Obama recalls his first lessons in politics _ and humility
Posted February 10, 2016 6:00 am
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (AP) - President Barack Obama is reminiscing about his days in the Illinois legislature and his first lessons in politics.
Obama says one of his first speeches as young lawmaker was eloquent and passionate and that he was "feeling pretty good" about himself.
Then a party leader came by to throw cold water. Obama says the leader told him, "I think you changed a lot of minds, but you didn't change any votes."
Obama says the moment was his first lesson in humility.
The president is addressing the Illinois General Assembly in Springfield, speaking on the importance of political cooperation and bipartisanship.
President Barack Obama stops at the counter to place his order during an unscheduled visit to the 'Feed Store' in Springfield, Ill., Wednesday, Feb. 10, 2016. Obama returned to Springfield, the place where his presidential career began, to mark the ninth anniversary of his entrance in the 2008 presidential race. He plans to deliver an address to the Illinois General Assembly at the Illinois State Capitol. (AP Photo/Pablo Martinez Monsivais)
The Associated Press
President Barack Obama is greeted by Illinois Senate President John Cullerton, right, and Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan before addressing the Illinois General Assembly, Wednesday, Feb. 10, 2016, at the Illinois State Capitol in Springfield, Ill. Obama returned to Springfield, the place where his presidential career began, to mark the ninth anniversary of his entrance in the 2008 presidential race. (AP Photo/Pablo Martinez Monsivais)
The Associated Press
President Barack Obama stops at the counter to place his order during an unscheduled visit to the 'Feed Store' in Springfield, Ill., Wednesday, Feb. 10, 2016. Obama returned to Springfield, the place where his presidential career began, to mark the ninth anniversary of his entrance in the 2008 presidential race. He plans to deliver an address to the Illinois General Assembly at the Illinois State Capitol. (AP Photo/Pablo Martinez Monsivais)
The Associated Press
President Barack Obama stops to greet people across from the Old State Capitol building in Springfield, Ill., Wednesday, Feb. 10, 2016. Obama returned to Springfield, the place where his presidential career began, to mark the ninth anniversary of his entrance in the 2008 presidential race. He plans to deliver an address to the Illinois General Assembly at the Illinois State Capitol. (AP Photo/Pablo Martinez Monsivais)
The Associated Press
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