What does Barack Obama think of Nelson Mandela?

Answer 1

President Obama has said on many occasions that he has deep admiration for Nelson Mandela. He felt honored to meet Mr. Mandela in 2006 and wished it were possible to see him again during the presidential trip to South Africa; sadly, Mr. Mandela is not well enough to receive visitors, but President Obama met with the Mandela family and expressed his affection and respect for what Nelson Mandela has done for peace and diplomacy.

Answer 2

Barack Obama has said on many occasions over the years that he deeply admires and respects Nelson Mandela. When President Obama was still a senator, he had the honor of meeting Mr. Mandela, and was very moved by the opportunity. In South Africa on his most recent visit in late June 2013, Mr. Obama spoke of Nelson Mandela's courage-- how Mr. Mandela refused to give up, even when he was unjustly imprisoned for so many years. President Obama also spoke of how Mr. Mandela's vision for a South Africa without apartheid led to the creation of a democracy in that country.