In the run-up to the 250th anniversary of the United States, Several former presidents conveyed a message of optimism to citizens.
This April 21, the four former leaders Joe Biden, Barack Obama, George Bush and Bill Clinton spoke in an exclusive interview for the media “TODAY”, where they reaffirmed a hopeful message for the future of the country.
The interviews, according to media such as NBC, were conducted by co-host Jenna Bush Hager, daughter of Bush, who revealed this Monday that spoke individually with each former president.
The interviews took place at an event private held last weekend in Philadelphia, hosted by the History Channel.
The interviews will be published this Tuesday, March 21, but “TODAY” has released several previews and excerpts of the conversations that Hager had with the former leaders.
The co-presenter asked each of them the reasons that inspired them to run for the Presidency at their respective timesas well as the most representative episodes of his mandates.
Bill Clinton
“I guess my message is: Don’t lose faith in America. We are the longest democratically elected government in history. And a lot of people didn’t believe we would get this far. I think it would be positive if it lasted even longer.. So everyone should reflect on this this year.”
Joe Biden
“We are the most unique country in the world in the sense that we truly believe that democracy is governed by the rules of the Constitution. And we believe that all men are created equal. Everyone has the right to an opportunity. Everyone has a chance. And I believe that by acting on it, the country grows instead of focusing on divisions. Because we are not nearly as divided as they paint us.”
Barack Obama
“If we maintain the conviction that, as a people, we have been given the opportunity to govern ourselves… if we pay attention to our responsibilities and duties, and if we show respect and consideration for our fellow citizens – even if we disagree with them -, If we understand that part of this democratic project consists of resolving our differences peacefully and legally, then I am confident that we will have another 250 years of equally prosperous democracy.”
George Bush
“My message is: ‘Consider yourself lucky to be part of a great nation,'” Bush said. “Study our history to better understand the future. And be citizens, not spectators. By this I mean that they participate in the process, but also that they love their neighbors as they would like to be loved.”
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