C-SPAN: Barack Obama Speech at 2004 DNC Convention

Summary

In 2004, then-Illinois Senate candidate Barack Obama delivered a keynote address at the Democratic National Convention in Boston. He shared his personal story, highlighting the American dream and the opportunities it offers. Obama discussed the need for the nation to reaffirm its values, focusing on issues such as job loss, healthcare, and education. He introduced John Kerry as a candidate who embodies American ideals and has a vision for a better future, emphasizing unity, hope, and the collective responsibility to ensure every American has a fair chance at success.

Takeaways

• 🌟 Barack Obama's keynote address at the 2004 Democratic National Convention in Boston emphasized the American dream and the opportunities available in the United States.
• 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Obama shared his personal story, highlighting his diverse heritage and the aspirations his parents had for him, reflecting the larger American narrative of hope and potential.
• 🏛️ He discussed the fundamental values of the United States, such as equality, life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness, which are central to the American identity.
• 🤝 Obama called for unity and a collective effort to address issues like job loss, affordable healthcare, and educational opportunities for all Americans.
• 💼 He criticized companies moving jobs overseas and advocated for policies that support businesses creating jobs within the United States.
• 🏥 Obama emphasized the need for affordable health coverage for all Americans, similar to the benefits enjoyed by politicians.
• 🌱 He touched on the importance of energy independence to reduce reliance on foreign oil and to protect the environment.
• ✊ Obama expressed the belief that war should be a last resort and that the United States must be prepared and just in its military engagements.
• 👥 He argued against divisive politics and for a united America, where the well-being of every citizen is considered important, regardless of race or background.
• 🌈 Obama concluded with a message of hope, urging Americans to participate in a politics of hope rather than cynicism, and to believe in a better future for the country.

Q & A

Who was the keynote speaker at the 2004 Democratic National Convention?

Barack Obama was the keynote speaker at the 2004 Democratic National Convention.

What personal background does Barack Obama mention in his speech?

Barack Obama mentions his father was a foreign student from Kenya, his mother was from Kansas, and he discusses their struggles and dreams.

What does Obama emphasize as the true genius of America in his speech?

Obama emphasizes the true genius of America as a faith in simple dreams and an insistence on small miracles that ensure basic rights and opportunities for all.

What are some of the values and commitments Obama calls to reaffirm in the 2004 election?

Obama calls to reaffirm values and commitments such as equal opportunities, the right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness, and the importance of community and service.

Who does the Democratic Party nominate as their presidential candidate in the speech?

In the speech, Barack Obama endorses John Kerry as the Democratic Party's presidential candidate.

What are some policy positions of John Kerry mentioned by Obama?

Obama mentions that John Kerry believes in rewarding hard work, providing affordable health coverage, achieving energy independence, and not sacrificing constitutional freedoms.

How does Obama describe the attitude of Americans towards government involvement?

Obama describes Americans as not expecting the government to solve all their problems but believing that with slight changes in priorities, the government can ensure opportunities for all.

What does Obama say about the importance of unity and the concept of 'out of many, one'?

Obama emphasizes the importance of unity, stating that despite differences, there is only one United States of America, and that the country functions best when it operates under the belief that everyone is connected as one people.

What is the message Obama conveys about the politics of hope versus cynicism?

Obama conveys that the politics of hope is more substantial than cynicism, advocating for a belief in a better future and the audacity to hope for positive change despite difficulties.

What does Obama mean by 'The Audacity of Hope'?

Obama refers to 'The Audacity of Hope' as a belief in a better future, inspired by the resilience and aspirations of various groups in American history, such as slaves, immigrants, and working-class individuals.

Outlines

00:00

🌟 Introduction and Personal Background

In paragraph 1, Barack Obama introduces himself as an Illinois Senate candidate and delivers the keynote address at the 2004 Democratic National Convention in Boston. He shares his personal story, highlighting his father's journey from Kenya, his mother's background from Kansas, and their shared dreams for their children. Obama emphasizes the American dream and the opportunities it provides, reflecting on his parents' faith in America's potential and the sacrifices made by previous generations. He acknowledges the diversity of his heritage and how it is intertwined with the larger American narrative, concluding with a call to affirm America's greatness based on its founding principles of equality and the pursuit of happiness.

05:00

💼 Economic Challenges and the American Dream

Paragraph 2 delves into the economic struggles faced by everyday Americans, as observed by Obama during his interactions with workers in Galesburg, Illinois, and other individuals across the country. He discusses the plight of workers losing jobs to outsourcing, the challenges of accessing affordable healthcare, and the barriers faced by students in pursuing higher education due to financial constraints. Obama emphasizes the need for a change in priorities to ensure equal opportunities for all, and he introduces John Kerry as a leader who embodies the best of America, with a commitment to community, faith, and service. He outlines Kerry's policy stances, including rewarding hard work, providing affordable healthcare, and pursuing energy independence, while also stressing the importance of not sacrificing liberties or using faith to divide the nation.

10:00

🛡️ The Cost of War and the Importance of Unity

In paragraph 3, Obama addresses the costs of war, both in terms of human lives and societal resources. He recounts meeting a young Marine, Sheamus, and reflects on the sacrifices made by servicemen and women, as well as the responsibilities owed to them by the nation. Obama stresses the need for truthfulness in justifying wars, proper care for soldiers and their families, and sufficient troop strength to ensure victory and peace. He also touches on the broader theme of American unity, rejecting the notion of a divided America along political, racial, or regional lines. Instead, he calls for a collective identity as Americans, united in their pursuit of individual dreams while also recognizing their interconnectedness and shared responsibilities towards one another.

15:01

🌈 The Audacity of Hope and the Path Forward

Paragraph 4 concludes Obama's speech with a call for hope and a rejection of cynicism in politics. He defines hope not as blind optimism but as a substantive belief in a better future, drawing on historical examples of hope from various groups, including slaves, immigrants, and individuals who have overcome adversity. Obama expresses his belief in the potential for positive change in America, including providing relief for the middle class, creating jobs, and reclaiming opportunities for the disadvantaged. He envisions a future where the nation comes together, led by John Kerry and John Edwards, to reclaim its promise and emerge from political darkness into a brighter day. The paragraph ends with a note about the Democratic National Committee's announcement of Mark Warner as the keynote speaker for the upcoming convention and a prompt for viewers to follow the campaign on C-SPAN's politics site.

Keywords

💡Dreams

Dreams in the context of the speech symbolize aspirations and the potential for a better future. Obama speaks of his parents' dreams for him, which were rooted in their belief in the American promise of equal opportunity. The term is used to convey the idea that everyone, regardless of their background, can achieve success in America. For example, Obama mentions his parents' dreams for him to attend the best schools, reflecting their faith in the nation's possibilities.

💡Diversity

Diversity is a core theme in the speech, highlighting the variety of backgrounds, cultures, and experiences that make up America. Obama acknowledges his own mixed heritage as an example of this diversity and emphasizes that it is a strength, not a weakness. He talks about how his story is part of the larger American story, indicating that the nation's diversity is what makes it unique and strong.

💡Opportunity

Opportunity is a recurring concept in the speech, representing the chance for individuals to succeed and achieve their goals. Obama discusses how his parents believed in the American dream of opportunity, where success is not determined by wealth but by hard work and determination. He also connects this to the broader message of the speech, which is about ensuring that opportunities remain open to all Americans.

💡Service

Service is a key concept in the speech, referring to the idea of contributing to society and helping others. Obama mentions John Kerry's commitment to service, from his military service in Vietnam to his political career, as an embodiment of American values. The term is used to illustrate the importance of selfless dedication to the greater good, which is a cornerstone of the American ethos.

💡Hope

Hope is a central theme in the speech, representing the belief in a positive future despite challenges. Obama talks about the 'audacity of hope,' which is the courage to maintain optimism and work towards a better tomorrow. He contrasts this with cynicism and emphasizes the need for a hopeful politics that seeks to solve problems rather than ignore them.

💡Freedom

Freedom is a fundamental value in the speech, referring to the rights and liberties that Americans hold dear. Obama discusses the American ideal of being able to express oneself without fear and to pursue one's own business or ideas. He connects this to the broader theme of the speech by arguing that preserving and expanding freedom is essential to maintaining the American way of life.

💡Community

Community is a significant concept in the speech, emphasizing the interconnectedness and shared responsibility among Americans. Obama speaks about the importance of community values and how they are reflected in John Kerry's life and political career. The term is used to highlight the idea that individual success is tied to the well-being of the community as a whole.

💡Responsibility

Responsibility is a key theme in the speech, indicating the duty and obligation individuals and the government have towards one another. Obama discusses the responsibility to provide for those in need, such as the jobless and the homeless, and to ensure that everyone has a fair shot at success. The term is used to argue for a society where everyone contributes to the common good.

💡Equality

Equality is a core value in the speech, representing the belief in equal rights and treatment for all people. Obama references the Declaration of Independence to emphasize that all men are created equal and endowed with inalienable rights. The term is used to underscore the importance of fairness and justice in American society.

💡Prosperity

Prosperity is discussed in the speech as a goal for the nation, where all Americans can enjoy economic success and a good quality of life. Obama talks about the need to ensure that prosperity is not just for the few but is accessible to everyone. The term is used to argue for policies that promote economic growth and reduce income inequality.

💡Unity

Unity is a central theme in the speech, highlighting the need for Americans to come together despite their differences. Obama rejects the idea of a divided America and instead emphasizes the shared values and goals that unite the country. The term is used to call for a politics of hope and cooperation, rather than division and cynicism.

Highlights

Barack Obama's keynote address at the 2004 Democratic National Convention in Boston

Obama's personal background as the son of a Kenyan father and a mother from Kansas

The importance of the American dream and opportunities it provides to immigrants and the less fortunate

Obama's belief in the American values of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness

The need for the country to reaffirm its values and commitments in the face of hard realities

Obama's discussion of the struggles of workers in Galesburg, Illinois, and the need for better job opportunities

The importance of accessible healthcare and the challenges faced by families without insurance

The role of government in supporting education and not just relying on individual effort

Obama's endorsement of John Kerry as a leader who embodies the best of America

Kerry's stance on rewarding hard work and offering tax breaks to companies that create jobs in America

The necessity for energy independence to reduce reliance on foreign oil

Obama's call for a foreign policy that uses war as a last resort, not a first option

The story of Sheamus, a young Marine, and the responsibilities America has towards its servicemen and women

The interconnectedness of all Americans and the importance of community and shared responsibility

Obama's vision of a united America, rejecting the division into liberal and conservative, or racial and ethnic categories

The call for a politics of hope over cynicism, and the importance of collective action for a better future

Obama's closing remarks, urging the audience to join in the effort to reclaim America's promise

Transcripts

in 2004 then Illinois Senate candidate

Barack Obama delivered the keynote

address at the Democratic National

Convention in Boston he spoke about his

personal background and about the

Democratic party here is that speech in

its entirety

thank you so

much thank you so much thank you thank

you thank you so

much thank you so much thank

you thank

you thank you dick

Durban you make us all proud

on behalf of the great state of

Illinois Crossroads of a

Nation Land of

Lincoln let me express my deepest

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 hurting goats went to

school in a tin roof Shack his father my

grandfather was a cook a domestic

servant to the

British 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 that

shown 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 my

grandfather signed up for Duty joined

Patton's Army marched across Europe back

home my grandmother raised a 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

later moved West all the way to Hawaii

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

imagine they imagine 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're both passed away now

and yet I know that on this night they

do look down on me with great pride they

stand here and I stand here today

grateful for the diversity of my

Heritage aware that my parents' Dreams

live on in my two 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 200 years

ago we hold these truths to be

self-evident that all 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 a faith in simple

dreams an insistence on Small

Miracles that we can tuck in our

children at night and know that they are

fed and clothed and safe from home

F 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 that we can participate in the

political process without fear of

Retribution and that our votes will be

counted at least most of the

time this year in this election we are

called to reaffirm our values and our

commitments to hold them against a hard

reality and see how we're measuring up

to the legacy of our forebears and the

promise of future generations and fellow

Americans Democrats Republicans

Independence I say to you tonight we

have more work to

do more work to do for the workers I met

in Galesburg Illinois who are losing

their union jobs at the matag 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 that I

met who was losing his job and choking

back the tears wondering how he would

pay $4,500 a month for the drugs his son

needs without the health benefits that

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

now don't get me wrong the people I meet

in small towns and big cities and 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 going to the

collar counties around Chicago and

people will tell you they don't want

their tax money Wasted by a welfare

agency or by the

Pentagon go

in go into any inner city neighborhood

and folks will tell you that government

alone can't teach our kids to learn they

know that parents have to teach 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 they know those

things people don't

expect people don't expect government to

solve all their

problems but they sense deep in their

bones that with just a slight 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 and that man is

John KY

John krey understands the ideals of

community faith and service because

they've defined his life from his heroic

service to Vietnam to his years as a

prosecutor and lieutenant governor

through two decades in the United States

Senate he's 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 krey believes in an America

where hard work is rewarded so instead

of offering tax breaks to Companies

shipping jobs overseas he offers them to

companies creating jobs here at

home John KY believes in an America

where all Americans can afford the same

health coverage our politicians in

Washington have for

themselves John KY believes in energy

Independence so but we aren't held

hostage to the profits of oil companies

or the sabotage of foreign oil

fields John KY 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 KY

believes that in a dangerous world

war must be an option sometimes but it

should never be the first

option you know a while back a while

back I met a young man named Sheamus in

a VFW Hall in East Molen

Illinois he was a good-look kid 62 63

cleare eyed with an easy

smile he told me he joined the Marines

and was heading to Iraq the following

week and as I listened to him explain

why he didn't

the absolute Faith he had in our country

and its leaders his Devotion to duty and

service I thought this young man was all

that any of us might ever hope for in a

child but then I asked myself are we

serving Sheamus as well as he's serving

us I thought of the 900 men and women

Sons and Daughters husbands and wives

friends and neighbors who won't be

returning to their own

hometowns I thought of the families i'

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 nerves shattered but

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 shave the truth about why

they are 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 now let me be clear 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 krey knows this and just as

Lieutenant krey did not hesitate to risk

his life to protect the men who served

with him in Vietnam President kery will

not hesitate one moment to use our

military might to keep America safe and

secure John KY believes in

America and he knows that 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're all

connected as one people if there is a

child on the southside 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

their prescription drugs and having to

choose between medicine and the rent

that makes my life poor even if it's not

my

grandparent if there's an Arab American

family being rounded up without benefit

of an attorney or due process that

threatens my civil

liberties it is that fundamental

belief it is 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 and yet still come

together as one American family

plur UNAM out of many

one now even as we speak there are those

who are preparing to divide us the Spin

Masters the negative ad Peddlers who

embrace the politics of anything

goes well I say to them tonight there is

not a liberal America and a conservative

America there is the United States of

America there is not a Black America and

White America and Latino America and

Asian America there's the United States

of

America the pundits 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 in our libraries in the

red States

we coach little league in the blue

States and yes we've got some gay

friends in the red

states there are patriots who opposed

the war in Iraq and they Patriots who

supported the war in Iraq 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 in the end in the end that's what

this election is

about do we participate in a politics of

cynicism or do we participate in a

politics of

Hope John KY 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 un

employment will go away if we just don't

think about it or Health Care crisis

will solve itself if we just ignore it

that's not what I'm talking about 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 diff Distant

Shores the hope of a young Naval

Lieutenant bravely patrolling the makong

Delta the hope of a mill worker'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 hope hope in the face of difficulty

hope in the face of

uncertainty The Audacity Of Hope in the

end that is God's greatest gift to us

the Bedrock of this nation a belief in

things not SE a belief that there are

better days ahead I believe that 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 we have a

righteous wind at our backs and that as

we stand on the crossroads of History we

can make the right choices and meet the

challenges that face US America to

tonight if you feel the same energy that

I do if you feel the same urgency that I

do if you feel the same passion that I

do if you feel the same hopefulness that

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 KY 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 very

much everybody God bless you thank you

are

the Democratic National Committee

earlier this week announced that Mark

Warner will deliver the keynote address

at this year's convention in Denver the

former Virginia governor is running for

that state open senate seat this year

you can follow campaign 2008 Anytime by

logging on to our site for politics at C

span.org

politics there you'll find the latest

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races including two new ads from

Senators Obama and McCain on the economy

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