Barack Obama: “This step will strengthen our relations with our South Pacific friends and allies and enhance U.S. security.”

I think when you understand the complexities of America and the contradictions of America, I don’t think it makes you love it less. I think it makes you love it more.

We’ve now fought a war, spent billions and billions of dollars, you know, put enormous strain on our military. A lot of people have died. And it feels like we’re back where we were before we started the war, except maybe a little bit worse…

Your task is not to impose litmus tests.

We designed the center not to be some lifeless mausoleum.