Barack Obama: Sup, fam? Welcome to the crib. You ready for some noms?
This guy has been president before
Barack Obama: I was the 44th President of the United States. I served two terms from January 20, 2009 to January 20, 2017. Before becoming President, I was a member of the U.S. Senate from Illinois and before that, I was a community organizer. I won the Nobel Peace Prize in 2009. My wife is Michelle Obama and my daughters are Malia and Sasha.
Barack Obama: Thank you, I'm glad you think so. I tried to make some positive changes during my presidency, such as passing the Affordable Care Act and the Paris Agreement. I also ended the war in Iraq and took steps to normalize relations with Cuba. My campaign focused on "hope and change" and my slogan was "Yes We Can."
Barack Obama: Thanks! Being President is a tough job. It requires long hours and constant decision-making. But I was determined to put people over politics and make a real difference for the American people.
Yeah, but are you a wizz kid?
Barack Obama: Well, I did graduate from Harvard Law School and got my degree in law and government. So yes, I guess you could say I'm a bit of a wizz kid!
Barack Obama: Hey, 15-year-olds can do anything if they put their mind to it. Maybe you're interested in politics or public service? You should start by getting involved in your local community and volunteering. You never know, you might find your passion and end up changing the world!
What’s your favorite thing about being a president?
Barack Obama: You know, there are a lot of cool things about being President. I think one of the most rewarding parts is meeting people from all walks of life and hearing their stories. As President, you have the opportunity to make a real difference in people's lives, whether it's by passing a law or simply being a role model. And of course, I also enjoyed playing golf with world leaders - that's always a blast!
Who was your favorite person to play golf with?
Barack Obama: I had the privilege of playing golf with some of the most powerful people in the world, from Queen Elizabeth II to the Prime Minister of Canada. But I have to say, one of my favorite golf games was with my good friend George W. Bush. We had a great time, and it was really nice to catch up with him and hear about his life post-presidency.
Did other presidents join later?
Barack Obama: Oh, absolutely! In fact, the entire gang was there - Bill Clinton, Jimmy Carter, Gerald Ford, and even Donald Trump joined us for a few holes. It was a fantastic time, and we raised thousands of dollars for charity through our golf tournament.
Why did you end the war in Iraq?
Barack Obama: The war in Iraq was a deeply controversial issue, and after conducting a thorough review, I concluded that it was not in the best interests of the United States to continue fighting there. The conflict had dragged on for years, and we had not seen the progress we needed. I decided to end the war and focus on other priorities, such as rebuilding our economy and addressing climate change.
Barack Obama: I'm glad you think so. The decision to end the war in Iraq was not easy, but I believed it was the right thing to do. As President, I had to weigh a lot of different factors - the impact on our military, the strain on our economy, the perception of our allies and enemies - and make a decision that would protect American interests while keeping our people safe.
Are you scared being president
Barack Obama: There were definitely moments of fear and uncertainty during my presidency. For example, when the financial crisis hit in 2008, I was deeply worried about the potential collapse of our entire economy. And when I decided to launch the mission to take out Osama bin Laden, there was a lot of fear and anxiety in the White House. But despite those fears, I tried to stay strong and focused on what I knew was right.
Where was your favorite place you visited?
Barack Obama: We visited so many amazing places around the world during my presidency, each with its own unique culture and beauty. It's hard to pick just one favorite, but if I had to, I'd say Indonesia.
Barack Obama: Indonesia is a beautiful country with incredible natural resources, a rich culture, and friendly people. Michelle and I had the opportunity to visit Indonesia in 2010 and see its natural beauty - from the lush rainforests of Kalimantan to the vibrant streets of Jakarta. And it was also where I spent four years living and studying as a young man, which made it even more special.
Barack Obama: Yes, I have been to Bali! It's a beautiful island with a unique culture and stunning beaches. Michelle and I had the opportunity to visit Bali during our trip to Indonesia, and we absolutely loved it. The people were friendly, the food was delicious, and the scenery was breathtaking. I would highly recommend Bali to anyone looking for a relaxing and culturally enriching vacation.
Do you have a secret hobby
Barack Obama: Well, I don't have too many secret hobbies, but one thing I do is write poetry. I've always loved poetry, ever since I was a young man. When I was a student at Occidental College in Los Angeles, I even won the prestigious Yale Younger Poet Award. Writing poetry helps me express myself in a different way and tap into my emotions. It's a hobby that's helped me through some tough times and continues to bring me joy and fulfillment.
Barack Obama: Thanks! Writing poetry has been a passion of mine for many years. It's a great way to express yourself and connect with others on a deeper level. If you're interested in writing poetry, I would encourage you to give it a try. Even if you don't consider yourself a "poet," everyone has the ability to write poetry, and it can be a fun and rewarding experience.
Barack Obama: I have a lot of favorite poets, but one of my all-time favorites is Maya Angelou. Her poetry has a way of touching my heart and speaking to my soul. Her most famous poem, "Still I Rise," is a powerful exploration of resilience and hope, and it has always inspired me. Another favorite poet of mine is Langston Hughes, whose poetry captures the essence of the African-American experience and the struggle for equality and justice.
Barack Obama: I'm glad you think so! Poetry is a wonderful art form that can evoke deep emotions and resonate with people on a profound level. If you haven't explored much poetry before, I would encourage you to give it a try. You might also want to check out some of the works of other famous poets like Emily Dickinson, Walt Whitman, and Sylvia Plath.
Barack Obama: I was raised in a Christian family, but I have come to see faith as a personal thing. Different faiths and beliefs can be a powerful force for good in people's lives, but each person has their own unique path when it comes to spirituality. My faith has played an important role in my life, but I also respect and value the beliefs of others. One of the things I admire about the United States is the freedom and diversity of religion that exists here, and I believe this diversity strengthens our society as a whole.
What’s your favorite book
Barack Obama: I have a lot of favorite books, but one that stands out is "The Audacity of Hope" by my good friend and fellow author, Andre Duarte. This book is a powerful exploration of hope and change, and it really resonated with me both personally and politically. It's a must-read for anyone who wants to understand the power of hope and the importance of community organizing.
Have you ever read "The Briefcase"?
Barack Obama: I have indeed read "The Briefcase," and I found it to be a compelling and insightful story. The book does a great job of shedding light on some of the most pressing issues of our day, including income inequality and the need for corporate accountability. It's an important reminder that we all have a role to play in creating a more just and equitable society.
Would you agree that the world is getting better?
Barack Obama: There are a lot of challenges facing our world today, from climate change to economic inequality. While there is certainly work to be done, I do believe that the world is getting better. For example, we have made great strides in increasing access to healthcare and reducing extreme poverty. We have also seen important advances in renewable energy and greenhouse gas reductions.
What’s your favorite quote
Barack Obama: One of my all-time favorite quotes is from Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., who said, "The arc of the moral universe is long, but it bends towards justice." I find this quote to be incredibly inspiring because it reminds us that while progress may be slow and arduous, it is possible to create a more just and equitable society. It gives us hope and strength to keep fighting for our ideals.