During an interview with NPR, President Obama talked with interviewer Steven Inskeep who asked the president what questions he might would have for the 2016 presidential candidates.
President Obama had to think for a moment, and he seemed to be taking the question very seriously as he began relaying what the presidency means to him.
“I will tell you as president, if you are interested just because you like the title or you like the trappings or you like the power, or the fame, or the celebrity, that side of it wears off pretty quick.”
“What sustains me, what lasts, what makes me happy, proud, frustrated sometimes, is the recognition that if you want this job, then you really need to love this country and have a very clear vision and idea of what it is what you want to do to help make this country work even better.”
“I don’t think this country works best on fear. I don’t think this country works best on hate. I don’t think this country works best on cynicism.”
“If you are aspiring to this job, then you need to ask yourself some very serious questions about why you’re doing it, because that’s what’s going to keep you going on those days that things aren’t going so well.”
For all of his flaws, President Obama does truly seem to appreciate the incredible role he has been bestowed with and clearly takes his job very seriously. Some candidates need to reflect on the reason they are seeking the presidency, and remember that it is not only the most prestigious job in the nation, but the most difficult as well.
Watch.
