A More Perfect Union
Delivered on March 18, 2008, at the National Constitution Center in Philadelphia, addressing America's complex racial legacy, constitutional ideals, and national unity.
Full Transcript
‘We the people, in order to form a more perfect union.’
Two hundred and twenty-two years ago, a group of men gathered in Philadelphia and issued a document that forged an unprecedented experiment in democracy. It was a document signed with the promise of liberty and justice, but it was also a document stained by this nation’s original sin of slavery.
This was one of the tasks we set forth at the beginning of this campaign—to continue the long march of those who came before us, a march for a more just, more equal, more free, more caring, and more prosperous America.
Race is an issue that I believe this nation cannot afford to ignore right now. The complexities of race in this country are not easily explained or dismissed. Understanding requires listening to the anger and frustration of all sides, and choosing to work together to solve our common challenges.
Defining Key Excerpts
"We the people, in order to form a more perfect union... two hundred and twenty-two years ago, a group of men gathered and issued that document."
"Race is an issue that I believe this nation cannot afford to ignore right now."
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