President Obama Remembers ‘Biggest Disappointment’ As President | NBC News

Summary

In this emotional speech, the speaker reflects on the numbness society has developed towards gun violence, highlighting the tragic impact on communities, particularly the devastating Sandy Hook shooting. The president expresses deep disappointment in Congress's failure to pass gun safety legislation, despite widespread public support. The speech emphasizes the limits of presidential power and the need for collective action, concluding with the president's executive measures to address gun violence.

Takeaways

• 😔 The routine nature of gun violence reporting and the emotional toll it takes, especially on the president.
• 😢 Gun violence affects the president deeply, particularly when thinking about the children impacted.
• 💔 The Sandy Hook tragedy, where 26 six-year-olds were brutally killed, remains one of the president's most painful memories.
• 🛡️ Even members of the Secret Service were moved to tears during the Sandy Hook memorial due to the pain of the families.
• 🗣️ The president hoped that the Sandy Hook tragedy would be a catalyst for legislative action on gun control, but was disappointed.
• ⚖️ Despite strong public support for gun control measures like expanding background checks, Congress failed to take action.
• 😡 The president expressed frustration that families of gun violence victims were criticized for advocating for gun safety legislation.
• 🙅‍♂️ The failure to pass bipartisan gun control legislation highlighted the limitations of presidential power, despite overwhelming public support.
• 📜 The president discussed the constitutional system of separated powers, noting both its strengths and its frustrations when civility breaks down.
• 🔨 After legislative failure, the president took executive action to implement some gun safety measures, reflecting the ongoing challenges in addressing gun violence.

Q & A

What does the speaker describe as becoming routine?

The speaker describes the reporting, response, and conversation after incidents of gun violence as becoming routine.

Which issue does the speaker mention that makes them emotional?

The speaker mentions that gun violence, particularly when thinking about children, makes them emotional.

What was the speaker's worst day as president related to?

The speaker's worst day as president was when they had to hear about and respond to the shooting of 26-year-olds in a brutal way at their school.

How does the speaker express empathy towards the families of gun violence victims?

The speaker expresses empathy by stating that they too have wept, pulled their children tight, and felt their world torn apart, showing they are not alone in their grief.

What was the speaker's reaction to the lack of action by Congress on gun safety legislation after the Sandy Hook incident?

The speaker was disappointed and surprised that the incident did not catalyze action by Congress, expecting at least some effort or debate on the issue.

Why did the speaker go back and look at the situation regarding gun safety legislation?

The speaker went back to look at the situation because they forgot how heavy the burden was and wanted to reflect on the Senate's failure to expand background checks for gun sales.

What was the speaker's biggest disappointment as president related to gun control?

The speaker's biggest disappointment was the failure to pass gun safety legislation, despite having the support of the majority of Americans.

How does the speaker describe the limits of presidential power in the context of the U.S. Constitution?

The speaker describes the limits of presidential power by referencing the U.S. Constitution's system of separated and distributed powers among different branches and levels of government.

What action did the president take after failing to move legislation on gun safety?

After failing to move legislation, the president went around Congress and announced a series of executive measures on gun control.

What rights does the speaker mention were stripped from victims of gun violence?

The speaker mentions the unalienable rights to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness were stripped from victims of gun violence.