Barack Obama Gives Gifts at Children's Hospital

Barack Obama

Pol Light Moment #163 happened on December 19, 2018, when Barack Obama visited the Children's National Hospital in Washington DC to hand out gifts. Barack Obama was the 44th President of the United States. He served as President of the United States from 2009-2017.

Barack Obama visited the hospital to pass out gifts and talk to the children and their families. The following is a video from NBC News on Barack Obama's visit to the Children's National Hospital and his remarks.



Fox News also published a story on this visit by Barack Obama.

For other posts on Barack Obama search with the "Barack Obama" label at Pol Light.

Pol Light does not endorse political candidates. We present a brighter side to politics when they are found on either side of the aisle. We don't have to agree with all of a person's politics to recognize these bright moments.  

The photo of Barack Obama is in the Public Domain as his official photo.

Muriel Bowser Adopts a Baby

Pol Light #160 occurred on May 21, 2018, when Muriel Bowser announced that she had adopted a baby. Muriel Bowser has served as the Mayor of the District of Columbia since 2015. From 2007 to 2015 she represented Ward 4 as their member on the Council of the District of Columbia.

It is with great joy and excitement that I share with you that late last year, I decided to begin the adoption journey. I was not sure how long it would take, and to my delight, it advanced much sooner than I expected. So today, I am proud to announce that I am a mom! pic.twitter.com/q9qoz587IL

— Mayor Muriel Bowser (@MayorBowser) May 22, 2018

It was revealed on May 23, 2018, that the baby is a girl and her name will be Miranda Elizabeth Bowser. Muriel Bowser is the first single mother to serve as mayor of the District of Columbia (Washington Post, May 23, 2018, Peter Jamison and Fenit Nirappil).

Pol Light does not endorse political candidates. We present a brighter side to politics when they are found on either side of the aisle. We don't have to agree with all of a person's politics to recognize these bright moments.

Photo: The photo of Muriel Bowser is in the Public Domain.

Michelle Obama's Final Speech as First Lady

Michelle Obama

Pol Light Moment #146 happened on January 6, 2017, when Michelle Obama gave her final speech as First Lady of the United States at an event at the White House honoring the 2017 school counselor of the year recipient, Terri Tchorzynski. Michelle Obama was the First Lady of the United States from 2009 to 2017.
In her speech she said, "I want our young people to know that they matter, that they belong. So don't be afraid. You hear me, young people? Don't be afraid. Be focused. Be determined. Be hopeful. Be empowered. Empower yourself with a good education. Then get out there and use that education to build a country worthy of your boundless promise. Lead by example with hope; never fear (CNN.com, Kevin Liptak, January 6, 2017)."
The following is a video from ABC News of the remarks Michelle Obama made on January 6, 2017. 

In her speech Michelle Obama also thanked her family and staff who have helped her in the eight years she was in her role as First Lady (Your Story, Press Trust of India, January 11, 2017).

Michelle Obama has been featured on other Pol Light posts. To view all the posts featuring Michelle Obama search with the label Michelle Obama.

Pol Light does not endorse political candidates. We present a brighter side to politics when they are found on either side of the aisle. We don't have to agree with all of a person's politics to recognize these bright moments.

The photo of Michelle Obama is in the Public Domain.

Michelle Obama Opens Special Olympics

Michelle Obama

Pol Light Moment #138 happened on July 25, 2015, when Michelle Obama opened the Special Olympics World Games in Los Angeles. Michelle Obama was the First Lady of the United States from 2009 to 2017.
Michelle Obama said these words to the approximately 6,500 athletes from 165 countries were at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum for the World Games on July 25, 2015.

"To all of our athletes, I just want you to know that all those people won't just be cheering for you, they're going to be learning from you," the first lady told the cheering crowd during the opening ceremony. "You're filling us with so much hope. And you're uniting us in a way that nothing else can (Michelle Obama, CNN.Com, Kristen Holmes, Michelle Obama Kicks off Special Olympics, July 26, 2015)."

Michelle Obama has been featured on other Pol Light posts. To view all the posts featuring Michelle Obama search with the label Michelle Obama.

Pol Light does not endorse political candidates. We present a brighter side to politics when they are found on either side of the aisle. We don't have to agree with all of a person's politics to recognize these bright moments.

The photo of Michelle Obama is in the Public Domain.

John Conyers Helps Grieving Family Travel to Funeral

John Conyers

Pol Light Moment #134 happened in June 2009, when John Conyers provided airline tickets for a family in Detroit to attend their slain relatives funeral in Washington DC.  John Conyers is a member of the US House of Representatives from Detroit who has represented Michigan's 13th District (1st District until 1993) since 1965.

Stephen Johns was shot and killed on June 10, 2009, when he was working as a security guard at the United States Holocaust Museum in Washington DC (Source: Wikipedia).  John Conyers reached out to his Michigan family about their needs and he provided nine airplane tickets for Detroit based members of Stephen Johns' family to fly to Washington DC for the funeral on June 19, 2009.

Special thanks to the Positive Detroit blog for preserving the essential information in June 18, 2009 about this inspiring moment from a Detroit politician.

Pol Light does not endorse political candidates. We present a brighter side to politics when they are found on either side of the aisle. We don't have to agree with all of a person's politics to recognize these bright moments.

The photo of John Conyers is in the Public Domain.

Edward Brooke Raises Male Breast Cancer Awareness

Edward Brooke

Pol Light Moment #128 occurred on June 4, 2003, when Edward Brooke (1919-2015) started to raise awareness for male breast cancer. Edward Brooke served as a United States Senator from Massachusetts from 1967-1979. Prior to that he had served as the Attorney General of Massachusetts from 1963-1967.

Edward Brooke was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2002 and in September 2002 had a double mastectomy. After a period of recovery and reflection on June 4, 2003, Brooke started to share his story about male breast cancer in order to raise awareness for this rare condition. He would continue to speak on that subject as he had opportunity for the next 12 years of his life.

Edward Brooke said the following in June 2003 about raising awareness of male breast cancer:

I want to produce some male breast cancer awareness on a national level. I'm a very private person, but if I have to give up my privacy to save a life, then I am willing to do that. Because if you have breast tissue, you can get breast cancer. Don't forget that (Edward Brooke as quoted in USA Today, Sen. Brooke Advocates Male Breast Cancer Awareness, June 24, 2003).

The American Cancer Society indicates that 1 in 1,000 men will develop breast cancer (Dr. Sharon Giordano, Breast Cancer Research Foundation, Tackling the Rare and Under-Researched Area of Male Breast Cancer, January 23, 2015). Men are less likely than women to get screened for breast cancer because it is a rare disease for them. This can make the prognosis more dire and stresses the importance of famous men like Edward Brooke raising awareness of breast cancer.

The following are some links on Edward Brooke and his crusade for male breast cancer awareness.

• The New York Times, Surprise Roll for Ex-Senator: Male Breast Cancer Patient, Lynette Clemetson, June 10, 2003.
• USA Today, Sen. Brooke Advocates Male Breast Cancer Awareness, June 24, 2003.
• Beliefnet, Famous Men Who Battled Breast Cancer.

Edward Brooke has been featured on other posts at Pol Light. To view them search the blog with the label "Edward Brooke".

Pol Light does not endorse political candidates. We present a brighter side to politics when they are found on either side of the aisle. We don't have to agree with all of a person's politics to recognize these bright moments.

The photo of Edward Brooke is in the Public Domain.

Edward Brooke is First Popularly Elected African American Senator

Edward Brooke

Pol Light Moment #127 occurred on January 10, 1967, when Edward Brooke (1919-2015) took office as the first popularly elected African American to the United States Senate. Edward Brooke served as a United States Senator from Massachusetts from 1967-1979. Prior to that he had served as the Attorney General of Massachusetts from 1963-1967.

The following news story gives tributes to Edward Brooke after his passing on January 3, 2015.

More information about Edward Booke is available at these links.

• Daily Kos, January 10, 1967 - An Important First in American Political History, January 11, 2012
• Washington Post, Edward Burke, first African American Popularly Elected to U.S. Senate, Dies at 95, January 3, 2015
• Wikipedia: Edward Brooke

Edward Brooke has been featured on other posts at Pol Light. To view them search the blog with the label "Edward Brooke".

Pol Light does not endorse political candidates. We present a brighter side to politics when they are found on either side of the aisle. We don't have to agree with all of a person's politics to recognize these bright moments.

The photo of Edward Brooke is in the Public Domain.

Barack Obama Launches My Brother's Keeper Initiative

Barack Obama

Pol Light Moment #112 happened on February 27, 2014, when Barack Obama launched the My Brother's Keeper Initiative, a mentoring program for boys and young men of color. Barack Obama was the 44th President of the United States. He served as President of the United States from 2009-2017.

Barack Obama said, "That's what 'My Brother's Keeper' is all about. Helping more of our young people stay on track. Providing the support they need to think more broadly about their future. Building on what works - when it works, in those critical life-changing moments (My Brother's Keeper Website)."

According to the My Brother's Keeper website,"Through this initiative, the Administration is joining with cities and towns, businesses, and foundations who are taking important steps to connect young people to mentoring, support networks, and the skills they need to find a good job or go to college and work their way into the middle class (My Brother's Keeper Website)."

Coinciding with the launching of this initiative on February 27, 2014, Barack Obama issued a Presidential Memorandum Creating and Expanding Ladders of Opportunity for Boys and Young Men of Color.

The following is a video on the launching of the initiative. You can also read the entire text of the President's Remarks on the My Brother's Keeper Initiative.

For other posts on Barack Obama search with the "Barack Obama" label at Pol Light.

Pol Light does not endorse political candidates. We present a brighter side to politics when they are found on either side of the aisle. We don't have to agree with all of a person's politics to recognize these bright moments.  

The photo of Barack Obama is in the Public Domain as his official photo.

Barack Obama Welcomes New Dog Bo to White House

Bo Obama, Portuguese Water Dog

Pol Light Moment #106 happened on April 14, 2009, when Barack Obama welcomed his new dog Bo to the White House for the first time. Barack Obama was the 44th President of the United States. He served as President of the United States from 2009-2017.

Here is a video of Barack Obama and his family showing Bo to his new home in the White House.


For other posts on Barack Obama search with the "Barack Obama" label at Pol Light.

Pol Light does not endorse political candidates. We present a brighter side to politics when they are found on either side of the aisle. We don't have to agree with all of a person's politics to recognize these bright moments.

The photo of Barack Obama is in the Public Domain.

Cory Booker Helps Rescue Freezing Dog

Cory Booker

Pol Light Moment #71 is when Cory Booker helped rescue a freezing dog on January 23, 2014. Cory Booker has served as a United States Senator from New Jersey from 2013 to the present. Prior to that he was the Mayor of Newark, New Jersey from 2006-2013.

On January 23, 2014, Cory Booker was notified through social media by reporter Toni Yates that there was a dog in Newark outisde in arctic temperatures.  Upon hearing this Cory Booker picked up the dog and warmed it up in a police car.  Cory Booker said this to the owners:

This dog is shaking really bad, and you just can't leave your dogs out here on a day like this and go away and expect them to be O.K. Hyperthermia on any animal, including a human animal, will set in pretty quickly. So this is very sad, you can just feel the dog shaking pretty badly (Cory Booker As Quoted by Nolan Feeney, Newsfeed, January 25, 2014).

Cory Booker has appeared on other moments on Pol Light. If you would like to see other posts on Cory Booker at Pol Light search with the label Cory Booker.

Pol Light does not endorse political candidates. We present a brighter side to politics when they are found on either side of the aisle. We don't have to agree with all of a person's politics to recognize these bright moments.

The photo of Cory Booker is from the Creative Commons of Wikipedia.

Barack Obama Says Broccoli is Favorite Food

Pol Light  Moment #56 occurred on July 9, 2013, when Barack Obama visited the second annual Kids' State Dinner at the White House. When asked what his favorite food is Barack Obama said, "Broccoli." Barack Obama was the 44th President of the United States. He served as President of the United States from 2009-2017.

Barack Obama's said at the event, that hosted 54 children, "Food can be fun, it can be healthy. You are setting up habits that are going to be great your entire life (Yahoo News, July 9, 2013)."

For other posts on Barack Obama search with the "Barack Obama" label at Pol Light.

Pol Light does not endorse political candidates. We present a brighter side to politics when they are found on either side of the aisle. We don't have to agree with all of a person's politics to recognize these bright moments.

The photo of Barack Obama is in the Public Domain.

Obama and McCain at 2008 Alfred Smith Dinner

Pol Light Moment #53 took place on October 16, 2008, when the two men running for President of the United States shared the stage to support Catholic charities and disadvantaged children. President Barack Obama (who was a U.S. Senator in 2008) and Senator John McCain were joint keynote speakers at the 63rd Annual Alfred E. Smith Memorial Foundation Dinner in New York on October 16, 2008, held at the Waldorf Astoria Hotel.

Alfred E. Smith was a former Governor of New York, who was the first Catholic Presidential candidate (Source).  During Presidential election years the dinner has frequently featured the candidates for President. The 2008 rendition of this longstanding dinner raised about $4 million for Catholic charities (Source).

You can listen to the humor and wit of the evening by hearing the full video of the dinner in this video.

More information about the Alfred E. Smith Memorial Foundation Dinner can be found at http://www.alsmithfoundation.org/thedinner.html#about. 
For other posts on Barack Obama search with the "Barack Obama" label at Pol Light. For other posts on John McCain search with the "John McCain" label at Pol Light. 
Pol Light does not endorse political candidates. We present a brighter side to politics when they are found on either side of the aisle. We don't have to agree with all of a person's politics to recognize these bright moments.

Michelle Obama's 'Let's Move' Initiative

Michelle Obama

Pol Light Moment #45 is when Michelle Obama started the Let's Move! initiative on February 9, 2010. When Michelle Obama launched the initiative to combat childhood obesity, she said, "The physical and emotional health of an entire generation and the economic health and security of our nation is at stake (Source)." Michelle Obama is the First Lady of the United States from 2009 to 2017.
The Let's Move website describes the initiative this way:

Let's Move! is a comprehensive initiative, launched by the First Lady, dedicated to solving the challenge of childhood obesity within a generation, so that children born today will grow up healthier and able to pursue their dreams. Combining comprehensive strategies with common sense, Let's Move! is about putting children on the path to a healthy future during their earliest months and years. Giving parents helpful information and fostering environments that support healthy choices. Providing healthier foods in our schools. Ensuring that every family has access to healthy, affordable food. And, helping kids become more physically active (Source).

Here is a news story about the Let's Move initiative.  

On February 27, 2013, First Lady Michelle Obama will have a two day tour around America to observe the 3rd anniversary of the Let's Move initiative (Source).  You may follow Let's Move on Twitter by following the accounts of @FLOTUS or @LetsMove.  For more information on Let's Move visit their website at www.letsmove.gov.  Michelle Obama has been featured on other Pol Light posts. To view all the posts featuring Michelle Obama search with the label Michelle Obama.

Pol Light does not endorse political candidates. We present a brighter side to politics when they are found on either side of the aisle. We don't have to agree with all of a person's politics to recognize these bright moments.

The photo of Michelle Obama is in the Public Domain.

Michelle Obama's Letter to Newtown, CT

Michelle Obama

Pol Light Moment #40 occurred on December 20, 2012, when Michelle Obama wrote a letter to the families who suffered loss in the Newtown, CT school shooting on December 14, 2012.  Michelle Obama was the First Lady of the United States from 2009 to 2017.

Here is the words of the letter Michelle Obama wrote to Newtown, Connecticut.

---

December 20, 2012

Over the past week, we as Americans have been united in our grief as Newtown has laid to rest so many beautiful, innocent children, along with the heroic educators who worked every day to help them achieve their dreams.

As a mother of two young daughters, my heart aches for you and your families. Like so many Americans, I wish there were something — anything — I could do or say to ease your anguish.

But I know that I cannot begin to imagine the depths of your grief. I know that for many of you, the pain you are enduring right now seems unbearable; and many of you may be asking yourselves, how can we go on — as families and as a community?

But I also know that we have already begun to see the answer to that question in the countless acts of courage, kindness and love here in Newtown and across America.

Over the past week, I have been awed and inspired by Newtown's heroes: the first responders who risked their lives at a moment's notice; the educators whose devotion to their students shone brightest in one of our nation's darkest hours; the children who comforted each other despite their fear; the families coming together to support each other as they grieve.

And I am so proud of the outpouring of love and support that has come from every corner of America: from first responders from neighboring cities rushing to help however they could; from people in Cleveland and Charlotte and Juneau and so many other communities joining together to honor Newtown with their thoughts and prayers; and in living rooms and houses of worship and the halls of our government, where we are beginning to have those difficult conversations about how we can build a safer, more peaceful tomorrow for all our children.

And I want you to know that this is just the beginning. As my husband has said, in the coming weeks, he will use all the powers of his office to engage citizens from across this country to find ways to prevent tragedies like this one. And please know that every minute of every day, we are thinking of you, and praying for you, and holding you and your families in our hearts as you begin the slow and wrenching work of healing and moving forward.

In the months and years ahead, may the memories of those beautiful children and those heroic adults be a blessing for their families, for your community, and for our country, and may God bless you all.


First Lady Michelle Obama, Washington, D.C. 
(Source of Letter's Publication)

---

Michelle Obama's husband, President Barack Obama was featured as Pol Light Moment #38 for his response to the Newtown, CT tragedy. Readers may find that related post of interest as it lists the names of those lost as a memorial to those that perished in the school shooting in Newtown, Connecticut.

Michelle Obama has been featured on other Pol Light posts. To view all the posts featuring Michelle Obama search with the label Michelle Obama.

Pol Light does not endorse political candidates. We present a brighter side to politics when they are found on either side of the aisle. We don't have to agree with all of a person's politics to recognize these bright moments.

The photo of Michelle Obama is in the Public Domain.

Barack Obama Responds to Newtown, CT School Shooting

Barack Obama

Pol Light #38 is when Barack Obama responded to the school shooting in Newtown, Connecticut on Friday, December 14, 2012. He was moved to tears in his public statement on the tragedy.  Barack Obama was the 44th President of the United States. He served as President of the United States from 2009-2017.

On December 14, 2012, Adam Lanza entered Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Connecticut and shot and killed 6 school officials (including the principal, school psychologist, and teachers) as well as 20 of the youngest age children. The list of victims is as follows:

Charlotte Bacon, F, 02/22/06
Daniel Barden, M, 09/25/05
Rachel Davino, F, 07/17/83
Olivia Engel, F, 07/18/06
Josephine Gay, F, 12/11/05
Ana M. Marquez-Greene, F, 04/04/06
Dylan Hockley, M, 03/08/06
Dawn Hocksprung, F, 06/28/65
Madeleine F. Hsu, F, 07/10/06
Catherine V. Hubbard, F, 06/08/06
Chase Kowalski, M, 10/31/05
Jesse Lewis, M, 06/30/05
James Mattioli, M, 03/22/06
Grace McDonnell, F, 11/04/05
Anne Marie Murphy, F, 07/25/60
Emilie Parker, F, 05/12/06
Jack Pinto, M, 05/06/06
Noah Pozner, M, 11/20/06
Caroline Previdi, F, 09/07/06
Jessica Rekos, F, 05/10/06
Avielle Richman, F, 10/17/06
Lauren Russeau, F, 06/82 (exact date left off list)
Mary Sherlach, F, 02/11/56
Victoria Soto, F, 11/04/85
Benjamin Wheeler, M, 09/12/06
Allison N. Wyatt, F, 07/03/06

The following is a video of the statement that Barack Obama made after the shooting. Obama also went to Newtown, Connecticut on Sunday, December 16, 2012 to attend an interfaith memorial service for the victims (Source).

At the end of his remarks to this tragedy in the above video, Barack Obama said:

We are going to have to come together and take meaningful action to prevent more tragedies like this regardless of the politics. This evening Michelle and I will do what I know every parent in America will do, which is hug our children a little tighter and we'll tell them that we love them, and we'll remind each other how deeply we love one another. But there are families in Connecticut who cannot do that tonight. And they need all of us right now. In the hard days to come that community needs us to be at our best as Americans and I will do everything in my power as President to help, because while nothing can fill the space of a lost child or loved one, all of us can extend a hand to those in need -- to remind them that we are there for them, that we are praying for them, that the love they felt for those they lost endures not just in their memories but also in ours. May God bless the memory of the victims and, in the words of Scripture, heal the brokenhearted and bind up their wounds.

For more information on the event you can see a new Wikipedia page dedicated to the Sandy Hook Elementary Shooting. For other posts on Barack Obama search with the "Barack Obama" label at Pol Light.

Pol Light does not endorse political candidates. We present a brighter side to politics when they are found on either side of the aisle. We don't have to agree with all of a person's politics to recognize these bright moments.  

The photo of Barack Obama is in the Public Domain as his official photo.

Cory Booker Living off Food Stamps for a Week

Cory Booker

Pol Light Moment #34 is when Cory Booker decided to live off food stamps for a week from December 4-11, 2012. Cory Booker has served as a United States Senator from New Jersey from 2013 to the present. Prior to that he was the Mayor of Newark, New Jersey from 2006-2013.

Cory Booker's food stamps challenge originates from a discussion he had on Twitter about government food assistance that all started from the reaction he got when he posted this quote on his Twitter account.

"An imbalance between rich and poor is the oldest and most fatal ailment of all republics" Plutarch ancient Greek historian (c. 46 – 120 CE)
— Cory Booker (@CoryBooker) November 19, 2012

In the exchange with Booker, a Twitter user questioned whether someone could be too poor to afford breakfast (Source). That led to Booker inviting the Twitter user to join him in trying to live a week on food stamps, as he noted the high cost of living in New Jersey.  Cory Booker will live off the average food stamp weekly budget from December 4-11, 2012. During the week he will be limited to $1.40 per meal (Source- Associated Press). No free food is allowed to be accepted during the week as part of the rules of the challenge.

Cory Booker tweeted on Twitter that you can follow his experiences the week of December 4-11, 2012 on his various social media pages.

I will document the #SNAPChallenge experience on @waywire @linkedin @twitter and @facebook 12/4 – 12/11
— Cory Booker (@CoryBooker) November 21, 2012

The #SNAPChallenge hashtag on Twitter associated with this Pol Light moment is because Cory Booker is using his involvement in the challenge to to raise awareness for the realities of living on food stamps and the importance of the Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program (SNAP).  SNAP is having nationwide food stamp challenges to bring attention to what life can be like for those on the food assistance program. This is the goal of the SNAP Challenge:

The SNAP Challenge gives participants a view of what life can be like for millions of low-income Americans. Most participants take the Challenge for one week, living on the average daily food stamp benefit (about $4 per person per day). Challenge participants find they have to make difficult food shopping choices, and often realize how difficult it is to avoid hunger, afford nutritious foods, and stay healthy (Source).

For more information on the food stamps challenge read these articles on Cory Booker.

• Newark Mayor Cory Bookers Food Stamp Challenge
• Cory Booker Food Stamp Challenge Starts Tuesday
• Mayor Cory Booker Issues Food Stamp Challenge -- To Himself

Cory Booker has appeared on other moments on Pol Light. If you would like to see other posts by Cory Booker on Pol Light search with the label Cory Booker.

Pol Light does not endorse political candidates. We present a brighter side to politics when they are found on either side of the aisle. We don't have to agree with all of a person's politics to recognize these bright moments.

The photo of Cory Booker is from the Creative Commons of Wikipedia.

Obama and Romney at 2012 Alfred Smith Dinner

Pol Light Moment #25 occurred on October 18, 2012, when the two men running for President of the United States shared the stage to support Catholic charities and disadvantaged children. President Barack Obama and Governor Mitt Romney were joint keynote speakers at the 67th Annual Alfred E. Smith Memorial Foundation Dinner in New York, held at the Waldorf Astoria Hotel. Alfred E. Smith was a former Governor of New York, who was the first Catholic Presidential candidate (Source). The 2012 rendition of this longstanding dinner raised about $5 million for Catholic charities (Source).

You can listen to the humor and wit of the evening by hearing the address of both keynote speakers who took time out of their busy campaign to spend and evening for charity.

Barack Obama's Address

Mitt Romney's Address

More information about the Alfred E. Smith Memorial Foundation Dinner can be found at http://www.alsmithfoundation.org/thedinner.html#about. For other posts on Mitt Romney search with the "Mitt Romney" label at Pol Light. For other posts on Barack Obama search with the "Barack Obama" label at Pol Light. 

Pol Light does not endorse political candidates. We present a brighter side to politics when they are found on either side of the aisle. We don't have to agree with all of a person's politics to recognize these bright moments.