Triumphant night for Obama
By Kevin Vaughan, Rocky Mountain News (Contact)
Published August 28, 2008 at 8:13 p.m.
Updated August 29, 2008 at 8:54 a.m.
Chris Schneider © The Rocky
Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama waves to the crowd after wrapping up his speech Thursday night at Invesco Field.
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Photo by Brian Lehmann © The Rocky
Obama takes the stage at Invesco Field at Mile High.
Photo by Preston Gannaway © The Rocky
Spectators react to Obama's speech.
Photo by Doug Pensinger / / Getty Images
Obama reacts to the crowd.
Photo by Joe Mahoney © The Rocky
Obama delivers his historic acceptance speech.
How would you grade Barack Obama's acceptance speech?
Thursday night, on a date symbolic of both the worst and the best of recent life for African-Americans, a black man stood in a football stadium in Denver and made history, accepting the Democratic Party's nomination for president.
Barack Obama's moment came exactly 53 years after two Mississippi men murdered a black teenager for whistling at a white girl, and exactly 45 years after Martin Luther King Jr. dared to dream of a world where people would "not be judged by the color of their skin, but by the content of their character."
It came with two of King's children inside Invesco Field at Mile High, and with brown and black faces in every section of the stands.
But the night wasn't just about the past. It was also about pomp and politics and Obama's call for change.
And long before Obama himself turned the focus to King, he took aim at his rival, presumed Republican nominee John McCain, attacking him on his ties to President Bush, on tax policy, on energy, on health care, on equal pay for women, on his basic understanding of the situation many Americans find themselves in.
"For over two decades, he's subscribed to that old, discredited Republican philosophy — give more and more to those with the most and hope that prosperity trickles down to everyone else," Obama said. "In Washington, they call this the 'ownership society,' but what it really means is — you're on your own. Out of work? Tough luck. No health care? The market will fix it. Born into poverty? Pull yourself up by your own bootstraps — even if you don't have boots. You're on your own.
"Well, it's time for them to own their failure. It's time for us to change America."
Obama's big night in the big stadium had been seen by some as a risk.
And earlier in the day, he had slipped in a side door at the Denver Athletic Club to play a game of good-luck basketball with his personal aide, Reggie Love, something they'd done all through the campaign on days that featured a primary or a caucus.
The night turned out as only his advisers could have dreamed. A huge crowd — roughly 80,000 in all — at times frenzied, at times rapt. Perfect weather. Fluttering American flags for the television cameras.
Out on the Colfax viaduct south of Invesco Field, roughly 200 people gathered along the sidewalk, shouting and pointing after they caught a glimpse of Obama on the big screens nestled into the upper corners of the stadium.
Even the timing of the final night of the convention offered him a rare opportunity to make a statement about the country's journey to come to grips with racial divisions. The final day of the Democratic National Convention was put on the calendar for Aug. 28 before Obama even launched his candidacy.
It is a date that, for many black Americans, is seared with emotions — outrage and pride, heartbreak and hope.
On Aug. 28, 1955, in Money, Miss., two white men kidnapped Emmett Till, a 14-year-old boy who whistled at a white girl. The men beat Till, gouged out one of his eyes, shot him in the head, tied a cotton gin fan to his neck with barbed wire and hurled his body into the Tallahatchie River. A jury acquitted them, but the incident galvanized the civil rights movement, then in its infancy.
Eight years later, on Aug. 28, 1963, King stood in front of the Lincoln Memorial before 200,000 people and looked ahead to a day when the dynamic would be different.
"I have a dream," King said that day, "that one day this nation will rise up and live out the true meaning of its creed: 'We hold these truths to be self-evident — that all men are created equal. ... I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character."
And on Aug. 28, 2008, Barack Obama became the first black man to accept a major political party's presidential nomination.
"You never thought it would happen in your lifetime," said Lorretta Johnson, 68, a delegate from Maryland who grew up in segregated Baltimore.
The evening began, in earnest, with three people intimately woven into King's life — U.S. Rep. John Lewis, a civil rights icon and the last living speaker from that 1963 March on Washington, King's daughter, the Rev. Bernice King, and son, Martin Luther King III.
"For those of us who stood on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial, or who in the years that followed may have lost hope, this moment is a testament to the power and vision of Martin Luther King Jr.," Lewis said. "It is a testament to the ability of a committed and determined people to make a difference in our history.
"It is a testament to the promise of America."
King's daughter recalled one of her father's lines from that 1963 speech.
"Tonight freedom rings," she said. "From the snow-capped Rockies of Colorado, freedom rings. Forty-five years ago today, my father delivered his 'I Have A Dream' speech. Tonight we witness, in part, what has become of his dream — the acceptance by Sen. Barack Obama of the presidential Democratic nomination, decided not by the color of his skin, but by the content of his character."
At 8:11 p.m., Obama walked across the blue-carpeted stage toward the microphone and his date with history.
He drew a picture of his uniquely American story, where the son of a man from Kenya and a woman from Kansas could reach for the White House.
"It is that promise that has always set this country apart," Obama said.
He drove home, again and again, the theme that has dominated his campaign — change.
"Change happens because the American people demand it — because they rise up and insist on new ideas and new leadership, a new politics for a new time," he said. "America, this is one of those moments."
Obama ticked off items from his agenda. Tax cuts for "working families" and companies that create jobs. Development of natural gas reserves, clean coal technology, and nuclear power. Health care for all that is accessible and affordable. On each subject, he took a swing at McCain.
Obama made only one veiled reference to his own race.
"I realize that I am not the likeliest candidate for this office," Obama said from a stage backed by Greek columns. "I don't fit the typical pedigree, and I haven't spent my career in the halls of Washington.
"But I stand before you tonight because all across America something is stirring. What the nay-sayers don't understand is that this election has never been about me. It's been about you."
Then he turned to that day 45 years ago when King stood at the Lincoln Memorial, referring to him as a "young preacher from Georgia."
"The men and women who gathered there could've heard many things," Obama said. "They could've heard words of anger and discord. They could've been told to succumb to the fear and frustrations of so many dreams deferred. But what the people heard instead — people of every creed and color, from every walk of life — is that in America, our destiny is inextricably linked. That together, our dreams can be one.
"'We cannot walk alone,' the preacher cried. 'And as we walk, we must make the pledge that we shall always march ahead. We cannot turn back.'"
Out in the stadium, the faithful celebrated, some in stunned silence, as the speech ended.
"This is the defining moment of my lifetime," said Anthony Graves, 32, of Denver.
Obama's wife, Michelle, and their daughters joined them on the stage, and fireworks shot into the sky. Obama's running mate, Sen. Joe Biden, and his wife, Jill, joined them, and red-white-and-blue streamers exploded behind them.
Obama's daughters, 7-year-old Sasha and 10-year-old Malia, bounced around, trying to catch star-shaped flakes falling from the sky, tossing confetti. Malia picked up a long blue strand of paper as her father walked toward her. He gave her a knowing look, with a slight, winking smile.
Then he headed toward a fall campaign that could land him in the White House.
Staff writers Sara Burnett, Lynn Bartels, M.E. Sprengelmeyer and Ryan Sabalow contributed to this report.
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August 28, 2008
9:24 p.m.
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rage_against_the_stupid writes:
Why did OBAMA let the boiler plate democratic 1970's crowd write his speech? He's a great orator and yet he gave the same speech Walter Mondale would have delivered.
August 28, 2008
9:35 p.m.
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WestminsterJ writes:
No one can now say that Obama is a just a celebrity candidate, without substance, with any credibility. Obama gave plenty of substance tonight. Although I'm sure Dan Caplis, Gummy Bob, et al. will keep up their propaganda campaign.
August 28, 2008
9:48 p.m.
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H20 writes:
Denver looked Great tonight!! Exciting times..... I think we witnessed history tonight and the next President of the United States. Denver Colorado you did a excellent job as the Nation watched for the last 4 days. Be proud!!
August 28, 2008
10:22 p.m.
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timeandagain writes:
Good speech. Keep your pants on WestminsterJ. The problem the democrats always have is that the vast majority of their constituents are either too stupid or too lazy to get to their polling place on election day...
August 28, 2008
10:24 p.m.
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freedomfighter1 writes:
Strong and well delivered speech.
August 28, 2008
10:25 p.m.
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not_gene writes:
H2O-
Amen.
August 28, 2008
10:25 p.m.
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daddyblt writes:
I have never been more proud to be an American, as well as proud to be an African American! I really could care less about all of the slanderous comments that people are thinking about posting, even as we speak, about how pitiful they feel Obama's speech was, how unqualified he is for the job, how they hate Democrats, etc., etc., etc. Obama spoke to those this evening who truly carry the spirit of what it means to be an American!
August 28, 2008
10:36 p.m.
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MarcoPolo writes:
Keep your panties on timeandagain. You have the voting machines on your side. If you can't win by fair vote...
August 28, 2008
10:48 p.m.
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Anoldguy writes:
An outstanding delivery of a speech filled with promises to correct all the ills of the country and bring a better life to all. A great vision presented without sufficient detail to allow a meaningful evaluation. How is he going to do all that? The real world controlled by real economics and real physics in which real people exist will not follow this dream. Also, it was quite honorable of Senator Obama to warn Senator McCain of the personal attacks he will soon experience as Senator Obama has no significant positive record on which to run.
August 28, 2008
10:58 p.m.
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SCAZMarketing writes:
Oh Denver...what a headache...If I never see this town again, I would be happy. BUT with the next world leader speaking, I think that he hit it on the head. Unfortunately, I am the reporter posted to Denver this week. After an unfortunate drug dosing, I missed the main event...but I just caught the recap and have filed my report:
http://www.socoolaz.com/article.cfm?a...
August 28, 2008
11:02 p.m.
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not_gene writes:
Anoldguy-
You say we can't rebuild our economy. They also said a black man would never have a chance at becoming president.
Yes we can.
By the way, do you know the name of the last man from Illinois who spent only eight years in the state legislature and only minimal time in Congress? I'll give you a hint: he also was tall and gangly, and he was also criticized as being little more than a great orator.
Give up?
Abraham Lincoln.
Obama is the change America NEEDS.
August 28, 2008
11:02 p.m.
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ActualThinker writes:
I hope this speech was as good on TV as it was in person. Amazing to hear, I had a great time and I hope a lot of undecided's tuned in, because if you saw that, you saw this man is ready to lead our country.
August 28, 2008
11:09 p.m.
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WestminsterJ writes:
>Keep your pants on WestminsterJ.
Dang, do I *have* to?
August 28, 2008
11:13 p.m.
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Shadow writes:
Wasn't there a concert too? Any reviews of Bon Jovi or Bruce Sprinsteen?
August 28, 2008
11:21 p.m.
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ActualThinker writes:
no Bon Jovi or Springsteen, not sure what happened I remember reading about that earlier this week. They probably realized what an opportunity that would be for Republicans to pounce on (and fairly so). You dont see them attack his policies, you see them attack who his friends allegedly are, and his celebrity following, blasting him on real issues would have made too much sense.
August 28, 2008
11:30 p.m.
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JayRoy writes:
Words without deeds are nothing but air. It's the voting record that makes the difference. Barack Obama is the #1 partisan leftist in the country. The least partisan politician in the country is John McCain.
August 28, 2008
11:37 p.m.
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SierraStorm writes:
The New Republican party and the Democratic party of old and the new are cut from the same cloth. Amazing how people buy into the Communist rhetoric of both Candidates; especially Obama's. McCain? He is just another Democrat running on the Republican ticket.
August 29, 2008
12:22 a.m.
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John_II writes:
The man is a buffoon and his speech was a testimony to that fact. His speech reminded me of high school speeches by kids running for student council. They promise a bunch of stuff that they know will get the other kids to cheer. And everyone plays along and claps as if they really were going to get an extra 15 minutes of recess or they will improve cafeteria food.
Obama is just a clown playing make-believe for naive voters. Almost his entire speech revolved around the standard rich-people-are-bad-poor-people-are-angelic rhetoric.
He keeps talking about how bad the last eight years have been. Yet, the past eight years did not prevent him from becoming a millionaire or his angry wife from acquiring a six figure salary.
I challenge all of you Obama fans to read the transcript of his speech and explain how it is not pure Marxist nonsense.
And another thing. Does it seem odd to you that after a speech about how so many Americans are suffering, he fired off a million dollars worth of explosives to celebrate his political success? Perhaps that money could have been more useful as a donation to some of the poor, hard-working, oppressed families he kept speaking about.
August 29, 2008
12:34 a.m.
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Hstowell writes:
This clown has no more qualifications to be President than I do and his judgement and motives are certainly in question when you look at his associations. He is a dangerous risk for America and I have confidence that the voters will recognize this.
August 29, 2008
12:52 a.m.
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clyde writes:
What is all this "First African-American" Presidential Candidate? 50% white, 43.75% Arab, and 6.25% African. How about the "First Arab-American Candidate"?
Lots of fluff (Who was the Fluffer?), little solid substance. We know and have known what he wants to change, we just still have no clue how he thinks he can do it. He doesn't write the budget (The House does), and he doesn't pass laws, (Congress does). How does he propose to "Change" things? He still hasn't said how. Invoke God?
August 29, 2008
1:02 a.m.
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John_II writes:
clyde,
You have obviously not seen enough Hollywood movies to know that one good speech can Change everyone's mind. Whenever Obama wants something or needs to apologize for something, he will give a sappy Disney speech and everyone will agree with him.
August 29, 2008
1:04 a.m.
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MileHiQT writes:
anoldguy . . . you’re right!! It was an outstanding delivery of a speech! And you ask “how is he going to do all that”? With the great Americans that stand with him and are strong in the conviction that it CAN happen!
You say it’s a “great vision . . . without sufficient detail to allow a meaningful evaluation”. I say it was adequate enough to estimate the future needs of our great country and “bring a better life to all”.
As far as your antics of the “real world” in regard to “real economics”. . . Are you saying your fellow Americans who breathe the same air you breathe, have synthetic monies and aren’t allowed to pass go and collect $200? And as far as your “real physics” are concerned . . . in which scope? I’m going to go with the spectra from the solids and gases that are emitted from the very likes of you and those who carry your same mentality that the majority of REAL people who DO EXIST, not like yourself, are more than happy to “follow his dream”. (Don’t forget . . . they said the same thing about Martin Luther King, Jr. Of course, you’re anoldguy . . . you were there. You should remember).
TO not_gene . . . I would 2nd your opinion in that “Obama is the change America NEEDS”.
Now the great thing about America is, we can all FREELY debate our opinions. And don’t forget . . . I didn’t use ONE derogatory remark. blink blink.
August 29, 2008
1:23 a.m.
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mikeyg writes:
After watching Obama's speech the candidate strikes me like "New Coke":
Interesting and novel, worth a try after getting hit with multi-million dollar marketing and advertising campaign, but tastes like miserable old liberal swill when it hits the back of your tongue. Not all "change" is good.
August 29, 2008
1:32 a.m.
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JJ writes:
One of the best lines of the evening: WE ARE A BETTER COUNTRY THAN THIS. NO ONE, NO ONE can deny that we as a nation can do better than where we are now. And a vote for John McCain equals more of the same, a vote that will not reach into the new millenium, but instead will take us backwards to the failures of the past seven years. Unless you are in the top 1% of the richest people in this country who are benefiting the most from outrageous tax cuts, YOU ARE NOT DOING BETTER than you were 7 years ago. Check those food prices, check the gas prices, check your rising health care costs. Check our ongoing presence in Iraq costing billions with troops being redeployed over and over and then returning home and having John McCain vote AGAINST giving them a GI bill to go to college. What kind of veteran who wants to be President votes against benefits for those who have fought a war that he supports. What kind of patriot is that? This nation needs a vision for the future, not a journey to the past. Remember, Barack said this evening, this election is not about the small things. When you have no new ideas, you will focus on the small things. We need a leader who will focus on the BIG THINGS. Look deeper than the small things Colorado. Vote for your own interests, do not cast your vote based on fear and distortions. Look carefully at the BIG t hings that matter.
August 29, 2008
1:37 a.m.
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WestminsterJ writes:
John_II: After reading some things from you recently, I had almost developed some respect from you. Well, so much for that.
Your posts here are nothing but overheated ascriptions of bad motives to Obama, and wild distortions of what he said. To wit-
>Almost his entire speech revolved around the standard rich-people-are-bad-poor-people-are-angelic rhetoric.
Huh? Not the same speech I heard.
>He keeps talking about how bad the last eight years have been. Yet, the past eight years did not prevent him from becoming a millionaire or his angry wife from acquiring a six figure salary.
Uh, so? I guess you find it unfathomable that Obama might be concerned with how the Bush years have affected people *other* than himself. That's ok; that concept is unthinkable to right-wingers.
>I challenge all of you Obama fans to read the transcript of his speech and explain how it is not pure Marxist nonsense.
Well, let's see: "Government can't solve every problem" (paraphrase) doesn't sound Marxist to me. Seriously, when you and your cohorts call a speech like this "pure Marxist", you just show yourselves to be Red-baiting demagogues or lunatics, or possibly both. It's just laughable.
>he fired off a million dollars worth of explosives to celebrate his political success?
A million dollars worth? I seriously doubt that.
>Perhaps that money could have been more useful as a donation to some of the poor, hard-working, oppressed families he kept speaking about.
Your concern for the poor is touching. You've expressed so much concern for them in the past, I'm sure your sentiments here couldn't be cynical posturing.
August 29, 2008
1:38 a.m.
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bronco writes:
Liberal this and liberal that, most neocons probably don't even know what the term means. You right wing schmucks just listen to too much rosen and rush. Think for yourselfs and your country for once you morons. Obama is the best candidate in 40 years!
August 29, 2008
1:44 a.m.
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BenchBoss writes:
Good times, great speech. Regardless of your vote or your party, I think we can all agree that things can be better. Whoever wins, we're going to have to put the Bush fiasco behind us, quit bickering and work together. I don't think either candidate has all the answers.
August 29, 2008
2:16 a.m.
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John_II writes:
WestminsterJ,
Read his transcript sans lights, Hollywood sets, crying women, fireworks, screaming fans, nice voice, attractive face, and dark skin. Just read the words. His words are mostly nonsensical. He is a Marxist. Read his words and think about them. His words are completely antithetical to the American spirit. If you would like, compare his words to JFK's.
JFK asked us what we can do for our country. Obama tells us what government can do for you. Obama is no JFK Democrat. Obama has more in common with Lenin than JFK. Read this speech by Lenin:http://books.google.com/books?i...
Replace "proletariat" with "middle-class" and "bourgeois" with "rich" and this speech is not far off from Obama's thinking.
August 29, 2008
2:22 a.m.
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John_II writes:
http://books.google.com/books?id=bswa...
August 29, 2008
2:42 a.m.
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JayRoy writes:
JJ,
"Unless you are in the top 1% of the richest people in this country who are benefiting the most from outrageous tax cuts, YOU ARE NOT DOING BETTER than you were 7 years ago." ??
That is absolutely NOT true. I have a low- to middle-income son, who has had thousands of dollars of his tax money put back into his own family's budget because of Pres. Bush's child tax credits.
And, how can you call the relieving people's federal tax burden to "only" 33% of their earnings "outrageous"? I am sure most of the rich, and even moderately rich, still are paying close to 50% of their earnings in all the various taxes. They subsidize the rest of us, who pay less in taxes, pay for public education, fund all the programs that help the poor, and instead of being appreciated, the politicians who, themselves, get rich off these taxes, are trying to make us angry at them. I am a low-income worker who appreciates all the benefits our country is enjoying because of others who keep the government programs running. What makes me angry are the politicians who don't appreciate them.
August 29, 2008
3:01 a.m.
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tagazio writes:
I didn't watch the speech...there was a cool show on the History Channel last night.
August 29, 2008
5:37 a.m.
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bluecollarbytes writes:
So IT IS about RACE after all, according to the thrust of this article? And here I thought Barack was simply a forward thinking progressive pseudo-intellectual socialist. The fact is we don't need to elect THIS Black man in order to prove to ourselves we're not racist. The Presidency is to important to treat it as a reparation of some kind. When an African-american presidential candidate steps forward-with whom I agree, I'll be there with contributions, my energies, and my vote. Obama's not the One.
I'll say this, Obama&Co know good TV. But the job he's applying for needs someone who rejects TV packaging. When/if the sound track is long gone and Obama is pushing govt. to the hard left, the realities of a dangerous world will intrude. We'll also find out that Barack has no magic wand or fairy whispering silent somethings in his ear. It'll just be him and the same Democrats who've run Congress since 06.
August 29, 2008
5:41 a.m.
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bluecollarbytes writes:
SCUZMarketing....Yeah Denver's "like that", folks are prone to
'unfortunate drug dosings'...not.
But I tell ya what, there are a thousand "recaps" out there, so I think I'll skip yours.
August 29, 2008
5:48 a.m.
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KneeDeep writes:
John II, as a 50 something, conservative business owner I have been aghast to see the Republican Party reduced to that which I loathe, Populism. You may rant against “Liberals” (I share these sentiments) but the logic behind your rants is reduced to the same empty talking points that are employed by those you deride. I see the NeoCon view of the world to be as empty as those that are trotted out by the ultra liberals. On both sides it becomes the same old arguments… on one side the empty utterances of the ditto heads, the other side the employs the same old “us against them” class envy Populism. I voted for Bush because we needed a strong leader at a time when we were threatened. As a business owner however, I have seen incompetence on a scale that is hard to comprehend. In my mind this election comes down to leadership and more importantly a contest to capture the spirit of the American people. We need a leader that can inspire the strength of that which makes us great. In my view, Obama has captured this vision. It does not matter what the party is this is a time that we need a leader who can inspire. In my life there have been a few presidents that have exhibited this on both sides of the aisle. I would proffer Kennedy and Reagan, as examples of leaders who were able to capture and inspire the great will of the American people. This seems to be a simple choice, it is time for an inspirational leader that is able to harness the will of the American people. That this voice has come from the left is irrelevant.
Regards
August 29, 2008
5:51 a.m.
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disenchanted1 writes:
8 IS ENOUGH!
August 29, 2008
5:59 a.m.
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Openminded1 writes:
12:34am Hstowell wrote: This clown has no more qualifications to be President than I do...
Yea I'll bet you have a Havard Law Degree.
Further more, I remember reading on this thread last week that certain people wish that it would rain during Obama's speech ...Hurricane Gustav is about to affect the RNC..Karma
People were also hoping for riots. Lets see what happens.. Karma.
August 29, 2008
6:12 a.m.
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Shaupeen writes:
What a great speech! I hate politics, but that speech made all the headaches from the last week worth it! The guy can move people.
Tagazio, too bad you were watching old history on the History Channel and not history being made on any of the main channels!
August 29, 2008
6:18 a.m.
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bill1020 writes:
At last a breath of fresh air among the rants and "frequent flamers" that seem to have populated the comments attached to stories out of the convention this week. Hats off to Knee Deep for capturing the essence of what's been developing here in Denver. Thank you.
August 29, 2008
6:25 a.m.
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John_Galt writes:
Drill here! Drill now!! Pay less!!
McCain is a hero! Obama has done zero!
Just say NO-bama!
August 29, 2008
6:47 a.m.
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LOUIE writes:
So now begins the the last leg, of what I believe will be the most negative campaign both sides could possibly come up with. Mr. Mc Cain will be throwing up the words of Mr. Biden, along with the rest of the democratic partty members. Joe the Pro has made a career out of foolish statements in the past; couple that with the rest of the party who said Mr. Obama wasn't ready to lead, and you have the republican mud. The democrats will shed light on the dark sides of Mr. Mc Cain, the boy is loaded with baggage. The christain right will be so ignorant to support Mr. Mc Cain, even though the man up until now used to slam them hard. Mr. Mc Cain has some pretty dark places to go along with a honored military career as POW. Either way, America is still much to racial, as to look beyond to the heart of a man. Thus it'll be historic, yet futile, for Mr. Obama. I don't believe, and sadly so, that America has come all that far in these areas concerning race and religion. Even Mr. Obama's refusal to wear patriotic symbols, or cross his heart upon the pledge of alliegence, will be slung up. That failure because of religious beliefs, will rightfully concern many of us, who truly love this country, that we send our sons and daughters to die for it. If only all men could spend time at the mercy of those they hate because of race, maybe they'd understand the real need to change, on this issue that is always brusing America's heel. Black racists like Sharpton and Jackson, along with Mr. Obama's minister will be up front fanning the flames that divide us racially. I really don't believe Mr. Obama can win, especially with a man who himself made racial comments concerning 7-11 and indian people. Joe the Pro will be a damning liability with many sound bytes from his past haunting the campaign. I like Mr. Obama, yet his experence, and choice of running mate, leave me with some grave concerns. I guess I'll unplug the television so as not to hear the mudslinging both parties are now going to throw. I kind of already know what thier going to say without even hearing it. The real loser this election is the people, both sides have put up less thn stellar candidates to lead at a time when leadership is in short supply. America faces some real issues globally as well as domestically. Especially with China holding the bulk of our national debt, and emerging to be a great manufacturing base when America is closing down factories because of NAFTA, EPA, taxes, labor costs, etc.. The 3rd world is taking everything America is giving away, then flooding our country illegally with thier citizens, to take what little jobs are left. America's great toolbox is being destroyed, states like Colorado, cities like Denver are now sanctuaries for illegals. I could go on and on, but I think the picture is clear: we need to take back America from the professional politicians of both parties, that are selling America and standing at the register collecting the cash rewards for doing so!
August 29, 2008
6:49 a.m.
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LOUIE writes:
Even the illegal is now protesting America in our own streets; when is enough, enough America?
August 29, 2008
6:51 a.m.
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Sixtysixdeuce writes:
"Obama is the change America NEEDS."
Attitudes like this are the ones that will keep America spiraling downward. And it doesn't matter to which party the loyaly belongs. The president is not going to make your life better. All he will do is sign more bills into law that take away more freedoms from Americans.
If you want things to change, it's gonna take much, much more than casting your vote every 48 months. If you want changes at the Federal level, start writing your congresscritters. Join and contribute to groups that share your goals. Pay attention to where your money goes after you spend it.
If you want your own quality of life to improve, you'd better stop looking at D.C. and start looking at yourself with a fresh perspective. Work smarter, work harder and stop blaming one group of people for your problems and expecting another group to fix them; Neither Obama nor any other politician is going to give you a pay raise or wipe out the credit card debt you acquired tring to keep up with the Jones'.
Anybody who puts stock in a speech delivered by a man running for political office is a fool.
August 29, 2008
7:05 a.m.
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cooday writes:
Obama's speech gave 80,000 supporters and millions of Democrats, Republicans, Independents watching TV their moment. When the 80,000 energized supporters started to yell”Yes we can!”, all of us watching TV across America hear their rally cry. Watch out relentless Republican Attack machine! You heard it too! Obama and 80,000 supporters inspired us all. That was the Democrats I grew up with! This is the Democrats I know!
Democrats Courting Republican and Independent Voters.
Guitar
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QjA5fa...
America can wake to have a beautiful day in November
U2- Beautiful Day
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=omFdpn...
But first we all must rumble against the Republican Attack machine for the next ten weeks. When Biden joined Obama on stage we saw two warriors with heart and courage
"Rumble"-Link Wray
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LUHz0i...
“Few will have the greatness to bend history itself; but each of us can work to change a small portion of events, and in the total; of all those acts will be written the history of this generation.” Robert Kennedy Quote
Vote Obama/Biden '08
August 29, 2008
7:11 a.m.
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BO writes:
John II-
Actually, since you are the one leveling accusations of Marxism, why don't you produce an example of how Obama is Marxist. BTW- a link to a Lenin speech doesn't count, as Lenin wasn't truly Marxist. Try again.
I too could replace words of people's speeches with other words to change the meaning and tone of a speech.
August 29, 2008
7:21 a.m.
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1968camaro writes:
Good speech! Full of deceit and lies. McCain is not against natural resources for fuel. Nor did McCain work in the white house or vote with Bush. Get your facts right idiot! What have you done for nation, what is under your belt? South side of Chicago! That is all you have, what a joke! Obama is a false hope, lives in some fantasy land of "his own"; sorry, with all the other democrats that follow you. He challenged McCain to a debate last night, bring it on Obama. You hid before, but bring it on. I'm sure McCain will take you up on this! You will only expose your lies and weaknesses as you are now.
August 29, 2008
7:24 a.m.
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ActualThinker writes:
"Drill here! Drill now!! Pay less!!"
Except we wont pay less. Its a catchy phrase but one of no substance, even McCain has admitted it wont have an effect but seems to want to ride this wave of uninformed voters like yourself to victory for what he knows is a lie.
Anyone who thinks Obama is the candidate of fluff, with general ideas that wont work please go to both candidates websites and click on their issues buttons. What you will find is Obama lists 26 issues that are important to him, a video message on his thoughts, a shorter written summary and a much longer pdf plan of each on how it will work, be paid for, etc. McCain's site lists 13, and contains nothing of big detail on at least the issues I clicked thru that were important to me. This is why people stick to picking on who is friends allegedly are, lapel pins, and his celebrity status, because when you get down to the nuts and bolts of it, he's got a much better idea of America's problems than McCain does. So if McCain is going to win he has to make the campaign about much smaller issues and mistruths.
August 29, 2008
7:28 a.m.
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YeilRaven writes:
Obama/Biden, Al Gore, Bill Richardson, Susan Eisenhower and 80,000 supporters energized and inspired us watching them on TV. Yes we Can!
Democrats and Obamacans courting all Republican and Independent voters -
The Chantay's - Pipeline (Lawrence Welk Show)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j09C8c...
Dean Martin & John Wayne
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sd5xBD...
Elvis Presley - Love Me Tender
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HZBUb0...
Matthew 7:7
Susan Eisenhower -”The history of free men is never really written by chance but by choice; their choice!” Dwight D. Eisenhower Quote
Obamacan's - “The best defense against usurpatory government is an assertive citizenry.”
William F. Buckley, Jr. quote
Vote Obama/Biden '08
August 29, 2008
7:29 a.m.
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danirobi writes:
Obama's speech lacked substance alright. Obama's statement on New Orleans was flat out wrong considering NOAA and the National Weather Service told citizens of New Orleans to get out. That was failure on the Mayor and the Governor (both Democrats). His statement that Washington has been broken for the last 30 years and John McCain's been there for 26. Hahaha, yeah your running mate, Mr. Obama has been there for 32 years. Joe Biden taking the train back to Delaware everyday for 4 hours. As someone who lives in DC and has rode the train, I can guarentee that Biden was taking the Acela line back to Delaware (1 1/2-2 hours tops).
"Illinois gave more healthcare to children" ahahaha except for those who survived abortions. Stood up for education in South Chicago, yeah then why are graduation rates still low. Why didn't Obama mention his relationship to William Ayers? 143 days as a US Senator does not give you the experience.
And someone should tell Obama that Brooks and Dunn are big Republicans and will be at the RNC Convention next week.
August 29, 2008
7:39 a.m.
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Irightyouwrong writes:
WestminsterJ writes:
No one can now say that Obama is a just a celebrity candidate, without substance, with any credibility. Obama gave plenty of substance tonight. Although I'm sure Dan Caplis, Gummy Bob, et al. will keep up their propaganda campaign.
yes. we can.. yes he is. That was the same ole same ole we always hear from libs. There was nothing new there tonight. Just a bunch of flash and emotions.
August 29, 2008
7:48 a.m.
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Rallyracer7 writes:
I went to that speach last night, and I'm going to have to say, every single person that spoke, including Obama, was full of empty promesses and dreams. They need to come back down to reality and face the things that can be changed.
And if any one wasn't there, all the talk about Obama being a rockstar is true. It was a 75,000 person rock concert with half the seats empty, so they were lying about how many people were there.
August 29, 2008
7:50 a.m.
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Dick_Tater writes:
I thought it was weak. Another speech promising everything. Is not realistic and was a waste of time. The fools that blindly follow clapped at everything. I want to know what he really plans on achieving, what his main focus will be, instead I get a bunch of fluff so that he can appeal to everyone. I'm a disenchanted voter ( with both parties ) who still is undecided. As of right now, I am not going to vote. I will watch the RNC and hopefully hear something that will motivate me.
August 29, 2008
7:56 a.m.
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Frontranger writes:
But wait McCain's a POW.
August 29, 2008
7:58 a.m.
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ActualThinker writes:
I was there. If you really were there you know that "half the seats being empty" is a complete lie. I have plenty of pictures from my seats third row from the top of the third level of it being packed. The only section that had some missing people were the ones behind him with a bad view. Its not that those people werent there, just they were better off watching from other areas standing up instead. It was nothing like a rock concert, people were listened too and cheered for a lot better than the musicians who broke up the long hours of speaking with a couple songs. Not sure how thats a rock concert. If the promises you heard from that great speech are so empty why dont you compare both candidates plans from their own mouth and see which one has more substance, its not even close.
August 29, 2008
8:03 a.m.
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JYP3500 writes:
80 thousand screaming liberals buy into the "we are the change we've been waiting for" schtick. But the 80 million silent majority voters (who have been sitting on the sidelines so far) will not.
And as more of Barack's background is uncovered in the next two months, McCain will landslide the Obamas & Democrats off the island.
August 29, 2008
8:06 a.m.
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Rallyracer7 writes:
ActualThinker,
The whole back section behind him was pretty much empty, i had a perfect view of the whole stadium thank you. And as for the rock concert feel, I was at Invesco for linkin Park, Limp Bizkit and Metalica, and the DNC was much more of a rock concert that that was. I said nothing about being for McCain, but that speach last night solidified my vote not for Obama. The economists working for Obama are inexperienced just like him, and being an academic does not qualify you to work for the president. His plans to lower taxes for all but 5% of the population won't work, we are already seeing that. And as for his taxing oil companies, that is absurd, there are 5 or so other industries making higher profits than oil and gas... Why not tax the drug companies. They are making killings and that has more of an impact than fossil fuel. Say what you will, bow down to your new mesiah, but there is no way I am voting for a rock star.
August 29, 2008
8:10 a.m.
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mytwosense writes:
John II, you won't be surprised to learn I disagree with your assessment it was a Marxist speech, and prejudiced against the rich. However, I am curious to hearing from you which statements particularly struck you as such.
I actually liked that Obama mentioned government is supposed to work FOR us, not against us. That's a pretty clear way of saying government is supposed to be accountable, indeed, to be subservient, to the people who elect it. Does that not run counter to your belief that liberals want government to be an omnipotent power over us all?
I also don't think he was attacking the rich. I think it was pretty clear he was criticizing "trickle down" economics, i.e., the philosophy that we ensure the rich keep as much of their wealth as possible so that they'll give more back to us. Frankly, I think such a belief is rather "nanny-ish" in itself.
To end my response to you John II, Obama isn't saying let the government take care of us. He's just saying let's not depend on the rich to take care of us.
For all the other people who insist on saying the wealthiest in this country pay the most taxes and are subsidizing the rest of us, I would counter they hold most of the wealth in this country. I seriously doubt they'd be interested in trading places with you or me. They're hardly struggling, despite your assertions they are so burdened in taxes.
Also, I seriously doubt they are paying 50% of their income in taxes. We're talking about financially sophisticated people who are able to write off a lot of their taxes, establish foundations that serve as tax shelters, and so on. I am not criticizing that, I am simply saying it's a stretch to state they truly end up paying that much of their income out in taxes.
And frankly, many middle class people pay less than the standard rate, once they write off certain expenditures. Bush certainly deserves credit for some of those write-offs; so does Bill Clinton.
Long story short, a good deal of us...poor, middle-class, wealthy...end up paying less than the standard rate when all is said and done.
August 29, 2008
8:14 a.m.
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ActualThinker writes:
Yeah we call those "obstructed views" genius. And even those sections were at least 75% full, not bad considering how many people waited hours to get in and how full the concourses were. So since McCain's plans seem to be just bashing Obama's and presenting nothing from himself, what plans for America of McCain's do you specifically like?
August 29, 2008
8:15 a.m.
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mytwosense writes:
Rallyracer: "I was at Invesco for linkin Park, Limp Bizkit and Metalica, and the DNC was much more of a rock concert that that was."
Yeah, because Michael McDonald and Stevie Wonder are WAY more hard-core.
Sorry, RR, couldn't resist....
August 29, 2008
8:23 a.m.
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Bob299 writes:
Obama is RIGHT! McCain is wrong! McCain = Bush.
August 29, 2008
8:40 a.m.
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Dude writes:
can the city now spend the revenue made on the DNC use it to improve it???
August 29, 2008
8:56 a.m.
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rg52 writes:
People are going to think which ever way they are predispossed to feel about Obama's speech. Some will say he is a buffoon, so his speech reflected that. Other will say he is the best choice for the change we need, and his speech was wonderful.
It was a good speech and well delivered, by a person who, at this stage should be able to deliver just that. Did it sway any voters?
It swayed me, I was undecided, and now I will vote demorcratic, regardless of what McCain says.
McCain is on the same path we have been on for way too long.
Change is what we need and McCain cannot and will not give us that. I am not sure Obama will deliver, but I know McCain wont.
With all that said, the senate and congress still have to prove themselves and deliver wise government, which may be an oxymoron.
August 29, 2008
9:07 a.m.
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Homer_J writes:
Nothing new here--
Just a new liberal messenger
thinking out loud about how wonderful the world could be if human nature could somehow be removed from the equation...
August 29, 2008
4:59 p.m.
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trinidad writes:
Yeah it was a triumphant night for him, he got to meet Ben Affleck and Jennifer Lopez.
August 29, 2008
5:46 p.m.
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CovalescenceMcCann writes:
I can not find Denture, Is today my Birthday? Am I ugly? Light bulb do you hear me?
August 29, 2008
8:47 p.m.
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HopiMedicineMan writes:
Palin's speech was far better, hardly covered by the media.
August 30, 2008
9:21 p.m.
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gary writes:
He has no real identity. He is half-white, which he
rejects. The rest of him is mostly Arab, which he
hides but is disclosed by his non-African Arabic
surname and his Arabic first and middle names as a way
to triply proclaim his Arabic parentage to people in
Kenya . Only a small part of him is African Black from
his Luo grandmother, which he pretends he is
exclusively.
What he isn't, not a genetic drop of, is
'African-American,' the descendant of enslaved
Africans brought to America chained in slave ships.
He hasn't a single ancestor who was a slave. Instead,
his Arab ancestors were slave owners. Slave-trading
was the main Arab business in East Africa for
centuries until the British ended it.
Let that sink in: Obama is not the descendant of
slaves, he is the descendant of slave owners. Thus he
makes the perfect Liberal Messiah.
It's something Hillary doesn't understand - how some
complete neophyte came out of the blue and stole the
Dem nomination from her. Obamamania is beyond
politics and reason. It is a true religious cult,
whose adherents reject Christianity yet still believe
in Original Sin,..... transferring it.... from the evil of
being human ...to the evil ....of being white.
Nuff Said!