President Obama Made A Major Move To Lock Down The Women’s Vote Today
“I recognize that that is a cheap applause line when you’re giving the commencement speech at Barnard,” he added.
The president also had some specific advice for the all-female graduating class. Here are his pearls of wisdom:
- “Don’t just get involved — fight for a seat at the table. Better yet, fight for a seat at the head of the table.”
- “Never underestimate the power of your example…reach back, hire someone new. Be a mentor. Be a role model. Until a girl can imagine herself…as a computer programmer, or a combatant commander, she won’t become one.”
- “Persevere. Nothing worthwhile is easy. No one of achievement has avoided failure — sometimes catastrophic failures. But they keep at it. They learn from mistakes. They don’t quit.”
He also added some advice from his wife, Michelle: “You can be stylish and powerful, too.”
Here’s the full text of his speech, via the White House:
THE PRESIDENT: Thank you so much. (Applause.) Thank you. Please, please have a seat. Thank you. (Applause.)
Thank you, President Spar, trustees, President Bollinger. Hello, Class of 2012! (Applause.) Congratulations on reaching this day. Thank you for the honor of being able to be a part of it.
There are so many people who are proud of you — your parents, family, faculty, friends — all who share in this achievement. So please give them a big round of applause. (Applause.) To all the moms who are here today, you could not ask for a better Mother’s Day gift than to see all of these folks graduate. (Applause.)
I have to say, though, whenever I come to these things, I start thinking about Malia and Sasha graduating, and I start tearing up and — (laughter) — it’s terrible. I don’t know how you guys are holding it together. (Laughter.)
I will begin by telling a hard truth: I’m a Columbia college graduate. (Laughter and applause.) I know there can be a little bit of a sibling rivalry here. (Laughter.) But I’m honored nevertheless to be your commencement speaker today — although I’ve got to say, you set a pretty high bar given the past three years. (Applause.) Hillary Clinton — You can read the rest of this article at:: http://articles.businessinsider.com/2012-05-14/politics/31698254_1_commencement-speech-applause-malia Short URL: http://thepresidency.us/?p=15985
Posted by RobertButler
on May 15 2012. Filed under 2012 Presidential Campaign.
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