奥巴马电台演讲2011-2012(6)

第一篇：奥巴马电台演讲2011-2012(6)

31.Strengthening the American Education System September 24, 2011

Over the last few weeks, I’ve been making the case that we need to act now on the American Jobs Act, so we can put folks back to work and start building an economy that lasts into the future.Education is an essential part of this economic agenda.It is an undeniable fact that countries who out-educate us today will out-compete us tomorrow.Businesses will hire wherever the highly-skilled, highly-trained workers are located.But today, our students are sliding against their peers around the globe.Today, our kids trail too many other countries in math, science, and reading.As many as a quarter of our students aren’t even finishing high school.And we’ve fallen to 16th in the proportion of our young people with a college degree, even though we know that sixty percent of new jobs in the coming decade will require more than a high school diploma.What this means is that if we’re serious about building an economy that lasts – an economy in which hard work pays off with the opportunity for solid middle class jobs – we had better be serious about education.We have to pick up our game and raise our standards.As a nation, we have an obligation to make sure that all children have the resources they need to learn – quality schools, good teachers, the latest textbooks and the right technology.That’s why the jobs bill I sent to Congress would put tens of thousands of teachers back to work across the country, and modernize at least 35,000 schools.And Congress should pass that bill right now.But money alone won’t solve our education problems.We also need reform.We need to make sure that every classroom is a place of high expectations and high performance.That’s been our vision since taking office.And that’s why instead of just pouring money into a system that’s not working, we launched a competition called Race to the Top.To all fifty states, we said, “If you show us the most innovative plans to improve teacher quality and student achievement, we’ll show you the money.”

For less than one percent of what we spend on education each year, Race to the Top has led states across the country to raise their standards for teaching and learning.These standards were developed, not by Washington, but by Republican and Democratic governors throughout the country.And since then, we have seen what’s possible when reform isn’t just a top-down mandate, but the work of local teachers and principals;school boards and communities.That’s why in my State of the Union address this year, I said that Congress should reform the No Child Left Behind law based on the same principles that have guided Race to the Top.While the goals behind No Child Left Behind were admirable, experience has taught us that the law has some serious flaws that are hurting our children instead of helping them.Teachers are being forced to teach to a test, while subjects like history and science are being squeezed out.And in order to avoid having their schools labeled as failures, some states lowered their standards in a race to the bottom.These problems have been obvious to parents and educators all over this country for years.But for years, Congress has failed to fix them.So now, I will.Our kids only get one shot at a decent education.And they can’t afford to wait any longer.Yesterday, I announced that we’ll be giving states more flexibility to meet high standards for teaching and learning.It’s time for us to let states, schools and teachers come up with innovative ways to give our children the skills they need to compete for the jobs of the future.This will make a huge difference in the lives of students all across the country.Yesterday, I was with Ricky Hall, the principal of a school in Worcester, Massachusetts.Every single student who graduated from Ricci’s school in the last three years went on to college.But because they didn’t meet the standards of No Child Left Behind, Ricci’s school was labeled as failing last year.That will change because of what we did yesterday.From now on, we’ll be able to encourage the progress at schools like Ricci’s.From now on, people like John Becker, who teaches at one of the highest-performing middle schools in D.C., will be able to focus on teaching his 4th graders math in a way that improves their performance instead of just teaching to a test.Superintendents like David Estrop from Ohio will be able to focus on improving teaching and learning in his district instead of spending all his time on bureaucratic mandates from Washington that don’t get results.This isn’t just the right thing to do for our kids – it’s the right thing to do for our country, and our future.It is time to put our teachers back on the job.It is time to rebuild and modernize our schools.And it is time to raise our standards, up our game, and do everything it takes to prepare our children succeed in the global economy.Now is the time to once again make our education system the envy of the world.Thanks for listening.32.Passing the American Jobs Act September 17, 2011

I’ve spent some time lately traveling the country and talking with folks outside of Washington.And the number one issue for the people I meet is how we can get back to a place where we’re creating good, middle-class jobs that pay well and offer some security.That’s the idea behind the American Jobs Act.It’s a jobs bill that does two simple things: put more people back to work, and more money back in the pockets of people who are working.This jobs bill puts construction workers back to work rebuilding our roads and bridges and modernizing our schools.This jobs bill puts teachers back in the classroom, and keeps cops and firefighters on our streets.This jobs bill gives tax credits to companies that hire our veterans, because if you sign up to fight for our country, the last thing you should have to do is fight for a job when you come home.This jobs bill connects the long-term unemployed to temporary work to keep their skills sharp while they look for a job, and it gives hundreds of thousands of young people the hope of a job next summer.This jobs bill cuts taxes for every small business owner in America.It cuts them even more for small business owners that hire new workers and raise workers’ salaries.And it cuts taxes for every working family in America so that you’ll have more money in your pockets, and businesses know they’ll have customers to buy what they sell.That’s the American Jobs Act, and you can check it out for yourself on WhiteHouse.gov.It will create new jobs.It will cut taxes for every worker and small business in the country.And it will not add to the deficit.It will be paid for.On Monday, I’ll lay out my plan for how we’ll do that – how we’ll pay for this plan and pay down our debt by following some basic principles: making sure we live within our means and asking everyone to pay their fair share.But right now, we’ve got to get Congress to pass this jobs bill.Everything in the American Jobs Act is the kind of idea that’s been supported by Democrats and Republicans before.And if they’re ideas you agree with, too, every one of you can help make it happen by telling your congressperson to pass this jobs bill right away.I know some of them would rather wait another year to wage another election than work together right now.But most Americans don’t have the luxury of waiting.It was three years ago this week that a financial crisis on Wall Street made things much more difficult for working folks on Main Street.And too many are still hurting as a result.So the time for action is now.No more games or gridlock.No more division or delay.It’s time for the people you sent to Washington to put country before party – to stop worrying so much about their jobs and start worrying more about yours.It’s time to get to work and show the world once again why the United States of America remains the greatest nation on Earth.Thank you.33.Coming Together as One Nation to Remember

September 10, 2011

This weekend, we’re coming together, as one nation, to mark the 10th anniversary of the September 11th attacks.We’re remembering the lives we lost—nearly 3,000 innocent men, women and children.We’re reaffirming our commitment to always keep faith with their families.We’re honoring the heroism of first responders who risked their lives—and gave their lives—to save others.And we’re giving thanks to all who serve on our behalf, especially our troops and military families—our extraordinary 9/11 Generation.At the same time, even as we reflect on a difficult decade, we must look forward, to the future we will build together.That includes staying strong and confident in the face of any threat.And thanks to the tireless efforts of our military personnel and our intelligence, law enforcement and homeland security professionals—there should be no doubt.Today, America is stronger and al Qaeda is on the path to defeat.We’ve taken the fight to al Qaeda like never before.Over the past two and a half years, more senior al Qaeda leaders have been eliminated than at any time since 9/11.And thanks to the remarkable courage and precision of our forces, we finally delivered justice to Osama bin Laden.We’ve strengthened the partnerships and tools we need to prevail in this war against al Qaeda—working closer with allies and partners;reforming intelligence to better detect and disrupt plots;investing in our Special Forces so terrorists have no safe haven.We’re constantly working to improve the security of our homeland as well—at our airports, ports and borders;enhancing aviation security and screening;increasing support for our first responders;and working closer than ever with states, cities and communities.A decade after 9/11, it’s clear for all the world to see—the terrorists who attacked us that September morning are no match for the character of our people, the resilience of our nation, or the endurance of our values.They wanted to terrorize us, but, as Americans, we refuse to live in fear.Yes we face a determined foe, and make no mistake—they will keep trying to hit us again.But as we are showing again this weekend, we remain vigilant.We’re doing everything in our power to protect our people.And no matter what comes our way, as a resilient nation, we will carry on.They wanted to draw us in to endless wars, sapping our strength and confidence as a nation.But even as we put relentless pressure on al Qaeda, we’re ending the war in Iraq and beginning to bring our troops home from Afghanistan.Because after a hard decade of war, it is time for nation building here at home.They wanted to deprive us of the unity that defines us as a people.But we will not succumb to division or suspicion.We are Americans, and we are stronger and safer when we stay true to the values, freedoms and diversity that make us unique among nations.And they wanted to undermine our place in the world.But a decade later, we’ve shown that America doesn’t hunker down and hide behind walls of mistrust.We’ve forged new partnerships with nations around the world to meet the global challenges that no nation can face alone.And across the Middle East and North Africa a new generation of citizens is showing that the future belongs to those that want to build, not destroy.Ten years ago, ordinary Americans showed us the true meaning of courage when they rushed up those stairwells, into those flames, into that cockpit.In the decade since, a new generation has stepped forward to serve and keep us safe.In their memory, in their name, we will never waver.We will protect the country we love and pass it safer, stronger and more prosperous to the next generation.34.Time to Act on the Transportation Bill September 3, 2011

At the end of September, if Congress doesn’t act, funding for our roads and bridges will expire.This would put a stop to highway construction, bridge repair, mass transit systems and other important projects that keep our country moving quickly and safely.And it would affect thousands of construction workers and their families who depend on the jobs created by these projects to make ends meet.Usually, renewing this transportation bill is a no-brainer.In fact, Congress has renewed it seven times over the last two years.But thanks to political posturing in Washington, they haven’t been able to extend it this time – and the clock is running out.Allowing this bill to expire would be a disaster for our infrastructure and our economy.Right away, over 4,000 workers would be furloughed without pay.If it’s delayed for just 10 days, we will lose nearly $1 billion in highway funding that we can never get back.And if we wait even longer, almost 1 million workers could be in danger of losing their jobs over the next year.Those are serious consequences, and the pain will be felt all across the country.In Virginia, 19,000 jobs are at risk.In Minnesota, more than 12,000.And in Florida, over 35,000 people could be out of work if Congress doesn’t act.That makes no sense – and it’s completely avoidable.There’s no reason to put more jobs at risk in an industry that has been one of the hardest-hit in this recession.There’s no reason to cut off funding for transportation projects at a time when so many of our roads are congested;so many of our bridges are in need of repair;and so many businesses are feeling the cost of delays.This isn’t a Democratic or a Republican issue – it’s an American issue.That’s why, last week, I was joined at the White House by representatives from the AFL-CIO and the Chamber of Commerce – two groups who don’t always see eye-to-eye, but who agree that it’s critically important for our economy that Congress act now.That’s also why 128 mayors from both parties wrote to Congress asking them to come together and pass a clean extension.These are the local leaders who are on the ground every day, and who know what would happen to their communities if Congress fails to act.So I’m calling on Congress, as soon as they come back, to pass a clean extension of the transportation bill to keep workers on the job, keep critical projects moving forward, and to give folks a sense of security.There’s a lot of talk in Washington these days about creating jobs.But it doesn’t help when those same folks turn around and risk losing hundreds of thousands of jobs just because of political gamesmanship.We need to pass this transportation bill and put people to work rebuilding America.We need to put our differences aside and do the right thing for our economy.And now is the time to act.35.Coming Together to Remember August 27, 2011

In just two weeks, we’ll come together, as a nation, to mark the 10th anniversary of the September 11th attacks.We’ll remember the innocent lives we lost.We’ll stand with the families who loved them.We’ll honor the heroic first responders who rushed to the scene and saved so many.And we’ll pay tribute to our troops and military families, and all those who have served over the past ten years, to keep us safe and strong.We’ll also recall how the worst terrorist attack in American history brought out the best in the American people.How Americans lined up to give blood.How volunteers drove across the country to lend a hand.How schoolchildren donated their savings.How communities, faith groups and businesses collected food and clothing.We were united, and the outpouring of generosity and compassion reminded us that in times of challenge, we Americans move forward together, as one people.This September 11th, Michelle and I will join the commemorations at Ground Zero, in Shanksville, and at the Pentagon.But even if you can’t be in New York, Pennsylvania or Virginia, every American can be part of this anniversary.Once again, 9/11 will be a National Day of Service and Remembrance.And in the days and weeks ahead, folks across the country—in all 50 states—will come together, in their communities and neighborhoods, to honor the victims of 9/11 and to reaffirm the strength of our nation with acts of service and charity.In Minneapolis, volunteers will help restore a community center.In Winston-Salem, North Carolina, they’ll hammer shingles and lay floors to give families a new home.In Tallahassee, Florida, they’ll assemble care packages for our troops overseas and their families here at home.In Orange County, California, they’ll renovate homes for our veterans.And once again, Michelle and I look forward to joining a local service project as well.There are so many ways to get involved, and every American can do something.To learn more about the opportunities where you live, just go online and visit Serve.gov.Even the smallest act of service, the simplest act of kindness, is a way to honor those we lost;a way to reclaim that spirit of unity that followed 9/11.On this 10th anniversary, we still face great challenges as a nation.We’re emerging from the worst economic crisis in our lifetimes.We’re taking the fight to al Qaeda, ending the war in Iraq and starting to bring our troops home from Afghanistan.And we’re working to rebuild the foundation of our national strength here at home.None of this will be easy.And it can’t be the work of government alone.As we saw after 9/11, the strength of America has always been the character and compassion of our people.So as we mark this solemn anniversary, let’s summon that spirit once more.And let’s show that the sense of common purpose that we need in America doesn’t have to be a fleeting moment;it can be a lasting virtue—not just on one day, but every day

36.Putting Country Ahead of Party August 20, 2011

Hello from the Country Corner Farm in Alpha, Illinois!For the past few days, I’ve been traveling to small towns and farm towns here in the heartland of this country.I sat down with small business owners in Gutenberg, Iowa;and ranchers and farmers in Peosta.I had lunch with veterans in Cannon Falls, Minnesota;and talked to plant workers at a seed distributor in Atkinson, Illinois.And to the girls volleyball team at Maquoketa High School, let me just say one thing: Go Cardinals.Now, I’m out here for one reason: I think Washington, DC can learn something from the folks in Atkinson and Peosta and Cannon Falls.I think our country would be a whole lot better off if our elected leaders showed the same kind of discipline and integrity and responsibility that most Americans demonstrate in their lives every day.Because, the fact is, we’re going through a tough time right now.We’re coming through a terrible recession;a lot of folks are still looking for work.A lot of people are getting by with smaller paychecks or less money in the cash register.So we need folks in Washington – the people whose job it is to deal with the country’s problems, the people who you elected to serve – we need them to put aside their differences to get things done.There are things we can do right now that will mean more customers for businesses and more jobs across the country.We can cut payroll taxes again, so families have an extra $1,000 to spend.We can pass a road construction bill so construction crews – now sitting idle – can head back to the worksite, rebuilding roads, bridges, and airports.We’ve got brave, skilled Americans returning from Iraq and Afghanistan.Let’s connect them with businesses that could use their skills.And let’s pass trade deals to level the playing field for our businesses.We have Americans driving Hyundais and Kias.Well, I want to see folks in Korea driving Fords, Chevys and Chryslers.I want more products sold around the globe stamped with three words: Made in America.These are commonsense ideas – ideas that have been supported by both Democrats and Republicans.The only thing holding them back is politics.The only thing preventing us from passing these bills is the refusal by some in Congress to put country ahead of party.That’s the problem right now.That’s what’s holding this country back.That’s what we have to change.Because, for all the knocks we’ve taken, despite all the challenges we face, this is still the greatest country on earth.We still have the best workers and farmers, entrepreneurs and businesses, students and scientists.And you can see that here in Alpha.You can see it along the country roads that connect these small towns and farmlands.These past few days, I’ve been seeing little kids with American flags and grandparents in lawn chairs.I’ve shaken hands with folks outside machine shops and churches, corner stores and farms.It reminds me why I got into public service in the first place.Getting out of Washington and spending time with the people of this country – seeing how hard you’re working, how creative you are, how resourceful you are, how determined you are – that only makes me more determined to serve you as best I can as President.And it only makes me more confident in our future.That’s why it’s so important that folks in Washington put country before party.That’s why it’s so important that our elected leaders get past their differences to help grow the economy and put this nation back to work.Because here in Alpha it couldn’t be more clear: if we can come together, there’s no stopping the United States of America.There’s no doubt that our future is bright.Thanks, and have a great weekend.37.Putting the American People First August 13, 2011

On Thursday, I visited a new, high-tech factory in Michigan where workers are helping America lead the way in a growing clean energy industry.They were proud of their work, and they should be.They’re not just showing us a path out of the worst recession in generations – they’re proving that this is still a country where we make things;where new ideas take root and grow;where the best universities, most creative entrepreneurs, and most dynamic businesses in the world call home.They’re proving that even in difficult times, there’s not a country on Earth that wouldn’t trade places with us.That doesn’t mean we don’t face some very tough economic challenges.Many Americans are hurting badly right now.Many have been unemployed for too long.Putting these men and women back to work, and growing wages for everyone, has got to be our top priority.But lately, the response from Washington has been partisanship and gridlock that’s only undermined public confidence and hindered our efforts to grow the economy.So while there’s nothing wrong with our country, there is something wrong with our politics, and that’s what we’ve got to fix.Because we know there are things Congress can do, right now, to get more money back in your pockets, get this economy growing faster, and get our friends and neighbors back to work.The payroll tax cut that put $1,000 back in the average family’s pocket this year? Let’s extend it.Construction workers who’ve been jobless since the housing boom went bust? Let’s put them back to work rebuilding America.Let’s cut red tape in the patent process so entrepreneurs can get good ideas to market more quickly.Let’s finish trade deals so we can sell more American-made goods around the world.Let’s connect the hundreds of thousands of brave Americans coming home from Iraq and Afghanistan to businesses that need their incredible skills and talents.These are all things we can do right now.So let’s do them.And over the coming weeks, I’ll put forward more proposals to help our businesses hire and create jobs, and won’t stop until every American who wants a job can find one.But we can no longer let partisan brinksmanship get in our way – the idea that making it through the next election is more important than making things right.That’s what’s holding us back – the fact that some in Congress would rather see their opponents lose than see America win.So you’ve got a right to be frustrated.I am.Because you deserve better.And I don’t think it’s too much for you to expect that the people you send to this town start delivering.Members of Congress are at home in their districts right now.And if you agree with me – whether you’re a Democrat or a Republican or not much of a fan of either – let them know.If you’ve had it with gridlock, and you want them to pass stalled bills that will help our economy right now – let them know.If you refuse to settle for a politics where scoring points is more important than solving problems;if you believe it’s time to put country before party and the interests of our children before our own – let them know.And maybe they’ll get back to Washington ready to compromise, ready to create jobs, ready to get our fiscal house in order – ready to do what you sent them to do.Yes, we’ve still got a long way to go to get to where we need to be.We didn’t get into this mess overnight, and it’s going to take time to get out of it.That’s a hard truth – but it’s no excuse for inaction.After all, America voted for divided government, not dysfunctional government, and we’ve got work to do.And when we come together and find common ground, there’s no stopping this country.There’s no stopping our people.There’s no holding us back.And there is every reason to believe we’ll get through this storm to a brighter day.Thanks for listening, and have a nice weekend.38.Getting the Economy Growing Faster August 6, 2011

This week, Congress reached an agreement that’s going to allow us to make some progress in reducing our nation’s budget deficit.And through this compromise, both parties are going to have to work together on a larger plan to get our nation’s finances in order.That’s important.We’ve got to make sure that Washington lives within its means, just like families do.In the long term, the health of our economy depends on it.But in the short term, our urgent mission has to be getting this economy growing faster and creating jobs.That’s what’s on people’s minds;that’s what matters to families in this country.And the fact is, this has been a tumultuous year for the economy.We’ve weathered the Arab Spring’s effect on oil and gas prices.The Japanese earthquake and tsunami’s effect on supply chains.The economic situation in Europe.And in Washington, there was a contentious debate over our nation’s budget that nearly dragged our country into financial crisis.So our job right now has to be doing whatever we can to help folks find work;to help create the climate where a business can put up that job listing;where incomes are rising again for people.We’ve got to rebuild this economy and the sense of security that middle class has felt slipping away for years.And while deficit reduction has to be part of our economic strategy, it’s not the only thing we have to do.We need Democrats and Republicans to work together to help grow this economy.We’ve got to put politics aside to get some things done.That’s what the American people expect of us.And there are a number of steps that Congress can take right away, when they return in September.We need to extend tax cuts for working and middle class families so you have more money in your paychecks next year.That would help millions of people to make ends meet.And that extra money for expenses means businesses will have more customers, and will be in a better position to hire.Yesterday, I proposed a new tax credit for companies that hire veterans who are looking for work after serving their country.We’ve got a lot of honorable and skilled people returning from Iraq and Afghanistan, and companies that could benefit from their abilities.Let’s put them together.We need to make sure that millions of workers who are still pounding the pavement looking for jobs are not denied unemployment benefits to carry them through hard times.We’ve got to cut the red tape that stops too many inventors and entrepreneurs from quickly turning new ideas into thriving businesses – which holds back our whole economy.It’s time Congress finally passed a set of trade deals that would help displaced workers looking for new jobs, and that would allow our businesses to sell more products in countries in Asia and South America – products stamped with three words: Made in America.And we ought to give more opportunities to all those construction workers who lost their jobs when the housing boom went bust.We could put them to work right now, by giving loans to companies that want to repair our roads and bridges and airports, helping to rebuild America.Those are a few commonsense steps that would help the economy.And these are ideas that have been supported by both Democrats and Republicans in the past.So I’m going to keep calling on both parties in Congress to put aside their differences and send these bills to my desk so I can sign them right away.After all, both parties share power.Both parties share responsibility for our progress.Moving our economy and our country forward is not a Democratic or a Republican responsibility;it is our responsibility as Americans.That’s the spirit we need in Washington right now.That’s how we’ll get this economy growing faster and reach a brighter day.Thanks for listening, and have a great weekend.39.Compromise on Behalf of the American People July 30, 2011

Today, I’d like to speak with you about the ongoing and urgent efforts to avoid a first-ever default and get our fiscal house in order.Republicans in the House of Representatives just spent precious days trying to pass a plan that a majority of Republicans and Democrats in the Senate had already said they wouldn’t vote for.It’s a plan that wouldn’t solve our fiscal problems, but would force us to re-live this crisis in just a few short months.It would hold our economy captive to Washington politics once again.If anything, the past few weeks have demonstrated that’s unacceptable.Any solution to avoid default must be bipartisan.It must have the support of both parties that were sent here to represent the American people – not just one faction of one party.There are multiple ways to resolve this problem.Congress must find common ground on a plan that can get support from both parties in the House.And it’s got to be a plan that I can sign by Tuesday.Look, the parties are not that far apart here.We’re in rough agreement on how much spending we need to cut to reduce our deficit.We agree on a process to tackle tax reform and entitlement reform.There are plenty of ways out of this mess.But there is very little time.We need to reach a compromise by Tuesday so that our country will have the ability to pay its bills on time – bills like Social Security checks, veterans’ benefits, and contracts we’ve signed with thousands of American businesses.If we don’t, for the first time ever, we could lose our country’s Triple A credit rating.Not because we didn’t have the capacity to pay our bills – we do – but because we didn’t have a Triple A political system to match it.And make no mistake – for those who reflexively oppose tax increases on anyone, a lower credit rating would be a tax increase on everyone – we’d pay higher interest rates on mortgages, car loans, and credit cards.That would be inexcusable, and entirely self-inflicted by Washington.The power to solve this is in our hands.All that’s needed is a simple vote that Democrats and Republicans have taken for decades, including all of the leaders in Congress today.It was done 18 times under President Reagan.7 times under George W.Bush.And it must be done again now.It’s not a vote that allows Congress to spend more money.Raising the debt ceiling simply gives our country the ability to pay the bills Congress has already racked up.It gives the United States of America the ability to keep its word.And it will let businesses and our economy breathe a sigh of relief.On Monday night, I asked you to make your voice heard in this debate.And the response was overwhelming.One of the emails we received was from a woman named Kelly Smith, who wanted to send this message to Washington:

“I keep my home clean, work hard at a full time job, give my parents any monies I can so they can afford their medications, I pay my bills and by all appearances I am a responsible person.All I’m asking is that you be responsible.I have my house in order and all I’m asking is that you get yours the same way.”

Here in Washington, we need to get our house in order.And I have to say, Democrats in Congress and some Senate Republicans have been listening and have shown themselves willing to make compromises to solve this crisis.Now all of us – including Republicans in the House of Representatives – need to demonstrate the same kind of responsibility that the American people show every day.The time for putting party first is over.The time for compromise on behalf of the American people is now.Thank you.40.A Bipartisan Approach to Strengthening the Economy July 23, 2011

For years, the government has spent more money than it takes in.The result is a lot of debt on our nation’s credit card – debt that unless we act will weaken our economy, cause higher interest rates for families, and force us to scale back things like education and Medicare.Now, folks in Washington like to blame one another for this problem.But the truth is, neither party is blameless.And both parties have a responsibility to do something about it.Every day, families are figuring out how stretch their paychecks – struggling to cut what they can’t afford so they can pay for what’s really important.It’s time for Washington to do the same thing.But for that to happen, it means that Democrats and Republicans have to work together.It means we need to put aside our differences to do what’s right for the country.Everyone is going to have to be willing to compromise.Otherwise, we’ll never get anything done.That’s why we need a balanced approach to cutting the deficit.We need an approach that goes after waste in the budget and gets rid of pet projects that cost billions of dollars.We need an approach that makes some serious cuts to worthy programs – cuts I wouldn’t make under normal circumstances.And we need an approach that asks everybody to do their part.So that means, yes, we have to make serious budget cuts;but that it’s not right to ask middle class families to pay more for college before we ask the biggest corporations to pay their fair share of taxes.It means that before we stop funding clean energy, we should ask oil companies and corporate jet owners to give up the tax breaks that other companies don’t get.Before we cut medical research, we should ask hedge fund managers to stop paying taxes at a lower rate than their secretaries.Before we ask seniors to pay more for Medicare, we should ask the wealthiest taxpayers to give up tax breaks we simply cannot afford under these circumstances.That’s the heart of this approach: serious cuts, balanced by some new revenues.And it’s been the position of every Democratic and Republican leader who has worked to reduce the deficit, from Bill Clinton to Ronald Reagan.In fact, earlier this week, one of the most conservative members of the Senate, Tom Coburn, announced his support for a balanced, bipartisan plan that shows promise.And then a funny thing happened.He received a round of applause – from a group of Republican and Democratic senators.That’s a rare event in Washington.So there will be plenty of haggling over the details in the days ahead.But this debate boils down to a simple choice.We can come together for the good of the country and reach a compromise;we can strengthen our economy and leave for our children a more secure future.Or we can issue insults and demands and ultimatums at each another, withdraw to our partisan corners, and achieve nothing.Well, we know the right thing to do.And we know what the American people expect us to do.41.Securing Our Fiscal Future July 16, 2011

Today, there’s a debate going on in Washington over the best way to get America’s fiscal house in order and get our economy on a stronger footing going forward.For a decade, America has been spending more money than we’ve taken in.For several decades, our debt has been rising.And let’s be honest – neither party in this town is blameless.Both have talked this problem to death without doing enough about it.That’s what drives people nuts about Washington.Too often, it’s a place more concerned with playing politics and serving special interests than resolving real problems or focusing on what you’re facing in your own lives.But right now, we have a responsibility – and an opportunity – to reduce our deficit as much as possible and solve this problem in a real and comprehensive way.Simply put, it will take a balanced approach, shared sacrifice, and a willingness to make unpopular choices on all our parts.That means spending less on domestic programs.It means spending less on defense programs.It means reforming programs like Medicare to reduce costs and strengthen the program for future generations.And it means taking on the tax code, and cutting out certain tax breaks and deductions for the wealthiest Americans.Now, some of these things don’t make folks in my party too happy.And I wouldn’t agree to some of these cuts if we were in a better fiscal situation, but we’re not.That’s why I’m willing to compromise.I’m willing to do what it takes to solve this problem, even if it’s not politically popular.And I expect leaders in Congress to show that same willingness to compromise.The truth is, you can’t solve our deficit without cutting spending.But you also can’t solve it without asking the wealthiest Americans to pay their fair share – or without taking on loopholes that give special interests and big corporations tax breaks that middle-class Americans don’t get.It’s pretty simple.I don’t think oil companies should keep getting special tax breaks when they’re making tens of billions in profits.I don’t think hedge fund managers should pay taxes at a lower rate than their secretaries.I don’t think it’s fair to ask nothing of someone like me when the average family has seen their income decline over the past decade – and when many of you are just trying to stretch every dollar as far it it’ll go.We shouldn’t put the burden of deficit reduction on the backs of folks who’ve already borne the brunt of the recession.It’s not reasonable and it’s not right.If we’re going to ask seniors, or students, or middle-class Americans to sacrifice, then we have to ask corporations and the wealthiest Americans to share in that sacrifice.We have to ask everyone to play their part.Because we are all part of the same country.We are all in this together.So I’ve put things on the table that are important to me and to Democrats, and I expect Republican leaders to do the same.After all, we’ve worked together like that before.Ronald Reagan worked with Tip O’Neill and Democrats to cut spending, raise revenues, and reform Social Security.Bill Clinton worked with Newt Gingrich and Republicans to balance the budget and create surpluses.Nobody ever got everything they wanted.But they worked together.And they moved this country forward.That kind of cooperation should be the least you expect from us – not the most you expect from us.You work hard, you do what’s right, and you expect leaders who do the same.You sent us to Washington to do the tough things.The right things.Not just for some of us, but for all of us.Not just what’s enough to get through the next election – but what’s right for the next generation.You expect us to get this right.To put America back on firm economic ground.To forge a healthy, growing economy.To create new jobs and rebuild the lives of the middle class.And that’s what I’m committed to doing.Thank you.42.Working Together to Meet our Fiscal Challenges July 9, 2011

Earlier this week, we did something that’s never been done here at the White House – we had a Twitter Town Hall.I even sent my first live tweet as President.The questions at the town hall were sent in from across the country and covered all kinds of topics – from jobs and the economy to education and energy.Lots of people also submitted different versions of another question.They’d start by saying that our politics has grown so contentious.Then they’d ask, When will both parties in Congress come together on behalf of the people who elected them?

That’s a really important question, and it goes to the heart of a debate we’re having right now in this country – and that’s the debate about how to tackle the problem of our deficits and our debt.Now, there are obviously real differences in approach.I believe we need a balanced approach.That means taking on spending in our domestic programs and our defense programs.It means addressing the challenges in programs like Medicare so we can strengthen those programs and protect them for future generations.And it means taking on spending in the tax code – spending on tax breaks and deductions for the wealthiest Americans.But I also know that Republicans and Democrats don’t see eye to eye on a number of issues.And so, we’re going to continue working over the weekend to bridge those gaps.The good news is, we agree on some of the big things.We agree that after a decade of racking up deficits and debt, we finally need to get our fiscal house in order.We agree that to do that, both sides are going to have to step outside their comfort zones and make some political sacrifices.And we agree that we simply cannot afford to default on our national obligations for the first time in our history;that we need to uphold the full faith and credit of the United States of America

With a recovery that’s still fragile and isn’t producing all the jobs we need, the last thing we can afford is the usual partisan game-playing in Washington.By getting our fiscal house in order, Congress will be in a stronger position to focus on some of the job-creating measures I’ve already proposed – like putting people to work rebuilding America’s infrastructure, or reforming our patent system so that our innovators and entrepreneurs have a greater incentive to generate new products, or making college more affordable for families.And businesses that may be holding back because of the uncertainty surrounding the possibility of a default by the U.S.government will have greater confidence to invest and create jobs.I know we can do this.We can meet our fiscal challenge.That’s what the American people sent us here to do.They didn’t send us here to kick our problems down the road.That’s exactly what they don’t like about Washington.They sent us here to work together.They sent us here to get things done.Right now, we have an extraordinary – and extraordinarily rare – opportunity to move forward in a way that makes sure our government lives within its means, that puts our economy on a sounder footing for the future, and that still invests in the things we need to prosper in the years to come.And I’m hopeful that we will rise to the moment, and seize this opportunity, on behalf of all Americans, and the future we hold in common.Thanks everyone, and have a great weekend.43.Cutting the Deficit and Creating Jobs July 2, 2011

Right now, there are a lot of folks who are still struggling with the effects of the recession.They’re wondering how they’d deal with an unexpected expense if their car breaks down.They’re worried about layoffs.They’re not sure if they can help their kids pay for college.And for many families, these challenges were around long before the recession hit in 2007.I ran for President because I believed in an America where ordinary folks could get ahead;where if you worked hard, you could have a better life.That’s been my focus since I came into office, and that has to be our focus now.It’s one of the reasons why we’re working to reduce our nation’s deficit.Government has to start living within its means, just like families do.We have to cut the spending we can’t afford so we can put the economy on sounder footing, and give our businesses the confidence they need to grow and create jobs.The good news is, Democrats and Republicans agree on the need to solve the problem.And over the last few weeks, the Vice President and I have gotten both parties to identify more than $1 trillion in spending cuts.That’s trillion with a ‘t.’ But after a decade in which Washington ran up the country’s credit card, we’ve got to find more savings to get out of the red.That means looking at every program and tax break in the budget – every single one – to find places to cut waste and save money.It means we’ll have to make tough decisions and scale back worthy programs.And nothing can be off limits, including spending in the tax code, particularly the loopholes that benefit very few individuals and corporations.Now, it would be nice if we could keep every tax break, but we can’t afford them.Because if we choose to keep those tax breaks for millionaires and billionaires, or for hedge fund managers and corporate jet owners, or for oil and gas companies pulling in huge profits without our help – then we’ll have to make even deeper cuts somewhere else.We’ve got to say to a student, ‘You don’t get a college scholarship.’ We have to say to a medical researcher, ‘You can’t do that cancer research.’ We might have to tell seniors, ‘You have to pay more for Medicare.’

That isn’t right, and it isn’t smart.We’ve got to cut the deficit, but we can do that while making investments in education, research, and technology that actually create jobs.We can live within our means while still investing in our future.That’s what we have to do.And I’m confident that the Democrats and Republicans in Congress can find a way to give some ground, make some hard choices, and put their shoulders to wheel to get this done for the sake of our country.On Monday, we celebrate Independence Day, the day we declared a new nation, based on revolutionary idea: that people ought to determine their own destiny;that freedom and self-governance weren’t gifts handed to us by kings or emperors, but the rights of every human being.We’ve learned in the years since that democracy isn’t always pretty.We have arguments.We disagree.But time and again we’ve proven that we could come together to solve problems.We remember that while we may not see eye-to-eye on everything, we share a love for this country and a faith in its future.That’s the spirit we need to harness now.That’s how we’ll meet this challenge and reach a brighter day.Thanks for listening, and have a wonderful fourth of July.44.Strengthening America by Investing at Home June 25, 2011

Hello, everybody.Earlier this week, I spoke about our way forward in Afghanistan, and I said that because of the extraordinary work of our men and women in uniform, civilians, and our coalition partners, we will soon begin bringing our troops home, just as we’ve begun doing in Iraq.After a decade of conflict, we’re finally bringing these wars to a responsible end.That’s in the best interests of America’s security.And it’s also in the best interests of America’s economy.Even though we’ve turned our economy in the right direction over the past couple of years, many Americans are still hurting, and now is the time to focus on nation building here at home.Of course, there’s been a real debate about where to invest and where to cut, and I’m committed to working with members of both parties to cut our deficits and debt.But we can’t simply cut our way to prosperity.We need to do what’s necessary to grow our economy;create good, middle-class jobs;and make it possible for all Americans to pursue their dreams.That means giving our kids the best education in the world so they have the knowledge and skills to succeed in this economy.It means rebuilding our crumbling roads, railways, and runways.And it means investing in the cutting-edge research and technologies that will spur growth in the years ahead – from clean energy to advanced manufacturing.That’s why I’m here today at Carnegie Mellon in Pittsburgh, one of America’s leading research universities.Behind me is a display from a company called RedZone Robotics.The robots they make are used to explore water and sewage pipes, and find leaks and breaks before they become expensive problems.But the folks at RedZone aren’t just solving problems;they’re working with unions to create new jobs operating the robots, and they’re saving cities millions of dollars in infrastructure costs.This company is just one example of how advanced manufacturing can help spur job-creation and economic growth across this country.That’s why this week, we launched what we’re calling an Advanced Manufacturing Partnership.It’s a partnership that brings our federal government together with some of America’s most brilliant minds and some of America’s most innovative companies and manufacturers.Their mission is to come up with a way to get ideas from the drawing board to the manufacturing floor to the marketplace as swiftly as possible, which will help create quality jobs, and make our businesses more competitive.But they also have a broader mission.It’s to renew the promise of American manufacturing.To help make sure America remains in this century what we were in the last – a country that makes things.A country that out-builds and out-innovates the rest of the world.I know these have been tough years for American manufacturing, and all the workers and families who’ve built their lives around it.But being here in Pittsburgh, I’m hopeful about the future.I’m hopeful when I think about how companies like RedZone are reinvigorating manufacturing or about how what started as a small trade school is now a global research university.We are a people who’ve always adapted to meet the challenges of a new time;who’ve always shaped our own destiny, and I’m absolutely confident that that’s what we’re going to do one more time.Have a great weekend.45.Celebrating Fathers On Father's Day weekend, President Obama reflects on his experience as a parent and discusses the challenges and necessity of being a good father.WASHINGTON – In his weekly address, President Obama reflected on Father’s Day and his experience as a parent and discussed the challenges and necessity of being a good father.The President knows that many Americans who want to be better fathers lack the resources to spend quality time with their children, so the White House has fostered new partnerships with businesses in an effort to support bonding opportunities for fathers and their families.While the President recognizes that fatherhood is demanding and often trying, especially during a time of economic struggle and when many Americans are serving our country overseas, he reminds parents that above all, children need unconditional love, whether they succeed or make mistakes;when life is easy and when life is tough.So as President Obama continuously strives to be the best father he can be, he calls on fathers across the country to do the same.Hi, everybody.This Father’s Day weekend, I’d like to spend a couple minutes talking about what’s sometimes my hardest, but always my most rewarding job – being a dad.I grew up without my father around.He left when I was two years old, and even though my sister and I were lucky enough to have a wonderful mother and caring grandparents to raise us, I felt his absence.And I wonder what my life would have been like had he been a greater presence.That’s why I’ve tried so hard to be a good dad for my own children.I haven’t always succeeded, of course – in the past, my job has kept me away from home more often than I liked, and the burden of raising two young girls would sometimes fall too heavily on Michelle.But between my own experiences growing up, and my ongoing efforts to be the best father I can be, I’ve learned a few things about what our children need most from their parents.First, they need our time.And more important than the quantity of hours we spend with them is the quality of those hours.Maybe it’s just asking about their day, or talking a walk together, but the smallest moments can have the biggest impact.They also need structure, including learning the values of self-discipline and responsibility.Malia and Sasha may live in the White House these days, but Michelle and I still make sure they finish their schoolwork, do their chores, and walk the dog.And above all, children need our unconditional love – whether they succeed or make mistakes;when life is easy and when life is tough.And life is tough for a lot of Americans today.More and more kids grow up without a father figure.Others miss a father who’s away serving his country in uniform.And even for those dads who are present in their children’s lives, the recession has taken a harsh toll.If you’re out of a job or struggling to pay the bills, doing whatever it takes to keep the kids healthy, happy and safe can understandably take precedence over all else.That’s why my administration has offered men who want to be good fathers a little extra support.We’ve boosted community and faith-based groups focused on fatherhood, partnered with businesses to offer opportunities for fathers to spend time with their kids at the bowling alley or ballpark, and worked with military chaplains to help deployed dads connect with their children.We’re doing this because we all have a stake in forging stronger bonds between fathers and their children.And you can find out more about some of what we’re doing at Fatherhood.gov.But we also know that every father has a personal responsibility to do right by our kids as well.All of us can encourage our children to turn off the video games and pick up a book.All of us can pack a healthy lunch for our son, or go outside and play ball with our daughter.And all of us can teach our children the difference between right and wrong, and show them through our own example the value in treating one another as we wish to be treated.Our kids are pretty smart.They understand that life won’t always be perfect, that sometimes, the road gets rough, that even great parents don’t get everything right.But more than anything, they just want us to be a part of their lives.So recently, I took on a second job: assistant coach for Sasha’s basketball team.On Sundays, we’d get the team together to practice, and a couple of times, I’d help coach the games.It was a lot of fun – even if Sasha rolled her eyes when her dad voiced his displeasure with the refs.But I was so proud watching her run up and down the court, seeing her learn and improve and gain confidence.And I was hopeful that in the years to come, she’d look back on experiences like these as the ones that helped define her as a person – and as a parent herself.In the end, that’s what being a parent is all about – those precious moments with our children that fill us with pride and excitement for their future;the chances we have to set an example or offer a piece of advice;the opportunities to just be there and show them that we love them.That’s something worth remembering this Father’s Day, and every day.Thanks, and Happy Father’s Day to all the dads out there.Have a great weekend 46.Partnering with the Private Sector to Spur Hiring The President outlines how the government is partnering with the private sector to ensure workers have the skills they need to be competitive and grow the economy.WASHINGTON – In his weekly address, President Obama spoke to the American people about how the government is partnering with the private sector to make sure workers have the skills and training they need in this economy.This past Wednesday, he announced commitments by the private sector, colleges, and the National Association of Manufacturers that will make it possible for half a million community college students to get a manufacturing credential that has the industry’s stamp of approval.And on Monday, he will travel to North Carolina to meet with his Jobs Council to work on the steps the government can take to spur private sector hiring in the short-term and ensure our workers have the skills and training they need.Hello, everyone.I want to spend a couple minutes talking with you about our economy.We’ve just come through the worst recession since the Great Depression, and while our economy as a whole has been growing and adding private sector jobs, too many folks are still struggling to get back on their feet.I wish I could tell you there was a quick fix to our economic problems.But the truth is, we didn’t get into this mess overnight, and we won’t get out of it overnight.It’s going to take time.The good news is, when it comes to job-creation and economic growth, there are certain things we know we can do.Now, government is not – and should not be – the main engine of job-creation in this country.That’s the role of the private sector.But one thing government can do is partner with the private sector to make sure that every worker has the necessary skills for the jobs they’re applying for.On Wednesday, I announced commitments by the private sector, colleges, and the National Association of Manufacturers that will make it possible for 500,000 community college students to get a manufacturing credential that has the industry’s stamp of approval.If you’re a company that’s hiring, you’ll know that anyone who has this degree has the skills you’re looking for.If you’re a student considering community college, you’ll know that your diploma will give you a leg up in the job market.On Monday, I’ll travel to North Carolina, where I’ll meet with my Jobs Council and talk about additional steps we can take to spur private sector hiring in the short-term and ensure our workers have the skills and training they need in this economy.There are also a few other things we know will help grow our economy, and give people good jobs that support a middle-class lifestyle.We know that a quality education is a prerequisite for success, so we’re challenging states and school districts to improve teaching and learning, and making it a national goal to once again have the highest proportion of college graduates in the world by 2020.We know that more and more jobs are being created in the clean energy sector, so we’re investing in wind power, solar power, and biofuels that will make us less dependent on foreign oil and clean up our planet for our children.These are steps we know will make a difference in people’s lives – not just twenty years from now, or ten years from now, but now, and in the months to come.In the end, the folks I hear from in letters or meet when I travel across the country – they aren’t asking for much.They’re just looking for a job that covers their bills.They’re just looking for a little financial security.They want to know that if they work hard and live within their means, everything will be all right.They’ll be able to get ahead, and give their kids a better life.That’s the dream each of us has for ourselves and our families.And so long as I have the privilege of serving as President, I’ll keep fighting to put that dream within reach for all Americans.Have a great weekend, everybody.47.Growing Manufacturing with the Auto Industry Turnaround Speaking from a Chrysler plant in Toledo, Ohio, the President commends the work of America’s dedicated autoworkers, who have helped reinvigorate the domestic auto industry.WASHINGTON – Speaking to the American people from a Chrysler plant in Toledo, Ohio, President Obama commended the work of America’s dedicated autoworkers, who have helped reinvigorate the domestic auto industry.Each of The Big Three automakers is now turning a profit, and the domestic auto industry continues to add shifts and create new jobs across the country.When President Obama decided to lend a hand to the American automotive industry shortly after taking office, it was with the understanding that these great manufacturers would have to restructure, modernize and position themselves to thrive in a competitive global marketplace.Now, just a few years after the American auto industry teetered on the brink of collapse, America’s great manufacturers of yesterday have emerged as some of the great manufacturers of today.Hello, everyone.I’m speaking to you today from a Chrysler plant in Toledo, Ohio, where I just met with workers, including Jill.Jill was born and raised here.Her mother and step-father retired from this plant.And she met her husband here, and now they have two children of their own.This plant has not only been central to the economy of this town.It’s been a part of the lifeblood of this community.The reason I came to Toledo was to congratulate Jill and her co-workers on the turnaround they helped bring about at Chrysler and throughout the auto industry.Today, each of the Big Three automakers – Chrysler, GM, and Ford – is turning a profit for the first time since 2004.Chrysler has repaid every dime and more of what it owes American taxpayers for their support during my presidency – and it repaid that money six years ahead of schedule.And this week, we reached a deal to sell our remaining stake.That means soon, Chrysler will be 100% in private hands.Most importantly, all three American automakers are now adding shifts and creating jobs at the strongest rate since the 1990s.Chrysler has added a second shift at the Jefferson North plant in Detroit that I visited last year.GM is adding a third shift at its Hamtramck plant for the first time ever.And GM plans to hire back all of the workers they had to lay off during the recession.That’s remarkable when you think about where we were just a couple of years ago.When I took office, we were facing the worst recession since the Great Depression – a recession that hit our auto industry particularly hard.In the year before I was President, this industry lost more than 400,000 jobs, and two great American companies, Chrysler and GM, stood on the brink of collapse.Now, we had a few options.We could have done what a lot of folks in Washington thought we should do – nothing.But that would have made a bad recession worse and put a million people out of work.I refused to let that happen.So, I said, if GM and Chrysler were willing to take the difficult steps of restructuring and making themselves more competitive, the American people would stand by them – and we did.But we decided to do more than rescue this industry from a crisis.We decided to help it retool for a new age, and that’s what we’re doing all across the country – we’re making sure America can out-build, out-innovate, and out-compete the rest of the world.That’s how we’ll build an economy where you can see your incomes and savings rise again, send your kids to college, and retire with dignity, security, and respect.That’s how we’ll make sure we keep that fundamental American promise – that if you work hard and act responsibly, you’ll be able to pass on a better life to your kids and grandkids.Now, we’ve got a ways to go.Even though our economy has created more than two million private sector jobs over the past 15 months and continues to grow, we’re facing some tough headwinds.Lately, it’s high gas prices, the earthquake in Japan, and unease about the European fiscal situation.That will happen from time to time.There will be bumps on the road to recovery.We know that.But we also know what’s happened here, at this Chrysler plant.We know that hardworking Americans like Jill helped turn this company and this industry around.That’s the American story.We’re a people who don’t give up – who do big things, who shape our own destiny.And I’m absolutely confident that if we hold on to that spirit, our best days are still ahead of us.Thanks for tuning in, and have a great weekend.48.Biden on the American Auto Comeback Vice President Joe Biden delivers the Weekly Address, celebrating the success of the American auto industry in the wake of Chrysler paying back their loans.WASHINGTON – In this week’s address, Vice President Biden highlighted the resurgence of the American automobile industry.This week, Chrysler Corporation repaid its U.S.government loans six years ahead of schedule, and GM announced its Detroit Hamtramck plant was taking on three shifts for the first time in its 26-year history.In a visit to a Chrysler dealership in Manchester, NH, the Vice President spoke with the hard-working Americans who have helped rebuild one of America’s great manufacturers.And as Memorial Day approaches, the Vice President encouraged all Americans to thank the servicemen and women of past and present who have sacrificed so much for our country.During a time when many Americans are overseas, it’s vital we let our troops and their families know how much they mean to us all.Hello, everyone.I hope you’re having a safe and enjoyable Memorial Day Weekend.I’ve got some good news for us today.Not only is our economy overall growing, but one of the important sectors of our economy is on the rise again: the American automobile industry.Just a few days ago, on Tuesday, Chrysler Corporation announced that they were repaying the taxpayers for the loans we gave them when we came into office.And this announcement came six years ahead of schedule – and just two years after Chrysler Corporation emerged from bankruptcy.You know, and it’s a sign of what’s happening throughout the American automobile industry.It’s not just Chrysler.Also this week, GM announced that its Detroit Hamtramck factory will run three shifts for the first time its 26-year history.You know, that’s 2,500 more good, paying jobs.In the words of Don LaForest, of the UAW – and I want to quote him – he said, “It’s mind-boggling that we can go from near-extinction to full employment in two years.”

What you didn’t get to hear in my rendition of his quote is the tone of his voice: It was full of pride.Genuine pride.Because I can tell you he knows – as my dad used to say-that a job is about a lot more than a paycheck.It’s about dignity.It’s about respect.And I heard the same pride, and the same feeling of dignity, when I called the Jefferson North Chrysler plant in Detroit the day Chrysler paid back its debt.I talked to a UAW worker – her name was Frances – a line worker, who said her dad had worked on that line before, and that she had been out of work for two-and-a-half years before she was hired a year ago back to the plant.I got the same sense when I went to Bonneville and Son, a Chrysler dealership in Manchester, New Hampshire a couple days ago.85 employees came out, stood out there in the lot with me.85 people.All of whom knew and said, had Chrysler liquidated, had we not helped them, they wouldn’t have a job.When President Obama and I came into office, we faced an auto industry on the brink of extinction.Total collapse.At the time, many people thought the President should just let GM and Chrysler go under.They didn’t think the automobile industry was essential to America’s future.The President disagreed – and, in addition, he wasn’t willing to walk away from the thousands of hardworking UAW members who worked at GM and Chrysler – and in many cases, not only all their lives, but as second and third generation employees.And he certainly wasn’t going to abandon an industry that had meant so much to our economy, and so much to so many for so long.So, he said if GM and Chrysler, and their management, and all their shareholders were willing to do the difficult work of making themselves more competitive, we would support giving them another chance.And because of what we did, the auto industry is rising again.Manufacturing is coming back.And our economy is recovering and it’s gaining traction.But the thing is this: even for a lot of people with jobs, their wages aren’t keeping pace with prices of everything from gas to groceries to health care and college tuition.That’s why the President and I remain focused on, not just recovering from this recession.We’re focused on making sure that if you work hard, play by the rules, you’ll be able to get ahead, put your kids through college, retire with dignity and security.Before I sign off, I just want to mention once again Memorial Day and remember what this holiday’s all about.You know – we still have thousands of troops deployed in harm’s way.In days past, on Memorial Day, we remembered heroes from former wars – but I think it’s absolutely essential that we all remember today that thousands of names have been added to those memorials in the wars that are still continuing.Folks, all I ask you to do is, what my wife Jill and Michelle Obama ask, to reach out to those families who have someone deployed, in your community.Let them know you know.Let them know you know the sacrifice they’re making.Engage in – as my wife would say – a single act of kindness.Maybe invite them to your barbecue this weekend.Mow their lawn.Offer to mow their lawn next week.Make it known that you appreciate their sacrifice and you’re willing to lend a hand.As I said, that’s what Jill and Michelle Obama are doing through their Joining Forces initiative.And that’s what I hope all of us will do every day as long as we have a man or woman deployed in harm’s way.Thank you for listening and enjoy the holiday.49.Reforming “No Child Left Behind” This Year

Having just given the commencement address at Booker T.Washington High School in Memphis, which has made inspiring progress in recent years, the President says Congress must reform No Child Left Behind to help all our schools thrive.WASHINGTON – In his weekly address, President Obama praised the progress that schools like Booker T.Washington High School in Memphis have made, and he called on Congress to fix No Child Left Behind this year.To strengthen education in this country, we need to encourage reforms not driven by Washington, but by principals and parents so schools can determine what is best for their kids.And that is why it is so important that Congress replace No Child Left Behind this year, so that schools have that flexibility.Reform just cannot wait.This week, I went to Memphis, Tennessee, where I spoke to the graduating class of Booker T.Washington High School.Graduations are always happy occasions.But this commencement was especially hopeful – because of just how much the kids at Booker T.Washington High School had overcome.This is a school in the middle of a tough neighborhood in South Memphis.There’s a lot of crime.There’s a lot of poverty.And just a few years ago, only about half of the students at the school graduated.Just a handful went off to college each year.But folks came together to change all that.Under the leadership of a dynamic principal and devoted teachers, they started special academies for ninth graders – because they found that that’s when a lot of kids were lost.They made it possible for students to take AP classes or vocational courses.Most importantly, they didn’t just change the curriculum;they created a culture that prizes hard work and discipline, and that shows every student that they matter.Today, four out five students at the school earn a diploma.70 percent continue their education, many the first in their families to go to college.So Booker T.Washington High School is no longer a story about what’s gone wrong in education.It’s a story about how we can set it right.We need to encourage this kind of change all across America.We need to reward the reforms that are driven not by Washington, but by principals and teachers and parents.That’s how we’ll make progress in education – not from the top down, but from the bottom up.And that’s the guiding principle of the Race to the Top competition my administration started two years ago.The idea is simple: if states show that they’re serious about reform, we’ll show them the money.And it’s already making a difference throughout the country.In Tennessee, where I met those students, they’ve launched an innovative residency program so that new teachers can be mentored by veteran educators.In Oregon, Michigan and elsewhere, grants are supporting the work of teachers who are lengthening the school day, offering more specialized classes, and making the changes necessary to improve struggling schools.Our challenge now is to allow all fifty states to benefit from the success of Race to the Top.We need to promote reform that gets results while encouraging communities to figure out what’s best for their kids.That why it’s so important that Congress replace No Child Left Behind this year – so schools have that flexibility.Reform just can’t wait.And if anyone doubts this, they ought to head to Booker T.Washington High.They ought to meet the inspiring young people who overcame so much, and worked so hard, to earn their diplomas – in a school that believed in their promise and gave them the opportunity to succeed.We need to give every child in America that chance.That’s why education reform matters.

第二篇：奥巴马电台演讲2011-2012

1.Calling on Congress to Prevent Student Interest Rates from Doubling Saturday, April 21, 2012

Hi.This week, I got the chance to sit down with some impressive students at Lorain County Community College in Ohio.One of them was a woman named Andrea Ashley.Two years ago, Andrea lost her job as an HR analyst.Today, she’s getting certified in the fast-growing field of electronic medical records.Before enrolling at Lorain, Andrea told me she was looking everywhere trying to find a new job.But without a degree, she said that nobody would hire her.Andrea’s story isn’t unique.I’ve met so many Americans who are out there pounding the pavement looking for work only to discover that they need new skills.And I’ve met a lot of employers who are looking for workers, but can’t find ones with the skills they’re looking for.So we should be doing everything we can to put higher education within reach for every American – because at a time when the unemployment rate for Americans with at least a college degree is about half the national average, it’s never been more important.But here’s the thing: it’s also never been more expensive.Students who take out loans to pay for college graduate owing an average of $25,000.For the first time, Americans owe more debt on their student loans than they do on their credit cards.And for many working families, the idea of owing that much money means that higher education is simply out of reach for their children.In America, higher education cannot be a luxury.It’s an economic imperative that every family must be able to afford.That’s why next week I’ll be visiting colleges across the country, talking to students about how we can make higher education more affordable – and what’s at stake right now if Congress doesn’t do something about it.You see, if Congress doesn’t act, on July 1st interest rates on some student loans will double.Nearly seven and half million students will end up owing more on their loan payments.That would be a tremendous blow.And it’s completely preventable.This issue didn’t come out of nowhere.For some time now, I’ve been calling on Congress to take steps to make higher education more affordable – to prevent these interest rates from doubling, to extend the tuition tax credit that has saved middle-class families millions of dollars, and to double the number of work-study jobs over the next five years.Instead, over the past few years, Republicans in Congress have voted against new ways to make college more affordable for middle-class families, and voted for huge new tax cuts for millionaires and billionaires – tax cuts that would have to be paid for by cutting things like education and job-training programs that give students new opportunities to work and succeed.We cannot just cut our way to prosperity.Making it harder for our young people to afford higher education and earn their degrees is nothing more than cutting our own future off at the knees.Congress needs to keep interest rates on student loans from doubling, and they need to do it now.This is a question of values.We cannot let America become a country where a shrinking number of people do really well, while a growing number of people struggle to get by.We’ve got to build an economy where everyone gets a fair shot, everyone does their fair share, and everyone plays by the same set of rules.That’s how the middle class gets stronger.That’s an economy that’s built to last.And I’m not only going to take that case to college campuses next week – I’m going to take it to every part of the country this year.Thanks, and have a great weekend.2.It’s Time for Congress to Pass the Buffett Rule

April 14, 2012

One of the fundamental challenges of our time is building an economy where everyone gets a fair shot, everyone does their fair share, and everyone plays by the same rules.And as many Americans rush to file their taxes this weekend, it’s worth pointing out that we’ve got a tax system that doesn’t always uphold the principle of everyone doing their part.Now, this is not just about fairness.This is also about growth.It’s about being able to make the investments we need to strengthen our economy and create jobs.And it’s about whether we as a country are willing to pay for those investments.In a perfect world, of course, none of us would have to pay any taxes.We’d have no deficits to pay down.And we’d have all the resources we needed to invest in things like schools and roads and a strong military and new sources of energy – investments that have always bolstered our economy and strengthened the middle class.But we live in the real world, with real choices and real consequences.Right now, we’ve got significant deficits to close.We’ve got serious investments to make to keep our economy growing.And we can’t afford to keep spending more money on tax cuts for the wealthiest Americans who don’t need them and didn’t even ask for them.Warren Buffett is one of the wealthiest men in the world.But he pays a lower tax rate than his secretary.That’s just the way the system is set up.In fact, one in four millionaires pays a lower tax rate than millions of hardworking middle-class households.As Warren points out, that’s not fair and it doesn’t make sense.It’s wrong that middle-class Americans pay a higher share of their income in taxes than some millionaires and billionaires.This week, Members of Congress are going to have a chance to set things right.They get to vote on what we call the Buffett Rule.It’s simple: If you make more than $1 million every year, you should pay at least the same percentage of your income in taxes as middle-class families do.On the other hand, if you make less than $250,000 a year--like 98 percent of American families do--your taxes shouldn’t go up.That’s all there is to it.It’s pretty sensible.Most Americans support this idea.One survey found that two-thirds of millionaires do, too.So do nearly half of all Republicans.We just need some Republican politicians to get on board with where the country is.I know they’ll say that this is all about wanting to raise people’s taxes.They probably won’t tell you that if you belong to a middle-class family, then I’ve cut your taxes each year that I’ve been in office, and I’ve cut taxes for small business owners 17 times.But the thing is, for most Americans like me, tax rates are near their lowest point in 50 years.In 2001 and 2003, the wealthiest Americans received two huge new tax cuts.We were told these tax cuts would lead to faster job growth.Instead, we got the slowest job growth in half a century, and the typical American family actually saw its income fall.On the flip side, when the most well-off Americans were asked to pay a little more in the 1990s, we were warned that it would kill jobs.Instead, tens of millions of jobs followed.So we’ve tried this trickle-down experiment before.It doesn’t work.And middle class families have seen too much of their security erode over the past few decades for us to tell them they’re going to have to do more because the wealthiest Americans are going to do less.We can’t stop investing in the things that will help grow our economy and create jobs – things like education, research, new sources of energy – just so folks like me can get another tax cut.So I hope you’ll ask your Member of Congress to step up and echo that call this week by voting for the Buffett Rule.Remind them that in America, prosperity has never just trickled down from a wealthy few.Prosperity has always been built by a strong, thriving middle class.That’s a principle worth reaffirming right now.Thank you, God bless you, and have a great weekend.3.Easter and Passover Greetings from President Obama April 7, 2012

For millions of Americans, this weekend is a time to celebrate redemption at God’s hand.Tonight, Jews will gather for a second Seder, where they will retell the story of the Exodus.And tomorrow, my family will join Christians around the world as we thank God for the all-important gift of grace through the resurrection of His son, and experience the wonder of Easter morning.These holidays have their roots in miracles that took place thousands of years ago.They connect us to our past and give us strength as we face the future.And they remind us of the common thread of humanity that connects us all.For me, and for countless other Christians, Easter weekend is a time to reflect and rejoice.Yesterday, many of us took a few quiet moments to try and fathom the tremendous sacrifice Jesus made for all of us.Tomorrow, we will celebrate the resurrection of a savior who died so that we might live.And throughout these sacred days, we recommit ourselves to following His example.We rededicate our time on Earth to selflessness, and to loving our neighbors.We remind ourselves that no matter who we are, or how much we achieve, we each stand humbled before an almighty God.Christ’s triumph over death holds special meaning for Christians.But all of us, no matter how or whether we believe, can identify with elements of His story.The triumph of hope over despair.Of faith over doubt.The notion that there is something out there that is bigger than ourselves.These beliefs help unite Americans of all faiths and backgrounds.They shape our values and guide our work.They put our lives in perspective.So to all Christians celebrating the Resurrection with us, Michelle and I want to wish you a blessed and Happy Easter.And to all Americans, I hope you have a weekend filled with joy and reflection, focused on the things that matter most.God bless you, and may God bless the United States of America.4.Passing the Buffett Rule So That Everyone Pays Their Fair Share March 31, 2012

Hello.Over the last few months, I’ve been talking about a choice we face as a country.We can either settle for an economy where a few people do really well and everyone else struggles to get by, or we can build an economy where hard work pays off again – where everyone gets a fair shot, everyone does their fair share, and everyone plays by the same rules.That’s up to us.Today, I want to talk to you about the idea that everyone in this country should do their fair share.Now, if this were a perfect world, we’d have unlimited resources.No one would ever have to pay any taxes, and we could spend as much as we wanted.But we live in the real world.We don’t have unlimited resources.We have a deficit that needs to be paid down.And we also have to pay for investments that will help our economy grow and keep our country safe: education, research and technology, a strong military, and retirement programs like Medicare and Social Security.That means we have to make choices.When it comes to paying down the deficit and investing in our future, should we ask middle-class Americans to pay even more at a time when their budgets are already stretched to the breaking point? Or should we ask some of the wealthiest Americans to pay their fair share?

That’s the choice.Over the last decade, we’ve spent hundreds of billions of dollars on what was supposed to be a temporary tax cut for the wealthiest two percent of Americans.Now we’re scheduled to spend almost a trillion more.Today, the wealthiest Americans are paying taxes at one of the lowest rates in 50 years.Warren Buffett is paying a lower rate than his secretary.Meanwhile, over the last 30 years, the tax rates for middle class families have barely budged.That’s not fair.It doesn’t make any sense.Do we want to keep giving tax breaks to the wealthiest Americans like me, or Warren Buffett, or Bill Gates – people who don’t need them and never asked for them? Or do we want to keep investing in things that will grow our economy and keep us secure? Because we can’t afford to do both.Now, some people call this class warfare.But I think asking a billionaire to pay at least the same tax rate as his secretary is just common sense.We don’t envy success in this country.We aspire to it.But we also believe that anyone who does well for themselves should do their fair share in return, so that more people have the opportunity to get ahead – not just a few.That’s the America I believe in.And in the next few weeks, Members of Congress will get a chance to show you where they stand.Congress is going to vote on what’s called the Buffett Rule: If you make more than $1 million a year, you should pay at least the same percentage of your income in taxes as middle class families do.On the other hand, if you make under $250,000 a year – like 98 percent of American families do – your taxes shouldn’t go up.You’re the ones struggling with the rising cost of everything from college tuition to groceries.You’re the ones who deserve a break.So every Member of Congress is going to go on record.And if they vote to keep giving tax breaks to people like me – tax breaks our country can’t afford – then they’re going to have to explain to you where that money comes from.Either it’s going to add to our deficit, or it’s going to come out of your pocket.Seniors will have to pay more for their Medicare benefits.Students will see their interest rates go up at a time when they can’t afford it.Families who are scraping by will have to do more because the richest Americans are doing less.That’s not right.That’s not who we are.In America, our story has never been about what we can do by ourselves – it’s about what we can do together.It’s about believing in our future and the future of this country.So tell your Members of Congress to do the right thing.Call them up, write them a letter, pay them a visit, and tell them to stop giving tax breaks to people who don’t need them and start investing in the things that will help our economy grow and put people back to work.That’s how we’ll make this country a little fairer, a little more just, and a whole lot stronger.Thank you.5.President Obama Says House Must Pass Bipartisan Transportation Bill Saturday March 24, 2012

Hello.This week, I traveled across the country to talk about my all-of-the-above energy strategy for America – a strategy where we produce more oil and gas here at home, but also more biofuels and fuel-efficient cars;more solar power and wind power and other sources of clean, renewable energy.Now, you wouldn’t know it by listening to some of the folks running for office today, but producing more oil at home has been, and will continue to be, a key part of my energy strategy.Under my Administration, we’re producing more oil than at any other time in the last eight years.We’ve quadrupled the number of operating oil rigs to a record high.And we’ve added enough oil and gas pipeline to circle the entire Earth and then some.Those are the facts.But as I’ve been saying all week, even though America uses around 20 percent of the world’s oil, we only have around 2 percent of the world’s known oil reserves.So even if we drilled everywhere, we’d still be relying on other countries for oil.That’s why we’re pursuing an all-of-the-above strategy.We’re producing more biofuels.More fuel-efficient cars.More solar power.More wind power.This week, I was in Boulder City, Nevada, where they’ve got the largest solar plant of its kind anywhere in the country.That’s the future.I was at Ohio State University, where they’ve developed the fastest electric car in the world.That’s the future.I don’t want to cede these clean energy industries to China or Germany or any other country.I want to see solar panels and wind turbines and fuel-efficient cars manufactured right here in America, by American workers.Now, getting these clean energy industries to locate here requires us to maintain a national commitment to new research and development.But it also requires us to build world-class transportation and communications networks, so that any company can move goods and sell products all around the world as quickly and efficiently as possible.So much of America needs to be rebuilt right now.We’ve got crumbling roads and bridges.A power grid that wastes too much energy.An incomplete high-speed broadband network.And we’ve got thousands of unemployed construction workers who’ve been looking for a job ever since the housing market collapsed.But once again, we’re waiting on Congress.You see, in a matter of days, funding will stop for all sorts of transportation projects.Construction sites will go idle.Workers will have to go home.And our economy will take a hit.This Congress cannot let that happen.Not at a time when we should be doing everything in our power – Democrats and Republicans – to keep this recovery moving forward.The Senate did their part.They passed a bipartisan transportation bill.It had the support of 52 Democrats and 22 Republicans.Now it’s up to the House to follow suit;to put aside partisan posturing, end the gridlock, and do what’s right for the American people.This is common sense.Right now, all across this country, we’ve got contractors and construction workers who have never been more eager to get back on the job.A long term transportation bill would put them to work.And those are good jobs.We just released a report that shows nearly 90 percent of the construction, manufacturing and trade jobs created through investments in transportation projects are middle class jobs.Those are exactly the jobs we need right now, and they’ll make the economy stronger for everybody.We’ve done this before.During the Great Depression, America built the Hoover Dam and the Golden Gate Bridge.After World War II, we connected our states with a system of highways.Democratic and Republican administrations invested in great projects that benefited everybody, from the workers who built them to the businesses that still use them today.So tell Congress that if we invest in new technology and new energy;in new roads and bridges and construction projects, we can keep growing our economy, put our people back to work, and remind the world why the United States is the greatest nation on Earth.Thanks and have a great weekend.

第三篇：奥巴马电台演讲2011-2012

6.Ending Subsidies for Big Oil Companies Saturday, March 17, 2012

Hi, everybody.As I’m sure you’ve noticed over the past few weeks, the price at your local pump has been going up and up.And because it’s an election year, so has the temperature of our political rhetoric.What matters most to me right now is the impact that rising prices have on you.When you’ve got to spend more on gas, you’ve got less to spend on everything else.It makes things harder.So I wanted to take a minute this weekend to explain what steps my Administration is taking when it comes to energy – most importantly, producing more of it while using less of it.The truth is: the price of gas depends on a lot of factors that are often beyond our control.Unrest in the Middle East can tighten global oil supply.Growing nations like China or India adding cars to the road increases demand.But one thing we should control is fraud and manipulation that can cause prices to spike even further.For years, traders at financial firms were able to game the energy markets, distort the price of oil, and make big profits for themselves at your expense.And they were able to do all that because of major gaps and loopholes in our regulations.When I took office, we did something about it.The Wall Street reforms I signed into law are helping bring energy markets out of the shadows and under real oversight.They’re strengthening our ability to go after fraud and to prevent traders from manipulating the market.So it’s not just wrong, but dangerous that some in Congress want to roll back those protections and return to the days when companies like Enron could avoid regulation and reap enormous profits, no matter who it hurt.What’s more, at a time when big oil companies are making more money than ever before, we’re still giving them $4 billion of your tax dollars in subsidies every year.Your member of Congress should be fighting for you.Not for big financial firms.Not for big oil companies.In the next few weeks, I expect Congress to vote on ending these subsidies.And when they do, we’re going to put every single Member of Congress on record: They can either stand up for oil companies, or they can stand up for the American people.They can either place their bets on a fossil fuel from the last century, or they can place their bets on America’s future.So make your voice heard.Send your representative an email.Give them a call.Tell them to stand with you.And tell them to be honest with you.It’s easy to promise a quick fix when it comes to gas prices.There just isn’t one.Anyone who tells you otherwise – any career politician who promises some three-point plan for two-dollar gas – they’re not looking for a solution.They’re just looking for your vote.If we’re truly going to make sure we’re not at the mercy of spikes in gas prices every year, the answer isn’t just to drill more – because we’re already drilling more.Under my Administration, we’re producing more oil here at home than at any time in the last eight years, that’s a fact.We’ve quadrupled the number of operating oil rigs to a record high, that’s a fact.And we’ve opened millions of acres on land and offshore to develop more of our domestic resources.Those are the facts.But we can’t just rely on drilling.Not when we use more than 20 percent of the world’s oil, but still only have 2 percent of the world’s known oil reserves.If we don’t develop other sources of energy, and the technology to use less energy, we’ll continue to be dependent on foreign countries for our energy needs.That’s why we’re pursuing an all-of-the-above strategy.As we develop more oil and gas, we’re also developing wind and solar power;biofuels, and next-generation vehicles – and thousands of Americans have jobs right now because of it.We need to keep making those investments – because I don’t want to see those jobs go to other countries.I want to create even more of them right here in America.And after three decades of inaction, we raised fuel economy standards so that by the middle of the next decade, our cars will average nearly 55 miles per gallon.That’s nearly double what they get today.That means you’ll only have to fill up every two weeks instead of every week.And that will save the typical family more than $8,000 over the life of the car – just by using less gas.Combined, these steps have helped put us on a path to greater energy independence.Since I took office, America’s dependence on foreign oil has gone down every single year.In 2010, for the first time in 13 years, less than half the oil we used came from foreign countries.We can do even better.And we will.But what we can’t do is keep being dependent on other countries for our energy needs.In America we control our own destiny.So that’s the choice we face – the past, or the future.And America is what it is today because we have always placed our bets on the future.Thanks, and have a great weekend.7.Investing in a Clean Energy Future March 10, 2012

Hi, everybody.I’m speaking to you this week from a factory in Petersburg, Virginia, where they’re bringing on more than 100 new workers to build parts for the next generation of jet engines.It’s a story that’s happening more frequently across the country.Our businesses just added 233,000 jobs last month – for a total of nearly four million new jobs over the last two years.More companies are choosing to bring jobs back and invest in America.Manufacturing is adding jobs for the first time since the 1990s, and we’re building more things to sell to the rest of the world stamped with three proud words: Made in America.And it’s not just that we’re building stuff.We’re building better stuff.The engine parts manufactured here in Petersburg will go into next-generation planes that are lighter, faster, and more fuel-efficient.That last part is important.Because whether you’re paying for a plane ticket, or filling up your gas tank, technology that helps us get more miles to the gallon is one of the easiest ways to save money and reduce our dependence on foreign oil.The recent spike in gas prices has been another painful reminder of why we have to invest in this technology.As usual, politicians have been rolling out their three-point plans for two-dollar gas: drill, drill, and drill some more.Well, my response is, we have been drilling.Under my Administration, oil production in America is at an eight-year high.We’ve quadrupled the number of operating oil rigs, and opened up millions of acres for drilling.But you and I both know that with only 2% of the world’s oil reserves, we can’t just drill our way to lower gas prices – not when consume 20 percent of the world’s oil.We need an all-of-the-above strategy that relies less on foreign oil and more on American-made energy – solar, wind, natural gas, biofuels, and more.That’s the strategy we’re pursuing.It’s why I went to a plant in North Carolina earlier this week, where they’re making trucks that run on natural gas, and hybrid trucks that go further on a single tank.And it’s why I’ve been focused on fuel efficient cars since the day I took office.Over the last few years, the annual number of miles driven by Americans has stayed roughly the same, but the total amount of gas we use has been going down.In other words, we’re getting more bang for our buck.If we accelerate that trend, we can help drivers save a significant amount of money.That’s why, after 30 years of inaction, we finally put in place new standards that will make sure our cars average nearly 55 miles per gallon by the middle of the next decade – nearly double what they get today.This wasn’t easy: we had to bring together auto companies, and unions, and folks who don’t ordinarily see eye to eye.But it was worth it.Because these cars aren’t some pie in the sky solution that’s years away.They’re being built right now – by American workers, in factories right here in the U.S.A.Every year, our cars and trucks will be able to go further and use less fuel, and pretty soon, you’ll be able to fill up every two weeks instead of every week – something that, over time, will save the typical family more than $8,000 at the pump.We’ll reduce our oil consumption by more than 12 billion barrels.That’s a future worth investing in.So we have a choice.Right now, some folks in Washington would rather spend another $4 billion on subsidies to oil companies each year.Well you know what? We’ve been handing out these kinds of taxpayer giveaways for nearly a century.And outside of Congress, does anyone really think that’s still a good idea? I want this Congress to stop the giveaways to an oil industry that’s never been more profitable, and invest in a clean energy industry that’s never been more promising.We should be investing in the technology that’s building the cars and trucks and jets that will prevent us from dealing with these high gas prices year after year after year.Ending this cycle of rising gas prices won’t be easy, and it won’t happen overnight.But that’s why you sent us to Washington – to solve tough problems like this one.So I’m going to keep doing everything I can to help you save money on gas, both right now and in the future.I hope politicians from both sides of the aisle join me.Let’s put aside the bumper-sticker slogans, remember why we’re here, and get things done for the American people.Thank you, God bless you, and have a great weekend 8.Taking Control of Our Energy Future Saturday, March 3, 2012

Hi, everybody.Earlier this week, I spent some time with the hardworking men and women of the American auto industry, who are busy writing a new chapter in America’s story.Just a few years ago, their industry was shedding hundreds of thousands of jobs.Two of the Big Three – GM and Chrysler – were on the brink of failure.If we had let this great American industry collapse – if we had let Detroit go bankrupt – more than one million Americans would have lost their jobs in the middle of the worst recession since the Great Depression.I refused to let that happen.These jobs are worth more than just a paycheck – they’re a source of pride and a ticket to the middle class.These companies are worth more than just the cars they build – they’re a symbol of American innovation and a source of our manufacturing might.So in exchange for help, we demanded responsibility.We got the companies to retool and restructure.Everyone sacrificed.And three years later, the American auto industry is back.Today, GM is the number one automaker in the world.Chrysler is growing faster in America than any other car company.Ford is investing billions in American plants and factories, and plans to bring thousands of jobs back home.All told, the entire industry has added more than 200,000 new jobs over the past two and a half years.And they’re not just building cars again – they’re building better cars.Thanks to new fuel efficiency standards we put in place, they’re building cars that will average nearly 55 miles per gallon by the middle of the next decade.That’s almost double what they get today.That means folks will be able to fill up every two weeks instead of every week, saving the typical family more than $8,000 at the pump over time.That’s a big deal, especially as families are yet again feeling the pinch from rising gas prices.So what’s happening in Detroit will make a difference.But it won’t solve everything.There’s no silver bullet for avoiding spikes in gas prices every year.There’s no shortcut to taking control of our energy future.We have to pursue an all-of-the-above strategy that helps develop every source of American energy.And we have to do it now.The good news is, we’ve been making progress.Take a look at this chart.Six years ago, 60% of the oil we used was imported.Since I took office, America’s dependence on foreign oil has decreased every single year.In fact, in 2010, for the first time in thirteen years, less than half the petroleum we consumed was imported.Part of that is because we’re producing more oil here at home than at any time in the last eight years.But we can’t just drill our way out of this problem.While we consume 20 percent of the world’s oil, we only have 2 percent of the world’s oil reserves.We’ve got to develop new technology that will help us use new forms of energy.That’s been a priority of mine as President.And because of the investments we’ve made, our use of clean, renewable energy has nearly doubled – and thousands of Americans have jobs because of it.Now we need to keep at it.And to do that, we need to make the right choices.Here’s one we can make right now.Every year, $4 billion of your tax dollars go to subsidizing the oil industry.These are the same companies making record profits – tens of billions of dollars a year.I don’t think oil companies need more corporate welfare.Congress should end this taxpayer giveaway.If you agree with me, I’m asking you to e-mail, call, or Tweet your representative.Tell them to stop fighting for oil companies.Tell them to start fighting for working families.Tell them to fight for the clean energy future that’s within our reach.Because the sooner we all get started, the sooner we’ll get there together.Thanks and have a great weekend.9.An All-Of-The-Above Approach to American Energy Saturday, February 25, 2012 Hello, everybody.In the State of the Union, I laid out three areas we need to focus on if we’re going to build an economy that lasts: new American manufacturing, new skills and education for American workers, and new sources of American-made energy.These days, we’re getting another painful reminder why developing new energy is so important to our future.Just like they did last year, gas prices are starting to climb.Only this time, it’s happening earlier.And that hurts everyone – everyone who owns a car;everyone who owns a business.It means you have to stretch your paycheck even further.Some folks have no choice but to drive a long way to work, and high gas prices are like a tax straight out of their paychecks.Now, some politicians always see this as a political opportunity.And since it’s an election year, they’re already dusting off their three-point plans for $2 gas.I’ll save you the suspense: Step one is drill, step two is drill, and step three is keep drilling.We hear the same thing every year.Well the American people aren’t stupid.You know that’s not a plan – especially since we’re already drilling.It’s a bumper sticker.It’s not a strategy to solve our energy challenge.It’s a strategy to get politicians through an election.You know there are no quick fixes to this problem, and you know we can’t just drill our way to lower gas prices.If we’re going to take control of our energy future and avoid these gas price spikes down the line, then we need a sustained, all-of-the-above strategy that develops every available source of American energy – oil, gas, wind, solar, nuclear, biofuels, and more.We need to keep developing the technology that allows us to use less oil in our cars and trucks;in our buildings and plants.That’s the strategy we’re pursuing, and that’s the only real solution to this challenge.Now, we absolutely need safe, responsible oil production here in America.That’s why under my Administration, America is producing more oil today than at any time in the last eight years.In 2010, our dependence on foreign oil was under 50% for the first time in more than a decade.And while there are no short-term silver bullets when it comes to gas prices, I’ve directed my administration to look for every single area where we can make an impact and help consumers in the months ahead, from permitting to delivery bottlenecks to what’s going on in the oil markets.But over the long term, an all-of-the-above energy strategy means we have to do more.It means we have to make some choices.Here’s one example.Right now, four billion of your tax dollars subsidize the oil industry every year.Four billion dollars.Imagine that.Maybe some of you are listening to this in your car right now, pulling into a gas station to fill up.As you watch those numbers rise, know that oil company profits have never been higher.Yet somehow, Congress is still giving those same companies another four billion dollars of your money.That’s outrageous.It’s inexcusable.And it has to stop.A century of subsidies to the oil companies is long enough.It’s time to end taxpayer giveaways to an industry that’s never been more profitable, and use that money to reduce our deficit and double-down on a clean energy industry that’s never been more promising.Because of the investments we’ve already made, the use of wind and solar energy in this country has nearly doubled – and thousands of Americans have jobs because of it.And because we put in place the toughest fuel economy standards in history, our cars will average nearly 55 miles per gallon by the middle of the next decade – something that, over time, will save the typical family more than $8,000 at the pump.Now Congress needs to keep that momentum going by renewing the clean energy tax credits that will lead to more jobs and less dependence on foreign oil.Look, we know there’s no silver bullet that will bring down gas prices or reduce our dependence on foreign oil overnight.But what we can do is get our priorities straight, and make a sustained, serious effort to tackle this problem.That’s the commitment we need right now.And with your help, it’s a commitment we can make.Thank you.10.Continuing to Strengthen American Manufacturing Saturday, February 18, 2012

Hello, everybody.I’m speaking to you this week from the Boeing Plant in Everett, Washington.Boeing has been in this community for half a century.But it’s what they’re doing here today that has folks really excited;because at this plant they’re building the plane of the future – the Dreamliner.It’s an impressive sight.And, to be honest, part of why I came was to see it up close.But I also came because this is a great example of how we can bring jobs and manufacturing back to America.You see, the last few decades haven’t been easy for manufacturing in this country.New technology has made businesses more efficient and productive – and that’s good – but it’s also made a lot of jobs obsolete.The result has been painful for a lot of families and communities.Factories where people thought they’d retire have left town.Jobs that provided a decent living have been shipped overseas.And the hard truth is that a lot of those jobs aren’t coming back.But that doesn’t mean we have to settle for a lesser future.I don’t accept that idea.In America, there’s always something we can do to create new jobs and new manufacturing and new security for the middle-class.In America, we don’t give up, we get up.Right now, that’s exactly what we’re doing.Over the past 23 months, businesses have created 3.7 million new jobs.And manufacturers are hiring for the first time since the 1990s.It’s now getting more expensive to do business in places like China.Meanwhile, America is more productive than ever.And companies like Boeing are realizing that even when we can’t make things cheaper than China, we can make things better.That’s how we’re going to compete globally.For Boeing, business right now is booming.Last year, orders for commercial aircraft rose by more than 50 percent.To meet that rising demand, they’ve put thousands of folks to work all over the country.We want to see more of this.We need to make it as easy as we can for our companies to create more jobs in America, not overseas.And that starts with our tax code.No company should get a tax break for outsourcing jobs.Instead, tax breaks should go to manufacturers who set up shop here at home.Bigger tax breaks should go to high-tech manufacturers who create the jobs of the future.And if you relocate your company to a struggling community, you should get help financing that new plant, that new equipment, or training for new workers.It’s time to stop rewarding businesses that ship jobs overseas, and start rewarding businesses that create jobs here in America.And Congress should send me that kind of tax reform right away.Another thing we’re doing is to make it easier for companies like Boeing to sell their products all over the world, because more exports mean more jobs.Two years ago, I set a goal of doubling U.S.exports over five years.And we’re on track to meet that goal – ahead of schedule.We have a big opportunity right now to build not only an economy that will help us succeed today, but an economy that will help our kids and their kids succeed tomorrow.We know what we need to do.We need to strengthen American manufacturing.We need to invest in American-made energy and new skills for American workers.And above all, we need to renew the values that have always made this country great: Hard work.Fair play.Shared responsibility.We can do this.Ask the folks in Everett.Right here, a few years ago, the first Dreamliner took off on its maiden trip.Thousands of employees came to watch.One was an executive office administrator named Sharon O’Hara.As Sharon saw that first plane take flight – a result of so much hard work – she got goose bumps.In her words, she said, “We said we would do it and we did.” That’s the story of America.We said we would do it, and we did.That’s the can-do spirit that makes us who we are.We’ve seen challenging times before.But we always emerge from them stronger.And that’s what we’re going to do again today.Thanks, and have a great weekend.

第四篇：奥巴马电台演讲6.09

Remarks of President Barack Obama

Weekly Address The White House Saturday, June 09, 2012

This week, I spent some time talking with college students about how we can make higher education more affordable.And one of the things I told them was how proud I was that they were making that investment in themselves – because in today’s economy, the best predictor of success is a good education.That’s not just true for our individual success;it’s also true for America’s success.New jobs and new businesses will take root wherever they can find the most highly-educated, highly-skilled workers.And I want those workers to be American workers.I want those good-paying, middle-class jobs to take root right here.So it should concern everyone that right now – all across America – tens of thousands of teachers are getting laid off.In Pennsylvania alone, there are 9,000 fewer educators in our schools today than just a year ago.In Ohio, the number is close to 7,000.And nationwide, over the past three years, school districts have lost over 250,000 educators.Think about what that means for our country.When there are fewer teachers in our schools, class sizes start climbing up.Our students start falling behind.And our economy takes a hit.The point is: teachers matter.One study found that a good teacher can increase the lifetime income of a classroom by over $250,000.A great teacher can change the course of a child’s life.So the last thing our country needs is to have fewer teachers in our schools.Now, I know states are still going through some tough times.I realize that every Governor is dealing with limited resources and many face stark choices when it comes to their budgets.But that doesn’t mean we should just stand by and do nothing.When states struggle, it’s up to Congress to step in and help out.In 2009 and in 2010, we provided aid to states to help keep hundreds of thousands of teachers in the classroom.But we need to do more.That’s why a critical part of the jobs bill that I sent to Congress back in September was to help states prevent even more layoffs and rehire even more teachers who had lost their jobs.But months later, we’re still waiting on Congress to act.When it comes to this recovery, we can’t fully control everything that happens in other parts of the world.But there are plenty of things we can control.There are plenty of steps we can take, right now, to strengthen our economy.Putting teachers back in our kids’ classrooms is one of those steps.And there’s no excuse for inaction.You work hard.Your leaders should, too.Especially at this make-or-break moment for the middle class.I know this is an election year.But some things are bigger than an election.Some things are bigger than politics.So I hope you’ll join me in telling Congress to do the right thing;to get to work and to help get our teachers back in the classroom.We can’t afford to wait any longer.Thanks and have a great weekend.

第五篇：奥巴马电台演讲2011-2012

16.Continuing to Grow the Economy in the New Year Saturday, January 7, 2012

Hello, everybody.This week, I traveled to Cleveland, Ohio, to talk with folks about the biggest challenge we face as a country – rebuilding our economy so that, once again, hard work pays off, responsibility is rewarded, and anyone, regardless of who they are or where they come from, can make it if they try.That’s the economy America deserves.That’s the economy I’m fighting every day to build.Now, to get there, the most important thing we need to do is get more Americans back to work.And over the past three years, we’ve made steady progress.We just learned that our economy added 212,000 private sector jobs in December.After losing more than 8 million jobs in the recession, we’ve added more than 3 million private sector jobs over the past 22 months.And we’re starting 2012 with manufacturing on the rise and the American auto industry on the mend.We’re heading in the rightdirection.And we’re not going to let up.On Wednesday the White House will host a forum called “Insourcing American Jobs.” We’ll hear from business leaders who are bringing jobs back home and see how we can help other businesses follow their lead.Because this is a make or break moment for the middle class and all those working to get there.We’ve got to keep at it.We’ve got to keep creating jobs.And we’ve got to keep rebuilding our economy so that everyone gets a fair shot, everyone does their fair share – and everyone plays by the same rules.We can’t go back to the days when the financial system was stacking the deck against ordinary Americans.To me, that’s not an option.Not after all we’ve been through.That’s why I appointed Richard Cordray as our nation’s new consumer watchdog this week.Richard’s job is simple: to look out for you.Every day, his sole mission is to protect consumers from potential abuses by the financial industry and to make sure that you’ve got all the transparent information you need to make the important financial decisions in your lives.I nominated Richard for this job last summer.And yet, Republicans in the Senate kept blocking his confirmation – not because they objected to him, but because they wanted to weaken his agency.That made no sense.Every day we waited was a day you and consumers all across the country were at greater financial risk.So this year, I’m going to keep doing whatever it takes to move this economy forward and to make sure that middle class families regain the security they’ve lost over the past decade.That’s my New Year’s resolution to all of you.Thank you, and have a great weekend

17.Working Together in the New Year Saturday, December 31, 2011

Hello, everybody.As 2011 comes to an end and we look ahead to 2012, I want to wish everyone a happy and healthy New Year.The last year has been a time of great challenge and great progress for our country.We ended one war and began to wind down another.We dealt a crippling blow to al-Qaeda and made America more secure.We stood by our friends and allies around the world through natural disasters and revolutions.And we began to see signs of economic recovery here at home, even as too many Americans are still struggling to get ahead.There’s no doubt that 2012 will bring even more change.And as we head into the New Year, I’m hopeful that we have what it takes to face that change and come out even stronger – to grow our economy, create more jobs, and strengthen the middle class.I’m hopeful because of what we saw right before Christmas, when Members of Congress came together to prevent a tax hike for 160 million Americans – saving a typical family about $40 in every paycheck.They also made sure Americans looking for work won’t see their unemployment insurance cut off.And I expect Congress to finish the job by extending these provisions through the end of 2012.It was good to see Members of Congress do the right thing for millions of working Americans.But it was only possible because you added your voices to the debate.Through email and Twitter and over the phone, you let your representatives know what was at stake.Your lives.Your families.Your well-being.You had the courage to believe that your voices could make a difference.And at the end of the day, they made all the difference.More than anything else, you are the ones who make me hopeful about 2012.Because we’ve got some difficult debates and some tough fights to come.As I’ve said before, we are at a make-or-break moment for the middle class.And in many ways, the actions we take in the months ahead will help determine what kind of country we want to be, and what kind of world we want our children and grandchildren to grow up in.As President, I promise to do everything I can to make America a place where hard work and responsibility are rewarded – one where everyone has a fair shot and everyone does their fair share.That’s the America I believe in.That’s the America we’ve always known.And I’m confident that if we work together, and if you keep reminding folks in Washington what’s at stake, then we will move this country forward and guarantee every American the opportunities they deserve.Thanks for watching, and from Michelle, Malia, Sasha, Bo and myself, Happy New Year.18.The President and First Lady Thank our Troops for their Service December 24, 2011 THE PRESIDENT: Hi everyone.As you gather with family and friends this weekend, Michelle, Malia, Sasha and I – and of course Bo – want to wish you all Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays.THE FIRST LADY: This is such a wonderful time of year.It’s a time to honor the story of love and redemption that began 2,000 years ago „ a time to see the world through a child’s eyes and rediscover the magic all around us „ and a time to give thanks for the gifts that bless us every single day.This holiday season at the White House, we wanted to show our thanks with a special holiday tribute to some of the strongest, bravest, and most resilient members of our American family – the men and women who wear our country’s uniform and the families who support them.THE PRESIDENT: For many military families, the best gift this year is a simple one – welcoming a loved one back for the holidays.You see, after nearly nine years, our war in Iraq is over.Our troops are coming home.And across America, military families are being reunited.So let’s take a moment to give thanks for their service;for their families’ service;for our veterans’ service.And let’s say a prayer for all our troops standing post all over the world, especially our brave men and women in Afghanistan who are serving, even as we speak, in harm’s way to protect the freedoms and security we hold dear.THE FIRST LADY: Our veterans, troops, and military families sacrifice so much for us.So this holiday season, let’s make sure that all of them know just how much we appreciate everything they do.Let’s ask ourselves, “How can I give back? How can my family serve them as well as they’ve served us”

One way you can get started is to visit JoiningForces.gov to find out how you can get involved in your community.THE PRESIDENT: Giving of ourselves;service to others – that’s what this season is all about.For my family and millions of Americans, that’s what Christmas is all about.It reminds us that part of what it means to love God is to love one another, to be our brother’s keeper and our sister’s keeper.But that belief is not just at the center of our Christian faith, it’s shared by Americans of all faiths and backgrounds.It’s why so many of us, every year, volunteer our time to help those most in need;especially our hungry and our homeless.So whatever you believe, wherever you’re from, let’s remember the spirit of service that connects us all this season – as Americans.Each of us can do our part to serve our communities and our country, not just today, but every day.19.Honoring Those Who Served in Iraq

December 17, 2011 This week marked an historic moment in the life of our country and our military.For nearly nine years, our nation has been at war in Iraq.More than 1.5 million Americans have served there with honor, skill, and bravery.Tens of thousands have been wounded.Military families have sacrificed greatly – none more so than the families of those nearly 4,500 Americans who made the ultimate sacrifice.All of them – our troops, veterans, and their families – will always have the thanks of a grateful nation.On Thursday, the colors our Armed Forces fought under in Iraq were formally cased in a ceremony in Baghdad before beginning their journey back home.Our troops are now preparing to make their final march across the border and out of the country.Iraq’s future will be in the hands of its own people.Our war there will be over.All of our troops will be out of Iraq.And this holiday season, all of us can finally say: welcome home.This is an extraordinary achievement – one made possible by the hard work and sacrifice of the men and women who had the courage to serve.And there’s a lesson to learn from that – a lesson about our character as a nation.See, there’s a reason our military is the most respected institution in America.They don’t see themselves or each other as Democrats first or Republicans first.They see themselves as Americans first.For all our differences and disagreements, they remind us that we are all a part of something bigger;that we are one nation and one people.And for all our challenges, they remind us that there is nothing we can’t do when we stick together.They’re the finest our nation has to offer.Many will remain in the military and go on to the next mission.Others will take off the uniform and become veterans.But their commitment to service doesn’t end when they take off the uniform – in fact, I’m confident the story of their service to America is just beginning.After years of rebuilding Iraq, it is time to enlist our veterans and all our people in the work of rebuilding America.Folks like my grandfather came back from World War II to form the backbone of the largest middle class in history.And today’s generation of veterans – the 9/11 Generation of veterans – is armed with the skills, discipline, and leadership to attack the defining challenge of our time: rebuilding an economy where hard work pays off, where responsibility is rewarded, where anyone can make it if they try.Now it is up to us to serve these brave men and women as well as they serve us.Every day, they meet their responsibilities to their families and their country.Now it’s time to meet ours – especially those of us who you sent to serve in Washington.This cannot be a country where division and discord stand in the way of our progress.This is a moment where we must come together to ensure that every American has the chance to work for a decent living, own their own home, send their kids to college, and secure a decent retirement.This is a moment for us to build a country that lives up to the ideals that so many of our bravest Americans have fought and even died for.That is our highest obligation as citizens.That is the welcome home that our troops deserve.Thank you.20.Ensuring a Fair Shot for the Middle Class Saturday, December 10, 2011

Today, America faces a make-or-break moment for the middle class.After the worst economic crisis of our lifetimes, some still want to return to the same policies that got us into this mess.They’re the same policies that have stacked the deck against working Americans for too long.They’re part of a philosophy that says we’re better off when everyone is left to fend for themselves and play by their own rules.But I have a different vision.I believe that we are greater together than we are on our own.I believe that this country succeeds when everyone gets a fair shot, everyone does their fair share, and everyone engages in fair play.To ensure fair play, last year, we passed the toughest financial reform in generations.See, for too long, the rules weren’t the same on Wall Street as they were on Main Street.Risky bets were made with other people’s money.Some folks made a lot of money taking advantage of consumers.It was wrong.And this irresponsible behavior on the part of some contributed to the worst financial crisis since the Great Depression.So this financial reform refocuses the financial sector on what’s really important: getting capital to entrepreneurs who want to grow their businesses, and financing to millions of families who want to buy a house or send their kids to college.A key part of that was putting in place the first-ever consumer watchdog – someone whose job it is to protect American families from being taken advantage of by mortgage lenders, payday lenders, and debt collectors.Tens of millions of Americans use these services.Protecting them from unscrupulous practices is an important job.And that’s why I nominated Richard Cordray to serve as the head of this consumer watchdog agency.As the former Attorney General of Ohio, Richard helped recover billions of dollars on behalf of retirees and stood up to dishonest lending practices.He has the support of most Attorneys General across the country, both Democrats and Republicans.Members of Congress from both parties say he’s more than qualified for the job.And yet on Thursday, Republicans blocked his nomination.They refused to even allow it to come up for a vote.That doesn’t make any sense.Do Republicans in Congress think our financial crisis was caused by too much oversight of mortgage lenders or debt collectors? Of course not.And every day America has to wait for a new consumer protection watchdog is another day that dishonest businesses can target and take advantage of students, seniors, and service members.So I refuse to take “no” for an answer.Financial institutions have plenty of high-powered lawyers and lobbyists looking out for them.It’s time consumers had someone on their side.And while they’re at it, Republicans in Congress should stop the games and extend the payroll tax cut for working Americans.Because if they don’t, nearly 160 million Americans will see their taxes go up at the end of this month.Congress can’t end the year by taking money out of the pockets of working Americans.Now is not the time for playing politics.Now is the time to do what’s right for the American people.No one should go home for the holidays until we get this done.So tell your Members of Congress, don’t be a Grinch.Tell them to do the right thing for you and for our economy.Thank you.20.