What I learned from President Obama - Smarter Every Day 151

I really love your work. You give me hope.

Andrew Borne

WOW! I just signed up to be a Patreon supporter because of this video and the skepticon video. I have always loved your videos, but after seeing these two, I was lead to support financially, and here's why: "You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven." Matt 5:14-16. You really exemplify these verses. I always knew it was possible to have a kind, respectful, intelligent conversation with people who don't believe the same things, but I don't think I've ever seen it before! These videos blew me away! Your faith has not made you proud, but humble in the way you communicate to the world. You are truly a light in a dark place. Your good works make me give glory to God. Thank you for that. I can't imagine how many "seeds" you have planted in people's hearts, all over the world, because they finally saw a kind, intelligent, respectful, humble Christian for the first time in their lives!! Thank you so much for what you do. Stay humble and full of wonder at God and the world he made. I really hope my husband and I will get to meet you some day in this life. But if not, I know we'll meet you in heaven and get to spend eternity learning about all the ways God made the universe that our fallen minds can't even yet comprehend. I'm really looking forward to it. :)

What a great example of how to approach conversation with anyone. If we really want to understand equality, beginning with mutual respect and a sincere attempt to understand one (rather than calculating our next comeback) pays huge dividends in the long run.

From an European perspective, this is the kind of things that make people want to move to the USA. What a nice example of transparency, mutual respect and healthy patriotism.

Destin, you really are the junk! I love how you were able to connect with President Obama, but more importantly, how quickly you did so and how easy you made it look (I'm certain it took quite a bit of effort and preparation). Good job, sir!

Mr.Z

My questions were not shared with anyone from the White House.

Smarter Every Day

Same here!

Smarter Every Day

I just watched this video, and also recently watched your Skepticon speech. I have an enormous respect for the way you handled both situations. It's sadly too rare to see a cordial, respectful conversation among people who disagree with one another, so when I see it, I find it refreshing. I probably fall into the category of people you disagree with on religion and politics, (being a nonbeliver and a Democrat myself,) but I would gladly sit down for a cup of coffee with you any day.

Fantastic follow-up and very thoughtful. I tend to be part of that far left brain, so you made me think and I appreciate it.

Mike Dedmon

Nice interview!

Kok-Liang Lim

You said exactly what I wanted to know. What an amazing success. He also said he'd check out your channel...what an awesome thing to have the President as a subscriber.

Susan Risdal

You are the Ambassador of Civilized Discourse.

Kristy

Good stuff, thanks for expanding on the process and what you took away from this experience. I'm not clear if you meant the questions weren't vetted at all by white house staff, or just that the president wasn't prepped on them before heading out there.

Barmp