Now, I’m not naive. I never thought that the mere fact of my election would usher in peace and harmony — and some post-partisan era. I knew that both parties have fed divisions that are deeply entrenched. And on some issues, there are simply philosophical differences that will always cause us to part ways. These disagreements, about the role of government in our lives, about our national priorities and our national security, they’ve been taking place for over 200 years. They’re the very essence of our democracy.

BARACK OBAMA, State of the Union Address, Jan. 27, 2010

“But the other essence of democracy is ‘winner take all’. I won, and now I’m a-takin'”

To say that force may sometimes be necessary is not a call to cynicism — it is a recognition of history; the imperfections of man and the limits of reason.

BARACK OBAMA, Nobel Lecture, Dec. 10, 2009

“And, of course the only way to ensure affordable, high-quality healthcare for everyone, whether you want it or not.”

The belief that peace is desirable is rarely enough to achieve it. Peace requires responsibility. Peace entails sacrifice.

BARACK OBAMA, Nobel Lecture, Dec. 10, 2009

“And sacrifices require someone to collect them. That’ll be my job.”

In dealing with those nations that break rules and laws, I believe that we must develop alternatives to violence that are tough enough to actually change behavior — for if we want a lasting peace, then the words of the international community must mean something. Those regimes that break the rules must be held accountable. Sanctions must exact a real price. Intransigence must be met with increased pressure — and such pressure exists only when the world stands together as one.

BARACK OBAMA, Nobel Lecture, Dec. 10, 2009

“Or – better idea – we just let Iran do whatever it wants. It’s SO much easier.”

“I’ve got a phone that allows me to convene Americans from every walk of life – nonprofits, businesses, the private sector, universities – to try to bring more and more Americans together around what I think is a unifying theme, making sure that this is a country where if you work hard, you can make it.”

BARACK OBAMA, Press Conference, Jan. 14, 2014

“So work hard at doing what I tell you, or I will pick up that phone and make sure you don’t make it.”

I’ve got a pen and I’ve got a phone,” the president asserted, “and I can use that pen to sign executive orders and take executive actions and administrative actions that move the ball forward in helping to make sure our kids are getting the best education possible, to make sure that our businesses are getting the kind of support and help they need to grow and advance, to make sure that people are getting the skills that they need to get those jobs that our businesses are creating.

BARACK OBAMA, Press Conference, Jan. 14, 2014

“To make sure that any business over a ‘certain size’ is asphyxiated by the glob of inpenetrable regulations that I shove down its throat.”

I don’t think a system is working when small businesses are gouged and 15,000 Americans are losing coverage every single day; when premiums have doubled and out-of-pocket costs have exploded and they’re poised to do so again. I mean, to be fair, the status quo is working for the insurance industry, but it’s not working for the American people. It’s not working for our federal budget. It needs to change.

BARACK OBAMA, remarks to GOP House Issues Conference, Jan. 29, 2010

“And I promise that, when I’m done changing it, it won’t work for the insurance industry, either.”

I know how bitter and contentious the issue of health insurance reform has become. And I will eagerly look at the ideas and better solutions on the health care front. If anyone here truly believes our health insurance system is working well for people, I respect your right to say so, but I just don’t agree. And neither would millions of Americans with preexisting conditions who can’t get coverage today or find out that they lose their insurance just as they’re getting seriously ill. That’s exactly when you need insurance. And for too many people, they’re not getting it.

BARACK OBAMA, remarks to GOP House Issues Conference, Jan. 29, 2010

“Much as I’m not getting how free markets and liberty work.”

I know that there are those who disagree with the overwhelming scientific evidence on climate change. But here’s the thing — even if you doubt the evidence, providing incentives for energy-efficiency and clean energy are the right thing to do for our future -– because the nation that leads the clean energy economy will be the nation that leads the global economy. And America must be that nation

BARACK OBAMA, State of the Union Address, Jan. 27, 2010

“Yes, I *know* energy-efficiency and clean energy are exact opposites. I don’t care. As long I get to spend piles and piles of other people’s money! Wheeeeeeeeee!”

A middle class that’s back on its feet, an economy that lifts everybody up, an America that’s ascendant in the world — that’s more important than winning an election.

BARACK OBAMA, remarks to GOP House Issues Conference, Jan. 29, 2010

“Until you win the election, then you don’t have to fiddle with stupid stuff like that and can get back to your REAL agenda.”

These are serious times, and what’s required by all of us — Democrats and Republicans — is to do what’s right for our country, even if it’s not always what’s best for our politics. I know it may be heresy to say this, but there are things more important than good poll numbers. And on this no one can accuse me of not living by my principles.

BARACK OBAMA, remarks to GOP House Issues Conference, Jan. 29, 2010

“…unless they want every talking head in the media to paint them as extremist racist hatemongers.”

I don’t believe that the American people want us to focus on our job security. They want us to focus on their job security. I don’t think they want more gridlock. I don’t think they want more partisanship. I don’t think they want more obstruction. They didn’t send us to Washington to fight each other in some sort of political steel-cage match to see who comes out alive.

BARACK OBAMA, remarks to GOP House Issues Conference, Jan. 29, 2010

“Wait… I’ve just been handed a note… apparently I’ve never been more wrong about anything in my life than I was in that last sentence.”

It’s tempting to look back … and assume that our progress was inevitable -– that America was always destined to succeed. But when the Union was turned back at Bull Run, and the Allies first landed at Omaha Beach, victory was very much in doubt. When the market crashed on Black Tuesday, and civil rights marchers were beaten on Bloody Sunday, the future was anything but certain. These were the times that tested the courage of our convictions, and the strength of our union. And despite all our divisions and disagreements, our hesitations and our fears, America prevailed because we chose to move forward as one nation, as one people.

BARACK OBAMA, State of the Union Address, Jan. 27, 2010

“That’s why my administration is working more of a ‘divide & conquer’ strategy.”

The absence of hope can rot a society from within.

BARACK OBAMA, Nobel Lecture, Dec. 10, 2009

“Which, ironically, is what I’m hoping for.”

The promotion of human rights cannot be about exhortation alone. At times, it must be coupled with painstaking diplomacy. I know that engagement with repressive regimes lacks the satisfying purity of indignation. But I also know that sanctions without outreach — condemnation without discussion — can carry forward only a crippling status quo. No repressive regime can move down a new path unless it has the choice of an open door.

BARACK OBAMA, Nobel Lecture, Dec. 10, 2009

“Like, for example, a door that opens into a uranium enrichment facility.”