Archive for the ‘Obama’ Category

Obama Warns Against Income Inequality While Delivering …

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Obama said the world must do more to combat income inequality, noting that the concentration of wealth fans fears that governments exist solely to benefit the powerful, NBC reported.

Thats a recipe for more cynicism and more polarization, less trust in our institutions and less trust in each other, Obama said.

And its part of what leads people to turn to populist alternatives that may not actually deliver, Obama said in a thinly disguised jab at President Donald Trump without naming his successor specifically.

According to the Toronto Star, not everyone could afford to see the man calling for the end of income inequality.

A dim-lit hall laid out for a rock star, a red-carpet stroll for giddy VIPs and video screens for the rest of the roughly 6,000 who were neither sufficiently wealthy nor connected to get a front-row seat, the Star reported.

This was the scene here at a 70-minute appearance nine months in the making: Barack Obamas first post-presidency address on Canadian soilone of the few appearances hes made anywhere since handing power to U.S. President Donald Trump in January, the Star reported.

Hotly contested, planned and negotiated until the final days and beamed across North America, it was a strategic investment that may have topped half a million dollars and was meant to put on the map a city in the throes of its 375th anniversary celebrations, the Star reported.

The Star speculated Obama may have been persuaded to speak through his friendship with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, who tweeted about the former presidents visit:

Other dignitaries attending Obamas speech included the federal cabinet minister and former astronaut Marc Garneau, Montreal Mayor Denis Coderre, and Quebec Premier Philippe Couillard.

All were seated at the table of honour, surrounded captains of Quebecs business world, sipping wine at corporate tables, the Star reported. The more reasonably priced $375 seats started at a distance where Obama was just a well-lit spec on a faraway stage.

Michel Leblanc, president of the Montreal Chamber of Commerce, refused to say how much they paid for Obamas visit or what other conditions might have led to their winning bid, according to the Star.

Obama has reportedly demanded a $400,000 (U.S.) speaking fee for at least two other speeches, the Starwrote.

One Canadian source, who was unaware of the payment details, said such a price tagwhich works out in Canadian dollars to roughly $7,700 for every minute Obama spent on the Montreal stagewould not be a great surprise, the outlet continued.

Meanwhile, NBCs report reveals Obama is now striving to be an international community organizer.

Obama said that in times of economic uncertainty it can be tempting to turn to isolationism and the politics of us-vs.-them and said World War I and World War II were the result, NBC reported.

He said the U.S. and other nations showed there was a better way in creating an international order that was based not just on self-interest but also on principles.

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Obama has private dinner with Trudeau in Montreal – ABC News

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has tweeted his thanks to former U.S. President Barack Obama after the two shared a private dinner at a Montreal restaurant.

Trudeau posted a picture of the pair talking in the eatery, with the caption "How do we get young leaders to take action in their communities? Thanks BarackObama for your visit & insights tonight in my hometown."

A crowd cheered the two leaders as they left the restaurant Tuesday night.

"A nice opportunity to share one my favorite hometown restaurants with an old friend, and talk about the state of the world," Trudeau said Wednesday.

Last year, Obama hosted Trudeau for a state dinner at the White House, the first for Canada since 1997.

Obama spoke to the Montreal Board of Trade Tuesday and decried what he called the lack of American leadership on climate change, a swipe at new President Donald Trump's administration.

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Obama has private dinner with Trudeau in Montreal - ABC News

Obama dines with Trudeau after Montreal speech | TheHill

Former President Barack ObamaBarack ObamaBiden encourages Romney to launch Senate bid: report Trump to make first visit to Supreme Court as president: report Dem group will troll Trump with banner over Jersey Shore MORE had dinner with Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau Tuesday evening.

How do we get young leaders to take action in their communities? Thanks @BarackObama for your visit & insights tonight in my hometown. pic.twitter.com/EwJXPEkN3w

CBC News reported that the two men dined together in Montreal at the Liverpool House restaurant. Its Obamas first visit to Canada since leaving office in January.

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Obama was in Montreal speaking at the Montreal Chamber of Commerce.

During the speech, he criticized President Trumps decision to withdraw the United States from the Paris climate accord, but said he believes the agreement still has a chance.

"Obviously I'm disappointed with the current American administration decision to put out of Paris," Obama said during a speech at the Montreal Chamber of Commerce, according toThe Associated Press.

Obama, who didn't mention Trump by name in his speech, praised states, cities and corporations carrying on with the Paris commitments despite the "temporary absence of American leadership."

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Obama dines with Trudeau after Montreal speech | TheHill

House votes to weaken Obama-era bank crackdown law

The Republican-led House passed backed legislation on Thursday to undo much of former President Barack Obama's landmark banking law, known as Dodd-Frank, created after the 2008 economic crisis.

Republicans argued that the law, designed to prevent another financial meltdown, made it harder for community banks to operate and hampered the economy. The GOP measure aims to lighten federal regulation of banks and also to sap the power of the Dodd-Frank-created Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, which it calls a "rogue agency."

The House has passed the overhaul bill 233-186, on a party-line vote.

President Donald Trump had said he wants to do "a big number" on Dodd-Frank.

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The financial reform law that Donald Trump calls a "disaster" has made a difference for many American consumers. But it also has fallen short of ...

Still, the Republican overhaul of Dodd-Frank is unlikely to pass the Senate in its current form. Republicans edge in the upper chamber is more narrow, 52-48, than is the case in the House. Senators have said they'll spend the next few months trying to find common ground on legislation to boost the economy.

Democratic lawmakers overwhelmingly oppose the GOP's revamping bill. They say it could lead to conditions that would result in another economic crisis.

2017 CBS Interactive Inc. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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House votes to weaken Obama-era bank crackdown law

Hometown: A Collaborative Playlist – Obama Foundation

We asked you to share songs that remind you of home and inspire you to be involved in your communities. From India to Indiana, you delivered. Listen below and add your own song here.

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Thanks to those of you, like Andrea, who submitted songs of your own.

Submission by Common, rapper, actor, poetThis songreminds me of Hope and Promise. The song starts off We come together on a special day, which automatically makes me think about uniting people or bringing together a community. It also reminds me of cleaning! LOL! Waking up on a Saturday morning hearing this song blasting through the house instantly meant Mah was in full-on cleaning mode and that she had a list of chores for me to do as soon as I got up.

Submission byMichael Strautmanis, Obama Foundation staffer When I was a teen, searching for identity and community, Chicagos own house music scene gave me a chance to be with my friends and others from across the city, different backgrounds gave us a chance to experience how art and culture bring people together. And the beat almost made you dance. Gotta have house music all night long!

Submission by Zeshan B, musician This song and I go WAY back. My pops used to groove to this one when I was a kid! And even though this tune came out way before my time, its an evergreen tunean anthem that will always have meaning and relevance for centuries to come. There is no other song out there that can do the two things that this song does for my soul: soothe and galvanize. Those shimmering strings and bells coupled with the otherworldly limpid, smooth vocals of Curtis Mayfieldthey soothe me when Im troubled. And in that same stroke, those prophetic words of Curtisenjoining me to get on board this virtuous train of freedomthey galvanize me in my resolve to do good by this world. Their message inspires me to be decent. To be honorable. To be just. And to have faith.

In other words, this song says to me, Calm yourself, childbut get up, because theres work to be done. And Lord have mercy, I know thats true! You see, this tune was released in 1965 at the height of the Civil Rights movement. But now52 years laterwe still have a long way to go. And Im convinced that if we all act on this song, we might just get there.

Being just another kid from Chicago, I cant even put in words just how much my heart swells with pride in knowing that Curtis Mayfield & The Impressions are Chicagos very own. They have left a profound legacyboth musically and sociallyto which ALL Chicago musicians such as myself ought to pay homage and carry on. But let me tell youthose are some very big shoes to fill!

Submission by Cameron Esposito, comedian I moved back home to Chicago in 2006, and the city was bursting with energy for then-Senator Obama, the new Millennium Park, and the White Sox. Wilcos beautiful, dirge-like I Am Trying to Break Your Heart was a favorite of mine and when I heard JC Brooks version in 2011, after Barack Obama became President, there was so much joy it in. Felt like a street festival, like a summer bike ride. It really echoed the excitement and love I felt for my city during the end of the 00s, and that I still feel every time Im able to return home.

Submission by Chance the Rapper,musicianFamily Business by KW is the perfect song to come home to. It reminds me how important it is to be home. This is the last song on the first album I ever bought. For all the great people in Chicago, the best ones are your family.

Submission by Peter Giangreco, political strategist Chicagos own Staple Singers produced much of the soundtrack of the civil rights movement, including the iconic Freedom Highway. Saw Mavis Staples open for Bob Dylan at Ravinia last summer, and she killed it. Inspirational and rocking gospel-inspired anthem is as fresh now as it was 50 years ago. March each and every day

Submission by Tina Tchen, Former Assistant to President Obama, Chief of Staff to First Lady Michelle Obama and Executive Director of the White House Council of Women and Girls& Valerie Jarrett,Former Senior Advisor to President Obama and Chair of the White House Council on Women and Girls

Folk might remember President Obama singing Sweet Home Chicago, but thats not the only reason why its one of our favorite Chicago songs. Instead, it was a rendition by another leader, Mayor Harold Washington, that always makes us smile. He broke out in song on stage during his re-election victory speech in 1987 with such joy and warmth that washed away the ugly divisive campaign (the hard years of his first term). Sadly, we lost him just seven months later. Who knew that 25 years later we would be singing it in the White House!

Submission by Cecilia Munoz, Director of the White House Domestic Policy Council, 2012-2017 The very day that I decided that I was moving to Chicago to start my life post-grad-school, I got in my car, turned on the radio, and Sweet Home Chicago came on. I knew it was a sign that I had chosen well. I started my career in the neighborhoods of Pilsen and Little Village, organizing community groups in the Catholic parishes there. I ended up running a legal services program for immigrants, which ultimately took me to D.C., the civil rights movement and, to my astonishment, President Obamas senior White House team. I will always feel lucky that my sense of home and neighborhood was shaped by the immigrant neighborhoods of Chicago. My first-born is starting her career there now too Sweet home, indeed!

Submission by John Prine, musicianThis song says something to me about the traditional values of Midwest America. As far as Im concerned that Second City jazz is out the window. I consider New York to be a world city, like Paris or London. Chicago is the #1 American city second to none!

Submission by Bobbi Brown, founder,Bobbi Brown Cosmetics I met Common in the elevator at the Met Ball. I asked him if I could interview his mom for a Yahoo Beauty story I was doing for Mothers Day. He put his number in my phone, and totally followed through. To me, Common is what being a Chicagoan is about. Hes a real, regular guy in a rockstar body.

Submission by Jonabel Russette, Obama Foundation staffer I think of this song every time I fly into Chicago!

Submission by Mavis Staples, musician Reminds me that there is still work to be done. Think of tomorrow, dont give up, and feel your strength. And it reminds me of Curtis. Hes here with us when I hear it.

Submission by Fatima Asghar, writer, performer, educator I used to work at Young Chicago Authors, and Id see Ravyn come in and perform this song. It was also on a lot of our pre-Wordplay (our open mic on Tuesday evenings) playlists. The song has so many layers and emotions in it, a lot of self-consciousness, which I feel like is so relatable and often missing from music. When Im missing Chicago, I put this song on: It reminds me of summer Tuesday evenings crowded in YCAs space. Wordplay is an incredible event everyone is so supportive and clinging on to your every word. Its actually radical, to have people listening as closely to you as they do at YCA. Its magical. And when I think of being active in my community, when I think of people who I love, a lot of that centers around spaces like YCA that I have been a part of. And it centers around a radical listening, taking the time to encourage each other, to listen to each other even when people are different than you. And this song is so magical, and very much in that spirit.

Submission by Bill Burton,National Press Secretary, Obama for America 2008,Deputy Press Secretary, The White HouseThis song is my alarm in the morning and on one of the greatest rap albums of all time. And since Chances dad, Ken Bennett, is one of the great alums of the first campaign, it makes me think about those early Obama campaign days every time its on.

Submission by Tyler Hagenbuchand Jamie Citron, former Obama for America staffers

Finding love on the campaign trail isnt easy. But that is exactly what happened to us in 2008, and to so many other Obama couples to come out of the last ten years. Amidst the long hours and dedication to a historic campaign, our shared passion for Chicago and a shared belief in the power of Democracy grew into something more. When we listen now to Chicagos own Jennifer Hudson singing and I am telling you we hear the drive, perseverance, and resolve that are the hallmarks, not only of our own campaign and personal experience, but also the qualities of our entire amazing city and every last one of its inhabitants who are dedicated to staying and devoted to making it ever better.

Submission by Jennifer Hudson, musician The song says it all: Sometimes I cant see, but I still believe. I rose above the environment I was in despite the circumstances.

Submission by Nick Offerman, actor My #1 Chicago band will always be Wilco, but this playlist makes me think of my years with the Defiant Theatre in the 90s, when our work was deeply inspired by Tom Waits. His album Mule Variations includes these two songs, which make me think of the familial pride we took in our ambitious theater work.

Submission by Dan Aykroyd, actor The obvious choice of a Chicago song from a Blues Brother should logically be Robert Johnsons loving anthem Sweet Home Chicago. However, my pick overrides that well-covered tribute to the city. My favorite Chicago song is Nick Gravenites cry of urban despair Born in Chicago popularized by the Paul Butterfield Blues Band with Paul, Al Cooper, Mike Bloomfield and Sam Lay on their massively influential East-West album:

I was born in Chicago in 1941. The first words my papa told me: Son youd better get a gun.

That music and its message was perspectively present at the time it was written and in hindsight today, prescient. Theres no more anguished statement about personal firearms violence and the insanity of social equality which foments it than the last verse:

The rules are alright if theres someone left to play the game. My friends keep on dying and everything just remains the same.

Its how we all NOT MAKE IT THE SAME is what will determine the future of our youth in Chicago.

Submission by Rick Renteria, manager, Chicago White Sox We play it on flights every now and then. Probably more than once. It means a lot of all of us because it brings to mind all of the things that Chicago is about: its about family, its about people, about enjoying everything the city has to offer. Its a great city to be a part of its my kind of town.

Submission by Stephanie Izard, chef Im a big Chicago Cubs fan, so much that we named our son Ernie after Ernie Banks! Go, Cubs, Go reminds me of sunny and fun Chicago days and people coming together!

Submission by Luvvie Ajayi, author This song captures my love for Chicago so well. Even though I wasnt born here, this is where I consider home, and no matter where I travel to, Im always excited to come back home. Kanye nails that Windy City love.

Kaitlin H, Jourdan S, Jeff P. B, Camille K, Lois B, Christopher T, Donna Mackey M, Jill P, Jacob M, Snow H, Ann G, Barbara B, Nda-jiya S, Ousmane-noel S, Jarod B, Carrie L, Maxine H, Thelma B, Deborah M, Adena W, Eileen O, Youn C, Leroy F. B, Kel W, Dolores T, Andrea G, Lauren M, R Lewis C, Jen G, Lisa S, Mike S, Fiona E, Lazar F, Victor M, Natalie M, Kathleen M. W, Jacob L. H, Chucho H, Rich W, Rose Anne E, Philbert O, Mary F, Heidi L, Nancy H, Naomi B, Will C, Tendai R, Jackie B, Sandy H, Marty M, Jenny M, Dayna C, Merle B, Segis Z, Katie O, Ruby W, Kashti K, Wanda G, Katasha S, Bartele B, Mike R, Jaylin M, Tina T, Shivangi P, Michelle B, Amy L, Christopher D. E, Lionel K, Bruce L, Marques D, Paula Jost J, Jenny H, Marsha B, Richard E, Adrienne M, Marie B, Chris P, Angela R P, Veronica R, Jackie B, Stacy R, Dan C, Cindy B, Yutaka S, Dorean M, Corky Karen G, Jessica M, Ryan V, Andrea S, Randi D, Ali D, Margo M, Johannes M, Marie W, Chinedu G, Jackie S, Ioana B, George E, Claudia L, Leslie H, Susie K, Jeffer L, Mehrunisa Q, Jonathan W, Sabriya E, Angela M, Rochelle S, Jen H, Lisa D, Jean H, Katherine L, Naomi B, Mary B, Ryan B, Ruth A, Kay M, Gina L, Aidan L, Nicole B, Mary W, Blanca G, Elaine J, Heather T, Barbara J, Patrick D, Katie R, and Wajdi W.

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Hometown: A Collaborative Playlist - Obama Foundation