Political Quotes

Barack Obama: “Increasing America's debt weakens us domestically and internationally. Leadership means that the buck stops here.…”

On the recordMarch 15, 2006
Increasing America's debt weakens us domestically and internationally. Leadership means that the buck stops here. Instead, Washington is shifting the burden of bad choices today onto the backs of our children and grandchildren. America has a debt problem and a failure of leadership. America deserves better. Therefore, I intend to oppose this effort to increase America's debt limit.
Said by
Barack Obama
Democratic · Illinois
Source
congress.gov

Editor's note · Context

Obama criticized increasing the debt limit, emphasizing leadership and responsibility for future generations.

Share

Share on XShare on FacebookEmail this quote

More from Barack Obama

Oct 15, 2026

I’m going to insist that we can do better than we’re doing right now.

thenational.scot
Oct 14, 2026

Please join me in supporting Sherrod Brown. He’ll always fight for Ohio.

abcnews.com
Oct 14, 2026

This race is going to be close. It could determine which party controls the Senate and whether Ohioans can count on the people in Washington to be fighting for you.

abcnews.com
Oct 15, 2026

I think when we act on that basis, it doesn't always work out, but over time things do get better.

bbc.co.uk
View all Barack Obama quotes

Other voices in this conversation