Lecture Notes

Introduction

• Good to be home.
• Reflecting on achievements over the past 8 years.

Major Achievements

• Reversed a Great Recession.
• Rebooted the auto industry.
• Unleashed the longest stretch of job creation in American history.
• Opened a new chapter with Cuba.
• Shut down Iran's nuclear weapons program without firing a shot.
• Took out the mastermind of 9/11.
• Achieved marriage equality.
• Secured health insurance for another 20 million citizens.

Post-Racial America

• Post-election talk of a post-racial America was unrealistic.
• Race remains a potent and divisive force in society.

Civic Engagement

• If tired of arguing online, talk to people in real life.
• If disappointed by officials, run for office yourself.
• Encouragement to show up, dive in, and stay engaged.

Personal Notes

• Michelle Livan Robinson, girl of the Southside, made the White House inclusive.
• New generation sees her as a role model.
• Proud father of Malia and Sasha.

Social Bubbles

• Warning against retreating into social bubbles (neighborhoods, campuses, places of worship, social media).
• Emphasis on basing opinions on evidence rather than unchallenged assumptions.

Final Encouragement

• Hold fast to the faith written in the founding documents.
• Remember the spirit of justice and determination sung by various American heroes.
• Creed reaffirmed by adventurers, soldiers, and civil rights marchers.
• Ending with the mantra: "Yes we can. Yes we did. Yes we can."

Closing

• Thank you and God bless.