Today’s Supreme Court decision effectively guts a key pillar of the Voting Rights Act, freeing state legislatures to gerrymander legislative districts to systematically dilute and weaken the voting power of racial minorities - so long as they do it under the guise of “partisanship” rather than explicit “racial bias.” And it serves as just one more example of how a majority of the current Court seems intent on abandoning its vital role in ensuring equal participation in our democracy and protecting the rights of minority groups against majority overreach.
The good news is that such setbacks can be overcome. But that will only happen if citizens across the country who cherish our democratic ideals continue to mobilize and vote in record numbers - not just in the upcoming midterms or in high profile races, but in every election and every level.
What the Artemis II astronauts did over the last 10 days was a testament to their bravery. And the fact that they traveled farther from Earth than anyone ever has, re-entered our atmosphere at more than 24,000 mph, and splashed down safely was a testament to human ingenuity. Thanks to everyone at @NASA for making this mission possible, and for taking us along for the ride.
Independence Day is a reminder that America is not the project of any one person. The single most powerful word in our democracy is the word ‘We.’ ‘We The People.’ ‘We Shall Overcome.’ ‘Yes We Can.’ America is owned by no one. It belongs to all citizens. And at this moment in history—when core democratic principles seem to be continuously under attack, when too many people around the world have become cynical and disengaged—now is precisely the time to ask ourselves tough questions about how we can build our democracies and make them work in meaningful and practical ways for ordinary people.
On Juneteenth, we celebrate freedom and recommit ourselves to the work that remains undone. We remember that even in the darkest hours, there is cause to hope for tomorrow’s light.
Pope Francis was the rare leader who made us want to be better people. In his humility and his gestures at once simple and profound – embracing the sick, ministering to the homeless, washing the feet of young prisoners – he shook us out of our complacency and reminded us that we are all bound by moral obligations to God and one another.
Today, Michelle and I mourn with everyone around the world – Catholic and non-Catholic alike – who drew strength and inspiration from the Pope’s example. May we continue to heed his call to “never remain on the sidelines of this march of living hope.”
Doug and I are heartbroken by the tragic plane and helicopter crash at DCA last night. Our prayers are with the victims and all those who loved them, and we are grateful for the first responders who are undertaking heroic search and recovery efforts.
Through struggle and discipline, persistence and faith, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. helped move this country forward. As we honor his legacy today, let’s remember the lesson he taught us: that even in the face of impossible odds, people who love this country can help change it. In honor of #MLKDay, I hope you’ll do what you can in your community to create a better future for us all.
💙💛 For the first time in the program’s 39 years, Southern University’s School of Nursing (SUSON) has been voted the Best Nursing School in the United States. https://t.co/fR2HOK8W14
President Carter taught all of us what it means to live a life of grace, dignity, justice, and service. Michelle and I send our thoughts and prayers to the Carter family, and everyone who loved and learned from this remarkable man. https://t.co/dZHL0Nu0Tj
After Washington upsets Oregon as a 10 point underdog, LSU QB Jayden Daniels’ Heisman odds soar.
Barring something massively unforeseen, the best player in the country will win the Heisman Trophy.
Your 2023 100m 𝐖𝐨𝐫𝐥𝐝 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐦𝐩𝐢𝐨𝐧! 🇺🇸
⭐️ 10.65: WA Championships' RECORD.
⭐️ First World Championship appearance (and title).
⭐️ T-No. 5 fastest time in 🌎 history.
⭐️ First ever to win the 100m title after not auto-qualifying in SF.
#GeauxTigers | @LSUsports
On Juneteenth, we commemorate the anniversary of the delayed but welcome news of freedom reaching the enslaved Black folks in Galveston, Texas. It’s a reminder that even in the darkest hours, there is cause to hope — and a reason to keep building a country that lives up to its highest ideals.
Tina Turner was raw. She was powerful. She was unstoppable. And she was unapologetically herself—speaking and singing her truth through joy and pain; triumph and tragedy. Today we join fans around the world in honoring the Queen of Rock and Roll, and a star whose light will never fade.
I want to wish all who celebrate a happy and blessed Easter. With everything going on in the world right now, it’s a chance to hug our loved ones tight and give thanks for new beginnings and the blessings we all enjoy.