Barack Obama

It is wonderful to be here. I want to express my appreciation for the opportunity to tell jokes that weren't funny enough for me to use when we did this five weeks ago.

I have to admit, though, it wasn't easy coming up with fresh material for this dinner. A few nights ago I was up tossing and turning, trying to figure out exactly what to say. Finally, when I couldn't get back to sleep, I rolled over and…

I do have to say, though, that while it's been reported as an accident, there were some suspicious circumstances. Just before the incident, Secret Service spotted Richard Holbrooke spraying WD40, all over the driveway.

I'm very concerned based on some of the tenor and tone of the statements that have been made. That the government of Iran recognized that the world is watching and how they approach and deal with people who are -- through peaceful means…

Together we must build a future where the promise of America is kept for a new generation.

We need fathers to step up.

Joseph A. Greenaway, Jr., of New Jersey, to be United States Circuit Judge for the Third Circuit.

African Americans helped to build our Nation brick by brick and have contributed to her growth in every way, even when rights and liberties were denied to them.

Beverly B. Martin, of Georgia, to be United States Circuit Judge for the Eleventh Circuit.

It is this freedom that allows faith to flourish within our borders.

We need committed, compassionate men to serve as mentors and tutors and big brothers and foster parents.

Just because your own father wasn't there for you, that's not an excuse for you to be absent also.

I am grateful for their service to the states of New Jersey and Georgia and look forward to adding their considerable wisdom and experience to the Third and Eleventh Circuit Courts.

Fathers are our first teachers and coaches.

June 19, or Juneteenth, is now observed in 31 States.

Nearly a century and a half later, the descendants of slaves and slave owners can commemorate the day together and celebrate the rights and freedoms we all share in this great nation that we all love.

The time is now, to start thinking about what that means in terms of responsibilities, what it means to be a man.

Craig E. Hooks, of Kansas, to be an Assistant Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency.

Today let us pray for the strength to find the word in our hearts and for the vision to see the America that we can build together as one nation and as one people.

I have admired the coach since his days with the Chicago Bulls.

I am grateful that these fine individuals will serve in my administration and I am confident that they will well represent our nation abroad and help strengthen our relationships within the international community.

This isn't an obligation. This is a privilege to be a father.

To all the fathers out there, happy Father's Day.

In all that we do, we must be guided by that simple command that binds all great religions together: Love thy neighbor as thyself.

Mark Henry Gitenstein, of the District of Columbia, to be Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the United States of America to Romania.