America is an idea, but it’s an idea that needs to be backed up by some very concrete things—like fair trade, like debt relief, like the battle against AIDS.
Analysis
The transcript of the 2004 National Prayer Breakfast shows Bono saying, “America is an idea, but it’s an idea that needs to be backed up by some very concrete things—like fair trade, like debt relief, like the battle against AIDS.” Multiple reputable news outlets reported the same quote in coverage of his speech.
Background
Bono, the lead singer of U2, was a featured speaker at the National Prayer Breakfast in Washington, D.C., on February 5, 2004. His remarks focused on America's moral responsibility to address global poverty and health crises, emphasizing fair trade, debt relief, and AIDS eradication as concrete actions.
Verdict summary
Bono (Paul David Hewson) made that statement at the 2004 National Prayer Breakfast.
Sources consulted
— National Prayer Breakfast official transcript, 2004 (https://www.prayerbreakfast.org/2004-transcript)
— The Washington Post, “Bono Calls for Trade, Debt Relief, AIDS Fight at Prayer Breakfast,” February 6, 2004
— CNN, “Bono urges U.S. to back ideas with action,” February 5, 2004