Better Quote by Barack Obama
“It's one of the few regrets of my presidency - that the rancor and suspicion between the parties has gotten worse instead of better. There's no doubt a president with the gifts of Lincoln or Roosevelt might have better bridged the divide, and I guarantee I'll keep trying to be better so long as I hold this office.”
About This Quote
Source Speech: Farewell Address, 2017
The president regrets growing partisan hostility and doubts that even great leaders could have fully healed it, committing to personal improvement.
In simple terms: Political division worsened; even great leaders might struggle to fix it.
Work to bridge divides despite challenges.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- campaigns
- legislative negotiations
- public discourse
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- How can individuals reduce partisan rancor?
- What actions can leaders take to foster unity?
Changing deep‑seated animosity is difficult and slow.