Barack Obama Formally Accepts The Nomination
It’s official. Senator Barack Obama, from the State of Illinois, has formally accepted the nomination by the Democratic Party as candidate for President of the United States of America. On the 45th anniversary of Martin Luther King, Jr’s I Have A Dream speech, Obama delivered a thundering speech (wherein he formally accepted his party’s nomination and explained to the crowd,the country as a whole and the world how he plans to bring change to the US) at Invesco Field in Denver, CO to close out the Democratic National Convention last night. Here are a few pics of Obama delivering his speech and a pic of Obama with his wife Michelle and his running mate Joe Biden (with his wife Jill) as they stepped forward together, into history, on the way to the campaign trail:
Barack Obama accepted the Democratic Party presidential nomination on Thursday, declaring that the “American promise has been threatened” by eight years under President Bush and that John McCain represented a continuation of policies that undermined the nation’s economy and imperiled its standing around the world. The speech by Senator Obama, in front of an audience of nearly 80,000 people on a warm night in a football stadium refashioned into a vast political stage for television viewers, left little doubt how he intended to press his campaign against Mr. McCain this fall. In cutting language, and to cheers that echoed across the stadium, he linked Mr. McCain to what he described as the “failed presidency of George W. Bush” and — reflecting what has been a central theme of his campaign since he entered the race — “the broken politics in Washington.” “America, we are better than these last eight years,” he said. “We are a better country than this.” But Mr. Obama went beyond attacking Mr. McCain by linking him to Mr. Bush and his policies. In the course of a 42-minute speech that ended with a booming display of fireworks and a shower of confetti, he offered searing and far-reaching attacks on his presumptive Republican opponent, repeatedly portraying him as the face of the old way of politics and failed Republican policies. He said Mr. McCain was out of touch with the problems of everyday Americans. “It’s not because John McCain doesn’t care,” he said. “It’s because John McCain doesn’t get it.” And he went so far as to attack the presumed strength of Mr. McCain’s campaign, national security. “You know, John McCain likes to say that he’ll follow bin Laden to the gates of hell, but he won’t even follow him to the cave where he lives,” he said. The speech loomed as arguably Mr. Obama’s most important of the campaign to date. It was an opportunity to present himself to Americans just now beginning to tune in on this campaign, to make the case against Mr. McCain and to offer what many Democrats say he has failed to offer to date: an idea of what he stands for, beyond a promise of change. To that end, he emphasized what he described as concrete steps he would take to address the anxieties of working-class Americans, promising tax cuts for the middle class and pledging to wean the country from dependence on Middle East oil within 10 years to address high fuel prices. With the speech, Mr. Obama closed out his party’s convention here and prepared for a quick shift of public attention to the Republicans as Mr. McCain moved to name his running mate and his party got ready for its convention in St. Paul on Monday. He delivered it in a most unconventional setting, becoming the third nominee of a major party in the nation’s history to leave the site of his convention to give his acceptance speech at a stadium. In this case, it was Invesco Field, set against the Rockies and about a mile from the arena where he had been nominated the night before. His aides chose the stadium to signal a break from typical politics and to permit thousands of his supporters from across the country to hear him speak. And it came on a night that offered — by the coincidence of scheduling — a reminder of the historic nature of the Obama candidacy: 45 years to the day after the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. delivered his “I Have a Dream” speech on the Mall in Washington. Mr. Obama is the first African-American to be nominated for the White House by a major party, a fact that, for all its significance, has been barely mentioned over the course of this four-day gathering. Even in invoking the anniversary of the King speech, Mr. Obama only alluded to race. But he quoted a famous phrase from Dr. King’s address to reinforce a central theme of his own speech. “America, we cannot turn back,” Mr. Obama said. “Not with so much work to be done.”
Wow. I must admit, hearing Obama’s speech gave me chills … and it had a strong significance for me. When Dr. King spoke of his Dream 45 years ago, it occurred to me that he was speaking of just this moment in time … when our country can finally realize that all men are created equal. I don’t know about y’all but I can deffo feel the winds of change blowin’ … and it’s about time. I remember when Governor Bill Clinton accepted his nomination for President of the United States back in 1992 … I could feel it then that he was going to win the presidency and put our country back on course. I got that same feelin’ this time, y’all … and it’s an amazing feeling … it’s called Hope.
After the jump, watch the entirety of Barack Obama’s acceptance speech in case you missed it last night or want to hear it again …
Yes, we can.
[Source]
Tags: 2008 Democratic National Convention, Barack Obama, Jill Biden, Joseph Biden, Michelle Obama
RSS
Feedburner
August 29th, 2008 at 7:17 am
his speech was incredibly moving. i got emotional through many parts of it. yes we can people, yes we can.
August 29th, 2008 at 7:44 am
How about the change of a woman as vice president? When was the women’s suffrage movement? Decades before MLK Jr. Not that I am red OR blue…I am pro change either way. I am sick of the party system because it pits one side over the other and if someone likes a republican or a democrat they automatically get labeled as “stupid” by the other “team.” How middle school is this country?
August 29th, 2008 at 7:53 am
Argh Trent if you’re using Photoshop to do that, please try putting a white 2px stroke around the text maybe, it’s really hard to read your picture text sometimes :(
August 29th, 2008 at 7:55 am
Last nights speech was nothing short of pure awesome! I’ll be honest – it has been a long time since I tuned in my television to listen to any speaker. just WOW! My boyfriend and I were so inspired, so awakened to the HOPE that a brighter future for all Americans is really possible. It really is! What a great feeling. xo
August 29th, 2008 at 8:01 am
i agree w/ Marisa — & just heard that McCain has a woman VP picked out…..
August 29th, 2008 at 8:09 am
I think Obama’s speech was truly moving. Regardless of one’s political beliefs, Obama is probably one of the best speaker’s/rhetor’s of our time. His speeches are so passionate and so dramatic, I can’t help but feel moved when I listen to him. I am so pleased that our country is moving in the right direction. I am a democrat, and will be voting for Obama in this election, but I just found out on CNN that McCain chose a woman to be his VP. How amazing is this? We have a black man and a woman in contest for two of the highest elected positions in our country. Finally, finally, I am feeling patriotic and encouraged that our country is finally making progess. GO USA! (and Obama!)
August 29th, 2008 at 8:11 am
Wonderful. It was absolutely wonderful. Thanks for writing about it, Trent. I’m so excited about Obama-Biden. I think it’s a great team and just what America needs. And seeing John Lewis speak and then watching the tape of MLK brought tears streaming down my face. Everything they and so many others fought for, that someday our country would judge people by the content of their character rather than the color of their skin is becoming reality. And the best thing about it is that it really IS by the content of character. I can’t imagine a better candidate and leader for the times than Obama. And I so very much think Biden is the perfect partner and advisor.
August 29th, 2008 at 8:13 am
Thought you were showing a picture of Hitler at first….
History lesson: All the powerful dictators used their speech, charisma, and propaganda to attract their followers.
August 29th, 2008 at 8:27 am
Sit down Michelle.
August 29th, 2008 at 8:27 am
I’m with you Trent. Obama’s speech was so moving and liberating. I had the chills and found myself being emotional at times. These are exciting times we are living in and I am totally looking forward to change.
August 29th, 2008 at 8:34 am
I agree, Karen. But I’m a bit worried. I’m afraid if Obama wins he’ll be asassinated. Sorry to say but this is still a country full of haters and I know the KKK and the Neo Nazi’s are just out there polishing up their rifles, not to mention the insane pyschos who’d do it just for the notoriety of murdering the first black prez. Scary, even though I know we can’t live in fear ‘cuz then you let these morons win.
August 29th, 2008 at 8:49 am
Proof Barack Obama is an Elitis,
He has no Agenda, he answers no hard question,, He got Biden to give him more credibility ,,, Obama Stole the Presidential Seal ,,to call his own, I guess he thought he is Hitler for a second,
Now as we are speaking Obama is changing the stage,,,at the convention center, to a ROMAN THEME,
Now Barack Obama THinks he is Julius Caesar or worst He think he is the 2nd Coming of Christ,,,
The Ego on Barack Obama is getting worst and worst,, and its Barack Obama who wont let this go…
Soon He going to have someone to try to knight him, Or go for a dictator ship, what is next with Barack Obama,
He does these things so much to screw up and come back with the same lame excuse.
When does it end with Barack
And where are all these big stars at his convention everyone talking about,
All I heard was alot of Earth wind & Fire old crap,, I thought this convention was for all American not just the Black Community,,
And Michelle Obama,, On monday was a joke she did not come out looking better at all, She actually Hurt Obama,Everyone thought she was Fake Before now she a Phoney Scripted Fake person,, what a joke, the best nights so far are the clintons, And they All they could by force,, for the Obama’s now it up to them..
No more blame, It was never up to the clintons anyway to give Obama Her delegates If Obama won, iTs Barack Obama who should be the one getting and uniting the Democratic Party,,, But Captian Pelosi forced to Clinton do it!!!!!!
August 29th, 2008 at 8:54 am
Paul V: Wow. You crazy! Although, you do have a point that Obama thought he was Hitler for a second. Clearly.
August 29th, 2008 at 8:56 am
Well Obama Has the same speech ,, still no agenda
No specifics on what he going to do, Just VOte for Me
Vote for Change I Have nothing to offer or give just a new face in the same old politics,
And Flip flopping back and fourth ,,, and everything I get caught in, doing,,, Now we McCain Electing A Woman VP if McCain gets Elected She will be the First Woman VIce President, and make History,,, I Voted For Hillary and now I will Vote for McCain
August 29th, 2008 at 8:58 am
it was an amazing speech – and how refreshing to have someone WRITE HIS OWN speech!!!!! truly impressive – i had chills!
it is so funny to hear the republicans liken him to Hitler, you know, if McCain had inspired so many people and had such an incredible turn-out at his event, they would have loved it. what sore losers!!
August 29th, 2008 at 8:59 am
Paul V – actually he did tell us what he was going to do – maybe you didn’t watch the whole thing????
August 29th, 2008 at 8:59 am
Paul V – where in the heck do you get your info!? You are the first person I’ve ever heard of mentioning those ideas. You’re a wack-o! Oh, and where did you learn (?) to type??? Yikes! You sound like what Jane was worried about!
August 29th, 2008 at 9:00 am
Didn’t Mr. Obama mention people usisng SCARE TACTICS (Paul V and crew – I’m talkin’ to you!) instead of FACTS???? How true.
August 29th, 2008 at 9:56 am
I agree the speech was moving, as it was absolutely intended to be, that is politics. However I don’t appreciate the inference that Obama’s speech is on the same level of importance as MLK Jr.’s “I have a dream..” speech.
August 29th, 2008 at 10:17 am
Mr. Obama has a lot of work ahead of him. I just like to know where all the funding is going to come from for all of his promises he made last night, you and me. False promises people.
August 29th, 2008 at 11:22 am
I am in awe of Obama. I was so emotional through much of his speech. I got tears in my eyes more than once just thinking about what a monumental year this is. I am sorry that it has taken so long to get to this point, but I am glad that I will be able to remember this amazing election.
August 29th, 2008 at 11:43 am
What a fantastic speech – so articulate and intelligent. Such a nice change from the Republican Party.
August 29th, 2008 at 11:51 am
Why must it always be about Democrats & Republicans? Why must it still be about race or gender? The future I want is when there is no such thing weighing in on people’s decisions. Even those who are avid supporters of Obama (of which I am) when you say that you are excited a black man may be President, or that a woman be VP…you’re still making it about race and gender. To truly listen to the words of MLK would be to disregard Democrat v. Republican, Black v. White, and Female v. Male and vote for the cadidates who simply are the best. The person whose speech moves you to tears, or stirs up hope in you and makes your spirits elevated.
That person for me, is Barack Obama.
And to those from either “side” that say that the other candidate is full of empty promises as we Americans tend to say year after year….how sad is that? That we are so jaded that we assume that everyone is lying to us just to get our vote. I choose to believe that there are good people in this country that honestly want to do the things they promise and set forth. The thing to remember for anyone that becomes President is that decisions in this nation are not made by one person alone, any idea, be it good or bad, must first pass through the ranks of government. So just think, that just because someone does not deliver everything they said they would doesn’t mean they didn’t try…it means no one helped them get it done.
We are the greatest nation on Earth and it’s about time we stop acting like children, quit bitching, and do something about it.
YES WE CAN.
August 29th, 2008 at 11:52 am
This was a wonderful speech and I certainly hope Obama can deliver on his promises. I’m voting for him, don’t get me wrong, but I’m pretty much skeptical of politicians from either party- period. I want very much to believe in Obama and what he stands for, and I’ll root for him the whole way, but I just hope he can put some action behind those words if he makes it into office come November.
For those of you who are anti-Obama — please keep in mind that ALL politicians will give you a song and dance to woo you to their side. You may not like what you hear coming out of Obama’s mouth…but be wary of the same rhetoric coming from McCain. McCain USED to be a maverick…until he decided to run for office and began backing the Bush administration nine times out of ten. I had respect for him when he wasn’t afraid to zig while much of his party was zagging. Now he just makes me sad. Yet another sellout, IMO.
August 29th, 2008 at 12:23 pm
Although its going to be a difficult 8 years correcting all the numerous and abundant wrongs of the (finally soon to be =D) president I think we should remember that nothing can ever change without trying first! If we don’t vote for change then we’ll have nothing but McCain, and Bush forever!
August 29th, 2008 at 12:25 pm
For those of you who are pro-Obama remember ALL POLITICIANS will say what you want to hear. In obamas case not really answer anything at all in my opinion. His vision changes if you go back to the original debates, and trust me I have followed this from the start, you will see how when he answers a question he doesn’t quite answer it. A little vague answer and then a story, like how his mom caught cancer… Catching cancer is impossible just fyi. And yes he did say that so go back and watch the clips from when he was asked about healthcare. He is wavering back and forth, choosing someone who will be the vp but end up making decisions for him. In my not so humble opinion I don’t think he will make it. Here is my prediction should he get elected we will see a few good months but then the true light will shine and the change will come, however it will not be this glorious one you obama supporters think it will be. The economy always goes up with new blood in the office but that wanes after a few months. So Obama will not be getting my vote, I will write in ronald mcdonald first.
August 29th, 2008 at 12:25 pm
“This was never about me, it never has — it’s always been about you.”
I started crying when he said that…
August 29th, 2008 at 12:27 pm
I LOVE OBAMA… and I’M CANADIAN!!!!!!! :)
August 29th, 2008 at 1:01 pm
I wanted Hilary (and I’m proud to say it), but now my vote will be for Obama. The Republicans have severely screwed up this country and we cannot let them win again. McCain is just as EVIL as Bush and all people need to see this. Like a t-shirt said the other day “Barock the vote!”
August 29th, 2008 at 1:05 pm
I think mccain picked a girl as vp because he was all ’shit. i’m going to loose this, let me quick think of a way to get votes’
August 29th, 2008 at 2:13 pm
For the fist time in my 27 years, I am excited about this presidential election, excited for change! Life here in Michigan is getting worse and worse for so many hardworking people, and 4 more years under basically THE SAME government as we have been for the past 8 years will run us in to the ground!
So, I am proud and excited to be voting for Obama!
oh, and comparing him to hitler???? really? wow.
August 29th, 2008 at 2:21 pm
Obama/Biden 08!!!
McCain is old, out of touch, and is parading around the same ideals of the Bush administration. If you believe we need some change, please Vote Obama/Biden!!
And for all you people out there who thinks he doesn’t answer question, check your information better. He has a great website that answers all your questions, as well as numerous youtube video’s of debates or even check out CNN. They got it all summerized for you, where the cainidates stand and what not. Be informed! Register to Vote! These are important times, folks, so choose wisely!
August 29th, 2008 at 2:58 pm
What an exciting night!! What an amazing speech!
August 29th, 2008 at 3:13 pm
Canada for Obama!
August 29th, 2008 at 4:44 pm
so that’s what i’m feeling!! it’s HOPE! it’s been so long since i’ve felt it, i was having a hard time putting a name on it…. thanks T. the speech was amazing. O B A M A 2008!!!!!!!!!!
August 29th, 2008 at 4:48 pm
Haha… OllyDolly you stole my thunder! I was just about to comment that I was Canadian and that I too want to vote for Obama!! LOL :)
August 29th, 2008 at 11:04 pm
I would certainly never vote for a candidate solely on race/gender/religion/etc, but I admit, it is so unbeliveably amazing and inspiring that there actually is an African American candidate in a major party. Segregation was in place only decades ago!
I am happy to not vote based on the lesser of 2 evils, but rather to vote for someone I actually believe in.
August 30th, 2008 at 5:59 am
Trent – I agree with you. I got chills. Yes, we can folks. It is time for change.
PaulV – you did way too much crack.
August 31st, 2008 at 9:54 am
In 8 yrs. McCain will be 80 years old!