*This* is the US I loved and honoured...

We're all mourning for this, and the country we in the UK used to be too.

Well, at least two of us!

keepingquiet

We're all mourning for this, and the country we in the UK used to be too.

Well, at least two of us!

I'm not so sure about the 'we are all mourning for the country the UK used to be'. I think it depends on whose vision of the past you look at...

The US is for Americans and what they want and vote for.Not for anyone in another country who views the Obamas through rose tinted glasses.
Personally I have never loved or honoured the US.

That’s how I feel MaizieD I get frustrated at government and political ineptitude, but what I think is ineptitude others might agree with.

Lots are searching for yesteryear and each person’s memory is different.

Oreo

The US is for Americans and what they want and vote for.Not for anyone in another country who views the Obamas through rose tinted glasses.
Personally I have never loved or honoured the US.

Exactly this ⬆️
I'm finding it difficult to love and honour this country at the moment never mind another one that's equally as screwed up through years of politicians.

I agree with you Wyllow. I think that regard for any politicians are not the exclusive prerogative of the country in which they serve.
I don't see anyone through " rose tinted spectacles" but feel that Mr Obama spoke with dignity and authority to, and of, his country - most recently on his reaction to the death of Mr Kirk.
I have a soft spot,also, for Ms Arden, formerly the leader of New Zealand.

I wasn't that impressed by the Obamas; I thought they promised much but delivered little. But that is for America to judge.
This is increasingly the trouble with politicians now, so desperate to secure votes their promises are completely unrealistic, witness Farage.
I would rather have 'blood, toil, tears and sweat. At least it was honest.

The ideal of US democracy was of course expressed in the TV series "the West Wing". Loved it.

He couldn't deliver what hewanted eazybee. His carefully designed plans for big changes in medical care and other areas like in Education were slashed during his second term by the lack of support from the Senate House.

Spinnaker

Oreo

The US is for Americans and what they want and vote for.Not for anyone in another country who views the Obamas through rose tinted glasses.
Personally I have never loved or honoured the US.

Exactly this ⬆️
I'm finding it difficult to love and honour this country at the moment never mind another one that's equally as screwed up through years of politicians.

I prefer to be glass half full in politics and look for what has been achieved however small than glass half empty.

Thats because they are a basis to build on, rather than tearing what them down.

"they're all the same" is rubbish because we get reports from Gransnetters from different parties I recall that such and such a politician/MP always fought for their constituents and met and helped the, and cared.

It’s obvious that not everybody who has commented watched the clip. It doesn’t matter what you think of the Obama government, this was about them appreciating the great legends that are Carole King and Aretha Franklin, without turning the event into a Me, Me, Me show like some one could mention.

Yes, please watch the clip. Its a real celebration of a lovely song, of love, emotion not pompous being shouted at, of an era in an America, and a roomful of people where race isn't a big issue

And a big big older woman, talking about passion - whatever ages we be and how large we are - what a contrast to the likes of Karoline Leavitt.

We had a war of Independence with the Americans didn’t we? Why would the UK identify with that country in any way? They have different leaders with very different ideas. Fine if you are American . They have a lot of power so that is why most of us suck up to them.

What's that to do with Carole King, Aretha Franklin, or Obama, nanna? 🤔

Wyllow3

What's that to do with Carole King, Aretha Franklin, or Obama, nanna? 🤔

Cos I don’t really know anything about them. They’re not British or Australian. Obama was what he was, seemed ok to me but I don’t really know. Trump, same applies, though sometimes he seems ok, sometimes very,very not ok.

It was your title of the OP that I and others were responding to.
If you only wanted to showcase the songs and occasion then a title reflecting that would have elicited a different reaction.

We really do interpret threads differently, don’t we. I took the title to refer to the attachment, which was two legendary USA singers celebrating, one singing the others song, and the joy that brought to them and their audience - joy without bad feeling or spin.

Wyllow3

The ideal of US democracy was of course expressed in the TV series "the West Wing". Loved it.

He couldn't deliver what hewanted eazybee. His carefully designed plans for big changes in medical care and other areas like in Education were slashed during his second term by the lack of support from the Senate House.

It’s outstanding television isn’t it Wyllow- imho the West Wing is not just the ideal of US democracy, it’s beautifully written and acted, funny, sad, thought provoking and educational.
The first five seasons more so than the last two, but still great tv.

The ideal of US democracy? It’s meant to be a cynical look behind the scenes.

But I agree it was a great series.

It will take some time but as we now know that America is no longer the friend and ally of Britain and Europe we will be pivoting away from the USA.

Well, whatever you think of the US - and I'm not a huge fan, particularly at the moment - there are good people there, as there are here.

That performance by Aretha Franklin was just amazing - not a note out of place and her voice as strong as ever.

Late to the thead but I've just watched the clip. Great way to start my day, thank you. If you watched the in depth series about Obama that was on a while ago, it was a masterclass of negotiation in a very flawed political system. A president who tried his hardest to get important changes in healthcare etc in by negotiation and concensus. He is an intellectual giant and although he failed in some areas, he makes Trump look like a spoilt petulant child. He'll be remembered as a great potus, whereas IMO Trump will be seen as the most damaging to America in modern time.

Not at all sure he will be remembered as a great POTUS in the US itself.It may not be his fault that he couldn’t improve much because of their political system but he didn’t do enough nevertheless to be remembered as ‘great’.
He only seems so when compared with Trump.Which could apply to any past POTUS really.