28
Aug
13

Let Freedom Ring: President Obama’s Address

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Lots more videos from today at the PBS YouTube channel

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Pete Souza

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All posts from the 50th Anniversary of the March on Washington linked at the top of the sidebar on the right - this is the link image:

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The President’s speech took my breath away. For once, I’m actually speechless.

Back with more in a while.

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114 Responses to “Let Freedom Ring: President Obama’s Address”


  1. 1 utaustinliberal
    August 28, 2025 at 4:01 pm

    Powerful images and words.

  2. 2 utaustinliberal
    August 28, 2025 at 4:02 pm

  3. 3 Layla
    August 28, 2025 at 4:03 pm

    TY dear Chips! you are an extraordinary person!

  4. 4 vcprezofan2
    August 28, 2025 at 4:04 pm

    FIRST!

    …after Utal! ;)

  5. 6 utaustinliberal
    August 28, 2025 at 4:04 pm

    For those who missed it.

  6. 7 utaustinliberal
    August 28, 2025 at 4:05 pm

  7. 8 debz
    August 28, 2025 at 4:06 pm

    I am so grateful this man is our President. Powerful speech!

  8. 11 vetivera24
    August 28, 2025 at 4:06 pm

    A beautiful day of healing words and music.

  9. 12 utaustinliberal
    August 28, 2025 at 4:07 pm

  10. 13 utaustinliberal
    August 28, 2025 at 4:08 pm

  11. 15 tnmtngirl
    August 28, 2025 at 4:08 pm

    C-Span is replaying his speech so I’m listening again. :) :) :)

  12. 16 utaustinliberal
    August 28, 2025 at 4:08 pm

    • 17 nathkatun7
      August 28, 2025 at 7:13 pm

      Thank you so much, UT, for keeping many people who missed the President’s speech informed. You are really very special! Your reporting puts to shame the reporting of the sensationalists MSM reporters who claim to be journalists.

  13. 19 vcprezofan2
    August 28, 2025 at 4:11 pm

    Chips Chica, I could kiss you! You heard my cry and you brought me the visual of the girls singing. / 1 chups! + 2 air kisses/

    Thanks!

  14. 20 57andfemale
    August 28, 2025 at 4:11 pm

  15. 21 Dakota
    August 28, 2025 at 4:16 pm

    I cannot WAIT to get home to hear my President speak. This was an amazing day. Thank you everyone for your comments and input. It lifted me up. UT, You Rock!

  16. 22 anniebella
    August 28, 2025 at 4:17 pm

    I guess there is no decent Republicans who felt the need to show up today. Speaks volume about what kind of Republican Party they are.

  17. 32 utaustinliberal
    August 28, 2025 at 4:18 pm

    I laugh everyday while they writhe in envy.

    • 33 carolyn
      August 28, 2025 at 4:20 pm

      How juvenile that mocking activity is…..like kids on a playground.

      • 34 anniebella
        August 28, 2025 at 4:29 pm

        We all know that President Obama is the adult in the room and these Emoprogs and Tea racists Republicans people are spoil rotten nasty babies, who refuse to grow up.

    • 35 vcprezofan2
      August 28, 2025 at 4:32 pm

      Indeed, one ‘freedom’ I’m immensely glad I have is the knowledge that their mocking, taunts, ignorance, or whatever, do not taint my joy in this president.

    • 36 nathkatun7
      August 28, 2025 at 7:19 pm

      Yes Indeed, UT! And when the history books are written he would figure prominently while the emoprogs would be lucky to make it in the footnotes.

  18. 37 GGail
    August 28, 2025 at 4:22 pm

    Chipsticks, you have done a TREMENDOUS job today and I most humbly THANK YOU!

    I now have this tread to listen to the girls singing the Nat’l Anthem and see them. Their dad was so proud this morning on the news and I know he’s proud as punch at their performance. They first performed the Anthem for the 4th of July on the news morning show, then they sang it at a Sparks Basketball game. It was after those two excellent performances that they video was sent to the King Foundation and they were chosen to perform today. Their father said that they’ve had the opportunity to meet and shake President and Mrs. Obama’s hand.

    • 38 vcprezofan2
      August 28, 2025 at 4:25 pm

      Good for them! DO you know their ages? They look like early teens (at the most) to me.

      • 39 GGail
        August 28, 2025 at 4:36 pm

        Chris and his wife have two sets of twins! These are the twelve year old’s. The other twins (10 yr old) had to stay here with Chris and attend school.

        • 40 vcprezofan2
          August 28, 2025 at 4:51 pm

          12! As I said ‘Good for them!’

          The idea of twins has always tickled me - the thought of getting 2 for 1 (set of ) pain.

          • 41 GGail
            August 28, 2025 at 5:05 pm

            VC, Be sure to watch the KTLA5 morning news in the morning so you can see how proud Chris is of his children and his wife’s efforts as their manager. He anchor’s the 4:30am - 7am news broadcast.

            • 42 vcprezofan2
              August 28, 2025 at 5:39 pm

              I will try, but I can’t promise as we’ll be leaving here at 5:30am. If I remember in the hustle and bustle , I’ll turn the station on.

              • 43 GGail
                August 28, 2025 at 5:47 pm

                I forgot you’re leaving in the morning. I thought it was the evening :-(

                • 44 vcprezofan2
                  August 28, 2025 at 5:51 pm

                  Cheer up! You won’t have to listen to me rambling on as I frequently do, AND you are welcome to come ‘up north’ for the winter. For you, I might even be willing to rent some skis - as long as I only need to observe while you ski. ;)

                  • 45 GGail
                    August 28, 2025 at 5:55 pm

                    I keep telling you that I only visit warm locales. Does “up north” not have a warm season????

                    And I cross-country skied when I was in my twenties - a St. Bernard couldn’t get me on a pair of skis now - Hahahaha!

                    • 46 vcprezofan2
                      August 28, 2025 at 6:02 pm

                      What’s the fun in leaving warmth to go to warmth? Come on now, be adventurous! And yes, I keep on making my case as a way to practise my persuasive skills. Doesn’t our president advise against ‘giving up’?

  19. 47 Jackie 4 Obama
    August 28, 2025 at 4:31 pm

    Thank so much for the coverage of this wonderful day. I missed all the speeches, as usual, so I so appreciate being able to see it here. Chips, you are the best — UT too!

  20. 48 GGail
    August 28, 2025 at 4:38 pm

    I’m maintaining my No Negative Zone today.

  21. 51 jackiegrumbacher
    August 28, 2025 at 4:44 pm

    Finally, finally I got to see the president’s speech and I’m just so blown away by it. He could not have done a finer job and I am so proud of him, my heart swells. If only his words would touch the hard hearts of those in our states and in Congress who want to destroy every good thing this country represents. If only people across the country could take real inspiration from his words and turn to each other and work together. We all did this so well in 2008 and 2012, embracing strangers, working with people from all walks of life, marching together to elect our magnificent president. We have to keep on doing it day after day to keep righting wrongs and protesting injustice. The president will not give up or give in and neither can we. I hope, hope, hope that this speech is shown to school children and used as a teaching tool for bringing positive change to their lives.

  22. 53 PrayerWarriorforObama
    August 28, 2025 at 4:46 pm

    Dear chips and TOD family, from Saturday, this virtual space has been, for me, a window into the past of American history that allowed me to understand fully the magnitude of the significance of the civil rights crusade. Thank you so much Chips for responding in the positive to the prompting to create this medium. What a magnificent job you have done!

    May God bless and prosper theobamadiary.

  23. 54 GGail
    August 28, 2025 at 4:46 pm

    I just heard Rev. Phipps sing - WOW!
    C-SPAN repeats are so helpful.

  24. 55 Kyle
    August 28, 2025 at 4:52 pm

    Just another great speech by PBO, another one for the ages really. and I could care less what those nattering nabobs of negativity on cable news have to say. Its too bad the people that really need to see and listen and hear the president’s words will refuse to do so for the most part. and we all know the reason why.

    But PBO presses on and so should we all!

  25. 56 57andfemale
    August 28, 2025 at 4:54 pm

    Hasan sentenced to death:

    http://www.nytimes.com/2013/08/29/us/jury-weighs-sentence-for-fort-hood-shooting.html?emc=edit_na_20130828

    • 57 Layla
      August 28, 2025 at 5:01 pm

      I do not believe in the death penalty but now we will be subjected to appeal after appeal…for who knows how many years and you know the press will cover that! I wish he could have been thrown in jail for the rest of his life never to be heard from again.

      • 58 anniebella
        August 28, 2025 at 5:05 pm

        I’m sick of Hasan. Put him to death or not, I don’t care.

      • 59 57andfemale
        August 28, 2025 at 5:10 pm

        Military court. I don’t think you will see years and years of appeals, although I’m sure there are some.

        • 60 Layla
          August 28, 2025 at 5:41 pm

          As per wiki:
          In the United States, Courts-martial are conducted under the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ), 10 U.S.C. §§ 801-946, and the Manual for Courts-Martial. If the trial results in a conviction, the case is reviewed by the convening authority — the person who referred the case for trial by court-martial. The convening authority has discretion to mitigate the findings and sentence.

          If the sentence, as approved by the convening authority, includes death, a bad-conduct discharge, a dishonorable discharge, dismissal of an officer, or confinement for one year or more, the case is reviewed by an intermediate court. There are four such courts—the Army Court of Criminal Appeals, the Navy-Marine Corps Court of Criminal Appeals, the Air Force Court of Criminal Appeals, and the Coast Guard Court of Criminal Appeals.

          After review by any of these intermediate courts, the next level of appeal is the United States Court of Appeals for the Armed Forces (CAAF).

          • 61 57andfemale
            August 28, 2025 at 5:44 pm

            Okay, you’re right. This will go on and on and on……..

            There is a good chance he will try to refuse these appeals, being the martyr that he is. But there should be a deliberative process before the death penalty. Which still makes my blood run cold………..

            • 62 Norbrook
              August 28, 2025 at 6:04 pm

              It won’t go on that long. After CAAF, the next court that could hear the case is the Supreme Court. Probably about a year or two for it to get through to the CAAF.

              Other note: Any military death penalty sentence can only be carried out by direct approval of the President. In other words, if the President decides “no, not going to do it,” it doesn’t happen.

  26. 65 57andfemale
    August 28, 2025 at 5:00 pm

    • 66 anniebella
      August 28, 2025 at 5:08 pm

      Russia and China,supports the use of chemical weapons, the two country Edward Snowden ran too, now what does that say about about Snowden?

      • 67 anniebella
        August 28, 2025 at 5:10 pm

        Well he went to Hong Kong.

      • 70 57andfemale
        August 28, 2025 at 5:11 pm

        And if Snowdenwald had their way, we would be blind to knowing where and what Syria is doing. because, FREEDOM! Or something.

      • 71 Bobfr (@Our4thEstate)
        August 28, 2025 at 5:12 pm

        Excellent annie!!

    • 72 Bobfr (@Our4thEstate)
      August 28, 2025 at 5:14 pm

  27. 76 carolyn
    August 28, 2025 at 5:05 pm

    This speech by PBO will take on a life of its own, just as MLK’s speech did. We have lived with that one for 50 years now, and people will live with PBO’s for the next fifty years, at least.

    I mentioned on a previous thread how masterfully this program was put together…..it built, piece by piece, speaker by speaker, until our president put everything put it all together as only he can, in beautiful, figurative, clear, and yes surgical language.

    • 77 carolyn
      August 28, 2025 at 5:07 pm

      Think I should clarify one of my adjectives: “surgical” by that I mean precise, concrete, honing in on a target.

      • 78 CEB
        August 28, 2025 at 5:16 pm

        Yes, everything was smooth, in sync, and connected, and on time. All speakers stuck to the time limits and each person was ready to go after the next. Everything was professional as well as inspirational.

    • 79 57andfemale
      August 28, 2025 at 5:12 pm

      I’m heartbroken I couldn’t watch it. And my boss just told me he expects an entire project done by Friday, and I thought all he wanted was a detailed outline and timetable. I am so screwed. I won’t have the luxury of watching today’s event…….

  28. 86 Claire
    August 28, 2025 at 5:14 pm

    What a GREAT day! Just got back home. There were 12 of us in our group. We did the march and then stayed for the remarkable speeches and performances. Two of my friends were interviewed for local news channels so I guess I’ll have to try to catch them. Even with the stickiness and off and on rain it was a FANTASTIC day! I loved every moment of it.

  29. 91 mtmarilyn
    August 28, 2025 at 5:16 pm

    I am logging in for a quick minute. I was able to hear the President’s speech! What a speech. I can’t wait to read it all. I have a long meeting tonight so it will be tomorrow night before I can watch. So thankful to be able to come here and get snippets. It is all so powerful. Thank you Chips and all!!!

  30. 92 carolyn
    August 28, 2025 at 5:22 pm

    Using the Blog Roll on the right, I went to Politicususa. Sarah Jones entitled her article “President Obama gives the Civil Rights Speech of the Decade.” Excellent analysis…….she was exactly right in what she said.

  31. 94 amk for obama
    August 28, 2025 at 5:28 pm

    Brokerage giant Merrill Lynch has settled a racial discrimination lawsuit for $160m (£103.1m), which could affect as many as 1,200 employees in the US.

    It is one of the largest sums ever paid in a discrimination suit.

    “We are working toward a very positive resolution of a lawsuit filed in 2005,” said Merrill Lynch spokesperson Bill Halldin.

    The suit was first filed by George McReynolds, who worked at the bank for 30 years.

    Mr McReynolds was joined by 16 other former and current African-American Merrill Lynch employees as part of the suit, although the settlement payout could apply to thousands more workers at the firm.

    In the lawsuit Mr McReynolds, who worked in the Nashville, Tennessee office, alleged that African-American workers at Merrill Lynch offices were encouraged to pursue clerical positions in a segregated workforce and if they did become brokers, were not offered much in terms of support.

    At the time the time the suit was filed, only 2% of Merrill Lynch’s employees were African-American, despite an agreement the brokerage had signed with the US Equal Employment Opportunity Commission to increase that percentage to 6.5%.

  32. 98 57andfemale
    August 28, 2025 at 5:46 pm

    Is anyone else amused at the irony of MoveOn pleading for money to fight the ‘Repeal Obamacare’ RW campaign? Weren’t they on the 2010 bandwagon that it wasn’t good enough, and also pleading for money on any and every rumor at that time?

  33. 100 canadabarb4obama
    August 28, 2025 at 5:54 pm

    Oh my….I have a lump in my throat and very leaky eyes; we are so fortunate to have such a giant of mankind, in our time; God bless PBO and his family.

  34. 101 Nena20409
    August 28, 2025 at 6:00 pm
  35. 107 Nena20409
    August 28, 2025 at 6:02 pm
  36. 109 lamh36
    August 28, 2025 at 6:09 pm

    Evening guys.

    Missed the speech but I knew I could count on TOD to provide video.

    Thanks guys.

  37. 110 Gazelle
    August 28, 2025 at 6:39 pm

    Chips, thank you so so much for the fabulous threads today. I was just watching a repeat on C-SPAN until they went to those callers. But I did get to see Forrest Whitaker. Lawd, hope I’m not spelling his name wrong because I want a full-on mind-affair with him. Please note the “mind” part in that equation. LOL! :) Yep, that’s my weakness — the mind!

    Although I just can’t stomach Chris Hayes, I will watch his show tonight at 8pm ET. Only because they’re going to air Dr. King’s speech in its entirety. How the heck did that happen? Hayes? Uggh! Switched off Bashir show when he started talking about Dr. King “smirking” when a line in his speech resonated w/ the crowd. Dr. King “smirking” — really, Hayes, get off my lawn.

  38. 112 eveingeorgia
    August 28, 2025 at 7:31 pm

    This day was indescribable! Because of my disability, I was in allowed to sit in a great section. Beause of this, I was able to scoot around and take pictures of some great folk: Oprah, John Lewis, ElijahCUmmings, Jaime FOxx, Al Sharpton, Bill Russell…..I couldn’t believe it, all these folk passed right near us, and they were gracious to a fault.

    Everything was timed well; the event stayed on schedule. The performances and speeches were all good.

    I got to talk with and photograph the three young girls who sang The Star Spangled Banner.

    I thought all the presidents’ speeches were great, but President Obama’s was simply elegant.

    WHat a blessed day.

    Also, saw Joy Reid, Eugene Robinson, Chris Matthews, and Jesse Jackson.

    • 113 carolyn
      August 28, 2025 at 7:39 pm

      Oh my! Big time envy here seeing and being near all those people…..what a treasure for you. That is just wonderful.
      Love your choice of word “elegant” to describe the President’s speech. That is absolutely the perfect descriptor.

  39. 114 nathkatun7
    August 28, 2025 at 7:47 pm

    Dear Chips, let me join every one who has thanked you for the magnificent work you’ve done in covering the 50th Anniversary of the 1963 March On Washington. You and your fellow “blog tyrants, UT and LP,” have done an incredible, and truly historic, job. For a person like me, who was just 17 years old during the March, this brought back so many memories. I wanted to say much more, but I thought that a simple THANK YOU, from the bottom of my heart, would be the best way to honor you, UT and LP, for what you guys have done. I also join everyone who is so proud of our Great President. His Speech today reinforced my love and respect for him. It also brought me what our great sailor, Yardarm, calls “waterworks.” You see, I never imagined that I would live longer enough to witness a day like this one. Listening to President Obama’s speech today, I know that in the place they are, Dr. King, Medgar Evers, A. Philip Randolph, and every courageous person who sacrificed so much for so long, must have a smile on their faces.


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