The audacity of hope! In the end, that is God’s greatest gift to us, the bedrock of this nation; the belief in things not seen; the belief that there are better days ahead. -Keynote Address Democratic National Convention, July 27, 2004 Contained in this volume are sixteen of the most important speeches that Barack Obama delivered in his two terms as 44th president of the United States. These speeches reflect Obama’s vision for America, from five years before his first inauguration until his last day in office. The addresses selected in this edition can be seen in five categories: expressions of hope, discourses on economics, instructions on tolerance, insights on conflict, and commentaries on the state of domestic terrorism. The speeches not only codify a historic presidency; they present pivotal changes in the nation’s social fabric through the course of Obama’s time in office. This collection reaffirms his prowess as an orator and casts a light upon an administration now characterized by feelings of warmth and nostalgia. It falls to each of us to be those anxious, jealous guardians of our democracy; to embrace the joyous task we’ve been given to continually try to improve this great nation of ours. Because for all our outward differences, we all share the same proud title: Citizen. -Farewell Address McCormick Place, January 10, 2017