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Obama Awards Presidential Medals of Freedom.
Aired November 20, 2013 - 11:30 ET
THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
BARACK OBAMA, PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES: And I also indicated to Ben, he could pull off those shirts and I can't.
(LAUGHTER)
He always looks so cool in them.
(LAUGHTER)
Early in Oprah Winfrey's career, her bosses told her she should change her name to Suzy.
(LAUGHTER)
I have to pause here to say, I got the same advice.
(LAUGHTER)
They didn't say I should be named Suzy, but they suggested that I should change my name.
(LAUGHTER)
People can relate to Suzy. That's what they said. It turned out, surprisingly, that people could relate to Oprah just fine. In more than 4500 episodes of her show, her message was always, you can. You can do and you can be and you can grow and it can be better. And she is living proof -- rising from childhood poverty and abuse to the pinnacle of the entertainment universe. But even with 40 Emmys, the distinction of being the first black female billionaire, her greatest strength has always been her ability to help us discover the best in ourselves. Michelle and I count ourselves among her many devoted fans and friends. As one of those fans wrote, "I didn't know I had a light in me, until Oprah told me it was there." What a great gift.
And finally, we salute public servants who strengthen our nation.
Daniel Inouye was a humble man and didn't wear his Medal of Honor very often. He liked to wear a pin representing the Good Conduct Medal he earned a teenage private. To behave yourself takes special effort, he said, and I did not want to dishonor my family. Danny always honored his family and country, even when his country didn't always honor him. After being classified as an enemy alien, he joined a Japanese American unit that became one of the most decorated in World War II. As the second longest-serving Senator in American history, he showed a generation of people, including one young kid with a funny name growing up in Hawaii who noticed that there was somebody during some of those hearings in Washington that didn't look like anybody else, which meant that maybe I had a chance to do something important too. He taught all of us that no matter what you look like or where you come from this country has a place for everybody who is willing to serve and work hard.
A proud Hoosier. Dick Lugar has served make for more than half a century, from a young Navy Lieutenant to a respected leader in the United States Senate. I'll always be thankful to Dick for taking me, a new junior Senator, under his wing, including travels together to review some of his visionary work, the destruction of Cold War arsenals in the former Soviet Union, something that doesn't get a lot of public notice, but was absolutely critical to making us safer in the wake of the Cold War. I should say, traveling with Dick, you get close to unexploded land mines --
(LAUGHTER)
-- mortar shells, test tubes filled with anthrax and the plague.
(LAUGHTER)
His legacy, though, is the thousands of missiles and bombers and submarines and warheads that no longer threaten us. And our nation and world are safer because of this statesman. And in a time of unrelenting partisanship, Dick Lugar's decency, his commitment to bipartisan problem solving stands as a model of what public service ought to be.
And last, but never the least, we honor a leader who we still remember with such extraordinary fondness. He still remembers, as a child, waving good-bye to his mom, tears in her eyes as she went out to nursing school so she could provide for her family. And I think lifting up families like his own became the story of Bill Clinton's life. He remembered what his mom had to do on behalf of him. And he wanted to make sure that he made life better and easier for so many people all across the country that were struggling in those same ways and had the same hopes and dreams. As a governor, he transformed education so more kids could pursue the dreams. As president, he proved that with the right choices you could grow the economy, lift people out of poverty, shrink our deficits and still invest in families, health, schools, science technology. And in other words, we can go farther when we look out for each other. As we've all seen, as president, he was just getting started. He doesn't stop. He's helped lead relief efforts after the Asian tsunami, Hurricane Katrina, the Haiti earthquake. His foundation and global initiative have helped to save or improve the lives of literally hundreds of millions of people. And, of course, I am most grateful for his patience during the endless travels of my secretary of state.
(LAUGHTER)
So I'm grateful, Bill, as well for the advice and counsel that you have honored me with on and off the golf course and, most importantly, for your lifesaving work around the world, which represents what's the very best in America. Thank you so much, President Clinton.
(APPLAUSE)
OBAMA: So these are the recipients of the 2013 Presidential Medal of Freedom. These are the men and women who, in their extraordianry lives, remind us all of the beauty of the human spirit and the values that define us as Americans, the potential that lives inside all of us. I could not be more happy and more honored to participate in this ceremony here today.
With that, what I would like to do is invite our honorees to just sit there, and let all of us stand and give you a big round of applause.
(APPLAUSE)
(CHEERING)
(APPLAUSE)
OBAMA: Hey. Hey.
(APPLAUSE)
OBAMA: I guess we should actually give them the medals, though.
(LAUGHTER)
So where are my -- here we go.
Lee, you want to hit it?
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Presidential Medal of Freedom recipients.
Ernie Banks.
(LAUGHTER)
(APPLAUSE)
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: With an unmatched enthusiasm for America's past time, Ernie Banks loved, sprinted and smiled his way into the record books. Known to fans as Mr. Cub, he played an extraordinary 19 seasons with the Chicago Cubs during which he was named to 11 all-star teams, hit over 500 home runs and won back-to-back most-valuable player honors. He was elected to the hall of fame in 1977 and will forever be known as one of the finest power hitters and the most dynamic players of all-time.
(APPLAUSE)
OBAMA: That looks pretty good.
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(APPLAUSE) UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Benjamin Bradlee.
(APPLAUSE)
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: A titan of journalism. Benjamin Bradlee is one of the most respected newsmen of his generation. After serving our nation in World War II, Ben Bradlee went on to defend liberty here at home after. Testing the limits of a free press during his tenure as executive editor of "The Washington Post," he oversaw coverage of the Watergate scandal and successfully challenged the federal government over the right to publish the Pentagon Papers. His passion for accuracy and unyielding pursuit of truth continued to set the standard for journalism.
(APPLAUSE)
(LAUGHTER)
(APPLAUSE
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: The honorable William J. Clinton.
(APPLAUSE)
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Among the finest public servants of our time, President William J. Clinton argued cases for the people of Arkansas, served his state in the governor's mansion and guided our nation into a new century. As the 42nd president of the United States, Bill Clinton oversaw an era of change and change, prosperity and progress. His work after leaving public office continues to reflect his passionate unending commitment to improving the lives of people around the world. In responding to needs both at home and abroad and as founder of Clinton foundation, he has shown that through creative cooperation among men and women of good will, we can solve even the most intractable problems.
(APPLAUSE)
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Irene Inouye accepting on behalf of her husband, the Honorable Daniel K. Inouye.
(APPLAUSE)
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: A true patriot and dedicated public servant, Daniel K. Inouye understood the power of leaders when united in common purpose to protect and promote the tenants we cherish as Americans. As a member of the revered 442nd Regiment Combat Team, Daniel Inouye helped free Europe from the grasp of tyranny during World War II. Representing the people of Hawaii, from the moment the islands joined the union, he never lost sight of the ideals that bind us across the 50 states. Senator's Inouye's reason and resolve help make our country what it is today. And for that, we honor him.
(APPLAUSE)
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Dr. Daniel Kahneman. (APPLAUSE)
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Daniel Kahneman's groundbreaking work earned him a Nobel Prize in economic sciences for his research in developing prospect theory. After escaping from Nazi-occupied France as a young boy and later joining the Israel Defense Forces, Dr. Kahneman grew interested in understanding the origins of people's beliefs. Combining psychology and economic analysis and working alongside Dr. Vemis Verseki (ph), Dr. Kahneman used simple experiments to demonstrate how people make decisions under uncertain circumstances. And he forever changed the way we view human judgment.
(APPLAUSE)
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: The Honorable Richard G. Lugar.
(APPLAUSE)
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Representing the state of Indiana for over three decades in the United States Senate, Richard G. Lugar put country above party and self to forge bipartisan consensus. Throughout his time in the Senate, he offered effective solutions to our national and international problems, advocating for the control of nuclear arms and other weapons of mass destruction. Working with Senator Sam Nunn, Richard Lugar established the Nunn-Lugar Cooperative Threat Reduction Program, one of our country's most successful national security programs, helping to sustain American leadership and engage nations in collaboration after decades of confrontation. He remains a strong voice on foreign policy issues and his informed perspective will have broad influence for years to come.
(APPLAUSE)
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Loretta Lynn.
(APPLAUSE)
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Born a coal miner's daughter, Loretta Lynn has followed a bold path to become a legend in country music, a singer, songwriter and author. She has written dozens of chart-topping songs, released scores of albums and won numerous accolades. Breaking barriers in country music and entertainment, she opened doors for women not only by winning tremendous achievements, but also by raising issues few dared to discuss. Fearlessly telling her own stories with candor and humor, Loretta Lynn has brought a strong female voice to mainstream music, captured the emotions of men and women alike, and revealed the common truth about life as it is lived.
(APPLAUSE)
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Dr. Mario Molina.
(APPLAUSE)
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: With curiosity and creativity that inspired Mario Molina to convert his family's bathroom into a laboratory as a child --
(LAUGHTER)
-- have driven him through decades of scientific research. Born in Mexico, Dr. Molina's passion for chemistry bought him to the United States where his investigations of chlorofluorocarbons led to breakthroughs in our understanding of how they deplete the ozone layer. The impact of his discoveries extends far beyond his field, effecting environmental policy and fostering international awareness, as well as earning him the 1995 Nobel Prize in chemistry. Today, he remains a global leader, continuing to study air quality, climate change, and the environment that connects us all.
(APPLAUSE)
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Tam O'Shawnesy (ph) accepting on behalf of her life partner, Dr. Sally K. Ride.
(APPLAUSE)
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: 30 years ago, Dr. Sally K. Ride soared into space as the youngest American and first woman to wear the stars and stripes above earth's atmosphere. As an astronaut, she sought to keep American at the forefront of space exploration. As a role model, she fought tirelessly to inspire young people, especially girls, to become scientifically literate and pursue careers in science, technology, engineering and math. At the end of her life, she became an inspiration for those battling pancreatic cancer and for the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender community. The tail of a quiet hero, Sally Ride's story demonstrates that the sky is no limit for those who dream of reaching for the stars.
(APPLAUSE)
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Walter Neagle, accepting on behalf of his partner, Bayard Rustin.
(APPLAUSE)
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Bayard Rustin was a giant in the American civil rights movement. Openly gay at a time when many had to hide who they loved, his unwavering belief that we are all equal members of a single human family took him from his first Freedom Ride to the lesbian, gay, by sexual and transgender rights movement. Thanks to his unparalleled skills as an organizer, progress that once seemed impossible appears in retrospect to have been inevitable. 50 years after the march on Washington he organized, America honors Bayard Rustin as one of its greatest architects for social change and a fearless advocate for its most vulnerable citizens.
(APPLAUSE)
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Arturo Sandoval.
(APPLAUSE) UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Arturo Sandoval is one of the world's finest jazz musicians. Born into poverty in Cuba, and held back by his government, he risked everything to share his gifts with the world, eventually defecting with help from Dizzy Gillespie, his mentor and friend. In the decades since, this is astonishing trumpeter, pianist and composer has inspired audiences in every corner of the world and wakened a new generation of great performers. He remains one of the best ever to play.
(APPLAUSE)
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Lanaya (ph) Smith, accepting on behalf of her husband, Dean E. Smith.
(APPLAUSE)
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Dean E. Smith spent 36 seasons taking college basketball to new heights. As head coach at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, he led his team to 11 final fours, two national titles, and 879 victories, retiring at the winningest men's college basketball coach in history. Dean Smith brought the same commitment to supporting his players off the court. He helped more than 96 percent of his lettermen graduate. And in an era of deep division, he taught players to overcome bigotry with courage and compassion. He will forever stand as one of the greatest coaches in college basketball history.
(APPLAUSE)
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Gloria Steinem.
(APPLAUSE)
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: A trailblazing writer and feminist organizer, Gloria Steinem has been at the forefront of the fight for equality and social justice for more than four decades. Instrumental to a broad range of initiatives and issues, from establishing "Ms" magazine and Take Our Daughters to Work Day and pushing for women's self- empowerment and an end to sex trafficking. She has promoted lasting political and social change in America and abroad. Through her reporting and speaking, she has shaped debates on the intersection of sex and race, brought critical problems to national attention, and forged new opportunities for women in media. Gloria Steinem continues to move us all to take up the cause of reaching for a more just tomorrow.
(APPLAUSE)
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Reverend C.T. Vivian.
(APPLAUSE)
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Equipped only with courage and an overwhelming commitment to social justice, the Reverend C.T. Vivian was a stalwart activist on the march toward racial equality, whether at a lunch counter, on a freedom ride or behind the bars of a prison cell, he was unafraid to take bold action in the face of fierce resistance. By pushing change through nonviolent demonstration and advocacy, C.T. Vivian establish the -- and led numerous organizations to support underserved individuals and communities. His legacy of combating injustice will shine as an example for generations to come.
(APPLAUSE)
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Patricia McGowen Wald.
(APPLAUSE)
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Patricia McGowen Wald made history as the first woman appointed to the United States court of appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit. Rising to chief judge of the court, she always strove to better understand the law and fairly apply it. After leaving federal service, Judge Wald helped institute standards for justice and the rule of law at the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia in The Hague. Hailed as a model judge, she laid a foundation for countless women within the legal profession and helped unveil the humanity within the law.
(APPLAUSE)
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Oprah G. Winfrey.
(APPLAUSE)
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Oprah G. Winfrey is a global media icon. When she launched the "Oprah Winfrey Show" in 1986, there were few women and even fewer women of color with a national platform to discuss the issues and events shaping our times. But over the 25 years that followed, Oprah Winfrey's innate gift for tapping into our most fervent hopes and deepest fears drew millions of viewers across every background, making her show the highest-rated talk show in television history. Off screen, Oprah Winfrey has used her influence to support underserved communities and to lift up the lives of young people, especially young women around the world. In her story, we are reminded that no dream can be --
(EMERGENCY ALERT SYSTEM)
OBAMA: The rest of you, I understand the food here is pretty good.
(LAUGHTER)
So I hope you enjoy the reception.
