Barack Obama Quotes

There's a total separation between the federal government and the people. So running for president was an attempt on my part to get people to care enough to go vote. But people just don't bother. And that's why it's not working.

I think you'll see a lot more people in the Valley get more involved in politics.

Every election is determined by the people who show up.

People were asleep, but I think they're waking up now. Trump has given everybody a good kick, and people are waking up and realizing they've got to get involved.

Whatever your political leaning, vote. This participation is vital. I feel the same way about issues like the space program, education, the military. The more the public focuses on these things, thinks and forms opinions, I think the better we are as a democracy.

I am committed to growing participation in the political process and doing it the right way.

I brought attention to the fact that people need to be more involved in politics and not just let the establishment continue to control politics.

You put these politicians in office, but then you've got to tell them what you want them to do. And it's intimidating to most people. I was intimidated by it. I mean, calling my senator or writing my senator? I'm like, what do I say? What do I do? But we're showing people that the political process is actually less intimidating than we think.

The only way change happens is when people become more significantly involved in the political process.

But all should know that the people's participation in the elections will take the country forward ... an election full of excitement will be a major blow to the enemy.

Elections are a festival of democracy. Everyone must join this festival of democracy and strengthen it.

Every day it gets worse and worse and worse. We just want to get everyone to vote and be a part of the noise. I can't do phone banks because I have to save my voice for stage, so the least I can do is a song.

Politics is about the participation and engagement of the wider citizenry - to miss that point would doom us to irrelevance.

What we have ignored is what citizens can do and the importance of real involvement of the people versus just having somebody in Washington make a rule.

I have this to say to the people: go the polls and vote for the candidate of your choice... This is your responsibility; do not neglect it.

I believe that everyone should participate in democracy and enjoy doing it.

Indeed, when all parties campaign effectively the overall effect is to push up voting rates, as you see in tight marginal seats or close general elections. That must be good for democracy.

If you have to drag somebody to register, they're not highly motivated.

The democratic process is only as great as the people who participate in it.

I think what's fascinating is how many people are playing in politics who maybe haven't played before.

Young people have so much more power than they tend to think to be able to affect politics. And if people will organize and get involved and go out and knock on doors and hand out leaflets and make a change, then they can determine the future.

I believe in the critical importance of participating in the political system - from voting to standing for election. It's both rewarding and necessary that men and women of good will and clear thinking engage in honest, open debate.

There are many ways of encouraging people to make life better other than joining a political party. Politics with a small 'p' isn't just about darkened committee rooms, endless meetings - it is about giving people the right to make decisions about our lives.

I believe that engaging in the political process is part of being a good person.

I think, in the longer view of things, there is a very powerful pull in the direction of participatory government.