Obama visits Jordan

Early last Saturday morning I had the privilege of seeing President Obama, John Kerry, and US Ambassador to Jordan, Stuart Jones, speak in Amman. His talk was brief but poignant. Rather than talking more about politics, crisis, Syria, Israel, Palestine or Turkey, he talked to us and recognized the work of all those in the room that morning. Both President Obama and John Kerry took time afterwards to shake as many hands as possible-- mine included!

"I'ld like to introduce you to the very best embassy in the world." - Ambassador Stuart Jones

"We're blessed to have a president who also lived abroad as a young man. He understands what this is all about. And I think that's what gives him a very special connection to people all across this planet. It's why he has restored America's reputation in the world.... He has the vision that I know brings every one of you to this job." - Secretary of State, John Kerry

"I'm not gonna give a long speech, mainly because I've been giving long speeches everywhere.
The main thing I want to communicate is that when I come to a country, when John comes to a country, we get some attention, we get our faces in the newspaper, but... we leave. And, people's real impressions of what America's about, what our values are, how we treat each other, how we work together; those impressions are made by you.... your interactions with the people here in Jordan, with people here in the region. Your kindness, your generosity, your professionalism, your effort. All that, all that creates ripples of hope and friendships between the United States and other countries that will make all the difference in the world." - President Obama

"I know the work isn't always easy... I know that the hours are long and the pay is mediocre, but, my sense is the reason you do this is because, not only do you care deeply about our country and what it stands for, but you also recognize the common humanity in all of us." - President Obama 

On Friday, Obama had a meeting and press conference with King Abdullah. Please take the time to watch it here or read the transcript here.