Barack Obama's 12 most memorable speeches; KU expert discusses outgoing president's rhetorical legac

[sheshe2]

The most inspirational speaker of our time. I included the video of his keynote speech at the DNC. That is where he caught my attention and held it all these years.

I only high-lighted a few, you can find the rest of them here:

https://www2.ljworld.com/news/2017/jan/09/barack-obamas-12-most-memorable-speeches/



“It’s just much harder to present a complicated message to the American people,” Rowland said.

Obama, however, will be better remembered for his usually inspirational speeches, Rowland said. Here are his 12 most important addresses, along with some key highlights, according to Rowland:

• Jan. 8, 2008 — New Hampshire primary concession speech. Obama said, “In the unlikely story of America, there has never been anything false about hope,” and used the refrain “Yes, we can.”

• Aug. 28, 2008 — Acceptance speech at the Democratic National Convention. Rowland called it “the story of America gradually becoming more welcoming and inclusive … he talks about the evolution of the American dream.”


• March 7, 2015 — Civil rights march anniversary speech at the Edmund Pettus Bridge in Selma, Ala.




The Speech that Made Obama President

[stillcool]

1. how far we have fallen..

It's still too soon for me to reminisce. Thank you though. Maybe soon.

[sheshe2]

2. I know what you mean, stillcool.

[jmowreader]

3. The 8-ball we have now will be remembered in a different way

“President Trump’s 12 most frightening rants.”

[Me.]

4. Now There Was A Speechmaker

so authentic, I miss him dearly.

[murielm99]

5. K&R

We have good speakers. There are others, still active in politics. We must promote those good speakers here.

[mcar]

6. The man was an amazing speaker

Inspirational, eloquent and compassionate. And, he wrote most or at least much of each speech.

[sheshe2]

11. I miss his intelligence, passion and compassion, Me!

[Me.]

16. Me Too & MIchele

Loved watching him interact with children. You can always tell with kids and dogs.

[sheshe2]

17. He and Michelle.

And the children and dogs as well always, always know.

[The Figment]

7. I was there for that speech (DNC 2004 Keynote)

When Mr Obama walked out to the podium you could hear some quiet chatter,the tap,tap of cellphone keys,and the clicking of camera shutters...60 seconds into his speech it was stone quiet, not a sound except Mr Obama's voice.

The whole place was fixated on this man.

Completely, totally focused on just one thing...Obama.

Truly amazing sight.

[sheshe2]

9. Thanks for that on hand information, The Figment.

I watched on TV, amazing speech. I remember standing up and cheering when he was finished speaking.

[Hekate]

8. Kick. Rec. Bookmark.

Thanks

[sheshe2]

10. Thanks, Hekate.

[Gothmog]

12. I miss having a real POTUS

These are the best speeches that I have heard

[brer cat]

13. K&R

[Hortensis]

14. Thanks for the post, Sheshe. With Father's Day right around the corner,

11 Quotes From Barack Obama That All Dads Should Hear

“It’s up to us to tell our sons, those songs on the radio may glorify violence, but in my house we give glory to achievement, self-respect and hard work. It’s up to us to set these high expectations. And that means meeting those expectations ourselves. That means setting examples of excellence in our own lives.” ― Father’s Day speech, Apostolic Church of God in Chicago, 2008

https://www.huffpost.com/entry/barack-obama-fatherhood-quotes_l_5d0294d3e4b0dc17ef064575

[sheshe2]

33. You are welcome my dear friend Hortensis.

Perfect quote seven minutes from Fathers Day.

“It’s up to us to tell our sons, those songs on the radio may glorify violence, but in my house we give glory to achievement, self-respect and hard work. It’s up to us to set these high expectations. And that means meeting those expectations ourselves. That means setting examples of excellence in our own lives.” ― Father’s Day speech, Apostolic Church of God in Chicago, 2008

Thank you.

[Cha]

15. Mahalo, she.. President Obama's speeches were actually

inspirational.. but I don't feel the need to compare him to the civil rights, national treasure, Martin Luther King.

[sheshe2]

19. Lol.

Yep...and he does not feel that need either, Cha. He is the man all on his own. He does not feel the need to "chain" himself to another soul.

[Cha]

22. President Obama was Inspiring

without his speeches, too.. Just being a brilliant role model by living an exemplary life.

[DesertRat]

18. Thanks for the post! Oh, how I miss him!

[Bhkylib]

20. I miss his oratorical skills. It's a once in a generation type of thing.

We have 20 candidates running for president and none of them come close to Obama in terms of mesmerizing speaking abilities. I know when Obama was giving a speech, you just stop what you were doing and tell everyone in your house to shut up.

[sheshe2]

21. Agreed, Bhkylib.

Welcome to DU!

[George II]

23. Thanks She - some very memorable, and VERY profound speeches. No videos of it, but way back....

...in the 2000s (I think it was 2006?) Senator Obama was the keynote speaker at our CT annual Democratic fundraising dinner. It was inspiring. I wish I could predict the future - he was posing for photographs with dinner attendees, I didn't take advantage of it. Still kicking myself!

[sheshe2]

24. Ah.

Sorry you missed the photo with him, George. I would have been front and forward. I fell for the guy in 2004 with his DNC speech. I fell hard.

Well just in case Warren wins, I already have a photo with her.

[George II]

25. Good for you. Save that photograph! BTW, next week, at the SAME dinner in CT....

....the keynote speaker will be none other than Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi!!!!

[sheshe2]

27. GET A PICTURE!!!!

[George II]

29. Alas, I won't be there, but a friend of mine will get one for me.

[sheshe2]

34. Good enough, George.

[Gothmog]

26. This is one of my favorite

Link to tweet

[sheshe2]

28. My President.

[Gothmog]

30. I miss having a real POTUS

[sheshe2]

31. I do too, Goth.

[Catamount]

32. Thank you so much for this wonderful post!

Crying my eyes out, missing every thing about him and his family. The peace of mind knowing he was in charge!
I was a volunteer for his re-election (when we thought of Romney as a terrible candidate)...lol! And through my work got to see him
In Seattle a couple of times!
I think in 2008, he was really close the first time, (a group of the overflow from the hall were ushered into a small sports area with bleachers) and to our delight, he came running out of the tunnel where the players usually do.
Gave a wonderful speech then too!
At another event I got to see him at the Paramount and later that year actually got to meet our governor and remember such a great handshake! Later that night I got to see the VP in a crowd around the stage up and got to shake his hand too, ( equally warm and firm) so I guess I will stop crying and get back to work!
Thanks again
K&R

[ehrnst]

35. Unparalled by any polician since. (nt)