Category: Dec-2014

Michelle and I extend our warmest wishes to those celebrating Kwanzaa this holiday season.  Today begins a celebration highlighting the rich African American heritage and culture through the seven principles of Kwanzaa—unity, self-determination, collective work and responsibility, cooperative economics, purpose, creativity and faith.  During this season, families come together to reflect on blessings of the…

Today’s ceremony in Kabul marks a milestone for our country. For more than 13 years, ever since nearly 3,000 innocent lives were taken from us on 9/11, our nation has been at war in Afghanistan. Now, thanks to the extraordinary sacrifices of our men and women in uniform, our combat mission in Afghanistan is ending,…

The United States offers condolences to the families and loved ones of those who perished on Indonesia Air Asia Flight 8501, and our thoughts and prayers are with those who await news on the passengers and crew who remain missing. At the request of the Government of Indonesia, the United States Navy has already deployed…

Eisenhower Executive Office Building 4:52 P.M. EST THE PRESIDENT:  As I said last week in the wake of the grand jury decision, I think Ferguson laid bare a problem that is not unique to St. Louis or that area, and is not unique to our time, and that is a simmering distrust that exists between…

The White House Monday, December 1, 2014 Good afternoon everyone.  Thank you all so much for participating today.  You’ve got a full agenda this afternoon, but I wanted to make sure I got the chance to speak with you too, and on behalf of President Obama, to make one simple point:  Our commitment to fight…

National Institutes of Health Bethesda, Maryland 4:54 P.M. EST THE PRESIDENT:  Thank you, everybody!  It is good to be back.  Thank you.  Thank you so much.  Everybody, please have a seat.  Thank you.  Well, to Secretary Burwell, to Francis Collins, Tony Fauci, your teams, to all of you, thanks so much for welcoming me here…

East Room 1:44 P.M. EST MRS. OBAMA:Wow, it’s good to see you guys.You guys are looking really nice.You going to be able to stay this clean for your parents, you think?(Laughter.)We’ve got some things for you to get messy with in a second, okay?I know, it’s very exciting.(Laughter.)You guys look good, too.(Laughter.) Welcome to the…

Business Roundtable Headquarters Washington, D.C. 11:21 A.M. EST THE PRESIDENT: Well, good morning, everybody. Happy holidays. I hope sales are good. (Laughter.) I want to spend most of my time, as I usually do, taking questions. I want to thank Randall and the rest of the executive committee for the opportunity to speak with you…

Capital Hilton Washington, D.C. 4:38 P.M. EST THE PRESIDENT: Hello, everybody. (Applause.) Kahee. (Applause.) Well, thank you so much. Everybody please have a seat, please have a seat. AUDIENCE MEMBER: Love you! THE PRESIDENT: Love you back. (Laughter.) It’s good to see you. AUDIENCE MEMBER: We love you, man! THE PRESIDENT: Thank you. AUDIENCE MEMBER:…

East Room   5:09 P.M. EST THE PRESIDENT:  Good evening, everybody. AUDIENCE:  Good evening. THE PRESIDENT:  Welcome to the White House.  Michelle and I love this event.  Everybody looks so nice.  (Laughter.)  This is one of our favorites.  And as Lily used to say — that’s the truth.  (Laughter.)   Now, as a President, I cannot…