Barack Obama's Speech - Tilted Forum Project Discussion Community

brianna · 07-27-2004, 08:27 PM

hell, if Clinton's speech desearves it's own thread so does this guy! I heard him giving the speach at the DNC tonight and i was blown away. Did anyway one else hear it? thoughts?

Quote:

On behalf of the great state of Illinois, crossroads of a nation, land of Lincoln, let me express my deep gratitude for the privilege of addressing this convention. Tonight is a particular honor for me because, let's face it, my presence on this stage is pretty unlikely. My father was a foreign student, born and raised in a small village in Kenya. He grew up herding goats, went to school in a tin-roof shack. His father, my grandfather, was a cook, a domestic servant.

But my grandfather had larger dreams for his son. Through hard work and perseverance my father got a scholarship to study in a magical place: America, which stood as a beacon of freedom and opportunity to so many who had come before. While studying here, my father met my mother. She was born in a town on the other side of the world, in Kansas. Her father worked on oil rigs and farms through most of the Depression. The day after Pearl Harbor he signed up for duty, joined Patton's army and marched across Europe. Back home, my grandmother raised their baby and went to work on a bomber assembly line. After the war, they studied on the GI Bill, bought a house through FHA, and moved west in search of opportunity.

And they, too, had big dreams for their daughter, a common dream, born of two continents. My parents shared not only an improbable love; they shared an abiding faith in the possibilities of this nation. They would give me an African name, Barack, or "blessed," believing that in a tolerant America your name is no barrier to success. They imagined me going to the best schools in the land, even though they weren't rich, because in a generous America you don't have to be rich to achieve your potential. They are both passed away now. Yet, I know that, on this night, they look down on me with pride.

I stand here today, grateful for the diversity of my heritage, aware that my parents' dreams live on in my precious daughters. I stand here knowing that my story is part of the larger American story, that I owe a debt to all of those who came before me, and that, in no other country on earth, is my story even possible. Tonight, we gather to affirm the greatness of our nation, not because of the height of our skyscrapers, or the power of our military, or the size of our economy. Our pride is based on a very simple premise, summed up in a declaration made over two hundred years ago, "We hold these truths to he self-evident, that all men are created equal. That they are endowed by their Creator with certain inalienable rights. That among these are life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness."

That is the true genius of America, a faith in the simple dreams of its people, the insistence on small miracles. That we can tuck in our children at night and know they are fed and clothed and safe from harm. That we can say what we think, write what we think, without hearing a sudden knock on the door. That we can have an idea and start our own business without paying a bribe or hiring somebody's son. That we can participate in the political process without fear of retribution, and that our votes will he counted — or at least, most of the time.

This year, in this election, we are called to reaffirm our values and commitments, to hold them against a hard reality and see how we are measuring up, to the legacy of our forbearers, and the promise of future generations. And fellow Americans — Democrats, Republicans, Independents — I say to you tonight: we have more work to do. More to do for the workers I met in Galesburg, Illinois, who are losing their union jobs at the Maytag plant that's moving to Mexico, and now are having to compete with their own children for jobs that pay seven bucks an hour. More to do for the father I met who was losing his job and choking back tears, wondering how he would pay $4,500 a month for the drugs his son needs without the health benefits he counted on. More to do for the young woman in East St. Louis, and thousands more like her, who has the grades, has the drive, has the will, but doesn't have the money to go to college.

Don't get me wrong. The people I meet in small towns and big cities, in diners and office parks, they don't expect government to solve all their problems. They know they have to work hard to get ahead and they want to. Go into the collar counties around Chicago, and people will tell you they don't want their tax money wasted by a welfare agency or the Pentagon. Go into any inner city neighborhood, and folks will tell you that government alone can't teach kids to learn. They know that parents have to parent, that children can't achieve unless we raise their expectations and turn off the television sets and eradicate the slander that says a black youth with a book is acting white. No, people don't expect government to solve all their problems. But they sense, deep in their bones, that with just a change in priorities, we can make sure that every child in America has a decent shot at life, and that the doors of opportunity remain open to all. They know we can do better. And they want that choice.

In this election, we offer that choice. Our party has chosen a man to lead us who embodies the best this country has to offer. That man is John Kerry. John Kerry understands the ideals of community, faith, and sacrifice, because they've defined his life. From his heroic service in Vietnam to his years as prosecutor and lieutenant governor, through two decades in the United States Senate, he has devoted himself to this country. Again and again, we've seen him make tough choices when easier ones were available. His values and his record affirm what is best in us.

John Kerry believes in an America where hard work is rewarded. So instead of offering tax breaks to companies shipping jobs overseas, he'll offer them to companies creating jobs here at home. John Kerry believes in an America where all Americans can afford the same health coverage our politicians in Washington have for themselves. John Kerry believes in energy independence, so we aren't held hostage to the profits of oil companies or the sabotage of foreign oil fields. John Kerry believes in the constitutional freedoms that have made our country the envy of the world, and he will never sacrifice our basic liberties nor use faith as a wedge to divide us. And John Kerry believes that in a dangerous world, war must be an option, but it should never he the first option.

A while back, I met a young man named Shamus at the VFW Hall in East Moline, Illinois. He was a good-looking kid, six-two or six-three, clear-eyed, with an easy smile. He told me he'd joined the Marines and was heading to Iraq the following week. As I listened to him explain why he'd enlisted, his absolute faith in our country and its leaders, his devotion to duty and service, I thought this young man was all any of us might hope for in a child. But then I asked myself: Are we serving Shamus as well as he was serving us? I thought of more than 900 service men and women, sons and daughters, husbands and wives, friends and neighbors, who will not be returning to their hometowns. I thought of families I had met who were struggling to get by without a loved one's full income, or whose loved ones had returned with a limb missing or with nerves shattered, but who still lacked long-term health benefits because they were reservists. When we send our young men and women into harm's way, we have a solemn obligation not to fudge the numbers or shade the truth about why they're going, to care for their families while they're gone, to tend to the soldiers upon their return, and to never ever go to war without enough troops to win the war, secure the peace, and earn the respect of the world.

Now let me be clear. We have real enemies in the world. These enemies must be found. They must be pursued and they must be defeated. John Kerry knows this. And just as Lieutenant Kerry did not hesitate to risk his life to protect the men who served with him in Vietnam, President Kerry will not hesitate one moment to use our military might to keep America safe and secure. John Kerry believes in America. And he knows it's not enough for just some of us to prosper. For alongside our famous individualism, there's another ingredient in the American saga.

A belief that we are connected as one people. If there's a child on the south side of Chicago who can't read, that matters to me, even if it's not my child. If there's a senior citizen somewhere who can't pay for her prescription and has to choose between medicine and the rent, that makes my life poorer, even if it's not my grandmother. If there's an Arab American family being rounded up without benefit of an attorney or due process, that threatens my civil liberties. It's that fundamental belief — I am my brother's keeper, I am my sister's keeper — that makes this country work. It's what allows us to pursue our individual dreams, yet still come together as a single American family. "E pluribus unum." Out of many, one.

Yet even as we speak, there are those who are preparing to divide us, the spin masters and negative ad peddlers who embrace the politics of anything goes. Well, I say to them tonight, there's not a liberal America and a conservative America — there's the United States of America. There's not a black America and white America and Latino America and Asian America; there's the United States of America. The pundits like to slice-and-dice our country into Red States and Blue States; Red States for Republicans, Blue States for Democrats. But I've got news for them, too. We worship an awesome God in the Blue States, and we don't like federal agents poking around our libraries in the Red States. We coach Little League in the Blue States and have gay friends in the Red States. There are patriots who opposed the war in Iraq and patriots who supported it. We are one people, all of us pledging allegiance to the stars and stripes, all of us defending the United States of America.

In the end, that's what this election is about. Do we participate in a politics of cynicism or a politics of hope? John Kerry calls on us to hope. John Edwards calls on us to hope. I'm not talking about blind optimism here — the almost willful ignorance that thinks unemployment will go away if we just don't talk about it, or the health care crisis will solve itself if we just ignore it. No, I'm talking about something more substantial. It's the hope of slaves sitting around a fire singing freedom songs; the hope of immigrants setting out for distant shores; the hope of a young naval lieutenant bravely patrolling the Mekong Delta; the hope of a millworker's son who dares to defy the odds; the hope of a skinny kid with a funny name who believes that America has a place for him, too. The audacity of hope!

In the end, that is God's greatest gift to us, the bedrock of this nation; the belief in things not seen; the belief that there are better days ahead. I believe we can give our middle class relief and provide working families with a road to opportunity. I believe we can provide jobs to the jobless, homes to the homeless, and reclaim young people in cities across America from violence and despair. I believe that as we stand on the crossroads of history, we can make the right choices, and meet the challenges that face us. America!

Tonight, if you feel the same energy I do, the same urgency I do, the same passion I do, the same hopefulness I do — if we do what we must do, then I have no doubt that all across the country, from Florida to Oregon, from Washington to Maine, the people will rise up in November, and John Kerry will be sworn in as president, and John Edwards will be sworn in as vice president, and this country will reclaim its promise, and out of this long political darkness a brighter day will come. Thank you and God bless you.

http://www.usatoday.com/news/politic...ech-text_x.htm

maximusveritas · 07-27-2004, 09:50 PM

It was the best political speech I've heard in a long, long time. Clinton has given some good speeches, but this was on another level

I had goosebumps listening to him speak. That must have been what it was like for my parents when they listened to the Kennedy brothers and Dr.King give their memorable speeches.

It's a shame that most Ameicans didn't get to see that speech. Hopefully, we'll get to see much more of him in the future.

Seaver · 07-27-2004, 10:06 PM

I was falling asleep watching TV when I came accross his speech.

...

You all know I lean on the conservative side, but I could honestly see this man as President soon.

I dont know anything about his politics. The nation knows nothing about his voting record (none to speak of). But he is the best public speaker the US has seen since Kennedy or King IMO.

His demeanor while speaking, confident and a bit arrogant (what I like to see). His voice projecting like a General talking to his troops. His hand gestures seem natural (as opposed to the seemingly taught gestures by Kerry/Clinton/Gore).

I had mostly ignored everything I've seen on the news about him being the new Democrat star, honestly passing it off as them posting a young tokin' black guy to draw out minority votes. He deserved to be up on that stage. IMO he upstaged everyone else combined.

Gore sounding resentful and bitter. Clinton sounding indifferent. Hillary just a bad speaker. Dems just better hope Obama doesnt upstage Kerry. Obama LOOKED like he belonged there during that speach, Kerry always seems uncomfterble.

Wax_off · 07-27-2004, 11:16 PM

Obama was great. That guy's a future star.

You know who shouldn't have been on that stage? Teresa Heinz-Kerry. Ugh. That one hurt. She was just about as unwatchable as Bush is. *SO* not first lady material.

Bobaphat · 07-27-2004, 11:22 PM

He is certainly a talented orator. I was deeply moved by his speech. He was able to keep a positive tone throughout which has been a goal of the Dems at this convention. As always, I would have liked to hear more platform and less rhetoric, but that's for Kerry to do come Thursday I guess. All in all, I see a bright future for this man. I hope he doesn't do anything stupid to screw it up. Assuming he gets the senate seat he's running for (which is pretty much a foregone conclusion) its about time there was a black male democrat in the senate.

SecretMethod70 · 07-28-2004, 02:02 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Bobaphat
He is certainly a talented orator. I was deeply moved by his speech. He was able to keep a positive tone throughout which has been a goal of the Dems at this convention. As always, I would have liked to hear more platform and less rhetoric, but that's for Kerry to do come Thursday I guess. All in all, I see a bright future for this man. I hope he doesn't do anything stupid to screw it up. Assuming he gets the senate seat he's running for (which is pretty much a foregone conclusion) its about time there was a black male democrat in the senate.

There's no need for assumption at all with him. Basically the only way he would not get the senate seat he's running for is if no one in Illinois voted. He's essentially running uncontested.

Seems like a pretty good guy, regardless of his political stance.

Sparhawk · 07-28-2004, 03:01 AM

Incredible speech. Absolutely amazing. A pity the networks didn't cover it. I could have done without Mrs. Kerry's speech though...

hammer4all · 07-28-2004, 03:13 AM

Yeah, he's good.

Superbelt · 07-28-2004, 03:18 AM

I've been watching the guy through his campaign. He's definetley got the total package going on. I can see him running for President in the relatively near future and blowing his opponents out of the water.

prb · 07-28-2004, 06:28 AM

I think the speech was historic in the sense that it served as Obama's introduction to the nation. He can probably go as high as he wants in politics. Just as impressive was the way he deflected praise for his speech in an interview minutes after and the way he answered questions on the spot. I like this guy.

ARTelevision · 07-28-2004, 07:06 AM

The themes of conciliation, reconciliation, unity of purpose - they were important. He delivers.

The entire tone, rhetorical methodology, and ultimate content of Obama's and Heinz-Kerry's speeches were far too 1960s for me to really appreciate, however. Spirited idealism with very little realism, IMO.

kutulu · 07-28-2004, 09:43 AM

It doesn't matter how good or motivating he is. I honestly can't see enough of America voting for a black man to be President. Not yet at least.

Bobaphat · 07-28-2004, 09:46 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by SecretMethod70
There's no need for assumption at all with him. Basically the only way he would not get the senate seat he's running for is if no one in Illinois voted. He's essentially running uncontested.

Seems like a pretty good guy, regardless of his political stance.

That is why I assume that he will get the seat. The Republicans are still scrambling to find a replacement candidate and if they find someone, oh, I don't know, like Jesus Christ, they may still pull out a victory...

Journeyman · 07-28-2004, 09:49 AM

Thank you, Hammer4all.

http://www.issues2000.org/Domestic/B...un_Control.htm

Quote:

Barack Obama on Gun Control

Principles that Obama supports on gun issues:
Ban the sale or transfer of all forms of semi-automatic weapons.
Increase state restrictions on the purchase and possession of firearms.
Require manufacturers to provide child-safety locks with firearms.

Ooooooo close, but no cigar. The guy sounds promising, but any politician can promise anything they want and then turn around and set up a complete and utter dictatorship if the only people with decent firearms are the people in charge.

matteo101 · 07-28-2004, 10:37 AM

Barack brought the house down. This guy can speak, he has attitude, flare, drive, and truely looks like he wants to make a difference in not only the democratic party, not only in the senate, not only in politics, but in the United States. I hope this guy goes far. To bad not many heard his speach. I hope he said alot about the democratic party, and can convince afew more people to vote blue.

powerclown · 07-28-2004, 10:56 AM

The guy could sell ice cubes in Siberia.
Brilliant orator.

Locobot · 07-28-2004, 11:06 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Journeyman
Thank you, Hammer4all.

Ooooooo close, but no cigar. The guy sounds promising, but any politician can promise anything they want and then turn around and set up a complete and utter dictatorship if the only people with decent firearms are the people in charge.

You have to remember that this guy is coming out of Chicago, the odds-on murder capital of the U.S. You can't buy a handgun in the city limits and most people will agree that's a good thing. Do you really have a problem with requiring child-safety locks and increased waiting periods? If you're only voting on one issue you're unable to make an informed choice. If guns are such a good thing that make us so safe, how about you try and survive a night walking around Hyde park by yourself in all that gun-blessed "safety."

Journeyman · 07-28-2004, 11:14 AM

If I was more concerned about the gradual tyrant-izing of the government, why would I care about child locks and waiting periods? I'd very, very much appreciate it if both of those were implemented across the country, along with more thorough background checks and all that good jazz.

To ban the sale or transfer of semi-automatic weapons is a helluva stickler item for me. It's not about being safe from home invasion, or ensuring that I can hunt ducks in duckhunting season. For me, it's about the security of a free state being increased by armed citizenry (well-regulated militia does not equal well-regulated gun industry. That, you have to play by ear).

Seaver · 07-28-2004, 11:53 AM

Quote:

Ban the sale or transfer of all forms of semi-automatic weapons.

Great, so the guy that breaks into my house has a full auto and I get a bolt action? No thanks.

Locobot · 07-28-2004, 12:06 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Journeyman
If I was more concerned about the gradual tyrant-izing of the government, why would I care about child locks and waiting periods? I'd very, very much appreciate it if both of those were implemented across the country, along with more thorough background checks and all that good jazz.

To ban the sale or transfer of semi-automatic weapons is a helluva stickler item for me. It's not about being safe from home invasion, or ensuring that I can hunt ducks in duckhunting season. For me, it's about the security of a free state being increased by armed citizenry (well-regulated militia does not equal well-regulated gun industry. That, you have to play by ear).

Yeah, and I invited you to tour an area where a large portion of the citizenry is armed: Chicago's south side. Put your money where your mouth is and prove your point with an after-hours walking tour of North Ave. (ex-Cabrini Green area). You can discover for yourself how secure all those guns make your free state.

You cannot make an informed choice if you're only voting on one issue.

Seaver · 07-28-2004, 12:54 PM

Quote:

Yeah, and I invited you to tour an area where a large portion of the citizenry is armed:

Really? I lived in an area with a higher % armed population than Chicago probably (everyone owning at least one gun, some up to a dozen). No problems with shooting.

High crime areas do not go hand in hand with high gun ownership. There's still lots of crime in Jersey even though all guns are pretty much totally outlawed.

brianna · 07-28-2004, 01:06 PM

could we please try not to turn this into a paranoid rant about gun ownership?

I think locobot made a great point that voting on one issue alone is a very dangerous business.

Journeyman · 07-28-2004, 03:04 PM

I don't. Outlaw guns, and guess who has them? Outlaws. Think the ban on automatic weapons keeps automatic weapons off the streets? Nope.

In terms of the invitation: I accept it, on your dime. Cali to Chi-Town and Back.

Edit:

Quote:

You cannot make an informed choice if you're only voting on one issue.

Like I said, he was close to being an ideal candidate for me. But banning semi-auto's is not something I'm going to condone, or vote for. If it comes down to it, I'll find myself a moderate democrat who will be strict on the issues I want one way and lax on the issues i want another way. That's informed voting, is it not?

hammer4all · 07-28-2004, 03:15 PM

Here is his speech for those who missed it.

Lasereth · 07-28-2004, 03:53 PM

I know nothing about politics. The fact that I only get one channel in my room has had me watching the Democratic National Convention everyday, however. Clinton's speech was simply amazing, but Obama's easily rivalled it. I've went from a Bush supporter (over idea's I had no idea about) to a Kerry supporter in a week because of these two guys. I can't wait until Kerry is on stage tomorrow.

I agree with the news reporters on TV -- his speech was MLK Jr. material. I also agree that more stations should have covered it...it was unbelievable.

-Lasereth

sailor · 07-29-2004, 05:22 AM

I love this guy. I can see him going somewhere--and Ill be voting for him all the way.

I dont like his stance on the semi-automatic guns, but the rest of it is a-ok with me. And like was said--you cant vote only on one issue. Besides, do you honestly think he could get anything like that passed nationwide?

mml · 07-29-2004, 10:04 AM

Obama really caught me off guard. I had heard some good things about him but he really knocked the ball out of the park with that speech. That being said, let's see what he does in office, assuming(and it seems most likely) that he actually gets elected.

Cutulu, I do think that by the time he is ready to run for an even higher office our nation will be more accepting of an African-American in the White House.

But it was on hell of a speech.

inkriminator · 07-29-2004, 12:33 PM

Here's a video of the speech.

http://www.dems2004.org/site/apps/nl...5925&ct=158769

Flyguy · 07-31-2004, 02:57 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by kutulu
It doesn't matter how good or motivating he is. I honestly can't see enough of America voting for a black man to be President. Not yet at least.

Why?

archer2371 · 07-31-2004, 07:28 PM

Hell, I was highly impressed by Obama's speech, and y'all know me, I'm pretty hard core conservative (just search my previous posts if you're new). But man, this guy was good, and I mean real good. I might not ever vote for him, but at least he looks like someone who would be able to communicate with all of America and get some things done in the interest of the people.

MSD · 07-31-2004, 10:50 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Sparhawk
Incredible speech. Absolutely amazing. A pity the networks didn't cover it. I could have done without Mrs. Kerry's speech though...

I saw it on all of the national networks ...

Sparhawk · 08-01-2004, 04:47 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by MrSelfDestruct
I saw it on all of the national networks ...

ABC, NBC, CBS, FOX?

scapegoat · 08-02-2004, 11:43 PM

Absolutly amazing speaker.... (meeting him tommrow morning at a breakfast

Defintly has great things ahead of him, i can see him running for pres some day, hell i would vote for him

pan6467 · 08-03-2004, 10:27 AM

I waited a week for this because I wanted to see if anyone would say anything anywhere and noone has, interesting.

I will say this that was thge night MM was on O'Reilly and I left Faux News on where after MM the anchor said Osama Bin Laden was to speak at the DNC next and it took about 5 minutes for him to correct himself. Then when he did correct himself he treated it as a joke and laughed. Had I been Obama I would have demanded an appology. That was pathetic. Of course it was Faux News and the best 2 shows (Buchanan and Press/ Sliwa and that other guy) they ever had they cancelled.

Don't know if anyone else saw it but it adds fuel to the fire of how prejudiced against the Dems and how biased Faux is.

Had CNN done it to someone at the RNC we would have heard massive complaints and crying.

matthew330 · 08-03-2004, 10:53 AM

that was really difficult to follow. Who said what to whom when after MM did something with O'Reilly and the best two shows were cancelled Obama added fuel to the fire and introduced Osama on Faux news and if Obama was Republican much crying would have ensued?

I think i get the gist of it, but it did take awhile.

My response...no comment.

pan6467 · 08-03-2004, 11:18 AM

Sorry Matthew, I'll try again less confusing cause it is but unfortunately that's how my mind works. I have the knowledge and the info just possess very bad communication skills at times.

The night MM was on O'Reilly I watched the O'Reilly Factor.

After O'Reilly ended the show after's anchor guy ran down the DNC speakers. He claimed Osama Bin Laden was coming up next.

They went to commercial.

They came back the guy was talking about the night's upcoming events again. Then he said he appologized laughing, he had meant to say Obama Barrack and of course Osama wouldn't be at the DNC convention.

My take was it was very biased, very slanted and had CNN did that to someone at the RNC people would have been complaining imnmediately and crying for an appology and that guy's job and it would not have been a week before someone on here said anything about it. The GOP would also have a reasonable issue at the credibilty of CNN's handling of the news. I'm just surprised noone from the DNC has said anything.

Had I been Obama I would have been on every news show the next morning and ripped Faux News and demanded an appology. But it is obvious he has far more class than I do in this situation.

I just do not see how anyone can take that news source seriously when they allow mistakes that obvious and biased to be allowed and go unchecked. I found it disgraceful and hateful and for those watching Faux, their views on Obama's speech could have been tainted by that.

I do think Faux News owed Obama and the DNC a bigger apology but......

I don't complain or look for bias in the news but that was out of line. And I waited a week because I truly wanted to see if anyone else was going to say anything.

As for Faux News, I watched it for 2 shows that were pretty centered and in my opinion damn good those were Buchanan and Press and Sliwa and (can't remember the lawyers name). Those 2 shows were fun to watch. You had the right's view and the left's view and the 4 hosts were very interesting and good men. I think Faux made a huge mistake cancelling those 2 shows.

Flyguy · 08-15-2004, 07:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Flyguy

Why?

It really surprises me that no one has attempted to answer this...

07-27-2004, 11:22 PM	#5 (permalink)
Bobaphat whoopity doo Location: Seattle	He is certainly a talented orator. I was deeply moved by his speech. He was able to keep a positive tone throughout which has been a goal of the Dems at this convention. As always, I would have liked to hear more platform and less rhetoric, but that's for Kerry to do come Thursday I guess. All in all, I see a bright future for this man. I hope he doesn't do anything stupid to screw it up. Assuming he gets the senate seat he's running for (which is pretty much a foregone conclusion) its about time there was a black male democrat in the senate. __________________ --size matters not-- yoda

07-28-2004, 03:01 AM	#7 (permalink)
Sparhawk Dubya Location: VA	Incredible speech. Absolutely amazing. A pity the networks didn't cover it. I could have done without Mrs. Kerry's speech though... __________________ "In Iraq, no doubt about it, it's tough. It's hard work. It's incredibly hard. It's - and it's hard work. I understand how hard it is. I get the casualty reports every day. I see on the TV screens how hard it is. But it's necessary work. We're making progress. It is hard work."

07-28-2004, 07:06 AM	#11 (permalink)
ARTelevision I change Location: USA	The themes of conciliation, reconciliation, unity of purpose - they were important. He delivers. The entire tone, rhetorical methodology, and ultimate content of Obama's and Heinz-Kerry's speeches were far too 1960s for me to really appreciate, however. Spirited idealism with very little realism, IMO. __________________ create evolution

07-28-2004, 03:53 PM	#25 (permalink)
Lasereth Knight of the Old Republic Location: Winston-Salem, NC	I know nothing about politics. The fact that I only get one channel in my room has had me watching the Democratic National Convention everyday, however. Clinton's speech was simply amazing, but Obama's easily rivalled it. I've went from a Bush supporter (over idea's I had no idea about) to a Kerry supporter in a week because of these two guys. I can't wait until Kerry is on stage tomorrow. I agree with the news reporters on TV -- his speech was MLK Jr. material. I also agree that more stations should have covered it...it was unbelievable. -Lasereth __________________ "A Darwinian attacks his theory, seeking to find flaws. An ID believer defends his theory, seeking to conceal flaws." -Roger Ebert

07-29-2004, 05:22 AM	#26 (permalink)
sailor beauty in the breakdown Location: Chapel Hill, NC	I love this guy. I can see him going somewhere--and Ill be voting for him all the way. I dont like his stance on the semi-automatic guns, but the rest of it is a-ok with me. And like was said--you cant vote only on one issue. Besides, do you honestly think he could get anything like that passed nationwide? __________________ "Good people do not need laws to tell them to act responsibly, while bad people will find a way around the laws." --Plato

07-27-2004, 09:50 PM	#2 (permalink)
maximusveritas Winner	It was the best political speech I've heard in a long, long time. Clinton has given some good speeches, but this was on another level I had goosebumps listening to him speak. That must have been what it was like for my parents when they listened to the Kennedy brothers and Dr.King give their memorable speeches. It's a shame that most Ameicans didn't get to see that speech. Hopefully, we'll get to see much more of him in the future.

07-27-2004, 10:06 PM	#3 (permalink)
Seaver Junkie Location: Fort Worth, TX	I was falling asleep watching TV when I came accross his speech. ... You all know I lean on the conservative side, but I could honestly see this man as President soon. I dont know anything about his politics. The nation knows nothing about his voting record (none to speak of). But he is the best public speaker the US has seen since Kennedy or King IMO. His demeanor while speaking, confident and a bit arrogant (what I like to see). His voice projecting like a General talking to his troops. His hand gestures seem natural (as opposed to the seemingly taught gestures by Kerry/Clinton/Gore). I had mostly ignored everything I've seen on the news about him being the new Democrat star, honestly passing it off as them posting a young tokin' black guy to draw out minority votes. He deserved to be up on that stage. IMO he upstaged everyone else combined. Gore sounding resentful and bitter. Clinton sounding indifferent. Hillary just a bad speaker. Dems just better hope Obama doesnt upstage Kerry. Obama LOOKED like he belonged there during that speach, Kerry always seems uncomfterble.

07-27-2004, 11:16 PM	#4 (permalink)
Wax_off No Avatar, No Sig.	Obama was great. That guy's a future star. You know who shouldn't have been on that stage? Teresa Heinz-Kerry. Ugh. That one hurt. She was just about as unwatchable as Bush is. SO not first lady material.

07-28-2004, 03:13 AM	#8 (permalink)
hammer4all Insane	Yeah, he's good.

07-28-2004, 03:18 AM	#9 (permalink)
Superbelt This vexes me. I am terribly vexed. Location: Grantville, Pa	I've been watching the guy through his campaign. He's definetley got the total package going on. I can see him running for President in the relatively near future and blowing his opponents out of the water.

07-28-2004, 06:28 AM	#10 (permalink)
prb Psycho	I think the speech was historic in the sense that it served as Obama's introduction to the nation. He can probably go as high as he wants in politics. Just as impressive was the way he deflected praise for his speech in an interview minutes after and the way he answered questions on the spot. I like this guy.

07-28-2004, 09:43 AM	#12 (permalink)
kutulu Junkie	It doesn't matter how good or motivating he is. I honestly can't see enough of America voting for a black man to be President. Not yet at least.

07-28-2004, 10:37 AM	#15 (permalink)
matteo101 In transition Location: north, no south abit, over to the right, getting warmer...there!	Barack brought the house down. This guy can speak, he has attitude, flare, drive, and truely looks like he wants to make a difference in not only the democratic party, not only in the senate, not only in politics, but in the United States. I hope this guy goes far. To bad not many heard his speach. I hope he said alot about the democratic party, and can convince afew more people to vote blue.

07-28-2004, 10:56 AM	#16 (permalink)
powerclown Junkie Location: Detroit, MI	The guy could sell ice cubes in Siberia. Brilliant orator.

07-28-2004, 11:14 AM	#18 (permalink)
Journeyman Like John Goodman, but not. Location: SFBA, California	If I was more concerned about the gradual tyrant-izing of the government, why would I care about child locks and waiting periods? I'd very, very much appreciate it if both of those were implemented across the country, along with more thorough background checks and all that good jazz. To ban the sale or transfer of semi-automatic weapons is a helluva stickler item for me. It's not about being safe from home invasion, or ensuring that I can hunt ducks in duckhunting season. For me, it's about the security of a free state being increased by armed citizenry (well-regulated militia does not equal well-regulated gun industry. That, you have to play by ear).

07-28-2004, 01:06 PM	#22 (permalink)
brianna Addict Location: nyc	could we please try not to turn this into a paranoid rant about gun ownership? I think locobot made a great point that voting on one issue alone is a very dangerous business.

07-28-2004, 03:15 PM	#24 (permalink)
hammer4all Insane	Here is his speech for those who missed it.

07-29-2004, 10:04 AM	#27 (permalink)
mml Adrift Location: Wandering in the Desert of Life	Obama really caught me off guard. I had heard some good things about him but he really knocked the ball out of the park with that speech. That being said, let's see what he does in office, assuming(and it seems most likely) that he actually gets elected. Cutulu, I do think that by the time he is ready to run for an even higher office our nation will be more accepting of an African-American in the White House. But it was on hell of a speech. __________________ Human beings, who are almost unique in having the ability to learn from the experience of others, are also remarkable for their apparent disinclination to do so." -Douglas Adams

07-29-2004, 12:33 PM	#28 (permalink)
inkriminator Insane	Here's a video of the speech. http://www.dems2004.org/site/apps/nl...5925&ct=158769

07-31-2004, 07:28 PM	#30 (permalink)
archer2371 Sarge of Blood Gulch Red Outpost Number One Location: On the front lines against our very enemy	Hell, I was highly impressed by Obama's speech, and y'all know me, I'm pretty hard core conservative (just search my previous posts if you're new). But man, this guy was good, and I mean real good. I might not ever vote for him, but at least he looks like someone who would be able to communicate with all of America and get some things done in the interest of the people. __________________ "This ain't no Ice Cream Social!" "Hey Grif, Chupathingy...how bout that? I like it...got a ring to it." "I have no earthly idea what it is I just saw, or what this place is, or where in the hell O'Malley is! My only choice is to blame Grif for coming up with such a flawed plan. Stupid, stupid Grif."

08-02-2004, 11:43 PM	#33 (permalink)
scapegoat Insane	Absolutly amazing speaker.... (meeting him tommrow morning at a breakfast Defintly has great things ahead of him, i can see him running for pres some day, hell i would vote for him __________________ Sticks and Stones may break my bones, But Whips and Chains Excite me!

08-03-2004, 10:27 AM	#34 (permalink)
pan6467 Lennonite Priest Location: Mansfield, Ohio USA	I waited a week for this because I wanted to see if anyone would say anything anywhere and noone has, interesting. I will say this that was thge night MM was on O'Reilly and I left Faux News on where after MM the anchor said Osama Bin Laden was to speak at the DNC next and it took about 5 minutes for him to correct himself. Then when he did correct himself he treated it as a joke and laughed. Had I been Obama I would have demanded an appology. That was pathetic. Of course it was Faux News and the best 2 shows (Buchanan and Press/ Sliwa and that other guy) they ever had they cancelled. Don't know if anyone else saw it but it adds fuel to the fire of how prejudiced against the Dems and how biased Faux is. Had CNN done it to someone at the RNC we would have heard massive complaints and crying. __________________ I just love people who use the excuse "I use/do this because I LOVE the feeling/joy/happiness it brings me" and expect you to be ok with that as you watch them destroy their life blindly following. My response is, "I like to put forks in an eletrical socket, just LOVE that feeling, can't ever get enough of it, so will you let me put this copper fork in that electric socket?"

08-03-2004, 10:53 AM	#35 (permalink)
matthew330 Banned	that was really difficult to follow. Who said what to whom when after MM did something with O'Reilly and the best two shows were cancelled Obama added fuel to the fire and introduced Osama on Faux news and if Obama was Republican much crying would have ensued? I think i get the gist of it, but it did take awhile. My response...no comment.

08-03-2004, 11:18 AM	#36 (permalink)
pan6467 Lennonite Priest Location: Mansfield, Ohio USA	Sorry Matthew, I'll try again less confusing cause it is but unfortunately that's how my mind works. I have the knowledge and the info just possess very bad communication skills at times. The night MM was on O'Reilly I watched the O'Reilly Factor. After O'Reilly ended the show after's anchor guy ran down the DNC speakers. He claimed Osama Bin Laden was coming up next. They went to commercial. They came back the guy was talking about the night's upcoming events again. Then he said he appologized laughing, he had meant to say Obama Barrack and of course Osama wouldn't be at the DNC convention. My take was it was very biased, very slanted and had CNN did that to someone at the RNC people would have been complaining imnmediately and crying for an appology and that guy's job and it would not have been a week before someone on here said anything about it. The GOP would also have a reasonable issue at the credibilty of CNN's handling of the news. I'm just surprised noone from the DNC has said anything. Had I been Obama I would have been on every news show the next morning and ripped Faux News and demanded an appology. But it is obvious he has far more class than I do in this situation. I just do not see how anyone can take that news source seriously when they allow mistakes that obvious and biased to be allowed and go unchecked. I found it disgraceful and hateful and for those watching Faux, their views on Obama's speech could have been tainted by that. I do think Faux News owed Obama and the DNC a bigger apology but...... I don't complain or look for bias in the news but that was out of line. And I waited a week because I truly wanted to see if anyone else was going to say anything. As for Faux News, I watched it for 2 shows that were pretty centered and in my opinion damn good those were Buchanan and Press and Sliwa and (can't remember the lawyers name). Those 2 shows were fun to watch. You had the right's view and the left's view and the 4 hosts were very interesting and good men. I think Faux made a huge mistake cancelling those 2 shows. __________________ I just love people who use the excuse "I use/do this because I LOVE the feeling/joy/happiness it brings me" and expect you to be ok with that as you watch them destroy their life blindly following. My response is, "I like to put forks in an eletrical socket, just LOVE that feeling, can't ever get enough of it, so will you let me put this copper fork in that electric socket?" Last edited by pan6467; 08-03-2004 at 11:22 AM..