WHERE I STAND: Did He Really Say That? - October 7, 2026

With our banks collapsing, unemployment soaring, public morale shattered, Franklin Roosevelt ushered in a sweeping New Deal, and he told a frightened nation to fear not.

To speak the truth, the whole truth, frankly and boldly.

Nor need we shrink from honestly facing conditions in our country today.

This great nation will endure as it has endured, will revive, and will prosper.

So first of all, let me assert my firm belief that the only thing we have to fear is fear itself.

Nameless, unreasoning, unjustified terror, which paralyzes needed effort to convert retreat into advance.

Years later, John F. Kennedy not only told Americans that our nation held a duty to uphold freedom to the world, but that we, the people, also have a common purpose in our national interest.

The energy, the faith, the devotion which we bring to this endeavor will light our country and all who serve it.

And the glow from that fire can truly light the world.

And so, my fellow Americans, ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country.

[clapping]

When Ronald Reagan left office, he delivered his famous City on the Hill speech, where he spoke of the ideals of America and why she should always open its doors to people thirsting for opportunity.

I've spoken of a shining city all my political life, but I don't know if I ever quite communicated what I saw when I said it.

But in my mind, it was a tall, proud city, built on rocks stronger than oceans, windswept, God-blessed, and teeming with people of all kinds, living in harmony and peace.

A city with free ports that hummed with commerce and creativity.

And if there had to be city walls, the walls had doors, and the doors were open to anyone with the will and the heart to get here.

That's how I saw it, and see it still.

In the face of the tragic events of September 11th, George Bush spoke of unity in the face of terror, that we're all Americans, and that compassion and resolve would be unconditional.

This nation stands with the good people of New York City and New Jersey and Connecticut as we mourn the loss of thousands of our citizens.

We can hear you, Mr.

President.

I can hear you.

I can hear you.

The rest of the world hears you.

And finally, Barack Obama.