:22:06,253 this is an American problem. 1655 01:22:09,112 --> 01:22:12,043 REPORTER 1: Today we finally got the full and damning report 1656 01:22:12,063 --> 01:22:14,223 from the feds that alleges in detail the pattern 1657 01:22:14,242 --> 01:22:17,263 of racial bias among authorities in Ferguson, Missouri. 1658 01:22:18,043 --> 01:22:20,253 African Americans representing 93 percent of arrests, 1659 01:22:20,272 --> 01:22:24,232 90 percent or citations, 85 percent of all traffic stops 1660 01:22:24,253 --> 01:22:27,152 and 88 percent of all use of force incidents. 1661 01:22:28,253 --> 01:22:31,223 REPORTER 2: The report also detailing racist emails 1662 01:22:31,242 --> 01:22:33,152 sent by city employees. 1663 01:22:33,173 --> 01:22:36,082 One describing the President of the United States 1664 01:22:36,103 --> 01:22:38,103 as a chimpanzee. 1665 01:22:38,122 --> 01:22:40,232 There are places and moments in America 1666 01:22:40,253 --> 01:22:44,093 where this nation's destiny has been decided. 1667 01:22:46,162 --> 01:22:48,122 Selma is such a place. 1668 01:22:49,162 --> 01:22:51,112 We gather here to honor the courage 1669 01:22:51,133 --> 01:22:52,173 of ordinary Americans 1670 01:22:52,192 --> 01:22:55,152 willing to endure billy clubs 1671 01:22:55,173 --> 01:22:57,043 and the chastening rod, 1672 01:22:58,112 --> 01:23:00,133 tear gas and the trampling hoof. 1673 01:23:00,152 --> 01:23:02,173 Men and women who despite the gush of blood 1674 01:23:02,192 --> 01:23:04,183 and splintered bone would stay true 1675 01:23:04,202 --> 01:23:07,242 to their north star and keep marching towards justice. 1676 01:23:07,263 --> 01:23:09,242 -What do we want? -Justice. 1677 01:23:09,263 --> 01:23:11,202 -When do we want it? -Now. 1678 01:23:11,223 --> 01:23:14,043 BARACK: If Selma taught us anything, 1679 01:23:14,063 --> 01:23:15,272 it's that our work is never done. 1680 01:23:16,053 --> 01:23:18,043 CROWD: No racist NYPD! 1681 01:23:18,063 --> 01:23:20,112 The American experiment in self-government 1682 01:23:20,133 --> 01:23:23,043 gives work and purpose to each generation. 1683 01:23:24,192 --> 01:23:26,122 And this is work for all Americans, 1684 01:23:26,143 --> 01:23:29,223 not just some, not just whites, 1685 01:23:30,143 --> 01:23:31,202 not just Blacks. 1686 01:23:33,103 --> 01:23:36,183 If we want to honor the courage of those who marched that day, 1687 01:23:36,202 --> 01:23:38,223 then all of us are called to possess 1688 01:23:38,242 --> 01:23:40,143 their moral imagination. 1689 01:23:41,103 --> 01:23:42,202 All of us will need to feel 1690 01:23:42,223 --> 01:23:45,053 as they did the fierce urgency of now. 1691 01:23:46,242 --> 01:23:50,093 Racism is not just a burden for Black people. 1692 01:23:50,112 --> 01:23:53,093 It will destroy us all, it will consume us all. 1693 01:23:53,112 --> 01:23:55,063 CROWD: I am Eric Garner. 1694 01:23:55,082 --> 01:23:56,202 I am Eric Garner. 1695 01:23:56,223 --> 01:23:58,143 CORNEL: The very notion that Black people 1696 01:23:58,162 --> 01:24:00,232 are human beings at the deepest level 1697 01:24:00,253 --> 01:24:03,072 is still news for too many people, 1698 01:24:03,093 --> 01:24:06,133 a lot of my fellow citizens have yet to get that memo. 1699 01:24:06,152 --> 01:24:07,263 ALL: No more. 1700 01:24:08,043 --> 01:24:09,223 REPORTER: The church couldn't hold all the people 1701 01:24:09,242 --> 01:24:12,253 who turned out today for the funeral of Walter Scott. 1702 01:24:12,272 --> 01:24:15,272 He is the African American man shot and killed last weekend 1703 01:24:16,053 --> 01:24:18,043 running from his car by the white police officer 1704 01:24:18,063 --> 01:24:20,232 who pulled him over in South Carolina. 1705 01:24:20,253 --> 01:24:22,232 CROWDS: (CHANTS) No justice. No peace! 1706 01:24:22,253 --> 01:24:27,272 America has never admitted or come to grips with, 1707 01:24:28,053 --> 01:24:32,133 how racism is sewn into the fabric of the country. 1708 01:24:32,152 --> 01:24:35,223 It's a ghost from our past that we have not dealt with. 1709 01:24:35,242 --> 01:24:37,232 Freddie! Freddie! Freddie! 1710 01:24:37,253 --> 01:24:40,173 REPORTER 1: This morning another case of the possible use 1711 01:24:40,192 --> 01:24:44,082 of excessive force by police against a Black suspect. 1712 01:24:44,103 --> 01:24:46,143 REPORTER 2: That suspect Freddie Gray would end up 1713 01:24:46,162 --> 01:24:49,093 with a severed spine, he would later die. 1714 01:24:51,263 --> 01:24:54,053 BOBBY: This phenomena that we were living 1715 01:24:54,072 --> 01:24:56,202 in a post-racial society. 1716 01:24:56,223 --> 01:25:00,133 Where did all this stupid rhetoric come from? 1717 01:25:00,152 --> 01:25:05,232 Who hoisted that up on the body of politics? 1718 01:25:06,183 --> 01:25:09,133 And who accepts that nonsense? 1719 01:25:09,152 --> 01:25:11,152 You know, how do you erase history? 1720 01:25:16,202 --> 01:25:19,213 HENRY: White supremacy is in the DNA 1721 01:25:19,232 --> 01:25:21,272 of the American people. 1722 01:25:22,053 --> 01:25:24,253 And the myth of a post-racial America 1723 01:25:24,272 --> 01:25:27,072 because of the election of a Black man 1724 01:25:27,093 --> 01:25:29,253 to the White House let us... 1725 01:25:32,192 --> 01:25:34,232 unfortunately put our guard down. 1726 01:25:56,192 --> 01:25:59,133 JELANI: June 17th, 2015 1727 01:25:59,152 --> 01:26:04,162 Dylann Roof enters the sanctuary of the Emanuel AME Church 1728 01:26:04,183 --> 01:26:06,223 in Charleston, South Carolina. 1729 01:26:07,272 --> 01:26:10,162 He attends bible study 1730 01:26:10,183 --> 01:26:14,072 and at the conclusion of bible study he... 1731 01:26:14,093 --> 01:26:18,112 draws a .45 caliber Glock, 1732 01:26:18,133 --> 01:26:21,082 and murders nine people in the church. 1733 01:26:23,213 --> 01:26:25,143 In the midst of the shooting spree, 1734 01:26:25,162 --> 01:26:27,272 a young man by the name of Tywanza Sanders 1735 01:26:28,053 --> 01:26:31,082 who has already been shot says to him, 1736 01:26:31,103 --> 01:26:34,242 "You don't have to do this, we mean you no harm." 1737 01:26:34,263 --> 01:26:39,043 In response, Roof says, "I have to do this 1738 01:26:39,063 --> 01:26:42,253 because you all are raping our women, 1739 01:26:42,272 --> 01:26:44,213 and taking over the world." 1740 01:26:46,192 --> 01:26:51,053 And it wasn't coincidental that at the same time 1741 01:26:51,072 --> 01:26:54,143 there was a Black man occupying the White House. 1742 01:26:54,162 --> 01:26:56,133 Michelle and I know several members 1743 01:26:56,152 --> 01:26:58,213 of Emanuel AME Church. 1744 01:27:00,043 --> 01:27:05,103 We knew their pastor Reverend Clementa Pinckney 1745 01:27:05,122 --> 01:27:08,072 who along with eight others gathered in prayer 1746 01:27:08,093 --> 01:27:10,223 and fellowship, and was murdered last night. 1747 01:27:12,253 --> 01:27:16,103 The fact that this took place in a Black church 1748 01:27:16,122 --> 01:27:18,173 obviously also raises questions 1749 01:27:18,192 --> 01:27:21,152 about a dark part of our history. 1750 01:27:21,173 --> 01:27:23,143 This is not the first time that Black churches 1751 01:27:23,162 --> 01:27:25,043 have been attacked and we know 1752 01:27:25,063 --> 01:27:27,242 that hatred across races and faiths 1753 01:27:27,263 --> 01:27:32,112 pose a particular threat to our democracy and our ideals. 1754 01:27:35,053 --> 01:27:37,202 SHERRILYN: The work to defeat racism, and the work of civil rights 1755 01:27:37,223 --> 01:27:40,213 is not a story of relentless progress. 1756 01:27:42,043 --> 01:27:45,122 It's just not. There is progress. 1757 01:27:47,112 --> 01:27:50,122 There are also moments that crystalize 1758 01:27:50,143 --> 01:27:53,143 the fragile nature of the progress you've made. 1759 01:27:54,223 --> 01:27:56,072 And this was one of them. 1760 01:28:00,213 --> 01:28:03,043 JUDGE: You are representing the family of Ethel Lance, 1761 01:28:03,063 --> 01:28:04,152 -is that correct? -NADINE COLLIER: Yes. 1762 01:28:04,173 --> 01:28:05,223 JUDGE: And you are whom, ma'am? 1763 01:28:05,242 --> 01:28:07,202 -NADINE: The daughter. -JUDGE: The daughter. 1764 01:28:07,223 --> 01:28:08,232 I'm listening. 1765 01:28:08,253 --> 01:28:11,063 NADINE: I just want everybody to know, 1766 01:28:11,213 --> 01:28:14,093 to you, I forgive you. 1767 01:28:15,162 --> 01:28:19,192 You took something very precious away from me. 1768 01:28:19,213 --> 01:28:23,112 I will never talk to her ever again. 1769 01:28:23,133 --> 01:28:26,162 I will never be able to hold her again. 1770 01:28:27,122 --> 01:28:28,272 But I forgive you. 1771 01:28:34,112 --> 01:28:36,173 MICHAEL: The nation is taken aback 1772 01:28:36,192 --> 01:28:40,162 by the immediacy of the gesture of forgiveness. 1773 01:28:42,173 --> 01:28:46,202 It's a remarkable display of Black humanity. 1774 01:28:46,223 --> 01:28:49,272 The willingness to forgive even the most heinous 1775 01:28:50,053 --> 01:28:52,253 forms of white supremacy and violence 1776 01:28:53,253 --> 01:28:57,043 in the name of the God that they serve. 1777 01:28:57,063 --> 01:29:02,063 (CROWD APPLAUDS) 1778 01:29:05,152 --> 01:29:07,173 JOHN: The church was packed. 1779 01:29:08,122 --> 01:29:09,133 It was... 1780 01:29:10,223 --> 01:29:15,072 unbelievable, unbelievable sea of humanity. 1781 01:29:16,253 --> 01:29:20,152 Black people, white people, young, old, 1782 01:29:20,173 --> 01:29:23,253 elected officials, non-elected officials, 1783 01:29:23,272 --> 01:29:25,043 just people. 1784 01:29:27,192 --> 01:29:30,152 It was an unbelievable feeling. 1785 01:29:30,173 --> 01:29:33,173 You can see it on the face of President Barack Obama... 1786 01:29:35,043 --> 01:29:36,082 that he knew... 1787 01:29:38,072 --> 01:29:39,242 that he was on a mission... 1788 01:29:41,103 --> 01:29:45,122 to somehow get all Americans 1789 01:29:45,143 --> 01:29:48,242 to believe that we have to do our best 1790 01:29:50,093 --> 01:29:53,253 to create a sense of community, a sense of family. 1791 01:29:57,093 --> 01:29:59,152 Giving all praise and honor to God. 1792 01:30:04,272 --> 01:30:07,242 We are here today to remember a man of God 1793 01:30:07,263 --> 01:30:09,103 who live by faith. 1794 01:30:11,213 --> 01:30:14,133 A man who believed in things not seen. 1795 01:30:17,093 --> 01:30:19,053 Slain in his sanctuary... 1796 01:30:20,223 --> 01:30:23,072 with eight wonderful members of his flock. 1797 01:30:26,173 --> 01:30:28,162 To the families of the fallen, 1798 01:30:28,183 --> 01:30:30,152 the nation shares in your grief. 1799 01:30:32,072 --> 01:30:35,143 Our pain cuts that much deeper because it happened in a church. 1800 01:30:39,242 --> 01:30:41,253 The church is, 1801 01:30:41,272 --> 01:30:45,202 and always has been the center of African American life. 1802 01:30:45,223 --> 01:30:47,202 That's right. 1803 01:30:47,223 --> 01:30:52,043 BARACK: We do not know whether the killer of Reverend Pinckney 1804 01:30:52,063 --> 01:30:55,072 and eight others knew all of this history. 1805 01:30:58,143 --> 01:31:02,183 But he surely sensed the meaning of his violent act. 1806 01:31:05,192 --> 01:31:09,192 An act that he presumed would deepen divisions 1807 01:31:09,213 --> 01:31:13,093 that trace back to our nation's original sin. 1808 01:31:17,213 --> 01:31:21,133 Oh, but God works in mysterious ways. 1809 01:31:21,152 --> 01:31:25,122 (CROWD CHEERS, APPLAUDS) 1810 01:31:26,232 --> 01:31:27,242 AUDIENCE MEMBER: Yes, sir! 1811 01:31:27,263 --> 01:31:30,192 He didn't know he was being used by God. 1812 01:31:30,213 --> 01:31:35,232 (ALL CHEER, APPLAUD) 1813 01:31:35,253 --> 01:31:38,223 BARACK: Blinded by hatred, the alleged killer 1814 01:31:38,242 --> 01:31:40,202 could not see the grace 1815 01:31:41,143 --> 01:31:43,183 surrounding Reverend Pinckney, 1816 01:31:43,202 --> 01:31:45,082 and that bible study group. 1817 01:31:45,103 --> 01:31:46,272 CROWD: Amen. 1818 01:31:47,053 --> 01:31:48,103 The light of love 1819 01:31:48,122 --> 01:31:50,263 that shown as they opened the church doors 1820 01:31:51,043 --> 01:31:53,152 -and invited a stranger... -CROWD: Yeah. 1821 01:31:53,173 --> 01:31:55,082 ...to join in their prayer circle. 1822 01:31:55,103 --> 01:31:56,122 CROWD: Yes, sir! 1823 01:31:58,093 --> 01:32:00,133 BARACK: Reverent Pinckney once said, 1824 01:32:00,152 --> 01:32:03,223 "Across the south we have a deep appreciation of history." 1825 01:32:04,263 --> 01:32:06,242 "We haven't always had a deep appreciation 1826 01:32:06,263 --> 01:32:08,133 of each other's history." 1827 01:32:09,272 --> 01:32:12,053 -Yeah. -Wow. 1828 01:32:16,253 --> 01:32:19,232 BARACK: What is true in the South is true for America. 1829 01:32:21,183 --> 01:32:23,242 He knew that the path of grace 1830 01:32:23,263 --> 01:32:26,173 involves an open mind. 1831 01:32:28,122 --> 01:32:30,173 But more importantly an open heart. 1832 01:32:33,253 --> 01:32:35,122 That's what I felt this week. 1833 01:32:36,143 --> 01:32:37,223 An open heart. 1834 01:32:39,242 --> 01:32:44,072 That, more than any particular policy or analysis... 1835 01:32:44,093 --> 01:32:45,122 AUDIENCE MEMBER: That's right. 1836 01:32:45,143 --> 01:32:47,143 BARACK: ...is what's called upon right now, I think. 1837 01:32:47,162 --> 01:32:48,173 AUDIENCE MEMBER: Yeah. 1838 01:32:50,093 --> 01:32:52,122 If we can find that grace, 1839 01:32:52,143 --> 01:32:54,143 -anything is possible. -Yeah, come on! 1840 01:32:55,183 --> 01:32:57,253 If we can tap that grace, 1841 01:32:57,272 --> 01:32:59,183 everything can change. 1842 01:33:06,133 --> 01:33:07,192 Amazing grace. 1843 01:33:12,063 --> 01:33:13,162 Amazing grace. 1844 01:33:25,183 --> 01:33:27,162 ♪ (SINGING "AMAZING GRACE") ♪ 1845 01:33:27,183 --> 01:33:32,143 ♪ Amazing grace ♪ 1846 01:33:34,093 --> 01:33:40,053 ♪ How sweet the sound ♪ 1847 01:33:41,232 --> 01:33:45,223 ♪ That saved ♪ 1848 01:33:45,242 --> 01:33:52,253 ♪ A wretch like me ♪ 1849 01:33:55,272 --> 01:34:00,112 ♪ I once ♪ 1850 01:34:00,133 --> 01:34:04,082 ♪ Was lost ♪ 1851 01:34:05,082 --> 01:34:09,133 ♪ But now ♪ 1852 01:34:09,253 --> 01:34:13,152 ♪ I'm found ♪ 1853 01:34:14,122 --> 01:34:17,112 ♪ Was blind ♪ 1854 01:34:18,213 --> 01:34:23,162 ♪ But now ♪ 1855 01:34:23,183 --> 01:34:27,242 ♪ I see ♪ 1856 01:34:35,183 --> 01:34:38,082 SHERRILYN: There's a lot that can't be said 1857 01:34:38,103 --> 01:34:41,183 about what that moment, what this killing meant to us, 1858 01:34:41,202 --> 01:34:43,223 how devastating this was to us. 1859 01:34:45,143 --> 01:34:48,223 And how we had to organize ourselves 1860 01:34:48,242 --> 01:34:52,143 as our forebears have had to do many times in the past 1861 01:34:52,162 --> 01:34:55,072 not to allow our sense of who we are 1862 01:34:55,093 --> 01:34:57,093 and who we will be in this country 1863 01:34:57,112 --> 01:34:59,072 to be defined by these moments. 1864 01:35:00,152 --> 01:35:02,063 And it was all in that song. 1865 01:35:04,143 --> 01:35:06,183 MICHAEL: No clearer statement can be made 1866 01:35:06,202 --> 01:35:09,053 all of the reluctance has melted away, 1867 01:35:09,072 --> 01:35:12,173 all of the hymn hawing, and the fits and starts, 1868 01:35:12,192 --> 01:35:16,053 the gives and takes, all dismissed. 1869 01:35:17,043 --> 01:35:20,192 And now a clear vision of redemption. 1870 01:35:23,143 --> 01:35:27,143 MARTY: He reflected who we really are as a country. 1871 01:35:28,162 --> 01:35:31,082 And I think that's the thing about him 1872 01:35:32,082 --> 01:35:35,053 is that he represents... 1873 01:35:36,223 --> 01:35:40,072 to the people in this country everything that's good about us. 1874 01:35:42,242 --> 01:35:45,122 It's not about him, it's what... 1875 01:35:46,242 --> 01:35:50,122 we see in him that represents us 1876 01:35:50,143 --> 01:35:52,202 in who we are, in who we aspire to be. 1877 01:35:59,192 --> 01:36:03,143 Sadly, the American dream, 1878 01:36:04,173 --> 01:36:05,183 is dead. 1879 01:36:06,263 --> 01:36:08,063 AUDIENCE MEMBER: Bring it back! 1880 01:36:09,143 --> 01:36:11,272 But if I get elected president, 1881 01:36:12,053 --> 01:36:14,072 I will bring it back 1882 01:36:14,272 --> 01:36:17,043 bigger and better 1883 01:36:17,063 --> 01:36:20,232 and stronger than ever before 1884 01:36:20,253 --> 01:36:24,272 and we will make America great again. 1885 01:36:25,053 --> 01:36:26,183 Thank you. Thank you very much. 1886 01:36:26,202 --> 01:36:29,242 -(CROWD CHEERING) -♪ (TUNE FADES) ♪ 1887 01:36:29,263 --> 01:36:33,112 DAVID: When a president retires after two terms, 1888 01:36:33,133 --> 01:36:35,272 that president sets the stage for the next. 1889 01:36:36,053 --> 01:36:37,063 Good morning. 1890 01:36:37,082 --> 01:36:38,143 In the sense that the country 1891 01:36:38,162 --> 01:36:41,202 never looks, no matter how popular the president is, 1892 01:36:41,223 --> 01:36:43,242 for the replica of what they have. 1893 01:36:43,263 --> 01:36:45,223 They generally look for the remedy. 1894 01:36:47,213 --> 01:36:48,223 By that measure 1895 01:36:48,242 --> 01:36:51,053 there's no one who's a greater antithesis 1896 01:36:51,072 --> 01:36:54,162 to Barack Obama than Donald Trump. 1897 01:36:54,183 --> 01:36:56,263 Build that wall! Build that wall! 1898 01:36:57,043 --> 01:36:58,223 REPORTER: What do you think of Donald Trump? 1899 01:36:58,242 --> 01:37:02,133 Well, I think that he... 1900 01:37:04,103 --> 01:37:07,133 is a great publicity seeker. 1901 01:37:07,152 --> 01:37:08,183 Build that wall. 1902 01:37:08,202 --> 01:37:10,103 REPORTER: Do you think he's running out of steam? 1903 01:37:10,122 --> 01:37:11,253 I mean, do you think he's gonna disappear? 1904 01:37:11,272 --> 01:37:14,063 You know, I'll leave it up to the pundits 1905 01:37:14,082 --> 01:37:15,072 to make that determination. 1906 01:37:15,093 --> 01:37:16,213 I don't think he'll end up being president 1907 01:37:16,232 --> 01:37:18,133 of the United States. 1908 01:37:18,152 --> 01:37:20,133 (CROWD CHEERS, APPLAUDS) 1909 01:37:20,152 --> 01:37:25,063 Donald Trump caught into a backlash fervor 1910 01:37:25,082 --> 01:37:29,232 of the fears, unfounded fears, of many people, 1911 01:37:29,253 --> 01:37:33,103 and striking on simplistic things 1912 01:37:33,122 --> 01:37:34,242 like they're not one of us, 1913 01:37:34,263 --> 01:37:37,072 we need to go back to old America, 1914 01:37:37,093 --> 01:37:38,143 make America great. 1915 01:37:39,173 --> 01:37:43,063 And no one thought that that could work. 1916 01:37:44,112 --> 01:37:48,082 When they started saying by the year 20-something 1917 01:37:48,103 --> 01:37:50,173 there'd be more people of color, 1918 01:37:50,192 --> 01:37:53,093 I kinda knew there would be a backlash... 1919 01:37:54,152 --> 01:37:57,082 but I didn't know where it was gonna come from. 1920 01:37:58,192 --> 01:38:01,053 Trump, he spoke that language, 1921 01:38:01,072 --> 01:38:02,272 he spoke directly to the racists. 1922 01:38:03,053 --> 01:38:04,152 He spoke directly to the bigots, 1923 01:38:04,173 --> 01:38:05,253 he knew exactly what they were feeling 1924 01:38:05,272 --> 01:38:07,253 because he was feeling it. 1925 01:38:07,272 --> 01:38:11,103 He know exactly how he felt seeing that Black man every day. 1926 01:38:12,213 --> 01:38:14,162 TA-NEHISI: I think in general 1927 01:38:14,183 --> 01:38:18,263 we deeply underestimate the power of hate. 1928 01:38:19,043 --> 01:38:23,103 You know, of a particular kind of politics 1929 01:38:23,122 --> 01:38:26,093 that, you know, takes as its base, 1930 01:38:26,112 --> 01:38:28,043 I'm not you, you live over there, 1931 01:38:28,063 --> 01:38:29,063 I live over here, 1932 01:38:29,082 --> 01:38:30,242 I'm with my people, you're with yours. 1933 01:38:32,122 --> 01:38:34,143 Now, there were a lot things that had to happen, 1934 01:38:34,162 --> 01:38:36,263 you know, in order for Trump to be president. 1935 01:38:37,043 --> 01:38:39,122 But I think like he just missed 1936 01:38:39,143 --> 01:38:42,063 the extent to which what Trump was saying 1937 01:38:42,082 --> 01:38:44,053 was in fact in deep concert 1938 01:38:44,072 --> 01:38:45,192 with folks that he had been facing 1939 01:38:45,213 --> 01:38:47,082 for the past eight years. 1940 01:38:48,043 --> 01:38:49,253 (CROWD CLAMORS) 1941 01:38:49,272 --> 01:38:53,043 BARACK: I do think that the country 1942 01:38:53,063 --> 01:38:55,112 is inexorably changing. 1943 01:38:55,133 --> 01:38:59,112 I believe in all kinds of positive ways. 1944 01:38:59,133 --> 01:39:02,253 But I do think that when you combine 1945 01:39:02,272 --> 01:39:04,162 the demographic change 1946 01:39:04,183 --> 01:39:09,082 with all the economic stressors 1947 01:39:09,103 --> 01:39:10,272 that people have been going through... 1948 01:39:11,053 --> 01:39:13,053 Build the wall! Build the wall! 1949 01:39:13,072 --> 01:39:15,103 BARACK: ...that means that there's gonna be 1950 01:39:15,122 --> 01:39:18,213 potential anger, frustration, fear. 1951 01:39:19,253 --> 01:39:21,272 Some of it justified but just misdirected. 1952 01:39:23,043 --> 01:39:24,232 And I think that somebody like Mr. Trump 1953 01:39:24,253 --> 01:39:26,103 is taking advantage of that. 1954 01:39:32,162 --> 01:39:35,103 There are some people that are, just stone cold racists. 1955 01:39:36,173 --> 01:39:37,213 We know that. 1956 01:39:39,072 --> 01:39:43,122 But there are a lot of people also who feel... 1957 01:39:44,272 --> 01:39:47,173 and are to some degree or another, 1958 01:39:47,192 --> 01:39:49,272 feel like they're on the losing end of the stick. 1959 01:39:51,192 --> 01:39:53,173 There are a lot of people 1960 01:39:53,192 --> 01:39:56,173 who rose to the bait I would say. 1961 01:39:58,043 --> 01:40:01,223 The encouragement of the kind of PR mastery of Trump. 1962 01:40:03,053 --> 01:40:05,122 Trump made it into an us and them, 1963 01:40:06,063 --> 01:40:07,213 and Black and white. 1964 01:40:08,183 --> 01:40:11,043 There's no question 1965 01:40:11,063 --> 01:40:14,213 that he had a self-consciousness of 1966 01:40:14,232 --> 01:40:17,232 a path to whipping up resentment. 1967 01:40:19,072 --> 01:40:21,192 And Obama was a Black president. 1968 01:40:22,152 --> 01:40:28,053 ♪ (MUSIC PLAYING) ♪ 1969 01:40:28,072 --> 01:40:31,143 JELANI: Toward the end of Obama's presidency 1970 01:40:31,162 --> 01:40:35,133 I have received an invitation to what was billed 1971 01:40:35,152 --> 01:40:38,183 as a celebration of Black music at the White House. 1972 01:40:38,202 --> 01:40:41,133 ♪ (MUSIC CONTINUES) ♪ 1973 01:40:41,152 --> 01:40:44,133 TA-NEHISI: It was Bell Biv DeVoe, De La Soul, Common, 1974 01:40:44,152 --> 01:40:46,063 although Bradley Cooper was there. 1975 01:40:46,082 --> 01:40:47,122 It was the wildest thing. 1976 01:40:47,143 --> 01:40:50,043 Anyway, so but besides Bradley Cooper, 1977 01:40:50,063 --> 01:40:51,112 everybody was Black. 1978 01:40:52,152 --> 01:40:53,173 (CROWD CHEERS, APPLAUDS) 1979 01:40:53,192 --> 01:40:54,253 Hello, everybody. 1980 01:40:54,272 --> 01:40:58,192 And it's at the end, you know, of Obama's presidency 1981 01:40:58,213 --> 01:40:59,272 and people know it's the end. 1982 01:41:00,053 --> 01:41:02,232 Well, you can tell what kind of night this is. 1983 01:41:02,253 --> 01:41:05,173 (CROWD CHEERING) 1984 01:41:05,192 --> 01:41:07,253 That was not John Philip Sousa right there. 1985 01:41:07,272 --> 01:41:09,103 (CROWD CHUCKLES) 1986 01:41:09,122 --> 01:41:12,143 This is our final musical evening 1987 01:41:12,162 --> 01:41:14,112 as President and First Lady. 1988 01:41:14,202 --> 01:41:16,162 CROWD: Aw! 1989 01:41:16,272 --> 01:41:18,072 I know. 1990 01:41:18,093 --> 01:41:20,103 (CROWD CHUCKLES) 1991 01:41:20,122 --> 01:41:21,143 It's gonna be all right. 1992 01:41:21,162 --> 01:41:23,112 (CROWD CHUCKLES) 1993 01:41:23,133 --> 01:41:27,173 It became very clear that this was on the one hand 1994 01:41:27,192 --> 01:41:31,043 a recognition of African American contributions 1995 01:41:31,063 --> 01:41:33,093 to American musical culture. 1996 01:41:33,112 --> 01:41:34,122 ♪ (SONG ENDS ABRUPTLY) ♪ 1997 01:41:34,143 --> 01:41:36,223 Give it up, ladies and gentlemen for De La Soul. 1998 01:41:36,242 --> 01:41:39,183 We love you, Mr. President, Mrs. President. 1999 01:41:39,202 --> 01:41:44,063 JELANI: But another sense, it was really a punctuation 2000 01:41:44,082 --> 01:41:48,202 for what the Obamas had represented 2001 01:41:48,223 --> 01:41:51,063 in the United States for the previous eight years. 2002 01:41:53,213 --> 01:41:55,072 ELIZABETH ALEXANDER: I like to think about 2003 01:41:55,093 --> 01:41:56,112 the Obama presidency 2004 01:41:56,133 --> 01:42:00,043 for its, what I would call, real symbolic power. 2005 01:42:00,183 --> 01:42:02,183 The ways that 2006 01:42:02,202 --> 01:42:05,143 not only that man but that family 2007 01:42:05,162 --> 01:42:08,253 stood on the world stage and showed us 2008 01:42:08,272 --> 01:42:11,162 that being a whole person 2009 01:42:11,183 --> 01:42:14,213 means loving people and belonging to people 2010 01:42:14,232 --> 01:42:16,152 and being responsible to people. 2011 01:42:16,173 --> 01:42:18,213 The most important thing we can all do 2012 01:42:18,232 --> 01:42:22,072 is to treat each other with kindness and respect. 2013 01:42:22,093 --> 01:42:23,112 (INDISTINCT CHATTER) 2014 01:42:23,133 --> 01:42:26,053 ELIZABETH: Just showing us in his persona 2015 01:42:26,072 --> 01:42:27,162 the joy of living, 2016 01:42:27,183 --> 01:42:31,143 the love of music, the love of children, 2017 01:42:31,162 --> 01:42:34,043 the love of connecting with other human beings. 2018 01:42:34,063 --> 01:42:35,202 -Fired up -Fired up 2019 01:42:35,223 --> 01:42:38,053 -Ready to go -Ready to go 2020 01:42:38,072 --> 01:42:40,183 I think all of that stood for something, 2021 01:42:40,202 --> 01:42:42,072 and stands for something. 2022 01:42:43,093 --> 01:42:45,202 What's your name? How old are you? 2023 01:42:45,223 --> 01:42:48,192 There was a sense of decorum 2024 01:42:48,213 --> 01:42:51,112 and ethics and honesty, 2025 01:42:52,152 --> 01:42:57,093 and commitment to the country that suffused 2026 01:42:57,112 --> 01:42:59,133 the entire White House. 2027 01:42:59,152 --> 01:43:02,072 I'm proud of the way he conducted himself 2028 01:43:02,093 --> 01:43:03,253 as President of the United States, 2029 01:43:03,272 --> 01:43:05,152 that's no small thing. 2030 01:43:06,053 --> 01:43:07,063 My president. 2031 01:43:07,213 --> 01:43:09,223 My president! 2032 01:43:09,242 --> 01:43:11,093 TA-NEHISI: There are now white children 2033 01:43:11,112 --> 01:43:13,053 who earliest memories 2034 01:43:13,072 --> 01:43:15,072 of any sort of president is a Black guy. 2035 01:43:16,192 --> 01:43:18,143 I don't think that's small. 2036 01:43:18,162 --> 01:43:20,272 I don't think that's small at all. 2037 01:43:21,053 --> 01:43:24,063 Because I think your ability to imagine 2038 01:43:24,082 --> 01:43:27,173 who can't occupy the highest levels, 2039 01:43:27,192 --> 01:43:29,202 you know, in society 2040 01:43:29,223 --> 01:43:33,082 directly informs your ability to see people as human. 2041 01:43:34,133 --> 01:43:37,143 That's not the whole battle, that's not everything 2042 01:43:37,162 --> 01:43:39,183 but it certainly is a component. 2043 01:43:42,063 --> 01:43:43,122 MARTY: To me, 2044 01:43:43,143 --> 01:43:47,232 the most important thing is that Barack Obama won, 2045 01:43:47,253 --> 01:43:50,072 and Barack Obama won twice. 2046 01:43:50,093 --> 01:43:54,232 (CROWD CHEERING, APPLAUDING) 2047 01:43:54,253 --> 01:43:56,202 MARTY: Now, he might argue differently 2048 01:43:56,223 --> 01:43:57,263 he's a policy guy, 2049 01:43:58,043 --> 01:43:59,272 and he might argue healthcare and he might argue 2050 01:44:00,053 --> 01:44:02,263 saving the banking industry, and saving the auto industry, 2051 01:44:03,043 --> 01:44:04,202 and ending the wars in the Middle East... 2052 01:44:06,082 --> 01:44:08,272 but to me the biggest accomplishment 2053 01:44:09,053 --> 01:44:10,223 was that he won, 2054 01:44:10,242 --> 01:44:13,103 because it means something about this country, 2055 01:44:14,143 --> 01:44:17,103 and our country's capacity 2056 01:44:17,122 --> 01:44:20,202 to pursue becoming a more perfect union. 2057 01:44:25,122 --> 01:44:26,242 CROWD: (CHANTING) Four more years! 2058 01:44:26,263 --> 01:44:28,263 -Four more years! -BARACK: I can't do that. 2059 01:44:29,043 --> 01:44:31,202 CROWD: Four more years! Four more years! 2060 01:44:31,223 --> 01:44:35,082 -(LAUGHS) -CROWD: Four more years! Four more years! 2061 01:44:38,183 --> 01:44:40,043 AUDIENCE MEMBER: We love you! 2062 01:44:41,272 --> 01:44:45,192 Now, this is where I learned that change only happens 2063 01:44:46,202 --> 01:44:48,152 when ordinary people get involved, 2064 01:44:48,173 --> 01:44:50,202 and they get engaged. 2065 01:44:50,223 --> 01:44:53,122 And they come together to demand it. 2066 01:44:55,213 --> 01:44:57,202 After eight years as your president, 2067 01:44:57,223 --> 01:44:59,053 I still believe that. 2068 01:45:00,143 --> 01:45:02,063 And it's not just my belief... 2069 01:45:02,082 --> 01:45:03,173 (CROWD CHEERING) 2070 01:45:03,192 --> 01:45:06,253 ...it's the beating heart of our American idea, 2071 01:45:08,063 --> 01:45:10,223 our bold experiment in self-government... 2072 01:45:12,103 --> 01:45:15,202 that we the people 2073 01:45:15,223 --> 01:45:18,133 through the instrument of our democracy... 2074 01:45:19,232 --> 01:45:21,272 can form a more perfect union. 2075 01:45:24,072 --> 01:45:26,213 Yes, our progress has been uneven. 2076 01:45:28,263 --> 01:45:31,202 The work of democracy has always been hard. 2077 01:45:31,223 --> 01:45:33,202 It's always been contentious. 2078 01:45:34,213 --> 01:45:36,063 Sometimes it's been bloody. 2079 01:45:38,053 --> 01:45:41,263 Our constitution is a remarkable... 2080 01:45:43,202 --> 01:45:44,223 beautiful gift. 2081 01:45:46,162 --> 01:45:47,223 But it's really... 2082 01:45:49,122 --> 01:45:50,263 just a piece of parchment. 2083 01:45:52,202 --> 01:45:54,162 It has no power on its own. 2084 01:45:56,202 --> 01:45:59,143 We the people give it power. 2085 01:45:59,162 --> 01:46:00,173 (CROWD CHEERING) 2086 01:46:00,192 --> 01:46:03,082 We the people give it meaning 2087 01:46:03,103 --> 01:46:05,043 with our participation, 2088 01:46:05,063 --> 01:46:07,143 and with the choices that we make. 2089 01:46:08,192 --> 01:46:11,043 And the alliances that we forge, 2090 01:46:12,103 --> 01:46:14,093 whether or not we stand up for our freedoms, 2091 01:46:14,112 --> 01:46:17,103 whether or not we respect, and enforce the rule of law. 2092 01:46:18,192 --> 01:46:19,253 That's up to us. 2093 01:46:22,093 --> 01:46:24,122 For all our outward differences... 2094 01:46:25,152 --> 01:46:29,213 we in fact all share the same proud title, 2095 01:46:29,232 --> 01:46:32,192 the most important office in a democracy. 2096 01:46:34,253 --> 01:46:36,053 Citizen. 2097 01:46:38,232 --> 01:46:39,263 Citizen. 2098 01:46:43,093 --> 01:46:44,162 So you see, 2099 01:46:44,183 --> 01:46:47,133 that's what our democracy demands. 2100 01:46:47,152 --> 01:46:49,063 ♪ (MUSICAL SOUND WAVE) ♪ 2101 01:46:49,082 --> 01:46:50,103 It needs you. 2102 01:46:51,242 --> 01:46:54,183 Not just when there's an election, 2103 01:46:54,202 --> 01:46:58,053 not just when your own narrow interest is at stake, 2104 01:46:59,053 --> 01:47:01,072 but over the full span of a lifetime. 2105 01:47:02,272 --> 01:47:04,143 My fellow Americans... 2106 01:47:05,263 --> 01:47:08,223 it has been the honor of my life to serve you. 2107 01:47:10,063 --> 01:47:11,093 I won't stop. 2108 01:47:12,103 --> 01:47:14,162 In fact, I will be right there with you 2109 01:47:14,183 --> 01:47:16,063 as a citizen... 2110 01:47:16,082 --> 01:47:17,112 (CROWD CHEERING, APPLAUDS) 2111 01:47:17,133 --> 01:47:19,232 ...for all my remaining days. 2112 01:47:22,133 --> 01:47:24,093 But for now, whether you are young, 2113 01:47:24,112 --> 01:47:26,232 or whether you're young at heart, 2114 01:47:26,253 --> 01:47:31,072 I do have one final ask of you as your president, 2115 01:47:31,093 --> 01:47:34,072 the same thing I asked when you took a chance on me 2116 01:47:34,093 --> 01:47:35,122 eight years ago. 2117 01:47:36,063 --> 01:47:39,122 I'm asking you to believe, 2118 01:47:39,143 --> 01:47:42,272 not in my ability to bring about change, but in yours. 2119 01:47:44,063 --> 01:47:46,253 I'm asking you to hold fast to that faith 2120 01:47:46,272 --> 01:47:49,213 written into our founding documents, 2121 01:47:49,232 --> 01:47:53,213 that idea whispered by slaves and abolitionists, 2122 01:47:53,232 --> 01:47:57,072 that spirit sung by immigrants and homesteaders 2123 01:47:57,093 --> 01:47:59,053 and those who march for justice... 2124 01:48:00,152 --> 01:48:03,253 that creed reaffirmed by those who planted flags 2125 01:48:03,272 --> 01:48:07,053 from foreign battlefields to the surface of the moon, 2126 01:48:07,072 --> 01:48:09,202 a creed at the core of every American 2127 01:48:09,223 --> 01:48:11,112 whose story is not yet written. 2128 01:48:12,263 --> 01:48:13,242 Yes, we can. 2129 01:48:13,263 --> 01:48:15,082 (CROWD CHEERING AND APPLAUDING) 2130 01:48:15,103 --> 01:48:16,133 BARACK: Yes, we did. 2131 01:48:17,152 --> 01:48:18,173 Yes, we can. 2132 01:48:19,223 --> 01:48:22,152 Thank you, God bless you. 2133 01:48:22,173 --> 01:48:25,263 May God continue to bless the United States of America. 2134 01:48:27,072 --> 01:48:28,082 Thank you. 2135 01:48:31,242 --> 01:48:34,263 ♪ (TUNE CONCLUDES) ♪ 2136 01:48:36,232 --> 01:48:42,173 ♪ (DRAMATIC MUSIC PLAYING) ♪ 2137 01:50:37,112 --> 01:50:41,072 ♪ (DRAMATIC MUSIC CONCLUDES) ♪