Politics & Government
Obama Calls Traveling to Newtown After Sandy Hook Shooting 'Worst Day in Office'
President Barack Obama reflected on the tragedy in Sandy Hook as well as his legacy in an exclusive interview with Fox News' Chris Wallace.
By WENDY ANN MITCHELL (Patch Staff)
NEWTOWN, CT— Fox News' Chris Wallace interviewed President Barack Obama at his alma mater, the University of Chicago Law School, as he reflected on his best and worst days in office over the past eight years.
Obama answered questions during a "lightning round" by Wallace. He said his best day in the White House was the day healthcare reform was passed. He said his worst day in office was the day he met with families of Sandy Hook and Newtown after the school shootings in 2012.
"Worst day in office?" Wallace asked.
"The day we traveled up to Newtown after Sandy Hook," Obama said.
"No explanation needed there," Wallace stated.
"No," said Obama.
The President met with the community on December 16, 2012, two days after the horrific tragedy, which resulted in the deaths of 20 children and six educators, and said in part:
"Here in Newtown, I come to offer the love and prayers of a nation. I am very mindful that mere words cannot match the depths of your sorrow, nor can they heal your wounded hearts. I can only hope it helps for you to know that you're not alone in your grief; that our world too has been torn apart; that all across this land of ours, we have wept with you, we've pulled our children tight. And you must know that whatever measure of comfort we can provide, we will provide; whatever portion of sadness that we can share with you to ease this heavy load, we will gladly bear it. Newtown — you are not alone.
...As a community, you've inspired us, Newtown. In the face of indescribable violence, in the face of unconscionable evil, you've looked out for each other, and you've cared for one another, and you've loved one another. This is how Newtown will be remembered. And with time, and God's grace, that love will see you through." Click here to read the full transcript on NPR.
Since then, the message of choosing love and being kind has permeated the community as dozens of charities were formed in honor of the 26 lives lost that tragic day. Read about the victims and their charities here.
In January of 2016, President Obama introduced a series of executive actions in order to reduce gun violence.
At the press conference introducing the actions previously blocked by Congress, Obama was introduced by Mark Barden, father of 7-year-old Daniel who, one of the children killed at Sandy Hook Elementary School.
“In the three years since those 26 precious lives were lost at that school, far too many lives have been lost to gun tragedies in this country,” Barden said.
“I still remember the first Saturday that we spent together and the conversation we had that day,” Obama said as he talked to Barden. “That changed me and I hoped earnestly it would change the country.”
Obama became emotional remembering the shooting.
“Every time I think about those kids, it gets me mad,” Obama said, pausing to wipe away tears.
One Sandy Hook charity working to push for background checks for gun owners is Team 26, who set off on a journey to Washington D.C. on Saturday, April 9, 2016. Team 26 honors the lives of the 26 students and educators who died in the shootings and was founded by Newtown resident and activist Monte Frank.
The group will arrive at the Capitol at 3 p.m. on April 12 to demand "action for gun sense in America," Frank said in a statement.
Obama said to Wallace what he will miss most are the interactions he will have with the American people.
Being able to take a walk outside is what he is most looking forward to upon leaving the White House.
Noting Obama’s grey hair, Wallace asked if the presidency has aged him.
“I have no doubt that when I leave the White House, that when I leave the office after a day, a week, a month, maybe six months, that I’ll start to realize the day-to-day burdens I’ve been carrying and will probably be a little bit lighter,” Obama said.
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Image Credit: Renee Schiavone
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