The Speech That Changed American History

Senator Barack Obama accepted the nomination for president of the United States and changed the course of American political historytonight by saying, “It is with profound gratitude and with great humility that I accept your nomination for president of the United States.”


In a carefully staged event worthy of the Oscar’s, Obama separated himself from John McCain by painting his campaign for president as a campaign of the future - a ‘21st Century’ campaign, while painting McCain’s campaign as a campaign from the past.

Using his uncanny rhetorical skills, the Illinois Senator, challenged McCain’s judgment on Iraq, the economy and his ties to the Bush administration. He accused McCain of voting with George Bush 90 per cent of the time.
“Senator John McCain talks about judgment but what does it say about his judgment when he voted with George Bush 90 per cent of the time. I am not ready to take a chance on the 10 per cent when he is right,” Obama said.

While paying tribute to McCain’s military service, Obama went after his record on Iraq.
“If John McCain wants to follow George Bush in his policies, that his choice, but that is not the change America needs….Don’t tell me the Democrats won’t defend this country…. as Commander in Chief I won’t hesitate to defend this nation.”

Obama attacked the republican’s on their ability to corner the market on ‘patriotism’.
“Patriotism has no party. I love this country just like you. Just like John McCain….
the people who fought and died for America did not fight for a red America, they did not fight for a blue America but a United States of America,” Obama said. “I have news for you John McCain we all love America.”

Dressed in a blue suit, red tie and wearing a pin with the American flag in his lapel, Obama spoke about his humble roots and his working class ethics.


In a speech that will go down in history, the 47-year old Senator from Illinois made some lofty promises in Denver tonight. He promised to cut taxes for 95 per cent of working families and end America’s addiction to oil in 10-years. He promised to invest $150 billion in bio fuels and new technologies over the next 10-years and provide an affordable education for every American.

The skinny little kid for Chicago’s South Side, who grew up to become the first black nominee for president, ended his historic speech by giving due deference to this historic date in history, when Martin Luther King gave his “I have a dream speech” on the Washington Mall. In his closing remarks Obama said, “It is that promise 45 years ago today that brought a young preacher to Washington Mall. We cannot turn back….America we cannot turn back…we cannot walk alone. We must pledge to march into the future.”




Earlier in the evening, the democrats challenged the Republican notion that Obama is an elitist by rolling out a litany of snow white working class folks from all over the states, who testified to Obama’s policies on healthcare, jobs and free trade.

John McCain will announce his vice presidential pick on Friday when he turns 72-years old.


In a night that occasionally felt like there was too much pomp and pageantry here are some of the more memorable lines.

“Tonight I say to the people of America, Democrats, Republicans and Independents, this moment this election is our chance to keep the American promise alive.”

“In November, we must say eight years is enough”

“Patriotism has no party. I love this country just like you. Just like John McCain.”

“In an election like this, change does not come from Washington, change comes to Washington.”