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African american Quote by Barack Obama

“We need somebody who's got the heart, the empathy, to recognize what it's like to be a young teenage mom, the empathy to understand what it's like to be poor or African-American or gay or disabled or old - and that's the criterion by which I'll be selecting my judges.” quote by Barack Obama
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“We need somebody who's got the heart, the empathy, to recognize what it's like to be a young teenage mom, the empathy to understand what it's like to be poor or African-American or gay or disabled or old - and that's the criterion by which I'll be selecting my judges.”

Barack Obama

About This Quote

Source Speech: Democratic National Convention, 2008

He emphasizes selecting judges who can empathize with diverse, marginalized experiences.

In simple terms: Choose judges who understand varied hardships.

Key Takeaway

Prioritize empathy in decision‑making.

Themes

empathy diversity justice inclusion

Mood

thoughtful inspirational

Type

ethical reflective

When to use this quote

  • court appointments
  • community outreach
  • policy development

Key Concepts

social equity cultural competence judicial selection

Questions to Reflect On

  • How can empathy be measured in candidates?
  • What safeguards ensure competence alongside empathy?
A Different Perspective

Empathy alone may not guarantee competence or impartiality.

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