The Speech that Made Obama President

In 2004, a one-term senator from Illinois took the stage to deliver the keynote speech at the Democratic National Convention in Boston. By the time Barack Obama had finished speaking, Democrats across the country knew they had seen the future of their party.

Political speech experts featured in this episode include:

Michael A. Cohen
Author, Live From The Campaign Trail

Mario Cuomo
Former Governor of New York

Robert Lehrman
Chief Speechwriter for Vice President Gore and Professor of Speechwriting, American University

Charlton McIlwain
Professor of Communication, New York University

Jeff Shesol
Speechwriter for President Clinton and Founding Partner, West Wing Writers

PODIUM is a bi-weekly series that embraces the art of public speaking and honors those with something to say. From historic political speeches, to contemporary commencement addresses, to wedding toasts, the series explores various genres of speechmaking and provides inspiring, insightful analysis including "how-to" content.

[vihaze]

Whether you like his politics or not, you have to admit, Obama is one of the most gifted public speakers in history.

[patatjepatatjepatatjepatat]

Back when you voted for someone because you supported them, not because you hated the other guy

[jnyYT]

I’m from the UK and i got a sense of american pride just listening to this

[chrisb]

Times were so different when we had Presidents who could talk in complete coherent sentences.

[Vailskibum]

Throwback to when things were actually presidential

[jaxoed]

Wow, there was actually a time we had to choose who was better - not who was less terrible.

[teresastaalcowley]

My favorite quote there is not a liberal America, a conservative America, this is the United States of America.

[gjk]

I will never forget this speech. I turned to my husband and said, "He will be president one day." I never doubted the certainty I felt that night.

[mecolayposting]

Funny how this got recommended to me after the worst debate in America's history

[ML-ulzq]

I was visiting my father in the nursing home when we watched this speech together. He pointed at the screen and said "There's your first black president right there." He died 3 weeks later. It seems a lifetime ago-and it was.

[clementmartinez]

How speeches are done 👍, without accusations and conspiracies, lies and slander. Should be the standard.

[historylover]

He spoke with a lot of credibility in his voice.. That was very rare, and still is.

[MrJmazing]

I forgot how young he appeared before the 8 years of presidency

[mikeladu]

“The hope of a skinny kid with a funny name who believes America has a place for him too “

[sirbiscuit]

Comparing this to today's debate.... good lord

[fvivzhe]

제가 처음에 TV를 통해 오바마 후보 연설을 들었는데 눈에는 광채가 빛나면서 신선한 느낌과 목소리 청량감 등 연설을 듣는 동안 시간 가는줄 모르고 온몸에 전율을 느낄정도로 감동 그자체
였습니다 그런 경험 느낌
처음받았죠 연설 끝난 후 저는 오바마가 대통령 당선되겠다는 확신을 가졌죠!!! 지금도 그때 생각하면 마음이 설레일 정도니까요 강하면서도 부드러운 호소력있는 뭔가 애절한.. 이미지 각인 프레임에 갇혀 버린것 같은 느낌 대단한 것같아요

[malaekahana]

Nice thing about Obama was that "He did not read much of his speeches, HE spoke freely..

[rinyas]

"No one knew who this guys was"

Everyone in the crowd holding up an Obama sign

[SeniorsAreMyPeople]

I was "dial spinning " when Obama started this speach and his first words stopped me in my tracks. I'm Canadian. I don't watch American political conventions but this was something special. It seemed to me that he was being groomed for something big. In 2008, I knew he would get the nomination and that he would win. I've never been so sure of any election outcome. America was never going to pass up the chance to elect a black candidate to the presidency. The fact that he is a brilliant, honorable man is a bonus. It would be interesting to know the number of people who voted for him who had never voted before.

[sportynlife]

He knew exactly what he was doing. And he was prepared for that moment. That was no improvisation, just brilliant delivery.