Obama Center Opening: Michelle Obama’s ‘Dazzling Brilliance, Unostentatious Decent’ Praise Brings Barack Obama To Tears | Today’s news
Michelle Obama gave an emotional tribute to former President Barack Obama at the opening of the Obama Presidential Center in Chicago, praising his resilience, leadership and character.
“Eight years in a crucible and you never once melted in the heat. Never once did you let it harden,” she said.
She added: “Your stubborn optimism and unwavering courage. Your dazzling brilliance and unassuming decency. Your ferocious work ethic and utterly unshakable moral fiber.”
Reflecting on his presidency, she said, “And to do it all first,” highlighting major decisions including “standing up for marriage equality” and “listening to the science.”
Barack Obama was seen visibly moved during the speech and appeared to wipe away tears during the speech.
Barack Obama frames the center as a tribute to democracy
Barack Obama said the presidential center was meant to reflect democratic values and civic responsibility rather than a personal legacy.
“I hope this center serves as an affirmation of how special and precious our democracy really is,” he said.
He added: “It is our greatest legacy,” while emphasizing shared values across political lines, including leaders he once opposed.
“Every president today, including ourselves, has done their best to uphold the values that John McCain and Mitt Romney believed in as much as I did.”
Obama reflects on Chicago roots and personal journey
Obama said the center could only be built in Chicago, the city where his political journey began.
“It’s an expression of thanks, an acknowledgment that I owe so much of what I hold most dear to the people of this city,” he said.
He recalled arriving in 1985 as an “unvetted political organizer” and noted that he met Michelle Obama nearby and raised his family in the same neighborhood.
Trump is missing because Obama emphasizes democratic values
President Donald Trump did not attend the event and was not mentioned by the speakers. He previously called the project a “total disaster” in a post on social media.
But Obama focused on unity and civic responsibility rather than political division.
“This is not a monument to the Obamas,” said Valerie Jarrett. “It’s a tribute to everyone who made this journey possible.”
Democracy, reflection and unfinished business
Obama acknowledged the challenges during his presidency, including growing political polarization.
“It is one of the few regrets of my presidency – that the animosity and suspicion between the parties has gotten worse instead of better,” he said.
He also noted that the center includes “unfinished business” and reflections on both mistakes and successes.
A stellar meeting of world personalities
Former presidents Joe Biden, George W. Bush, and Bill Clinton, along with former first ladies Jill Biden, Laura Bush, and Hillary Rodham Clinton, gathered for the opening ceremony. Former Vice President Kamala Harris was also in attendance.
Global and cultural figures including Angela Merkel, Justin Trudeau, Oprah Winfrey, Tom Hanks, Billie Jean King, David Letterman, Conan O’Brien and Stephen Colbert also spoke at the event.
Music, performances and emotional tributes
The celebration featured headlining performances by international artists including Bruce Springsteen, Stevie Wonder, Bono, John Legend, Christina Aguilera and Marc Anthony.
John Legend performed “Someday We’ll All Be Free,” while Common joined him for “Glory.”
Bruce Springsteen played “Land of Hope and Dreams” and told the Obamas, “I love you.”
Stevie Wonder closed out the event with a performance of “Higher Ground,” bringing several artists together on stage.
