Obama Jokes About Politics, Dating And A Lesson In Humility
By John Dodge
CHICAGO (CBS) -- President Obama returned to his home state to press a key theme during the last year of his presidency: finding ways to end the rancorous political divisions in the country.
In one lighter moment during a speech to the General Assembly in Springfield, Obama remarked about how the country has become so polarized that Americans don't even want their kids to date people from another political party.
He added that some may not want their kids dating, period:
The polarization of politics and datingPresident Obama on politics and dating. "Some of us don't want our kids dating. Period. But that's a losing battle."
Posted by CBS Chicago on Wednesday, February 10, 2016
At the start of this remarks, Obama struck a nostalgic tone, recalling an encounter with then-Senate President Pate Philip.
As a young lawmaker, the future president said he thought he had just made a great speech in favor of an important bill. The Republican Philip brought Obama down to earth:
Obama Comes Back Home, Speaks To General AssemblyPresident Obama telling old war stories in Springfield, including that time 'Pate' Philip told him he gave a "great speech" as a young legislator and "changed a lot of minds' but "didn't change any votes.' It was a lesson in humility for the future president.
Posted by CBS Chicago on Wednesday, February 10, 2016