Barack Obama

First Black US President

Contemporary influential 122 sayings

Sayings by Barack Obama

You know, when I got to the White House, I was 47 years old. I left, I was 55. And I'm telling you, I looked older. I'm telling you. And I'm not talking about the gray hair. I'm talking about the bags under my eyes, the smile lines. I'm telling you, it's a tough job.

2016 — Remarks at the Global Entrepreneurship Summit in Silicon Valley
Humorous Unverifiable

I'm not going to tell you how good I am. I'm going to tell you how good I was. And I don't want to brag, but I had a pretty good run.

2016 — Remarks at a campaign rally for Hillary Clinton in Philadelphia
Humorous Unverifiable

I have to confess, I'm a little bit of a neat freak. I like things in their place. And if Michelle leaves her shoes in the middle of the room, it drives me nuts.

2018 — Interview with Oprah Winfrey
Humorous Unverifiable

I was not a particularly good student in high school. I was a pretty good basketball player, but I was not a particularly good student. And I spent a lot of time doing things other than studying.

2016 — Remarks at a town hall meeting with young people in London
Humorous Unverifiable

I think the one thing that I've learned is that, you know, being president is not for sissies. It's a tough job.

2017 — Interview with CNN's Fareed Zakaria
Humorous Unverifiable

The truth is, I'm a pretty lazy person. I like to sleep in. I like to watch sports. I like to hang out with my friends. And I don't like to work too hard.

2016 — Remarks at a town hall meeting in Elkhart, Indiana
Humorous Unverifiable

I'm a pretty good dancer. I'm not going to lie. I've got some moves.

2016 — Interview with Ellen DeGeneres
Humorous Unverifiable

I'm a pretty good cook. I make a mean chili. And I make a pretty good grilled cheese sandwich.

2016 — Interview with Anthony Bourdain for 'Parts Unknown'
Humorous Unverifiable

I'm a pretty good singer. I can carry a tune. I'm not going to win 'American Idol,' but I can carry a tune.

2012 — Remarks at a Democratic National Committee fundraiser
Humorous Unverifiable

I'm a pretty good basketball player. I'm not going to lie. I'm pretty good.

2016 — Interview with ESPN
Humorous Unverifiable

I am not a fan of selfies. I'm just not. I think they're a little bit narcissistic. But I do them because people ask me to.

2016 — Remarks at a town hall meeting in London
Humorous Unverifiable

I am not a fan of reality television. I'm just not. I think it's a little bit trashy. But I do watch it sometimes, because Michelle watches it.

2016 — Interview with Rolling Stone
Humorous Unverifiable

I am not a fan of Donald Trump. I'm just not. I think he's a little bit of a buffoon.

2016 — Remarks at a campaign rally for Hillary Clinton in Philadelphia
Humorous Unverifiable

I am a pretty good public speaker. I'm not going to lie. I'm pretty good.

2007 — Remarks at a campaign event in New Hampshire
Humorous Unverifiable

Michelle and I, we've got a pretty good relationship. We've been married for 25 years. And we still like each other.

2019 — Remarks at an event celebrating the 10th anniversary of the White House Kitchen Garden
Humorous Unverifiable

I have to say, though, I do miss Air Force One. It's a pretty sweet ride.

2018 — Interview with David Letterman for 'My Next Guest Needs No Introduction'
Humorous Unverifiable

I'm a pretty good student of criminal justice policy. I'm not going to lie. I'm pretty good.

2016 — Remarks at a campaign rally for Hillary Clinton in North Carolina
Humorous Unverifiable

The thing about the American people, though, is they're not stupid. They're not going to be bamboozled. And they know when they're being jerked around.

2010 — Interview with The Daily Show with Jon Stewart
Shocking Unverifiable

I mean, you got to remember that for the vast majority of people, they're not looking for a handout. They're looking for a fair shot.

2016 — Remarks at a town hall meeting in Elkhart, Indiana
Shocking Unverifiable

We're not going to be able to solve our problems if we are constantly demonizing each other.

2016 — Remarks at a town hall meeting in Elkhart, Indiana
Shocking Unverifiable