“I love that we can trust Barack to do what he says he's going to do, even when it's hard - especially when it's hard.”
Trust“We can make a commitment to promote vegetables and fruits and whole grains on every part of every menu. We can make portion sizes smaller and emphasize quality over quantity. And we can help create a culture - imagine this - where our kids ask for healthy options instead of resisting them.”
Health“I know what it feels like to struggle to get the education that you need.”
Education“If my future were determined just by my performance on a standardized test, I wouldn't be here. I guarantee you that.”
Future“The fact is, with every friendship you make, and every bond of trust you establish, you are shaping the image of America projected to the rest of the world. That is so important. So when you study abroad, you're actually helping to make America stronger.”
Friendship“We learned about gratitude and humility - that so many people had a hand in our success, from the teachers who inspired us to the janitors who kept our school clean... and we were taught to value everyone's contribution and treat everyone with respect.”
Respect“Together, we can help make sure that every family that walks into a restaurant can make an easy, healthy choice.”
Family“I am an example of what is possible when girls from the very beginning of their lives are loved and nurtured by people around them. I was surrounded by extraordinary women in my life who taught me about quiet strength and dignity.”
Life“We learned about dignity and decency - that how hard you work matters more than how much you make... that helping others means more than just getting ahead yourself.”
Work“For the first time in my adult lifetime, I am really proud of my country. And not just because Barack has done well, but because I think people are hungry for change. And I have been desperate to see our country moving in that direction.”
Change“I never cut class. I loved getting A's, I liked being smart. I liked being on time. I thought being smart is cooler than anything in the world.”
Cool“It wasn't so long ago that I was a working mom myself. And I know that sometimes, much as we all hate to admit it, it's just easier to park the kids in front of the TV for a few hours, so we can pay the bills or do the laundry or just have some peace and quiet for a change.”
Change“The problem is when that fun stuff becomes the habit. And I think that's what's happened in our culture. Fast food has become the everyday meal.”
Food“I am desperate for change - now - not in 8 years or 12 years, but right now.”
Change“I'm not asking any of you to make drastic changes to every single one of your recipes or to totally change the way you do business. But what I am asking is that you consider reformulating your menu in pragmatic and incremental ways to create healthier versions of the foods that we all love.”
Business“Success is only meaningful and enjoyable if it feels like your own.”
Success“My mother's love has always been a sustaining force for our family, and one of my greatest joys is seeing her integrity, her compassion, her intelligence reflected in my daughters.”
Family“Whether you come from a council estate or a country estate, your success will be determined by your own confidence and fortitude.”
Success“I think that people are tired. They're tired of the same old kind of politics. People want a new tone to politics.”
Politics“Clearly this is a tough economic time, and a lot of families are hurting. So when we talk to parents, we talk about small changes for kids and things that don't cost extra money. Like adding water and eliminating sugary drinks and sodas. That's going to save money right there. Or adding a few more vegetables.”
Money“Like so many American families, our families weren't asking for much. They didn't begrudge anyone else's success or care that others had much more than they did... in fact, they admired it.”
Success