« Rudy's Aides Lying About His Past Statements On "Partial Birth" Abortion | Home | Quote Of The Day »
Barack Obama's Full Announcement Speech — On Video
Here's a video of Barack Obama's announcement speech this morning:
The rest of it can be seen after the jump.
Advertisement
Watched it again, and maybe, I am the only one, but I find many of Obama's speeches boring. He always sounds like he's giving his inaugural address, and I don't mean that as positive. If he doesn't have another gear, I think more people are going to start to get bored too.
But, this one was a meh, the DNC Winter con speech was pure snooze. Seriously, Chris Dodd can give better speaches.
February 10, 2007 5:16 PM | Reply | Permalink
I was there and despite AJMA's claim above I have to say the guy gives a great speech. How can you not like getting back to forming a more perfect union? The only candidate in this race who comes close is Edwards. You like Dodd better AJMA? Oh well, Ford sold Edsels to a few people too.
February 10, 2007 6:37 PM | Reply | Permalink
I am not Dodd fan, that's my point, though I have nothing against him. I found Obama's speech to be Meh, something any competent politician could have produced.
That said. It's always different in the crowd, Talladaga Nights was hillarious in the theater, less so on cable.
February 10, 2007 7:08 PM | Reply | Permalink
The question is not how well this--or other--speeches sell to jaded and cynical campaign junkies. The question is how well will it sell on mainstreet. Based on the people I've talked to, who've seen this speech, it sold very well. Why change a speech that fundamentally describes Obama's political objectives in a rousing and well received way?
I liked it. Win or lose, having Obama run is great for this country.
February 10, 2007 9:53 PM | Reply | Permalink
Appearantly beauty is in the ear of the beholder. I thought it was rhetorically beautiful and filled with music. His closing actually brought tears to my wife's eyes.
Did you find it boring because you are a policy junky who wants ten point plans (a la Kerry)? Who do you support? Just curious.
February 11, 2007 10:41 AM | Reply | Permalink
Objection noted from the guy who's seen Taladaga Nights. Twice. LOL.
February 11, 2007 2:19 PM | Reply | Permalink
In retrospect, perhaps I shouldn't have brought up the point on the day of his announcement, as his supporters deserve their day to enjoy the speech and the moment.
That said, it is ear of the beholder indeed. Where you heard soaring, I heard platitudes. I prefer a less sonorous tone, to me, he sounded like the Robert Redford character in the Candidate.
My problem, though, is the notion that we are supposed accept, without question, the notion of the universal appeal of the Obama charisma. Undoubtedly, many people do find him charismatic, but I know many don't. One of the issues with the "Hope and Trust," approach is that you're either all in, or all out.
February 11, 2007 7:42 PM | Reply | Permalink
Thank you for your reply. I appreciate a reasonable conversation between differing points of view. In this era of spin and flame wars that is all too rare.
I would characterize Obama's speech as a statement of priciples and intentions. In my mind, your response which is to see his rhetoric as platitudes, proves his point: cynicism has become so deeply ingrained in our culture that it threatens our ability to solve our problems through democratic processes. Try actually listening to the content of what Obama says, rather than evaluting how he says it, or monitoring your own reactions.
Better yet, read Obama's books. I believe he is making powerful and astute observations about the state of our political culture and prescribing some well thought out corrective action.
I don't really get your point about "charisma." The reason I support Obama has much less to do with charisma than it has to do with the fact that I believe he shares my values and concerns, I respect his background, and I am hopeful that he has the skills to be an effective leader for change.
I don't expect anyone to accept anything without question. The best way to evaluate Obama is to look at what he has done, and said, and written. Based on my reading of everything written by or about the man, Obama strikes me as unusually honest and consistent in his world view and in his actions. This honesty and consistency give me hope and encourage me to believe that Obama is "genuine." I encourage you to keep an open mind and gather your own information.
I have said it before, and I will say it again: most political junkies are obsessed with policies, but most voters are concerned with values. Listen to the values that Obama is trying to communicate. I believe these are values that have broad appeal. Obama is trying to build a progressive majority by reaching out to the disenfranchised and the moderates. Rather than ticking off a bunch of policy pronouncements designed to appeal to the Dem base, he is trying to build that base. This is an effort that every Democrat should cheer.
February 12, 2007 4:01 AM | Reply | Permalink
I guess you're gonna miss John Kerry droning on about getting policy right in Iraq. When you're giving political speeches it pays to be able to excite people. You have a whole year to see the light AJMA. You have to sleep sometime and you can be assured we'll be there to put a pod in your basement when you do. LOL.
February 12, 2007 10:48 AM | Reply | Permalink
LOL. John "I have a plan" Kerry was always a good sedative.
February 12, 2007 11:16 AM | Reply | Permalink
I won't belabor the charisma point any longer, other than I think his performances are more uneven than is generally reported.
For me it is not at all about policy papers, it's about fight. For example, I found him much more comelling in his press conference than in his speech on Saturday.
February 12, 2007 12:27 PM | Reply | Permalink
I don't know where you get the idea I supported Kerry. I'd seen the guy for too many years to ever buy the electable argument.
POD, WTF? Mark you make a terrible advocate for candidate, it is a good thing for him you are in IL, where you can do a miniumum of damage.
February 12, 2007 12:41 PM | Reply | Permalink
C'mon AJMA, get a sense of humor will ya? I supported Kerry in the general, canvassed and phonebanked and worked a 15 hour election day for him but never did get excited by his speaking style.
I like a speaker with a little fire in him/her.
Both Obama and Edwards have that.
February 13, 2007 12:00 AM | Reply | Permalink