Civility does not demand casual creeds and colorless convictions. Americans have always believed that civility and firm resolve could live easily with one another. But civility does mean that our public debate ought to be free from bitterness and anger and rancor and ill will. We have an obligation to make our case, not to demonize our opponents. I'm under no illusion that civility will triumph in this city all at once.
Old habits die hard, and sometimes they never die at all.
But I can only pledge you this, that I will do my very best to promote civility and ask for the same in return. I thank you all here for displaying these values and defending them here in America, and across the world. You strengthen the ties of friendship and the ties of nation, and I deeply appreciate your work. I believe in the power of prayer. The prayers of a friend are one of life's most gracious gifts.