Everyone is talking about Barack's incredible speech that he delivered at Saturday's Jefferson Jackson Dinner. JJ is the premier Iowa political event of the year and all the campaigns tried to organize the strongest presence.
We live-blogged all night from Veterans Memorial Auditorium. It was clear that Barack delivered the best speech and our Iowa supporters and volunteers had the strongest presence.
Here is a video we put together that shows what a great event it was!
Everyone is talking about the amazing speech Barack gave at the JJ dinner this past weekend. But as this video demonstrates, Barack's speech wasn't the only amazing thing that happened at the JJ. Look at the energy, size and idealism of this movement:
Barack Obama's speech at the JJ dinner this weekend continues to draw rave reviews...
Mark Ambinder of The Atlantic:
Barack Obama's speech at Saturday night's Jefferson-Jackson dinner was the best I've ever seen him give.
Todd Beeton at MyDD:
I've finally caught up on my J-J speech viewing and have to agree with David Yepsen that Obama clearly had the best speech last night.
Mike Lux at OpenLeft:
From everything I've heard, his organization made a great impression on Dinner goers, and Obama gave the best speech of the night. His central message that he represents and can deliver real change, which is a strong message in this anti-establishment moment.
And here's an account from Iowa Independent of a couple that shared the table with Barack at the JJ dinner:
"Jill right away said that guy (Obama) is real," Kraus said. "It's not political charisma. It's real. It's genuine. He's doing it for the right reasons." Kraus said he sees Obama in historic terms. "He is going to go something momentous," Kraus said. "I feel it in my bones."
"Jill right away said that guy (Obama) is real," Kraus said. "It's not political charisma. It's real. It's genuine. He's doing it for the right reasons."
Kraus said he sees Obama in historic terms.
"He is going to go something momentous," Kraus said. "I feel it in my bones."
Wow!! I have gone from being a supporter of Barack Obama to being an impassioned supporter for Barack. I got home from the JJ event in Des Moines at 2:00 AM Sunday, tired but with an energy that won't stop. I couldn't believe I was marching with a group of 4000 to Vet's Aud. doing the chants at the top of my lungs. I felt like a kid again. On a more serious note, Barack and Michelle's participation in the day's events was a class act and I am proud to do anything I can to make sure in my little corner of the world that he comes out with the most delegates from my precinct. I sat there listening to his speech with tears in my eyes. He passion for this country and what needs to happen to change America came through loud and clear. His speech was presidential and set him apart from his competitors.We all need to step it up a notch until January 3 to show the country that the best candidate for President of the United States IS Barack Obama.
The JJ Dinner this weekend was absolutely amazing, with thousands of Iowans coming out to march in the Obama parade into the dinner, attend the event and hear Barack's incredible speech. Reporters thought so too...check out just some of the coverage--including a rave review from David Yepsen:
Des Moines Register
The leading Democratic presidential candidates showed up for the Iowa Democratic Party’s big Jefferson Jackson Dinner Saturday night.Five of them gave really good speeches.Barack Obama’s was excellent.It was one of the best of his campaign. The passion he showed should help him close the gap on Hillary Clinton by tipping some undecided caucus-goers his way. His oratory was moving and he successfully contrasted himself with the others - especially Clinton - without being snide or nasty about it.Obama was particularly impressive Saturday night. Should he win the Iowa caucuses, Saturday’s dinner will be remembered as one of the turning points in his campaign in here, a point where he laid down the marker and began closing on Clinton, the national frontrunner...While the Democratic candidates all had a good night, Obama clearly had the best.
The leading Democratic presidential candidates showed up for the Iowa Democratic Party’s big Jefferson Jackson Dinner Saturday night.
Five of them gave really good speeches.
Barack Obama’s was excellent.
It was one of the best of his campaign. The passion he showed should help him close the gap on Hillary Clinton by tipping some undecided caucus-goers his way. His oratory was moving and he successfully contrasted himself with the others - especially Clinton - without being snide or nasty about it.
Obama was particularly impressive Saturday night. Should he win the Iowa caucuses, Saturday’s dinner will be remembered as one of the turning points in his campaign in here, a point where he laid down the marker and began closing on Clinton, the national frontrunner...
While the Democratic candidates all had a good night, Obama clearly had the best.
Iowa Independent
DES MOINES -- Dr. Steven Kraus of Carroll looked at the place-setting to his right and did a double-take. The name read Barack Obama. The U.S. senator from Illinois and Democratic presidential candidate would be sitting next to Kraus and his wife Jill on Saturday for at least part of the Iowa Democratic Party's Jefferson-Jackson Day Dinner, a signature event in the 2008 presidential election process. ..."Jill right away said that guy (Obama) is real," Kraus said. "It's not political charisma. It's real. It's genuine. He's doing it for the right reasons." Kraus said he sees Obama in historic terms. "He is going to go something momentous," Kraus said. "I feel it in my bones."
DES MOINES -- Dr. Steven Kraus of Carroll looked at the place-setting to his right and did a double-take.
The name read Barack Obama. The U.S. senator from Illinois and Democratic presidential candidate would be sitting next to Kraus and his wife Jill on Saturday for at least part of the Iowa Democratic Party's Jefferson-Jackson Day Dinner, a signature event in the 2008 presidential election process.
..."Jill right away said that guy (Obama) is real," Kraus said. "It's not political charisma. It's real. It's genuine. He's doing it for the right reasons."
Obama beat all of the other campaigns combined at the sign war, if you can even call thousands of people marching together a “sign war.” ...When General Obama and his army took the hill on their way into the auditorium, the faces of other campaigns’ staff displayed a mix of awe, resignation, and indignation.
DES MOINES, IA – Nearly one in three people at last night’s Jefferson-Jackson Dinner was an Obama supporter. The campaign brought 3,000 supporters to a dinner that had 9,000 attendees. They also made sure to have a representative from each of Iowa’s 99 counties in attendance. When asked if all of the Obama supporters attending the event were from Iowa, Obama’s Iowa Press Secretary Tommy Vietor said, “All of them. Except for my dad.” Saying he was running “because of the fierce urgency of now,” a quote from Dr. Martin Luther King Jr....in a room filled with 9,000 Democrats that had spent the better part of the night slamming the Republican Party, [Obama] told the audience that he was running to reach across the aisle to those Independents and Republicans disaffected by the past seven years. ...Obama’s speech was buoyed by his large crowd of supporters. They chanted, yelled and stood up and cheered as he evoked the civil rights movement to talk about how he could only stand on this stage because those who had come before him were not afraid to take the difficult positions that he is supposedly espousing now. But rather than drawing energy from the crowd to give the pep-rally style, exuberant speeches he is known for on the stump, Obama’s tone was somber, his demeanor serious. He ended on an appeal to Iowans and fellow Democrats. “That’s why I am asking you stop settling for what the cynics say we have to accept,” Obama said. “In this election, in this moment, let us reach for what we know is possible -- a world repaired, an America that knows it can believe again.”
DES MOINES, IA – Nearly one in three people at last night’s Jefferson-Jackson Dinner was an Obama supporter. The campaign brought 3,000 supporters to a dinner that had 9,000 attendees. They also made sure to have a representative from each of Iowa’s 99 counties in attendance. When asked if all of the Obama supporters attending the event were from Iowa, Obama’s Iowa Press Secretary Tommy Vietor said, “All of them. Except for my dad.”
Saying he was running “because of the fierce urgency of now,” a quote from Dr. Martin Luther King Jr....in a room filled with 9,000 Democrats that had spent the better part of the night slamming the Republican Party, [Obama] told the audience that he was running to reach across the aisle to those Independents and Republicans disaffected by the past seven years.
...Obama’s speech was buoyed by his large crowd of supporters. They chanted, yelled and stood up and cheered as he evoked the civil rights movement to talk about how he could only stand on this stage because those who had come before him were not afraid to take the difficult positions that he is supposedly espousing now. But rather than drawing energy from the crowd to give the pep-rally style, exuberant speeches he is known for on the stump, Obama’s tone was somber, his demeanor serious. He ended on an appeal to Iowans and fellow Democrats. “That’s why I am asking you stop settling for what the cynics say we have to accept,” Obama said. “In this election, in this moment, let us reach for what we know is possible -- a world repaired, an America that knows it can believe again.”
ABC News
The Obama troops clearly won the contest for loudest cheers in the hall as they offered some call and response with the "fired up, ready to go" chants that have become the standard finale to the senator's stump speech. (And they were decked out in red T-shirts with "I'm fired up" emblazoned on the front and "He's ready to go" on the back.)...The Obama campaign owned the theatrics of the event.In...the most rousing speech of the evening, Sen. Obama was sure to revisit his theme of calling for a change in the political climate..."This party -- of Jefferson and Jackson, of Roosevelt and Kennedy -- has made the most difference in people's lives when we've led, not by polls, but by principle; not by calculation, but by conviction," Obama said to applause.
The Obama troops clearly won the contest for loudest cheers in the hall as they offered some call and response with the "fired up, ready to go" chants that have become the standard finale to the senator's stump speech. (And they were decked out in red T-shirts with "I'm fired up" emblazoned on the front and "He's ready to go" on the back.)
...The Obama campaign owned the theatrics of the event.
In...the most rousing speech of the evening, Sen. Obama was sure to revisit his theme of calling for a change in the political climate..."This party -- of Jefferson and Jackson, of Roosevelt and Kennedy -- has made the most difference in people's lives when we've led, not by polls, but by principle; not by calculation, but by conviction," Obama said to applause.
Time
...I have to say, [Obama's] performance was especially striking. Again, the applause at his introduction was thundering. He also drew the longest, loudest responses throughout his speech: hooting, hollering and he was the only candidate to draw an enthusiastic chant. He also was the only candidate that seemed, for lack of a better word, to be working it. He gave that speech as if he was trying to convince people, not just solidifying the support he already had...
[At the Iowa Democratic Party's annual Jefferson-Jackson Dinner], Obama...delivered one of his most focused and powerful addresses. In the view of many in the audience, he emerged as the oratorical winner at the biggest Democratic political event in Iowa before the state's January caucuses.Obama said his candidacy could produce a new Democratic majority capable of breaking the gridlock and polarization that have plagued Washington for a decade or more. "The same old Washington textbook campaigns just won't do it in this election," he said. "That's why not answering questions because we're afraid our answers won't be popular just won't do it."[An] Oskaloosa couple left with colorful glow necklaces, handed out by Obama's campaign, peeking out from under their coats. "We just think he's a very strong character," Barbara Donnelly said. Obama's speech "crystallized it for me," Mike Donnelly said. "...there was something about Barack tonight. He was so forceful."
[At the Iowa Democratic Party's annual Jefferson-Jackson Dinner], Obama...delivered one of his most focused and powerful addresses. In the view of many in the audience, he emerged as the oratorical winner at the biggest Democratic political event in Iowa before the state's January caucuses.
Obama said his candidacy could produce a new Democratic majority capable of breaking the gridlock and polarization that have plagued Washington for a decade or more. "The same old Washington textbook campaigns just won't do it in this election," he said. "That's why not answering questions because we're afraid our answers won't be popular just won't do it."
[An] Oskaloosa couple left with colorful glow necklaces, handed out by Obama's campaign, peeking out from under their coats.
"We just think he's a very strong character," Barbara Donnelly said. Obama's speech "crystallized it for me," Mike Donnelly said. "...there was something about Barack tonight. He was so forceful."
In case you missed it, here is the speech everyone is talking about from JJ on Saturday.
What did you think?
This is gonna be long folks!
We got there about 1130 am. When we went around the corner. My jaw dropped. HRC signs everywhere...everyone elses???no where. There was poor Shannon holding a huge HOPE sign on the corner. I stopped and asked what was going on. She said we are not supposed to put up small signs until 12 noon and bigger signs until 2pm. I said, well then what the heck is going on? And she said "who knows, they are not making them take them down". We were off to the Pre event, they were setting up and giving out t shirts to volunteers. We walked around and checked things out. (my hubby has not been a verbal supporter, but even he said we need to go check into our hotel and get back here! I knew then he was in) I smiled! I was fired up and mad!
We hurried to the hotel and got ready and went back. We went right up to the front doors of the Vetrans Memorial Auditorium. LINED WITH HRC signs. big ones, BIGGER ONES.. all lined up with smaller ones stuck in the ground below them. Some of the poor Obama supporters were trying to stick little yard signs with HOPE on it in front of the big signs and these two very angry and pushy young girls (20-24) were sticking signs in front of every HOPE sign and staring at us daring us to put up another one. Finally I got mad and grabbed a hope sign and stood in front of HRC signs then my sister in law and hubby did the same. Everyone that came by smiled. I looked at those young girls and said, HONEY, SHE MAY HAVE SIGNS BUT WE HAVE REAL VOTERS LIKE ME!, she just scowled and walked away. I was steaming. It was so juvinille, considering they got there at 5 am and put up signs- CHEATING!
We went to the pre event with John Legend. It was awesome. I did not wear my boot because I thought I would be ok, well, my foot swelled up so big and I could not stand anymore so I had to sit back to the side and did not see most of it, but when I heard Baracks voice I cried. I was just so overcome with the "fight" I had outside with these rude pushy people. I was overcome with the thought that Barack just might not win because how can he fight when there are no rules. My husband gave me a hug and I felt full of fear.
When the preevent was over we went outside to march with Barack and Michelle to the event just a couple of blocks away. As we got to the site where we were to march from I turned around still fearful. But what I saw was the most amazing thing I have ever seen. The streets were full of people all the way down the block all the way up the other block and down the street. I almost fell over. Where did these people come from! Thousands, and thousands! All of us screaming FIRED UP- READY TO GO! my mind lifted from the bottomless pit of dispair! We really do have the voteers. We marched we talked we all were in awe of the sheer numbers. I can not believe what it must have been like in Central Park. But here we all were true supporters, voters, IOWANS!!
We marched and sang, and chanted. I even lead the FIRED UP- READY TO GO for a block or so before my voice gave out. As we went past the HIllary supporters in thier area we out numbered them 300 to one on the street. We could not even fit into any of the space left for us all. They did not fill up thier space. Across the street Dodd was giving away free beer! We thought about switching for a few minutes (ha ha)
We went inside and all we could do was talk about the sheer numbers, The Hillary people had a look of horror on thier faces. I am not kidding, they were litterly disgusted! and pissed off. I was happy. I we waited in the hall (we had floor tickets the rest of the people had balcony tickets)I talked on and on about how many people we had and how Hillary cheated. I could not help myself. I was on my phone calling my friends that are voters and exclaming that we have won Iowa. We Have WON! That this was just a small cross section of voters. A lot of people there for Hillary were from out of state!
While we waited we held our Barack OBama signs and saw many many others with signs. Then...in comes the rowdy crowd with these blow up bat like things, they are beating on them with DODD right in front of them, they just kept beating on these things. It was loud and gave me a headache. We had to wait for about 45 min to get in. Once we got in, the Hillary people also had those bat things and were beating them in chant. They did not stop for at least an hour. I reminded me what it would be like if she were president...very irritating and nothing I could do about it! They also had switched to bight yellow t shirts with "turn up the heat" on them. All I could think was. OK she was complaining a couple of weeks ago about being picked on and now she wants to turn up the heat. What ever. The first thing I did notice is the number of people we had lost from the march. We could have fit everyone in there. Where were those tickets! WE still out numbered Hillarys people by two full statium rows. But her people had prime seating on the floor and up in the stands (and those darn bat things) I felt like I was at a football game.
As each candidate went on stage with introduction the roars got louder and louder. Hillary's bunch was LOUD, but as Barack came out before he was even introduced, I almost jumped at the sound of our cheers! The house nearly came down! We chanted and chanted and chanted.
The speeches went on and I fell asleep during Harkin (sorry I have a hard time with the guy) then came Clinton with her "I am very comfortable in the kitchen" speech and her cronies with the "Turn up the heat" chant. It was impressive.
Then they called out Barack like he was a prize fighter! the house was on fire! A lot of people were gone from the balcony because after Edwards and the rest spoke, most of thier supporters left. I was sorry for that because then they would not have the opportunity to hear the next pres. talk!
A supporter from the audience called out "we love you Barack" and he called back " I love you too" We were on our feet constantly, we were on our chairs, I was again in tears! Barack was on fire! The crowd was in awe. I even saw some of the yellow blow up bat things beating for Barack! Maybe some wanted to switch? (I can only hope)! We were given a "scipt" as I suppose the Hillary people were. It had the times for things to happen like standing up and raiseing certian signs. We felt like it was some sort of game. It was fun, more fun than I thought it would be. Very entertaining for sure. Just to see what the big campaigns (Edwards, Clinton and Obama) had planned was very entertaining. On the floor seats we got supper and desert, in the balcony they had to buy thier food ..hotdogs ect.)
As it was over and Barack ended his speech we all chanted for quite awhile and would not let Madam Speaker Pelosi speak. She had to wait and so did the HRC supporters. They were quiet then and stayed that way. I ran to the front and waited and positioned myself near the place where Barack would be coming down, of course he went to the other side. But I got myself down there and when he came by I said, can I have 5 seconds? I passed him my circle sign and he almost seemed put off, but then I realized he was looking for a pen. I had one and handed it to him and he said thank you. I walked to my husband that had been looking out for me and my HUGE ankle and I smiled. I said OK we can go
I suddenly realized why the rest of the country listens to us Iowans and why we have such a HUGE responsibilty to this country. We have so many opportunites to meet these candidates and get to know them on a personal level. We have the awesome responsibilty to move this country. We as Iowans are the place the world is looking to to make the decision. I wanted to get home and call the world. Tell them that Hillary cheated..yet again! and no one was going to talk about it AGAIN! I wanted to tell them that Barack talked of the issues not just of being mad about the current situation of the world. We know we are all mad. But Barack has the answers or he knows where to get them.
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I've read scores of commentary in reaction to the JJ speech, this individual posted on msnbc blog, and captures brilliantly why the speech works. It's why it worked for me too.
-I got up at 3:00 am in Brussels to see the JJ dinner... It was worth every lost "Z" to see Obama rock and roll. Four observations... one obvious... three perhaps less so: 1) Obama and his supporters rocked the joint. They with their numbers and enthusiasm... he with a speech which hit exactly the right notes in exactly the right tone for the time and place. He soared, but he didn't scream... he bit, but neatly... drawing just enough blood - from Republican and Democratic contenders - without scaring the horses (the caucus goers) in the convention center corral. 2) He soared in substance, rhetoric and style without separating from the "average" man and woman with undue erudition and too much charm. He was inspiring, in a "down-home" way, AND seriously Presidential... no mean feat for a black man in Iowa. 3) He tightened his rationale for running AND reached out - to Republicans, Independents and, frankly, other Democratic candidates' supporters. 4) He is signaling to those of his supporters who have feared his recently flatter personal affect and poll results (that is, before his just-reported net 10 point New Hampshire "bump") that the DNC Convention speech "magic" is alive and well, and ready to deploy at the proper course and speed for caucus and primary time. Andrew Sullivan (Atlantic cover story) is right: this is the right man and the right time... tactically (for the nomination)... strategically (for the general election) and historically (for the U.S. and the world). Excellent.
Victor Bond, Carlsbad, CA (Sent Sunday, November 11, 2007 11:09 AM)
In case you missed it, here's the video of the speech everyone is talking about today -- Barack's address at the Jefferson-Jackson dinner:
Full text of the speech after the jump.
As John McCormick writes in the Swamp: "There is no more influential political columnist in Iowa than David Yepsen of The Des Moines Register. After sitting through six Democratic presidential campaign speeches at last night's Jefferson Jackson dinner, he is giving the night's win to Sen. Barack Obama."
Here are some excerpts from David Yepsen's rave review:
As you've probably read by now: the JJ dinner in Iowa was a total success for Barack Obama and Obama supporters everywhere. Reporters thought so too...check it out in today's news:
MSNBC
Garance
Barack Obama...finally gave the speech his supporters have been waiting for him to give all year. If anyone comes out of this dinner with The Big Mo, it will be him. Obama’s supporters used their voices, not tools, to make noise. The moment House Speaker Nancy Pelosi announced his name in her introduction, she was met with screams, whoops, ululations, whistles, shouts, and cries of wordless enthusiasm. When she said, “Please welcome the next president of the United States” — a line she’d used in earlier introductions — the crowd burst into what my notes could only capture as “TOTAL ROAR.”
Barack Obama...finally gave the speech his supporters have been waiting for him to give all year. If anyone comes out of this dinner with The Big Mo, it will be him.
Obama’s supporters used their voices, not tools, to make noise. The moment House Speaker Nancy Pelosi announced his name in her introduction, she was met with screams, whoops, ululations, whistles, shouts, and cries of wordless enthusiasm. When she said, “Please welcome the next president of the United States” — a line she’d used in earlier introductions — the crowd burst into what my notes could only capture as “TOTAL ROAR.”
Associated Press
Clinton and Obama stacked the hall with larger contingents than their rivals, Obama bringing along a few thousand red-shirted backers...''When I am your nominee, my opponent won't be able to say that I supported this war in Iraq, or that I gave George Bush the benefit of the doubt on Iran,'' Obama said. ''And he won't be able to say that I wavered on something as fundamental as whether it's OK for America to use torture -- because it's never OK.''Obama has been critical of Clinton on all those issues, and he said Democrats are at their best ''when we've led not by polls, but by principle, not by calculation but by conviction, when we've had leaders who could summon the entire nation to a common purpose -- a higher purpose.''
Clinton and Obama stacked the hall with larger contingents than their rivals, Obama bringing along a few thousand red-shirted backers...
''When I am your nominee, my opponent won't be able to say that I supported this war in Iraq, or that I gave George Bush the benefit of the doubt on Iran,'' Obama said. ''And he won't be able to say that I wavered on something as fundamental as whether it's OK for America to use torture -- because it's never OK.''
Obama has been critical of Clinton on all those issues, and he said Democrats are at their best ''when we've led not by polls, but by principle, not by calculation but by conviction, when we've had leaders who could summon the entire nation to a common purpose -- a higher purpose.''
New Republic
"Obama Shines in Iowa"Barack Obama's speech at tonight's Jefferson-Jackson dinner in Iowa took him back to the roots of his stardom. Crucially, the setting was similar to that of the 2004 Democratic national convention, where Obama's keynote speech changed his destiny: Obama appeared onstage alone, before a roaring auditorium crowd, delivering an oratorically ambitious speech...Obama showed off his star power again and, for me at least, refreshed the logic of his call for "change that we can believe in." ...If I had to declare a winner it would definitely be Obama, who made me think anew about his potential as a nominee who can excite voters.
"Obama Shines in Iowa"
Barack Obama's speech at tonight's Jefferson-Jackson dinner in Iowa took him back to the roots of his stardom. Crucially, the setting was similar to that of the 2004 Democratic national convention, where Obama's keynote speech changed his destiny: Obama appeared onstage alone, before a roaring auditorium crowd, delivering an oratorically ambitious speech...Obama showed off his star power again and, for me at least, refreshed the logic of his call for "change that we can believe in."
...If I had to declare a winner it would definitely be Obama, who made me think anew about his potential as a nominee who can excite voters.
Barack just brought the house down. Here's what two caucus-goers, Kevin and Robert, from Davenport, Iowa had to say about his address.
Robert (right):
He took it to the next level. He truly displayed his ability to be President of the United States. He showed us why he's our next leader of the free world.
Kevin (left):
This is the best speech Barack Obama has ever given. He stressed his experience bringing people together in the past, but he especially emphasized the future -- what we can do to make America better.
"I've seen him 20 times -- and every single time it gets better."
Joe is smiling ear to ear after Barack's crowd-igniting speech.
"It's goosebumps. I get goosebumps."
Everyone is quoting back their favorite lines from the speech; everyone is still waving their signs; the chairs are being stacked and you can still hear, "Fired up? Fired up! Ready to go? Ready to go!" coming through the halls.
Goosebumps...
Meet Joy, precinct captain for precinct 54 here in Des Moines -- one of the thousands of cheering Obama supporters here at the end of Barack's speech.
"It is so obvious he's going to win. Look at this room. Listen to this room."
"He is just so strong, so clearly the only one who can bring real change. His speech tonight was incredible -- you're just looking at him, and you just know. This is the one: in every speech he makes me feel stronger and better -- and he is going to make America stronger and better."
The crowd just erupted with another huge Obama cheer -- even as everyone is filing out!
A little less than one year from today you will go into the voting booth and you will select the next President of the United States. Here's the good news. The name G.W. Bush will not be on the ballot. The name of my cousin Dick Cheney will not be on the ballot. We've been trying to hide that for a long time. Everybody has a black sheep in the family. [laughter]The era of Scooter Libby justice and Brownie incompetence and Karl Rove politics will finally be over. But the question you're gonna have to ask yourself when you caucus in January and you vote in November is what's next for America. We are at a defining moment in our history...The promise that so many generations fought for seems like it's slipping away...we've lost faith that our leaders can or will do anything about it. It is because of those failures that America is listening...we not only have a moment of great challenge, but a moment of great opportunity. We have a chance to bring the American people together, in a new majority...That's why telling the American people what we think they want to hear instead of telling the American people what they need to hear just won't do. Triangulating and poll-driven positions because we're worried about what Mitt or Rudy might say about us just won't do...If we are really serious about winning this election Democrats, then we can't be afraid of losing. The party of Jefferson and Jackson and Roosevelt and Kennedy has always made the biggest difference in the lives of the American people...when we summoned the entire nation to a common purpose, a higher purpose. A party that doesn't just focus on how to win, but why we should. A party that doesn't just offer change as a slogan but real, meaningful change, change that America can believe in. That's why I'm in this race, that's why I'm running for the Presidency of the United States, to offer change that we can believe in!...I am in this race because I want to stop talking about the outrage of 47 million Americans without healthcare and start actually doing something about it. I expanded healthcare in Illinois by bringing Democrats and Republicans together, by taking on the insurance industry and that is how I will make certain that ever American in this country has healthcare...and I will do by the end of my first term of the President of the United States of America....I am running for President because I am sick and tired of Democrats thinking that the only way to look tough on national security is by acting and voting like George Bush Republicans....When I am this party's nominee, my opponent will not be able to say that I voted for the war in Iraq...And he will not be able to say that I waivered on something as fundamental as whether it is okay for America to torture because it is never okay. That's why I'm in it!...I will lead the world to combat the common threats of the 21st century...and I will send once more a message to those yearning faces beyond our shores that says you matter to us, your future is our future, and our moment is now. America, our moment is now. Our moment is now!I don't want to spend the next year or the next four years refighting the same fights that we had in the 1990s. I don't want to pit red America against blue America. I want to be the President of the United States of America.And if those Republicans come at me with the same fear-mongering and swift-boating that they usually do, then I will take them head-on. Because I believe the American people are tired of fear, and tired of distractions...we can make this election not about fear, but about the future, and that will not be just a Democratic victory, that will be an American victory, a victory that America needs right now!I am not in this race to fulfill some longheld ambitions or because I believe it's somehow owed to me. I never expected to be here. I always knew this journey was improbable. I am running in this race because of of what Dr. King called "the fierce urgency of now." Because I believe that there's such a thing as being too late, and that hour is almost upon us....I'm in this race for the same reason that I found for jobs for jobless and hope for the hopeless on the streets of Chicago, for the same reason that I fought for justice and equality as a civil rights lawyer...I will never forget that the only reason that I'm standing here today is because someone had the courage to stand up!...That's why I'm running, Democrats. To keep the American dream alive..in this election, in this moment, let us reach for what we know is possible. A nation healed and world repaired. An America that believes again.
A little less than one year from today you will go into the voting booth and you will select the next President of the United States. Here's the good news. The name G.W. Bush will not be on the ballot. The name of my cousin Dick Cheney will not be on the ballot. We've been trying to hide that for a long time. Everybody has a black sheep in the family. [laughter]The era of Scooter Libby justice and Brownie incompetence and Karl Rove politics will finally be over. But the question you're gonna have to ask yourself when you caucus in January and you vote in November is what's next for America. We are at a defining moment in our history...The promise that so many generations fought for seems like it's slipping away...we've lost faith that our leaders can or will do anything about it. It is because of those failures that America is listening...we not only have a moment of great challenge, but a moment of great opportunity. We have a chance to bring the American people together, in a new majority...That's why telling the American people what we think they want to hear instead of telling the American people what they need to hear just won't do. Triangulating and poll-driven positions because we're worried about what Mitt or Rudy might say about us just won't do...
Jennifer is a stay-at-home mom from Hampton, Iowa.
"Michelle, this is the highlight of my life," Jennifer said with a huge smile on her face, shaking Michelle Obama's hand.
Michelle just came over and introduced herself to everyone in our section.
"This is exactly who she is, coming over here, meeting all of us," Jennifer says. "She's so real. She looks you right in the eye. It is such a privilege to meet a woman like that -- the next First Lady of the United States!"
Jennifer (below, right after meeting Michelle) stays at home with her two kids, who are the same age as Michelle Obama's daughters, Sasha and Malia.
"I can really relate to her, and when you listen to her in an interview you can just feel how much she cares about her family. I saw her on Oprah, and the way she talks about her daughters, it's so wonderful. Family is so important -- and both Obamas know that."
"This is just a thrill of a lifetime," Jennifer says. "You know, we're so lucky here in Iowa. Today has been such a blast -- the energy is just huge. Looking around the room and seeing all these different faces -- so, so many different kinds of people. You just look around, and it's obvious: Barack is the only one who's able to bring together people like that. He's not just Mr. Politics. He's uniting us. That's what's so amazing looking around: he's not just promising to unite us -- he already has."
Michelle Obama has an effect on people. Virtually everyone she meets is taken by her remarkable warmth and down-to-earth sensibility. When you meet Michelle, you feel like you know her right away.
Right now, Michelle is up in Section 17 here in the rafters, mingling with Iowans who've driven from all over the state to watch her husband tonight at the JJ dinner.
