Barrack Obama DNC speech of 2008
Introduction
One of the main things that endeared the then Illinois senator to the American people was the eloquence with which he expressed himself. Probably one of the most influential people of the 21st century, former President Obama is known for his speeches most of which were very thoughtful, constructive and more importantly, moving. However, the most interesting statement in this respect and opinion must have been the acceptance speech that he gave during the Democratic National Convention when he accepted his nomination as the presidential candidates for the Democrats. In this particular address, he puts the current administration to task with tough questions on the degenerating role of the American influence not only on the global front politically but also on its economic survival and the tough times that the country passed through socially and economically.
The purpose of the speech was to preach the message of ushering in change. The change referred to in this case was both regarding thinking, idealization, and execution. Once again, the country found itself in a stable existence especially in the final years of his first term and the better part of his second, a development that could be attributed in some extent to the speech he gave in the first place. The slogan for his campaign which was also repeated severally and marked his keynote in the address was ‘change we need, yes we can.’
The speech
Context
The speech was given by Obama at the end of hard-fought primary elections in which he was pitted against Hillary Clinton, a New York senator at the time. The former had just won the primaries and was on course to be elected as the first black president of the United States, a feat that he late achieved. The reason for the speech was confirmed to the American people at large that even though previous governments had disappointed them, the necessity for change was as high as ever and very achievable. Although the right audience was mainly democrat delegates, the message was intended for the average American voter hence the American people were the audience of the speech.
Description of the speech
Senator Obama’s speech at the convention highlighted the need for change in a faithless system that was headed by an unfocused individual. At the moment, America was reeling from a period of reduced economic growth as well experiencing sustained terrorist attacks on their soil. For a vast number of Americans, the speaker represented a chance at real change beneficial to their country. The fact that he had a colorful history rising from humble beginnings to the position he occupied then. He was a beacon of hope, and the message he passed along was one of faith as well. In his presentation, the depiction of his past, the struggles as an American of color growing up with poverty established a link with the average American people and his message was well resonated. On top of that, he provided them with coherent reasons pointing out the failures of the current government and the alliance between his opponent John McCain and the then president. He says that the fact that Senator McCain thinks that Bush is right 90% of the time proves that his decision making is erroneous as well.
The speech is well delivered with calculated breaks t let the information sink in alongside appropriate nonverbal cues as well as proper body gestures. Application of such speech enhancers alongside the vibrancy in energy exhibited points to a well-delivered speech.
Conclusion
The address that Obama made on that day could never be done anywhere else or at any other time and still, retain the effect that it had on the crowd. In that instance, the speaker reminded the audience of the complexity of the American people and the resources with which they are endowed. A quick reminder of the inept Bush administration was inevitable given that the event was politically-oriented aimed at bolstering his chances at the presidency.
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