Bono Talks Obama, Activism and Poverty at Georgetown

Bono praised President Obama and Americans for re-electing him during his keynote speech at the Global Social Enterprise Initiative at Georgetown University, The Huffington Post reports.

“Congratulations are in order not just for turning out in record numbers – and forgetting politics for a minute – but for electing an extraordinary man as president,” the U2 singer said. “I think you have to say that whatever your political tradition.”

Along with the praise (along with a comparison of punk rock to world history and an imitation of former President Bill Clinton), Bono also discussed ongoing economic challenges and warned the students in attendance of a rocky future if the economy tips back into recession.

The self-described “evidence-based activist” pointed to the looming “fiscal cliff” – more $600 million worth of spending cuts and tax increases that would take effect early next year unless lawmakers reach a compromise to avoid them – and noted the potentially disastrous effects certain fiscal decisions could have on the extreme poor. 

“Cuts can cost the lives of the poorest of the poor,” he said. “It shouldn’t be a hard case to make, but it is right now. In the halls of Congress, the Senate, maybe here in Healy Hall. But I put it to you we must not let this economic recession become a moral recession. That would become a double cruelty.”