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Obama Speech: 'A More Perfect Union'
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Barack Obama speaks in Philadelphia, PA at Constitution Center, on matters not just of race and recent remarks but of the fundamental path by which America can work together to pursue a better future.
Mar 18, 2008 7:16 PM
Re: Obama Speech: 'A More Perfect Union'
Sorry if this too political and not at all funny or sarcastic, but the speech is simply too good to not share (at least with the bulk pile).
Far too often I see political ongoings that reflect the negative aspects of our countries leaders and lawmakers. Barack Obama's comments in this speech, are, for me, a refreshing break from that. His message is thoughtful, measured and - in my humble opinion - inspiring.
A voter doesn't have to agree with his politics - yet they should realize that the man is clearly a cut above the usual deadbeat assholes that demand the top job. Shit, after Bush, even a speak & spell sounds like an upgrade.
Far too often I see political ongoings that reflect the negative aspects of our countries leaders and lawmakers. Barack Obama's comments in this speech, are, for me, a refreshing break from that. His message is thoughtful, measured and - in my humble opinion - inspiring.
A voter doesn't have to agree with his politics - yet they should realize that the man is clearly a cut above the usual deadbeat assholes that demand the top job. Shit, after Bush, even a speak & spell sounds like an upgrade.
By: EViLMinD
Re: Obama Speech: 'A More Perfect Union'
You don't have to apologize. Posting well-thought and delivered speeches like this one separates us at M&C from the drek of other video sites.
I wasn't an Obama fan. I was an Edwards supporter. But after John Edwards' demise, I looked closely at Obama and Stealery Clinton. And the differences between the two are vast and obvious.
Clinton is experienced. She'll tell ya all day long. And by experienced = old guard, old news, old money, entrenched politics, and corporate interests. No change. No wonder Rush Limbaugh endorses her.
Plus Clinton received more military industry money than any other candidate (GOP or Dem) and then unsurprisingly voted to allow for a future military attack in Iran.
Obama, though not perfect or even my first choice, is light-years ahead of Clinton in his ability to articulate change, hope, and policies that make sense.
It's obvious that Clinton sees this election as a coronation of herself. And if she can't win, she'll try to screw it up for Obama at the expense of the Democratic Party, the Election, and our great Nation in hopes that she'll get another chance in 2012.
Obama on the other hand has stayed cool, brought out more and more voters, and inspired hope and change.
And unlike the gross, old experience that Hillary's ancient haunches bring to the election, Obama actually has more policy and legislative experience. I hope we can see him use it.
I wasn't an Obama fan. I was an Edwards supporter. But after John Edwards' demise, I looked closely at Obama and Stealery Clinton. And the differences between the two are vast and obvious.
Clinton is experienced. She'll tell ya all day long. And by experienced = old guard, old news, old money, entrenched politics, and corporate interests. No change. No wonder Rush Limbaugh endorses her.
Plus Clinton received more military industry money than any other candidate (GOP or Dem) and then unsurprisingly voted to allow for a future military attack in Iran.
Obama, though not perfect or even my first choice, is light-years ahead of Clinton in his ability to articulate change, hope, and policies that make sense.
It's obvious that Clinton sees this election as a coronation of herself. And if she can't win, she'll try to screw it up for Obama at the expense of the Democratic Party, the Election, and our great Nation in hopes that she'll get another chance in 2012.
Obama on the other hand has stayed cool, brought out more and more voters, and inspired hope and change.
And unlike the gross, old experience that Hillary's ancient haunches bring to the election, Obama actually has more policy and legislative experience. I hope we can see him use it.
Re: Obama Speech: 'A More Perfect Union'
Thank you for an excellent post. It most definitely is suitable for M & Cs. In fact, quality material such as this speech by Obama attracts me to M & Cs.
Obama would make a fine president. He’s a man of vision, heart, and persistence. I’m going to enjoy the upcoming debates in which he’ll annihilate McIdiot.
Obama would make a fine president. He’s a man of vision, heart, and persistence. I’m going to enjoy the upcoming debates in which he’ll annihilate McIdiot.
Re: Obama Speech: 'A More Perfect Union'
Wonderful speach. I got so angry at the crowd interupting the speach with their applause. They should have just sat there in awe of the extraordinary speach that will hopefully win Obama the nomination and election. This speach was incredible and he just won my vote. I consider myself a conservative and never would have thought in my lifetime to support a liberal, but I now realize that ignorant viewpoints like the ones I had are what is wrong with our country. I only hope that Obama will win over more conservatives with his charisma alone. I do not entirely agree with many of his political stances, but I do not see another better person at this time to become president.
By: Wonderr
Re: Obama Speech: 'A More Perfect Union'
Right on! I'm tickled that you folks enjoyed this speech, and that your reaction is about the same as mine: blown away.
Sure, Barack Obama is flawed and will be a big gamble for the American people. But, what politician isn't? Unlike most in his career, he guy is smart; seems genuine; doesn't dodge issues when confronted. Plus, he is interesting; strong; cool and quite diplomatic. He looks for new ways to bring people together - some commonality. Not to mention (again), the guy would be a nice shift from what is currently the face of America. Barack is NOT the status quo - and I don't mean just racially.
I believe Barack has the potential to lead the American people into a positive new chapter of their great history. He seems to understand that if the American people claim they are the top tier society in this world then they better start acting like it.
Anyone think Barack Obama will be good for education in America?
The big question is how he will deal with the economy and how his liberal policies will respond to the growing crisis.
Sure, Barack Obama is flawed and will be a big gamble for the American people. But, what politician isn't? Unlike most in his career, he guy is smart; seems genuine; doesn't dodge issues when confronted. Plus, he is interesting; strong; cool and quite diplomatic. He looks for new ways to bring people together - some commonality. Not to mention (again), the guy would be a nice shift from what is currently the face of America. Barack is NOT the status quo - and I don't mean just racially.
I believe Barack has the potential to lead the American people into a positive new chapter of their great history. He seems to understand that if the American people claim they are the top tier society in this world then they better start acting like it.
Anyone think Barack Obama will be good for education in America?
The big question is how he will deal with the economy and how his liberal policies will respond to the growing crisis.
By: EViLMinD
Re: Obama Speech: 'A More Perfect Union'
It's unfortunate, like many other American visionaries, that Mr. Obama will be assinated the second he tries to go against the 'norm' of American politics.
By: grahamce
Re: Obama Speech: 'A More Perfect Union'
I don't know much about his stance on education although I do agree with what he said regarding it in this speech, but it is obviously a problem that he alone can not fix. I just hope that he all focuses on our growing debt. Obviously leaving Iraq would help it a great deal, but I would hope he or Congress proposes a deal to lower the deficit. Being a conservative, I hope for a Republican Congress which I hope would help our economic problem and hopefully not cause too much trouble for Obama's progress ideals. I don't really know how well Obama would do to help the economy, and I have a feeling it's going to be really tough during the first couple years if he is elected.
By: Wonderr
Re: Obama Speech: 'A More Perfect Union'
Granted his speeches are well written and he has a charismatic delivery. But just because someone has a frank discussion about racism does not necessarily qualify them to be commander-in-chief.
My questions are:
1) Why did it take him so long to address the issue of the preacher? 20 years is a very long time to know someone. And he's been on the campaign trail for sometime... all of the sudden he disagrees with what the guys says... doesn't make any sense to me.
2) What's all this talk about change anyway? Wasn't one of his biggest campaign contributors a slumlord who is in a legal mess now? Didn't Obama also invest in those properties and only gave away the $ he made after this came to light? Didn't his campaign tell the Canadian gov't that his public views on NAFTA just political rhetoric? Looks like no change here... same old hamburger, different rapper.
3) Although I'm not crazy about any of the candidates, Obama by far has the least foreign policy experience out of the three. Hence, wouldn't he be the least likely to trust in those matters? Isn't our foreign policy a mess now? Do we need anymore of that?
4) Is Geraldine Ferrara so wrong in stating that Obama is where he is because he's black? By Obama's own way of thinking, if his preacher is just being honest (albeit very twisted), can't Ferrara's view be honest? Doesn't she speak for people who might be afraid to be called the 'R' word (racist)? If his name were Tom Ritazzi and he was a white Italian guy with the same approach, platform, etc... would there be all the hype? What if he was a Jason Chen or Hector Carlos Ramirez? You get the point.
Again, I really don't like any of the candidates and I could care less what color or gender the president is. But let's be real and not get swept up in some fantasy that everything will magically 'change' if this guys gets elected.
My questions are:
1) Why did it take him so long to address the issue of the preacher? 20 years is a very long time to know someone. And he's been on the campaign trail for sometime... all of the sudden he disagrees with what the guys says... doesn't make any sense to me.
2) What's all this talk about change anyway? Wasn't one of his biggest campaign contributors a slumlord who is in a legal mess now? Didn't Obama also invest in those properties and only gave away the $ he made after this came to light? Didn't his campaign tell the Canadian gov't that his public views on NAFTA just political rhetoric? Looks like no change here... same old hamburger, different rapper.
3) Although I'm not crazy about any of the candidates, Obama by far has the least foreign policy experience out of the three. Hence, wouldn't he be the least likely to trust in those matters? Isn't our foreign policy a mess now? Do we need anymore of that?
4) Is Geraldine Ferrara so wrong in stating that Obama is where he is because he's black? By Obama's own way of thinking, if his preacher is just being honest (albeit very twisted), can't Ferrara's view be honest? Doesn't she speak for people who might be afraid to be called the 'R' word (racist)? If his name were Tom Ritazzi and he was a white Italian guy with the same approach, platform, etc... would there be all the hype? What if he was a Jason Chen or Hector Carlos Ramirez? You get the point.
Again, I really don't like any of the candidates and I could care less what color or gender the president is. But let's be real and not get swept up in some fantasy that everything will magically 'change' if this guys gets elected.
By: JesusFlysSouth
Re: Obama Speech: 'A More Perfect Union'
1) The preacher's views were brought out into the public eye. After repeated broadcasts, Obama was forced to address it. Why would he need to address it otherwise? You don't assemble a press conference to address something the general public has never heard.
2a) Can't argue with that, he's got a shady friend and should be more diligent in screening campaign contributions. We'll see what happens as Rezko's trial continues.
2b) US>Mexico, Latin America is a much bigger deal than US>Canada. I doubt Canada would have much to worry about if/when NAFTA gets reworked.
3) So a person who has 30 years experience building shitty or, at best, mediocre bridges is a better candidate than a recognizably gifted engineer who has only had the opportunity to build 2?
4a) That's not exactly what Geraldine Ferraro said. She said, "If Obama was a white man, he would not be in this position." I'd like to think she meant "his campaign would not be considered historic if he were another white guy"... I don't believe it had the affirmative action accusatory tone everyone is giving it. Besides what does that have to do with Obama? Shouldn't Clinton have defended her friend like Obama defended his pastor?
4b) A person of a different background could not use the same approach because Obama's approach is the result of his background.
5) "I don't care what color or gender the president is..." Then why did you bring it up? That statement is the new "One of my best friends is black."
I haven't ever been optimistic about a presidential candidate in my lifetime before this so I'm going to keep "fantasizing". We should meet up in 4 and a half years and see how our idealism and naiveté stacks up against your combo of practicality and pessimism.
Be honest though... you didn't even listen to the speech did you?
2a) Can't argue with that, he's got a shady friend and should be more diligent in screening campaign contributions. We'll see what happens as Rezko's trial continues.
2b) US>Mexico, Latin America is a much bigger deal than US>Canada. I doubt Canada would have much to worry about if/when NAFTA gets reworked.
3) So a person who has 30 years experience building shitty or, at best, mediocre bridges is a better candidate than a recognizably gifted engineer who has only had the opportunity to build 2?
4a) That's not exactly what Geraldine Ferraro said. She said, "If Obama was a white man, he would not be in this position." I'd like to think she meant "his campaign would not be considered historic if he were another white guy"... I don't believe it had the affirmative action accusatory tone everyone is giving it. Besides what does that have to do with Obama? Shouldn't Clinton have defended her friend like Obama defended his pastor?
4b) A person of a different background could not use the same approach because Obama's approach is the result of his background.
5) "I don't care what color or gender the president is..." Then why did you bring it up? That statement is the new "One of my best friends is black."
I haven't ever been optimistic about a presidential candidate in my lifetime before this so I'm going to keep "fantasizing". We should meet up in 4 and a half years and see how our idealism and naiveté stacks up against your combo of practicality and pessimism.
Be honest though... you didn't even listen to the speech did you?
By: athomascrawley
Re: Obama Speech: 'A More Perfect Union'
1) Point taken, but something of that nature should have been dealt with ealier b/c now it looks like he was trying to hide something, or at least that's how the media will position this. And that's how many in the public will feel.
2b) The issue is not Canada or Mexico.. it's the doubletalk and denials... just like every other politician.
3) You've got a great analogy, and Obama could very well be vastly gifted more than we all know. Let's look at another example.. If you had to invest money, would you go to a financial analyst who has 2 years of experience, or would you go to the person who has 30 years experience and had made a few mistakes? I think most logical people would probably trust their money to someone who has the track record... why would it be any different for the foreign policy country?
4a) Obama can keep whoever he wants as his preacher. But this guy is clearly radical, anti-American, or at the very least separatist. It doesn't look look very good for a presidential candidate to be associated with this type of character and especially not for 20 years. Why would Hillary defend anyone she is running against? Or any candidate defend anyone they are running against. It's a tight race and it's gonna get tighter.
4b) All else being equal, if he was a different race, there wouldn't be any hype. We can argue this all you want... but this is difficult to deny.
5) I mentioned b/c that's what I feel and I want to make it clear that I am taking a logical and rational approach to this election. Whether or not you agree with me is a different story however. And I don't just say things b/s it is the popular thing to say... never have, never will. That's an inane and immature way to think/act.
Hey if you like the guy, more power to you. It's a great country and we have the right to choose our own political leaders and voice our opinions. As it is your opinion to be optimistic and supportive of this candidate, it is also mine. He's run a great campaign, but that doesn't mean everything is going to change if/when he gets into office.
Sure let's meet up in 4.5 years... I don't think we will see any significant improvements in office. Actually, I think there will be a lot of disappointed people out there. Not because of his lack of inaction or intention, but not living up to this hype that he has created around himself and his inability to live up the the grandiose and overly optimistic expectations. At least with the other candidates, we will know what to expect.
May the best candidate win.
And you're right I did not listen to the speech... I read the text of it..
2b) The issue is not Canada or Mexico.. it's the doubletalk and denials... just like every other politician.
3) You've got a great analogy, and Obama could very well be vastly gifted more than we all know. Let's look at another example.. If you had to invest money, would you go to a financial analyst who has 2 years of experience, or would you go to the person who has 30 years experience and had made a few mistakes? I think most logical people would probably trust their money to someone who has the track record... why would it be any different for the foreign policy country?
4a) Obama can keep whoever he wants as his preacher. But this guy is clearly radical, anti-American, or at the very least separatist. It doesn't look look very good for a presidential candidate to be associated with this type of character and especially not for 20 years. Why would Hillary defend anyone she is running against? Or any candidate defend anyone they are running against. It's a tight race and it's gonna get tighter.
4b) All else being equal, if he was a different race, there wouldn't be any hype. We can argue this all you want... but this is difficult to deny.
5) I mentioned b/c that's what I feel and I want to make it clear that I am taking a logical and rational approach to this election. Whether or not you agree with me is a different story however. And I don't just say things b/s it is the popular thing to say... never have, never will. That's an inane and immature way to think/act.
Hey if you like the guy, more power to you. It's a great country and we have the right to choose our own political leaders and voice our opinions. As it is your opinion to be optimistic and supportive of this candidate, it is also mine. He's run a great campaign, but that doesn't mean everything is going to change if/when he gets into office.
Sure let's meet up in 4.5 years... I don't think we will see any significant improvements in office. Actually, I think there will be a lot of disappointed people out there. Not because of his lack of inaction or intention, but not living up to this hype that he has created around himself and his inability to live up the the grandiose and overly optimistic expectations. At least with the other candidates, we will know what to expect.
May the best candidate win.
And you're right I did not listen to the speech... I read the text of it..
By: JesusFlysSouth
Re: Obama Speech: 'A More Perfect Union'
4a) You misunderstood. Hilary should have defended Ferraro. Why did she allow her friend to be accused of being racist? She could have stepped up for her as Obama stepped up for his pastor.
4b) Don't you think there would be some "hype" involved if he was Asian, Latino, Indian, Native American? For the last 41 presidents do you think the best person out of our melting pot was always elected? Didn't they all have at least two things in common? Is the current "hype" not warranted?
Obama is a successful Harvard graduate with powerful associates. Except for his Dad's race and his own dulcet tones, maybe things really aren't so different about his resume and previous candidates. But hearing him speak is inspiring... and if he can help dispel the cynicism we're all been mired in for even a limited amount of time... maybe we can start working towards making things better.
A truly wholesome and honest, salt-of-the-Earth person does not get to the point any of the candidates are now. Out of that lot though, Obama stands out, undeniably... even if it's just because he hasn't been around long enough to get as corrupt. I'm willing to bet the level of corruption we've become used to isn't a prerequisite for being an effective leader.
4b) Don't you think there would be some "hype" involved if he was Asian, Latino, Indian, Native American? For the last 41 presidents do you think the best person out of our melting pot was always elected? Didn't they all have at least two things in common? Is the current "hype" not warranted?
Obama is a successful Harvard graduate with powerful associates. Except for his Dad's race and his own dulcet tones, maybe things really aren't so different about his resume and previous candidates. But hearing him speak is inspiring... and if he can help dispel the cynicism we're all been mired in for even a limited amount of time... maybe we can start working towards making things better.
A truly wholesome and honest, salt-of-the-Earth person does not get to the point any of the candidates are now. Out of that lot though, Obama stands out, undeniably... even if it's just because he hasn't been around long enough to get as corrupt. I'm willing to bet the level of corruption we've become used to isn't a prerequisite for being an effective leader.
By: athomascrawley
Re: Obama Speech: 'A More Perfect Union'
I'd just like to comment on 2)a Why should he care who is contributing to his campaign? Money is money. I think Ron Paul said it best regarding his campaign contributation from a KKK member.
By: Wonderr
Re: Obama Speech: 'A More Perfect Union'
I could care less what color or gender the president is
Ok..... care less then
I myself couldn't care less
Ok..... care less then
I myself couldn't care less
By: odipus
Re: Obama Speech: 'A More Perfect Union'
Too many things are going through my mind right after watching Mr Obama's speech, but they can be summed up with what is, finally for me, an unequivocal statement on the matter:
Put this man in the Oval Office!
Put this man in the Oval Office!
Re: Obama Speech: 'A More Perfect Union'
One word: Lincolnesque
I don't know what I'll do if we don't elect this guy. I think I'll have lost total faith in Democracy.
I don't know what I'll do if we don't elect this guy. I think I'll have lost total faith in Democracy.
By: the_monk
Re: Obama Speech: 'A More Perfect Union'
I was reallly on the fence with Obama. It takes a lot for me to say I like a politician. Back in '04 I didn't have a single nice thing to say about Kerry and voted third party, have voted libertarian in many local elections, and have even voted against some of my best friends when they ran for local elections because I didn't like the way they would have done things.
But wow. This was the first speech that actually felt like a speech instead of a "big ol' list of takin' points" I've ever seen a politician give.
I'm actually now thinking about volunteering with his capaign. And that's a big deal for me.
But wow. This was the first speech that actually felt like a speech instead of a "big ol' list of takin' points" I've ever seen a politician give.
I'm actually now thinking about volunteering with his capaign. And that's a big deal for me.
By: McCorvic
Re: Obama Speech: 'A More Perfect Union'
Good for you. Today I became a convert, too. In a way, I envy you a bit, as I don't live in the US so I can't participate directly in your elections. In my country, I've voted as well as helped guard voting urns from potential electoral fraudsters.
But I'll tell you this, you put this man in the White House, and in the eyes of the world, your country will recover a considerable amount of prestige lost in the past eight years.
Mr Obama's performance was everything I could possibly hope for in a candidate: Cool under pressure, cerebral yet compassionate, steadfast yet reaching out. To put it bluntly, brains, balls and soul. As of today, I am absolutely convinced he is the right man for the job.
What you could immediately begin to do is show this speech to the people you know. Don't email it, most people won't make the time to watch the whole thing through by themselves, that's just human nature. Commitment becomes that much stronger if you watch it with them.
But I'll tell you this, you put this man in the White House, and in the eyes of the world, your country will recover a considerable amount of prestige lost in the past eight years.
Mr Obama's performance was everything I could possibly hope for in a candidate: Cool under pressure, cerebral yet compassionate, steadfast yet reaching out. To put it bluntly, brains, balls and soul. As of today, I am absolutely convinced he is the right man for the job.
What you could immediately begin to do is show this speech to the people you know. Don't email it, most people won't make the time to watch the whole thing through by themselves, that's just human nature. Commitment becomes that much stronger if you watch it with them.
Re: Obama Speech: 'A More Perfect Union'
I think that Obama is just what this country needs. Bush and his buddies have really fouled things up over the past 8 years. (Not the mention that those who live in Flori-DUH got the pleasure of dealing with his holier-than-thou brother, while he was Governor.
I love Obanas' thoughts, his willingness to listen to the people, his multicultural background, his interfaith experience, and his positive outlook on what lies ahead.
Besides that.... Hillary just reminds me of my mother... and that scares the hell out of me!
I love Obanas' thoughts, his willingness to listen to the people, his multicultural background, his interfaith experience, and his positive outlook on what lies ahead.
Besides that.... Hillary just reminds me of my mother... and that scares the hell out of me!
By: naturewalking
Re: Obama Speech: 'A More Perfect Union'
Here is an interesting article about the public reactions to Barack Obama's speech -
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/robert-creamer/why-obamas-speech-on-rac_b_92374.html
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/robert-creamer/why-obamas-speech-on-rac_b_92374.html
By: EViLMinD
