Obama Presidential Center dedication, grand opening livestreamed
Christina Aguilera sings “What a Wonderful World” at the Barack Obama Presidential Center opening. Edited for format.
I was teary-eyed through the whole thing! It was just a beautiful tribute and reminder of what DEMOCRACY is, full of love, caring, hope, and compassion for all people! It was an extension of who the Obamas are! Damn, I miss them!💙🇺🇲💙
When you don't know history.....👇
All the music was spectacular! Tasteful, meaningful & fun.
Of course Trump hates Obama. Obama is smarter, more handsome, in excellent physical condition, and a successful president. His wife is educated, unlike the clown's wife.
Made me tear up. 🫶🏼
A great day for a very honorable man. cbwrong.blogspot.com/2026/06/the-...
Wow, when he could’ve booked half of Milli Vanilli?
Everyone’s thoughts in that moment. 🫤. Just guessing.
So tasteful and dignified, with talented, classy entertainment. We miss that with this crass, vulgar degenerate of a non-president we're forced to tolerate.
Her voice Is an amazing instrument isn’t it?
I listen to her beautiful voice as it was live
She can sing her ass off! Loved her since Genie In A Bottle.
Chills. Tears. So many tears. For what we had. And what could have been. And hoping beyond hopes for what could be in the future.
I see all the other presidents, where's tRump? Oh, never mind.
My girl #CAguilera in #Chicago, hope you have a good time here. 😘
Well, she’s no Ted Nugent.
Her voice gives me goosebumps.
Boom! Obama just showed trump what a classy celebration looks like!
What a magnificent day! 🇺🇸
Would be a better world if Trump jumped into a box and never came out.
Gorgeous. She gave me goosebumps.
She’s such a capable, wonderful, accomplished singer and yet still has that need to impress in 4 minutes. Even when it’s so obvious that less is more. Look at the audience.
Vs. a cage fight at the White House. No need to say more. An amazing opening at the Obama Library.
Our NY Knicks 🧡💙 Parade and Celebration performers and NYC MAYOR great speech, and Watching the Prez Obama and Mrs Obama great speeches, performers and program today-was right on time what we all needed. Unity, Hope, Love and Peace FOR A DAY! 💙 These are just a few performers in Chicago
Kamala should be potus. We suck.
President Obama’s community center opening was full of prestigious people, artists, celebrities, politicians and just very cool guests.
Does she wonder why people make fun of her stretching notes out?!!!
Just because you can do amazing acrobatics with your voice doesn't mean you have to, all the time. It's a conceit, a distraction, and does nothing to further the song.
Gee, I wonder why she didn’t play Trump’s party…
President Obama gets this and tRump can’t even get Milli Vanilli to show up…
This blew my mind. I was stunned by her command. I had no idea… I thought when she followed Jennifer Hudson, it would be like when the Rolling Stones had to take the stage after James Brown.
She's all grown up and can sing a little. :) Wow..
Beautiful! She really made that song her own.
All maga thinks, boy kid rock woulda dun it better.
Not going to lie, the overload of class, dignity, intelligence, humility and grace today at the Obama Presidential Center made me really emotional and angry. It displayed how much US society has fallen.
I enjoyed every minute and actually felt a little more hopeful of our future afterwards. What an amazing, uplifting speech by Michelle Obama & President Obama.
The opening of the Obama Presidential Center, the Knicks Parade, and World Cup all happening today showed there is hope. I saw a country come together in unity and pride and joy. That’s how it’s supposed to be
❤️🩹 The contrast is almost unbearable. It’s so profound.
I'm glad that I had a new box of tissues nearby. Happy tears, and hope for the future.
Nothing emboldens White Supremacy in America like Black excellence. That's why the Voting Rights Act had to die, to prevent the election of another Obama. If they have to destroy democracy, they will. We're in a very dangerous place.
😢 All true. As a former South Sider (who worked in Chicago steel mills to pay for college), I note that the Obamas, Pope Leo XIV and the archbishop of New York all lived within <10 miles of each other. Emmett Till is also buried in the same area. People who live there confront a lot of history
I cry for those days when President Obama was in Office. There was so much hope and calm and sense of security and pride in our country.
I sat here glued to my laptop from beginning to end with a big smile on my face and a napkin in each hand to wipe away tears...it was SUCH a great thing to watch!!! But I came away feeling so proud of Obama and his Center saying: THIS IS WHAT A PRESIDENT SHOULD BE LIKE!!!! THE WORLD AGREES W/ME!!!!!
I'd forgotten what pride feels like, I feel shame most of the time now. I felt so proud to be a part of those beautiful people, decent people, honest people with empathy.
as a canadian it reminded me of a time i was inspired by the US
Behold, only some of what’s been sacrificed on the altar of white supremacy. “The lowest white man over the best colored man,” indeed.
Yes and it is one party’s fault. cbwrong.blogspot.com/2026/06/the-...
What we had‼️ I watched Obama’s victory speech in Grant Park and was SO thrilled, excited and happy! Now I am devastated, angry and determined. I may be old (70) but I’ve got a lot of fight in me.
It also shows that we are STILL a nation, largely, of class, dignity, and humility. When MAGA and Trump are out of power, and they will be soon, we MUST return to expecting our leaders to exhibit these qualities.
It sounds weird to admit it, but I too was very sad after seeing positive discourse, intelligence, and humanity.
Missing Obama class, strength and integrity. We must insist on those qualities for 2028 candidate.
I too found myself unexpectedly emotional just hearing affirmations of the Obama’s brilliance, goodness and love of democracy- so opposite of what we currently have. Their words that resilience and pride can’t be stolen give me hope that we will get through these dark times.
Ok. I sobbed from grief and hope. And I remembered dignity and kindness. Then I wept some more. Calling it a day
The Obamas have more class in their toe nail clippings than every maggot loser in this country combined. That's why they hate them so much. Such a great speech by Michelle and President Obama.
I teared up many times just appreciating the good, proud to be in Chicago.
When the daily, hourly, toxic stew of Trumpism has so saturated America, and countries beyond, watching this day of celebration and humanity feels like an emergence from a foul cesspit.
We’ve fallen so far. It kills me to think about it.
It sure lifted my spirits!
When Obama was president I read that he will be much more appreciated later, after his presidency. It was true.
It makes me miss all of it and the Obamas. 😩
Don’t it always seem to go that you don’t know what you’ve got till it’s gone 😉 ~Joni Mitchell
Combined with the Knicks parade ❤️ two events where you know who would never be welcomed.
We were dragged down to a low level by a political party that sold us out to fascism, promoted lies and conspiracies, supported by Russia, Israel, tech billionaires, Epstein co- conspirators. Most of us still treasure the dignity of the Obamas and prior Presidents and First Ladies of both parties.
You don't know what you got until you lose it. We had a man (and his wife) who encompassed America, who rose beyond the occasion to assemble and lead a team that had to take on a financial crisis, the consequences of a middle east fiasco, and then took on healthcare. I hope we find his like again
Yes, but it's not forever and it will stage a comeback. Class was on display today and it shows that one person can make a positive difference.
Wish I were in Chicago!
Spot on, man. I was crying for countless conflicting reasons.
It's just what we real Americans need. Filled with a refreshing sense of hope.
Maybe the US needed to see the scum rise to the top and blatant corruption and racism in plain view. Now most have been exposed. VOTE, Vote Vote in November and every chance you get. It’s imperative to right the wrong!!
I was brought to tears knowing what we had with the Obamas and what hatred and division we have now. How could we have sunk so low in such a small amount of time!?
Same here- I hope that wasn't our last chance to have respected presidents and administrations.
We were Blessed to have had a Great President.
You’re not the only one feeling that…☹️
Perhaps we thought we had risen higher than we had? I did.
It lifted my spirit Ricky, and I didn't catch it all. It confirmed my commitment to defend democracy and equality for all!
"Barack, you gotta look at me." At the grand opening ceremony of the Obama Presidential Center, former First Lady Michelle Obama delivered a speech that brought the former president to tears. This is love. Love of husband, love of a president, love of a country.
Not sure whether I cried more at that moment or when the whole family was hugging and singing with Stevie Wonder.
So beautiful. I miss this. 💞 Side note: I wonder how long until Melania plagiarizes this speech.
Her speech was 🔥🔥🔥 Told it like it is.
Michelle Obama speaks for all of us.
He made us proud to be Americans. 🇺🇸
I love her love for this man of the people. A beautiful speech from a wife to her beloved husband who leads and serves bravely.
He was the best president we have had in centuries. We didn't deserve him. I miss him so much.
Michelle's eloquence, her poise and dignity, her adherence to truth had me in tears, too. I so miss these two people. There is no comparison...none at all....with the current grifters, liars, pedofiles currently residing in the People's House. #SheShed
Such a moving speech. True love and so much respect between Barack and Michelle. I got so emo when she mentioned all the racist bs he had to handle.
It's inspiring and sad at the same time.
They’re amazing people. We were lucky to have them in the White House for 8 years. We’re all better for it 🇺🇸
So good. So very good. And we all weep for what we have lost and the goodness of this man and his wife
What a beautiful love. And a phenomenal woman. She’s still my First Lady.
Brought me to tears too
Incredible speech by the former First Lady! She was inspiring!
Class all the way around. As others have said, we were lucky. So very lucky.
God it was wonderful to be lef by an adult that really cared for the nation. That did everything he could to better America. Donald Trump may try to erase him, but he will fail. He has already, and because Obama lives rent-free in his head, he will never erase the memory of a better America.
The president that the US and the entire world respected and admired! Intelligent, articulate, learned, and compassionate.
I’m not crying! You’re crying! ❤️
What a wonderful tribute ❤
They are both so iconic ❤
They are so cute together
This is both a beautiful moment and a reminder of what we should hold out for in a leader - in a time otherwise beset by a non-stop geyser of testosterone-laced low brow white trash talk, haughtiness, ignorance, warmongering, and just plain ugliness that defines Trump's White House.
Same here - dog wants to know why I have tears.
ANY man should be proud to have this kind of love, trust and respect from his partner. Barack Obama earned every bit of that - and Michelle is his equal in every measure.
There is no heart emoji big enough to express how this makes me feel . Especially in the upside down
I couldn't be there today, though we will go sometime this summer. So thank you for posting this clip. And yes, it brought me to tears too. *We *had *a *PRESIDENT in Barack Obama. A real one. We were so lucky to have him.
She went high and still managed to kick the mango moron & his regime in the cajones
Obama’s Presidential Center Opening is the American celebration we needed after the shit show at the White House.
Yes, it was a much need reminder of how America should be. This photo is wonderful glimpse into what a unique bond the 'Formers' have. 💖
THIS is our birthday party. With all the other living presidents together and leaving out the one who steals it all from us daily.
It's a reminder that this country doesn't have to be a divisive shit hole...that it can be a beacon of hope. NYC is showing that now also
This is the celebration our country deserves for 250 years of independence Thank you President Barack and Michelle Obama for your integrity and real leadership our country needs and craves The event was beyond amazing and inspiring Thank you for truly loving America and it’s people
This is so true! Everyone is talking about it!
Why can’t Obama just run again & be the 1st 3rd term President? Then his wife can run. TBH, I had hoped Michelle might lead this way, but I’m grateful for whatever & all service they gave to our Nation.
Joy, class, beauty, etc …. Everything that is absent in Trump World!!!
It truly was an opening FOR the American people. Nobody had to pay per view it and it left people uplifted.
I just finished watching it on CSPAN and I cried the whole time!
Loved the show and all the speeches were so fantastic. Reminded me of the good we can do when we elect caring smart people.
Yes. It feels like a celebration of our country’s 250th anniversary.
Smiling faces, warm words, standing on principle; watching the Opening Ceremonies was like having a great cleansing bath.
No gratuitous violence,(actually none at all) unlike trump's recent flop.
Trump is so jealous he is now pathetically trying to hype his "library" to be built someday. Such a weak man.
Couldn’t agree more! It felt so good and was so uplifting after all the depressing and negative news since this regime is in power.
So much joy & hope today in Chicago! The Obama Presidential Center is a testament to the belief that ordinary people can do extraordinary things. It was an honor to celebrate this historic moment & the enduring legacy that President @barackobama.bsky.social and Michelle Obama continue to inspire.
Thank you Gabby. Your joy made my day. 💙 bsky.app/profile/603t...
They AND YOU continue to inspire!!! 🫶
You and your husband are an inspiration to America. Thank you!
I enjoyed watching you dance 💃
Loved seeing you up and boogying! A beautiful day of hope, joy and celebration!
Another couple with intelligence, empathy, dignity, and grace that continue to serve our Country. 🇺🇸🇺🇸
Gabby, so happy you and Mark attended such a joyous day! ❤️
Saw you dancing. It made me smile. You look good!
Even watching it at home was so beautiful. I miss them so much
You would make a wonderful First Lady
Love your silver rose pin
Love you both, so glad to see you there.
I hope you both know how much you are loved!
You and Mark are the BEST!
Former Presidents Biden, Obama, Bush, and Clinton, joined by former First Ladies Jill Biden, Michelle Obama, Laura Bush, and Secretary Clinton, at the opening of the Obama Presidential Center in Chicago.
Looking at this photo is like having a long, cool drink of water after dying of thirst
love them or hate them, you respected them all to a point while in office. Absolutely no respect at all for the current person in office. It really is a sad thing! You knew even with GW you did not have to worry about the cheating, the stealing and the bipolar manners of a mad man.
There is a conspicuous lack of orange here.
I loved the entire program, but pick of the day went to our former First Lady Michelle Obama and her rousing speech at the Obama Presidential Center Opening. She tells us what was, what is, and what can be ours to come! A masterclass! #SheShed #ObamaPresidentialCenter youtu.be/waUjBY1oaOE?...
This was fantastic! One of the best speeches I’ve heard! Throwing shade with grace and poise!
Her intellilect, grace, style, and class are truly unmatched. 🔥
Thank you for posting this Lorie!🩷
I’m sure Melania wrote every word down, you know, for reference….
And Bono’s tribute to Michelle Ma belle….
She was definitely a shining light! Spectacular tribute! 🔥💙
Missed learning opportunity for Trump and Vance!
She would be a great president, but the Obama’s have given enough.
Today's opening of the Obama Presidential Center reflects that vision. It will continue to invest in future generations and encourage people to see themselves as part of something bigger. Congratulations, my friends. What a remarkable day.
Dear President Harris, Thank you for those beautiful words about our favorite President and First Lady ever. Even though we couldn't vote in the 2024 US presidential election that was stolen from you, everyone in Canada, except for half of Alberta, voted for you. 💙💙💙
You look beautiful Madam Vice President! What an incredible day!
Today was just superb. What a wonderful celebration!! 🎉 🎊💙🪷
Interesting that former world leaders who worked with him show up to his museum out of respect for his leadership and friendship. Stormy probably won't even go to Trumps "library^
Today was a light in the darkness ✨🌌🇺🇸🌌✨
Thank you President Obama for speaking about the extraordinary courage of the people of Minnesota today at the opening of the Obama Presidential Center.
You can feel it in your body when you listen to President and Mrs. Obama. Joy verses darkness! I hope we choose the joy and hope.
Not you, Amy. He wasn’t talking about you. Sit down.
Barack Obama still has that same character and honest appeal he’s always had. I really miss that in a president.
I can’t express enough how much I miss his leadership, competence, intelligence, humility, humanity and eloquence…we had it so good for awhile.
Why haven’t you spoken about the indictments?
Why can't you say any of this? Seriously. Why?
Amy was not standing against the gestapo in MN. The day after Renee Good was shot in the face, she voted for an election denying judge to a lifetime appointment. She is in cahoots with the child rapist president's facist agenda.
NIGHTS OF BLUE SKIES DAY 18 JUNE 2026 CONGRATULATIONS PRESIDENT BARACK OBAMA. The Obama Presidential Center I hope you were able to enjoy this amazing opening ceremony My favorite moment First Lady Michelle Obama's tribute & speech So proud So loving So true And then the peace prize
After all these years of ugliness, it’s so uplifting to share in the joy today.
I just realized another good thing about Obama's speech today - no "Sir" stories. God those things are stupid and tiresome.
I love them both! ♥️♥️
Finally, some class! This was the perfect antidote to the over-the-top, low-rent carnival from June 14th. #Ignite #BarackObama #MichelleObama #YesWeCan
What a beautiful event. It's great to see an uplifting moment in this country again. I really could get used to that! When the hoopla wears down, I'd love to make the 5 hr trip to see this amazing center of history from my favorite President!
Hillary's laugh here is well placed! 🤣
Beautiful and true. Such an amazing couple! Love them today and always.
Lmfao the burn is epic.
We all love her so much!! ❤️
Of course Angela Merkel showed up at Obama’s presidential center opening. That’s her bestie. Merkel was the last head of government that Obama called as president.
Bad-ass leaders and bad-ass trailblazing women
I worked in Dresden in the first post-unification state govt of Saxony ('91). I was German-American kid with a suit from Sears who had strayed into a very weird job. A few months in, some local colleagues took me to a meeting of Demokratischer Aufbruch in Meissen.