Democratic Presidential hopeful Barack Obama celebrated Father’s Day by speaking at the Apostolic Church of God in Chicago, Illinois on Sunday. Barack shared his own story, both as the child of an absent father and as father of two daughters, and recognized the role and responsibility of fathers. (Keep reading to view full video and link to transcript).
Pictured: His wife, Michelle Obama and daughters Sasha and Malia listening at the event.
OBAMA’S SPEECH ON FATHERHOOD
( Sources: LINK TO FULL TRANSCRIPT / Daylife )
such a nice family
Great family,and I wish that my dad was around when I was growing up.
Great speech! We NEED to get this man to the white house people!!!!!
OBAMA ’08!!!!!!!!!!!!
Thank you to all the wives of the men who fathered the Civil Rights Movement.
Thank you Michelle Obama.
Gotta love em.his wife nd children r so gawjus !
He has a beautiful family…
such a beautiful family
its ashame something to positive have less than 10 comments
smh
I too, wish my own father would have been around had he been there. Kudos for Barack for speaking the truth.
@ #7 aka empress N
Its just been posted give people a chance.
I just LUV this guy! We are so bless to have Christian man running for office. Wow! Speak on it Barack! He is a gift not perfect yet he still a gift to the American people….
I love his speech better then Usher man up mess.
I too didn’t have David (dad) in my life when growing up just my mom and grandmom, it’s so important for a lot of men to just be there.
I’m married to a wonderful man who take full advantage of being a father to our 3 kids and loves it, sometimes I feel a little jealous that my kids will get to experience the one thing I lone for, but I’m happy they can especially my sons. I’m not sure if our men will listen, but it’s a start.
Congrats on the speech Barack!
great speech
i hope he wins
even tho i live in canada
@TRUTHBTOLD / How is he a Christian when he support gays and lesbianism, same sex marriages, and abortions (etc)? All the things that true Christians do not support or do.
Why is it that people can use all kinds of filthy profanity on here but my comment gets monitored because I said h***sex*ality? Seems backwards to me.
I just read the speech and I agree with Mr. Obama I grew up in a single parent home. At this point in my life I do not want any children but if God decides to bless me with any I pray they have a strong father in their life.
michelle seems to be retiring the flip and i am so glad. she looks so attentive but barack’s daughters look bored to tears. they are probably tired of hearing him talk!
I love Michelle Obama!!
Happy belated Fathers’ Day to all the fathers out there. Remember, if you cannot be a good husband or a good boyfriend, make sure you are a wonderful father; that’s is the most important job you’ll ever have in your life.
Oh Great speech Obama….
Ladies and gentlemen…the next president of the United States of America and the “First Family”
Its like a paradigm(IDK if thats the right choice of word) growing up without a father. I say that because while it sucked not having a dad around when I was young, not having one made me the Man I am today. Showed me a great example of what NOT to be and how NOT to treat your family. Its is the single thing in my life that I can say makes me want so badly to not only be a father but to be a GREAT father. I think most men in my situation feel very similarly.
Barack appears to be an EXCELLENT father…and i am sure that he is. I am so ready for him to be PRESIDENT…i encouraged every1 to vote for him…he is the future of this country…alls i know is im voting for him!
o and i agree with #11 with regards to #7…the post just got up. ive been on here all morning and im just now c’n it. give ppl sum tym. they will reply…esp since its abt Barack!
Barack Obama = Next President of the United States of America
Wonderful speech!
@19Greg_Arious
I commend you! I wish I would’ve had my dad in my life as well. he didn’t come into me/brother’s life until I was 18 and it was bittersweet. All the years he spent living th life in NYC spending up his money and having too many kids, we were living a life I wouldn’t wish on my worst enemy because of a monster for a stepfather. Thank God my mom and us came up out of that but there is irrepairable damge that cannot be reversed.
Men it is soooooo important to be involved in your child’s life. Some people say it’s more important to be a part of a boy child’s life, but I say it doesn’t matter. A girl child needs her father just as much as a boy does. Thank God because of my wonderful mother I haven’t gone through life looking for a man to fulfill the role of “daddy” in my life or use not having mine as an excuse to make bad choices. men PLEASE, don’t abandon your children, they need you. It is the very reason I don’t have a child(ren) now. I’m more fearful of a man not being there for his child, that we made, than us not being together or being a “baby mama” though I would like to be married first.
To Black America, being raised in a single parent home, looking like a black man but raised by a white mother Barack stands for many things just getting to the position he is politically!!
I commend him for overcoming his constant struggle and his diligence throughout.
As a black american you just never think or would have considered a black man/woman becoming President of the US or even getting as close as one of two candidates. He is someone to be proud of because he has made American History as well as black history. He is a family man as well as an intelligent man. Aside of skin color no one can take those things away from him!!!
Let’s just hope he isn’t a pawn in the bigger scheme of things for white american because as we all know there is always a hidden agenda.
SMh
Monday, June 16, 2008 /
@TRUTHBTOLD / How is he a Christian when he support gays and lesbianism, same sex marriages, and abortions (etc)? All the things that true Christians do not support or do.
Why is it that people can use all kinds of filthy profanity on here but my comment gets monitored because I said h***sex*ality? Seems backwards to me.
Since when are you the expert on who/who is not a true Christian? I support all of those things so you are saying I am not a true Christian? I believe in an individuals freedom to choose & I don’t judge people and the decisions/choices they make. I read the word and fellowship faithfully so don’t come in here with that time of ignorance.
I support Obama and even if he doesn’t make it to the white house, he has trully made history and has caused this country to take a second look at the African-American community as a whole & to take our race of people more seriously. I do think that there is more work to be done and hopefully we as a people will take this as a stepping stone to become more politically active and vocal regardless of what the outcome of the presidential election may be.
Obama ’08! Yes We Can!
#24 is right. Christians love everyone regardless of who they are or what they do. It is not up to Christians to judge; we are so supposed to pray for others.
I always love Obama’s speeches. He is such a great example.
I love Obama! He possesses the qualities of a loving husband, a great father an overall family man and he has an ivy league education. Speaks very well and I feel can represent this country in the best way! Obama 08′!!!
What an inspiring speech! Obama will make a great leader and president.
I enjoyed every moment of that speech and I love the fact that his message is so positive, thought provoking and he can relate to such a wide variety of people.
I must say that it is embarrasing that a post on Obama gets about 30-40 comments, whilst a post on Beyonce/Jay z gets 200 comments and those people do not really benefit our community at all. Tut tut!
awww beautiful…im glad my daddy was/is around,,,whoooo for real men
Watching this speech yesterday made my day…Father’s day is a holiday that I and so many of people (specifically African-Americans) do not celebrate. This day is usually full of sorrow, a reminder of what I dont have. I love that Obama took the time out of his busy presidential schedule to address fatherlessness on Father’s Day. If any of you ever doubted Obama, I hope that you can open your eyes and see now on what a GREAT PRESIDENT he will be once in office. The Obamas are a dream come true for America and its beyond skin color. They represent the best of ourselves in establishing your family and being public servants for you community, while beating obstacles. If you don’t feel that, I truly feel sorry for you!!!
Obama ’08!
Happy belated Father’s Day to all the Fathers out there! Unfortunately, I fall in the pool of those who were raised in a single parent house-hold. I learned things from my mom of what to do and NOT to do just because a child’s father was not there. Although we’re not together, my daughter however is very blessed to have her daddy in her life everyday and daily my prayer is that she may never know what its like to grow up with out the trust and security of a daddy.
Obama spoke the truth on Fathers Day and every male who has children and aren’t taking fatherhood seriously is repeating failure! I’m a 23 year male college graduate who became engaged December of 2006 and it recently ended this month. No children came from that relationship because protection was always used. And that’s what puzzles me about people who have kids from almost every relationship. They don’t care about using protection, they don’t have a standard for themselves or their mate. I knew during the time I was engaged that this women wasn’t ready to be my wife or a mother of my future children. She simply didn’t have skills that really her mother should have guided her with early on. Really the only thing that we both had in common was education. But that wasn’t enough. It’s about emotional and spiritual assets that form a good foundation in any real relationship. But I guess what I’m saying is men need to be real with themselves before they get with females and females need to do the same. Everyone says the want a good man or woman but what are they?
What a Great Speech ! I wish every father and every man could hear this speech.
i like how the secret service man is sitting behind michelle and the kids in the next pew. lol
I think Obama is a great man. I’m reading his book, “dreams of my father”. It explores the relationship with his father and being a black man in America. Great Read!!
he blessed that he has a beautiful family!!!
“OBAMA 08″ WOOOW!!!!
Barack is a once in a life time politician. He is dignified, honorable man. Turn out to vote from this man should be in record numbers. He is the Michael Jordan and Tiger Woods of politics. Enjoy this time.
Barack speaks the truth. We are diminishing our own race. Women need to start being mothers (not just mamas) and men need to do likewise. We as black parents need to step up to the plate and raise the children of our future correctly — and please turn off BET and hand them a book.
Also great advice given from Ron @32.
Excellent speech – Excellent message… and such a beautiful family.
Happy Father’s Day to all fathers… and mothers,aunts,uncles and all others assuming the role of the “father”.
@24 You are one of those so-called “Christians”, I see, man I wish Judah was here to see you type that. I don’t have the stamina as he does but I’ll take a whack at it.LOL!!!!
You said that you read the Bible obviously you don’t read with understanding. If you did you know why I said that he isn’t a true Christian. It sad really seeing that the Bible is clear on it stand against same sex unions. Since you have your Bible read(Rom. 1:24-27,1 Tim. 1:9-11,) Does those scriptures paint ho**se**uality in a good light?
Read 1 Cor. 6:9-11 You see it said that some were gay and had to turn around from there ways. If nothing is wrong with it why did they have to stop do such things? Do you believe the Bible is God’s Word? Now am I saying hate the gays? No! You are not to hate no man, but that doesn’t mean you have to agree or support the things that man do that is clearly a sin against God. Then again you probably one of those who are so called Christians who don’t see nothing wrong with sex before marriage. So why do I bother. SMH. Peace
ok; you folks who insist on slaming barack because of his views and his stand on gay and lesbians issues. LOOK , these people have been here since the beginning of time and they ain’t going no where. so we who disagree w/ their lifestyle, must deal w/ it . AS LONG as they don’t through no beer cans in my backyard what their taste is or what their choice is. ; is their bussiness and i won’t condemn them to hell. i don’t beleive in the lifestyle but i’am not going to send them to hell, its not my job. this is why i’ve backed off going to church. i feel a preacher,or those called by god. the mission is to preach and teach. and not try to preach and condemn me to HELL; its not your job. i had an aunt that always would tell her husband and she was a regular church goer, while he sat at home and drank all the time. she would constantly tell him that he was on his way to hell, all the time. THEN one day after hearing this he responded. AND WHEN I GET DOWN THERE “I’AM GOING TO SAY “HOWDY-HOWDY” TO A WHOLE LOT OF YOU CHURCH FOLKS”. so just keep livin and judg’n. the issue i have w/ barack is trying to get or go after them two-face lateeno’s vote the ones who is not going to back him mark my word. they tend to obey the ones who support them . their masters who will then. they hope will find them in good favor.
#39, u beta teach…not 2 get n2 u n smh’s convo,but tht last comment was 2 b commended. 4 u 2 bring scriptual refs n2 it so tht clarity can b made was a g8 move. idk if its clear, but im a Christian.I do not agree w/ same sex nething on a intimate level,or abortions,or premarital sex,etc.&God loves the persons who r n same sex relationships-He just hates the act. Im not sure wat ppl’ s definitions of “true Christian” is. i c the term b’n tossd back n forth.but IMO a Christian is 1 whos given their lyf 2 Christ & livs the Word – the Bible-lives, acts according to, & has the mentality of Christ-obeys God’s commandments-made a 180deg. turn from sin & has made a conscious decision 2 liv 4 Christ n Christ alone, etc. well tht was n snippet form, & im not sure if u agree w/ tht but i do agree w/ ur stand 2 enlightn the situation…CHRISTIANS STAND UP!
I love Obama, but I know its GOT to be hard campaigning with young kids… They look so sad/tired. Itll all be worth it tho, in due time
and side note just to jump into a few previous conversations. I think both black men and women should invest more time in their history, bc there are alot of things done in the past that effect the future. For instance, I come from a long line of…womanizers, my daddy loved women, his daddy loved women, his daddy loved women, and his daddy was actually killed for marryin a black woman before he was able to have influence in his sons life but as rumor has it, he loved women too. And im not sayin that kids are destined to be just like their parents HOWEVER, some things are generational, and its MIGHTY hard to be a good father if you never had an example.
And also, us young women. should REALLY TRUELY AND DEFINITELY step our standards up! If you wit somebody who already has 3 kids hes not doing nothin for MAYBE you should reconsider dating that person. Its not about bein stuck up or boujie(sp?) its about self respect, and self importance
Coming from a young married woman with a good man (bc i didnt settle)
@41 I agree with your definitions a true Christian. Good see somebody have some sense. Thanks.
Obama is a true gentleman. People there’s no need for back and forth bickering.
@45 Who’s bickering? Just having a conversation.
He does something everyday to make me like him even more. I can’t wait to see him at the rally tonight.
@40 where did i see anything about sending someone to hell? Please tell me where. Please quit assuming.SMH.
I’m proud to say I lived in the time of Obama. I’m certain MLK would be happy to see this! The dream could become a reality if Americans vote for change like I hope they do. YES WE CAN!
SMH, I totally hear where you are coming from.
In today’s society, we totally underestimate the power fatherhood. We glamorize single motherhood (I was raised by a single mother – divorced, so I’m not putting down single mothers), but men are more than just sperm donors. Children deserve to have a GOOD father active in their lives.
The Obamas are a beautiful family.
SMH, I agree with you about not supporting gays and lesbians, but that’s not what we are discussing here.
All TRUTHBTOLD said was that he was Christian. That’s it. And here you are going on about true Christians, and trying to label the man.
Here you are trying to judge Obama. He shouldn’t support this and he shouldn’t support that. Do you even know the man? The only thing you should be doing is weighing out his pros and cons. If the pros outweigh the cons, then go with it.
If you don’t like what he supports, then pray for him, and be happy for everything he supports that you support.
How many true Christians exist out there? Everyone sins. If you
are looking for perfection, then you will die trying to find it here on earth.
why is obama so damn sexy to me
He always says what meeds to be said, which is why he is going to be a great president.
correction: what needs to be said.
Great Speech! I can’t believe he quoted Chris Rock…LOL…Barack’s been listening to too much Chris Rock “You supposed to graduate from 8th Grade”
@ SMH, , thank you . People hate the truth . If you are a believer , the word is what it is . That poster needs to take it up with the lord not you . People on her love to shoot the messenger .
WELL SAID AND DONE SPEED.
BARACK OBAMA O8!!
I think Mr. Obama’s comments were relevant, and the fact that the messagener is credible will hopefully open the eyes of Black America. Once we instill family values and respect within our community……we will truely have power and respect in all realms of society. We will be respected for more than music and athletics….we will have the ultimate respect…the respect of having knowledge…because no matter how “fly” you think clothes, jewlery, and cars make you…..true respects comes from having a bright mind. Barack Obama is a perfect example.
His speech was very good and Happy belated Father’s Day to all the dads and moms who are doing their job.
I love the Obamas!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
We are gonna put them in the White House:-)