Who We Are, And Who We Aspire to Be

It has been four years — when the promise of an Obama presidency was still just a promise — since I have felt as inspired as I felt tonight, watching Michelle Obama, as First Lady, remind us of who we are on our best days.

Back then I produced a short video that tried to capture the spirit of that moment, and to apply it to the particular challenges we face when it comes to improving American public education.

To be sure, the prose of governing will always pale in comparison to the poetry of campaigning. And yet, thank you, Michelle, for reminding me it’s still possible to feel inspired by a larger story, and a broader set of shared values, that can guide our way.