10 Things That Made President Obama Cry

Updated on Jan 20, 2017 at 2:25 PM

There was a time when it was considered inappropriate for any man, let alone a leader, to cry in public. But Barack Obama has shown that displaying emotion does not have to be a sign of weakness and can instead show one's compassion and humility or anger over gun violence — or even one's ability to be touched by beautiful music. Here are some of the memorable times he wasn't afraid to shed tears in front of the camera.

Nov. 3, 2008: While Honoring His Recently Deceased Grandmother

Madelyn Dunham, Barack Obama's maternal grandmother, passed away from cancer just two days before her grandson was elected president. While Obama had interrupted his campaign some days earlier to go visit her, he continued campaigning after her death, honoring her in a speech in which he called her "a quiet hero." While he remained impressively composed, his emotion was nonetheless visible and he teared up while talking about everyday Americans like his grandmother.

Nov. 6, 2012: During His Final Reelection Campaign Speech

If you ever needed a reminder of what a great orator Barack Obama is, just watch this video. In his final 2012 campaign speech in Des Moines, IA, Obama not only got the crowd fired up, but thanked them tearfully for having inspired him and their role in the American dream.

Nov. 8, 2012: Thanking His Campaign Workers After Reelection

Being reelected president is a pretty good reason to get emotional. Obama teared up as he thanked his staff, told them how proud he was of them, and that they would all go on to do great things. Far from being put off by this display, the staff erupted into cheers.

Dec. 14, 2012: In the Immediate Aftermath of the Sandy Hook Shooting

Like most everyone else, President Obama was shocked by the tragic deaths of the 20 children and six adults who were killed at Sandy Hook Elementary School. He had the tough job of addressing the nation about the devastating news — in his speech, he had to pause to regain his composure as he teared up speaking of the young lives lost and the futures that would never be.

Feb. 27, 2015: Saying Goodbye to Eric Holder

When Eric Holder stepped down as attorney general, President Obama thanked him for his service and praised the work he had done. Obama became emotional as he recounted a story of a young boy telling him he wanted to be attorney general when he grew up, inspired by Holder's work.

June 6, 2015: At Beau Biden's Funeral

When Vice President Joe Biden's son Beau died of brain cancer at the age of 46, Obama delivered a eulogy at his funeral, in which he praised the Biden family's strong values. While he remained composed, the president blinked back tears as he spoke.

Dec. 29, 2015: During a Performance by Aretha Franklin

At the 2015 Kennedy Center Honors, Aretha Franklin performed "(You Make Me Feel Like) a Natural Woman," which Carole King, who was being honored, composed for her. As King choked back emotion, Obama could be seen discreetly wiping away a tear.

Jan. 6, 2016: While Unveiling New Gun Control Measures

More than three years after the Sandy Hook shootings, Obama still couldn't talk about the children who were killed without tears of sadness and anger. "Every time I think about those kids, it gets me mad," he said.

Jul. 12, 2016: At the Memorial for the Dallas Shooting Victims

Obama once again gave a speech about gun violence during a memorial service for the five police officers who lost their lives when a sniper ambushed them in Dallas, TX, at a Black Lives Matter rally. The president's remarks addressed racial tensions and bias while he honored the fallen officers and shed a tear for them.

Jan. 10, 2017: At His Presidential Farewell Address

In his final speech as president, Obama teared up as he addressed his wife Michelle, saying, "For the past 25 years, you've been not only my wife and mother of my children, you have been my best friend. You took on a role you didn't ask for and made it your own with grace and grit and style and good humor."