Barack Obama

Because you did not send me to Washington to do what was easy.

That's why you sent me.

He's in it for your interests.

You elected me to do what's right.

I want to make investments in you.

Our destiny is not written for us, it is written by us.

It is with deep appreciation that I note Archbishop Desmond Tutu's retirement from public life today on the occasion of his 79th birthday.

You do not know how to drive.

I call upon all Americans to observe this week with appropriate ceremonies, activities, and programs that honor and foster appreciation for our physician assistants and all medical professionals.

Rob was born to lead.

These were the virtues that found their ultimate expression when Rob, just 24 years old, met his testing point on January 25, 2008.

I hereby certify that it is important to the national security interests of the United States to waive the provisions of section 7040(a) of the Act.

And America is forever in your debt.

The American story has been written by those who have come to our shores in search of freedom, opportunity, and the chance at a better life.

On German-American Day, we pay tribute to the role this community has played in shaping America and contributing to our progress and prosperity.

Few Americans ever see their service, but all Americans are safer because of it.

With their dedication and determination, the United States has been a leader in ingenuity and entrepreneurship.

We cannot sustain -- oops. Was that my -- oh, goodness. That's all right. All of you know who I am. But I'm sure there's somebody back there that's really nervous right now.

We can advance the aspirations of our people, who, despite any differences, basically seek the same things: to live in security and dignity, to seek progress and justice, and to realize a better future for their children.

That's a credit to all of you, and your individual drive and fortitude, because I know you've overcome plenty of obstacles of your own.

Today, girls like my daughters, and like the young women at this dinner, have opportunities that my grandmother never dreamed of for herself.

Cutting aid for 8 million students or scaling back our commitment to community colleges, that's like unilaterally disarming our troops right as they head to the frontlines.

I know that if given the chance, she'd have run that bank better than any of them.

Building the future we seek cannot be the work of governments and diplomats alone.

I happen to share that belief.