IE 11 is not supported. For an optimal experience visit our site on another browser.

Obama: D.C. Is 'The Capital of Cynicism'

"Don't let anyone tell you that working and organizing and voting for the values that built this country isn't worth it," he said.
Image: Barack Obama
President Barack Obama gestures during remarks at the Democratic National Committee's Women's Leadership Forum, on Friday, Sept. 19, 2014, in Washington. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci) Evan Vucci / AP

President Barack Obama lamented Friday that Washington is "the capital of cynicism" as he rallied Democratic women ahead of the November midterms. "Don't let anyone tell you that working and organizing and voting for the values that built this country isn't worth it," he told the audience at a Democratic National Committee women's leadership forum. "It is worth it."

Obama encouraged attendees to push for progressive ideas like family leave and equal pay "despite the cynics" who paint all activism as partisan politics. "Sometimes I think that Washington is the capital of cynicism," he added.

Others who spoke at the forum included Vice President Joe Biden and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton.

IN-DEPTH

- Carrie Dann