Barack Obama actually said...

"There are many honors and privileges bestowed on the occupant of this house, but few mean as much to me as the chance to award America's highest civilian medal to the recipients that are here today."

"Her life is one of those 'only in America' stories: raised by a single mom in the south Bronx determined to give her every opportunity to succeed."

"Justice Sotomayor's rise from humble beginnings to the height of achievement is yet another symbol of that faith."

"These extraordinary men and women—these agents of change—remind us that excellence is not beyond our abilities."