On the recordSeptember 17, 2025
There are no ifs, ands or buts about it, the central premise of our democratic system is that we have to be able to disagree and have sometimes really contentious debates without resorting to violence.
Editor's note · Context
Obama discusses the importance of civil discourse in democracy amidst rising political violence.
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More from Barack Obama
Jun 20, 2026
People aren't looking for perpetual anger and division. They are looking for fairness and common sense and mutual respect, that deep in our gut, we want to find a way to turn towards each other again, not further away.
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