Barack Obama: “Barbara was there, standing right there next to me”

The success of this experiment was never a given.

I hope this center will serve as an affirmation of just how special, how precious our democracy truly is.

This idea that any suggestion or criticism that America was anything other than perfect is unpatriotic... is a suggestion that you hate your country.

It's a way to honor her trailblazing leadership, and inspire visitors to follow in her footsteps.