Obama confronts racial division in US

[jefferson_dem]

Source: AP

By NEDRA PICKLER and MATT APUZZO, Associated Press Writers

PHILADELPHIA - Democratic Sen. Barack Obama on Tuesday tried to stem damage from divisive comments delivered by his pastor, while bluntly addressing anger between blacks and whites in the most racially pointed speech yet of his presidential campaign.

Obama confronted America's legacy of racial division head on in a speech that tackled black grievance, white resentment and the uproar over his former pastor's incendiary statements. Drawing on his half-black, half-white roots as no other presidential hopeful could, Obama asserted: "This union may never be perfect, but generation after generation has shown that it can always be perfected."

Obama expressed understanding of the passions on both sides in what he called "a racial stalemate we've been stuck in for years."

"But the anger is real; it is powerful; and to simply wish it away, to condemn it without understanding its roots, only serves to widen the chasm of misunderstanding that exists between the races," he said in a speech at the National Constitution Center, not far from where the Declaration of Independence was adopted.

<SNIP>

While Obama rejected what Wright said, he also embraced the man who inspired his Christian faith, officiated at his wedding, baptized his daughters and has been his spiritual guide for nearly 20 years.

"I can no more disown him than I can disown the black community," Obama said, speaking in front of eight American flags. "I can no more disown him than I can my white grandmother — a woman who helped raise me, a woman who sacrificed again and again for me, a woman who loves me as much as she loves anything in this world, but a woman who once confessed her fear of black men who passed by her on the street, and who on more than one occasion has uttered racial or ethnic stereotypes that made me cringe."

Read more: http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20080318/ap_on_el_pr/obama_race_17

[Bluzmann57]

1. That was a heck of a speech.

The man is a wonderful orator and made some good points.

[papau]

88. I agree - will lack of specifics on policy (drug laws/education spending) affect the response - or

the lack of an explanation on why he stayed in a church for 20 years where the preacher he could not disown preached hate be noted?

If not - he hit a home run

but if the GOP does notice this, the GOP 527 general election ads will filmed and the speech will have perhaps been effective enough to get him the nomination - or not - but not a great help in the general.

[underpants]

2. That was a great speech

in tone and pace

in its comprehensive and tough (on all sides)

in that he both damned and defended his Reverend

Everyone should see that.

[aquart]

3. The one he uses so skillfully?

I bow to the Master.

[CANDO]

122. What a fucking ASS you are.

No further comment necessary.

[KnaveRupe]

4. Ladies and gentlemen, the next president of These United States.

I'm not an Obamaniac, but that speech deserves to be studied in schools years from now.

We just heard history.

[Sander]

5. I agree, I was in tears

A new 21st Century view on what it means to be an American.

[aquart]

14. I don't doubt it for a second.

The man plays race like a violin.

[Name removed]

29. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[PinkTiger]

48. Are you an Obamabot?

Lay off Hillary. This has nothing to do with Hillary.

[baldguy]

47. And he seeks to use that powerful instrument to unite rather than divide us.

Race is so often used for divisive purposes, perhaps you don't recognize it.

[Alexander]

78. Yeah, how dare he be half-white and half-black.

How dare he not allow himself to be swiftboated on race!

:eyes:

[Bacchus39]

6. dang, sorry I missed it.

having to work.

[Sander]

9. Read the text here

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2008/03/18/obama-race-speech-read-t_n_92077.html

[Bacchus39]

36. thanks much, a very eloquent summation rather than accusatory language frequent in "race" discussion

that you typically see.

[bluestateboomer]

102. Saw the video of the whole speech at Truthout

Barack Obama | "A More Perfect Union"
http://www.truthout.org/docs_2006/031808A.shtml
Barack Obama delivers a speech on race at the National Constitution Center in Philadelphia.



:patriot:

[moonlady0623]

7. Loved the speech / hate the commentary (doh)

could somebody please put Pat Buchanan out of our misery?

He is the best example I can find of a truly STUPID WHITE MAN. Joe is right up there with him, in a smarmy kinda way.

GOOD GRIEF! Obama is speaking human-to-human; the men on MSNBC's panel are talking as if the world is black and white...when really we're shades from black to pink (we're not white we're pink, as my black girlfriend's little daughter pointed out) to warm mixtures of brown..

Question is: are there enough rational, semi-sane people out there to elect him?

[Name removed]

50. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[BeliQueen]

68. Where's your historical reference to a time when...

...Black people in America have used a social advance as license to "get even" for the OPPRESSION we have and continue to SUFFER?

Are you a proponent of the laws and groups that were formed to protect white society from the threat of the Negro backlash after the end of slavery?

[stray cat]

72. are you kidding? We can't afford for black American's to be leaders?

[zanne]

75. crud76--You're clearly out of your element.

And out of touch with reality.

[Quantess]

77. Thanks for adding your racist, divisive comment.

This isn't FR, you know.

[niceypoo]

80. Where on earth do you come up with this racist crap?

Someone needs to take that Edwards avatar you have there and beat you senseless with it. You sound exactly like my republican brother, trying to rationalize his bigotry.

[Liberal Gramma]

87. That's an ugly sentiment

and unworthy of a Democrat

[matcom]

90. Bye Bye you racist Troll

sickening.

[Chulanowa]

91. Just wow.

What a load of horse shit. How does drek like this stay standing on DU?

[lunatica]

92. And to think how good whites have been to them!!

What a bunch of ingrates! Yeah! Give them one inch and they'll 'get even'!! Must keep them in their place!

:sarcasm:

[Doctor_J]

117. Yeah, as my racist old uncle used to say, "They got too much already"

;-)

[PassingFair]

98. That is as racist and stupid a sentiment as I have ever read on DU.

Obama will HELP the healing.

...not "get even" with whites.

"Not yet? Not now?"

YES, NOW!!!

[Juan_de_la_Dem]

104. What? or rather WTF?!

That comment sucks.

[psychmommy]

106. we don't need to have a civil war.

all we ever wanted was an even playing field, instead of having the rug pulled out from under us. i just want to be the best that i can be without bigoted folks like you trying to tear me down. i want my daughter to know that she can. whatever she desires to achieve-whether it is run for president, be a dr or lawyer, preacher or teacher-she can. we will achieve, in spite of ugly thinking people like you. may God shine his light on the darkness in your heart.

[TomBall Democrat]

107. To get even?

Do you think that's possible?

How could generations of inequity, and even cruelty be "evened"?


Because of Bush and Cheney, I should overlook this powerful leader?

Not even.

NOW.

[vincenzoesq]

111. Oh, puhleeze

Have you so little faith in our intelligence, our capacity to evolve, our very humanity? If we are ever to reach toward
the godliness inherent in our souls, we must believe we can be better--all of us. I find your post insulting to the human race.

[PinkTiger]

112. That would not happen, any more than electing Hillary Clinton

would bring the wrath of women's oppression out on all males. How silly and how divisive a statement!
I prefer Hilary for reasons not having to do with her gender. But I do not Not prefer Obama because of his color or ethnicity.
Please let us stay on issues and substance.

[Lex Talionis]

115. Have you maybe thought that it will uplift

That young black teen, who may be considering joining a gang, turning to crime, dieing before he's 18, but instead could say, "I could be President if Obama can"?

Have you ever thought that it could take power away from those who use race, to their advantage, who stay in power by playing Black and White people against each other?

Have you ever considered that those who use the power of low expectations, who tell a little black girl, they don't have to try as hard as the white kids on a test, cause she could score 10 points less and still pass, would be... powerless?

Of course you haven't. I'm far from an innocent child of God when it comes to race, and make no excuses for it. I know how the game is played. I know, some of the players. People like you don't want anything to change. Status quo, ya know. You play black and white people, just like chess.

I know you crud76. Those like you, black or white. Wither your a ignorant Redneck from my neck of the woods, or an enlightened teacher "just trying to help and make things right", or any opportunist , black or white, who use race to divide. I know you and the game you play.

I'm voting for Obama for all those reasons and more. Sure he's not perfect. But if a half black, half white man, can't bring the issue of race to MLK's final conclusion. No one can. Change is coming to this Country, for better or worse. You and those like you best get ready. GO BO!

[Doctor_J]

116. Strange. My post was deleted and this one allowed to stand

How the standards of DU have slipped over my 6 years here.

[Quantess]

126. Not anymore. It was deleted.

[phrigndumass]

8. Inspiring

:patriot:

[Serial Mom]

10. He spoke the truth... how refreshing!

:applause:

[thoughtanarchist]

11. knocked it right out of the park!

"Just as black anger often proved counterproductive, so have these white resentments distracted attention from the real culprits of the middle class squeeze – a corporate culture rife with inside dealing, questionable accounting practices, and short-term greed. ... And yet, to wish away the resentments of white Americans, to label them as misguided or even racist, without recognizing they are grounded in legitimate concerns – this too widens the racial divide, and blocks the path to understanding," he said.

Full text:

http://rawstory.com/news/2008/Obama_Wright_comments_were_profoundly_distorted_0318.html

[katty]

22. indeed, he did

[TheDoorbellRang]

33. Thank you for the text

I didn't see it, but just finished reading it. Beautiful in its truth.

I have travelled a road this primary season that led me reluctantly into Obama's camp. As I learned more about him I went from merely a supporter to a staunch supporter. After reading this speech, if he does not become our president I will be devastated, not merely at the loss of a democratic president but at the loss of a potentially great president.

[DLnyc]

64. Excellent quote. Not one we're likely to see on the M$M, though.

Racism and reverse racism divide us when we could be uniting against our common enemy--a cancerous corporate tumor whose greed is killing our planet.

Thank you for highlighting this excellent quote.

[Sander]

12. Even Hillary Should Endorse its Message

Hillary would be advised publicly to support this message and use it as a starting place to expand on her own vision.

[TomBall Democrat]

108. woulda, coulda, shoulda

Well, how can she when she's not sure he's really Christian.

"as far as I know".

Sorry, that one still pisses me off a little.

[aquart]

13. "inspired his Christian faith, officiated at his wedding, baptized his daughters ...."

"....and has been his spiritual guide for nearly 20 years."

You betcha.

[Name removed]

26. Deleted sub-thread

Sub-thread removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[George II]

53. You stir up the mud where ever you go!

And you play the concept of taking out of context "like a violin"!!

[tachyon]

70. It's just that not everyone thinks Obama is Jesus returned.

...

[George II]

94. No one said that and no one even implied that.

[TomBall Democrat]

110. Here's Something to Ponder

Not all Obama supporters are Christian,

I'm not!

To quote my candidate for president, not my personal savior...

" I am an imperfect vessel for your hopes and dreams - this is your campaign".

Sometimes, the value is in the message AND the messenger. This is such a case for me. I don't need another human to rescue me. But I do look for someone who understands that participation is required to change.

It's a material difference for me to hear Obama speak of "we". I hear far too much "I" in Hillary's speeches.

If it were Hillary alone in the campaign, do you think you'd see this level of involvement and interest?

[heliarc]

118. I feel terrible for bringing it up...

But I wondered if it was someone's stupid joke at MSNBC to choose Oreo Cookies as a sponsor for the online broadcast of the entire speech. I find that more than a little bit divisive. I'm glad that I didn't screenshot, but I seem to not be the only one who noticed.

http://sayanythingblog.com/entry/msnbc_advertises_oreos_during_obama_speech/

It's really too bad. But truth be told, I didn't pay much attention to that because Obama nailed the speech and there wasn't anything distracting me from it.

[UU_Mom]

15. Got choked up at work.

I was listening live on XM Radio at work. I missed the first few minutes (Dang meeting!), but what I heard was pretty extraordinary. I even got a little choked up once or twice.

[Hestia]

20. I must admit I am crying too here at work reading the transcript.

How anyone can say that he doesn't have the where-with-all to president is full of bull. I cannot see any other candidate saying this - which needs to be said and read by all - that we are fighting the wrong people, that we need to fight the corporatocracy, not each other. The RW has got us pointing fingers in the wrong places and it's worked for generations. Now it's to turn around and root out the real problem, greed in the highest of places.

Man, this speech does need to go into the history books. It stands with I Have A Dream.

[Beregond2]

43. Divisions

That really struck me too. I can't ever remember hearing a mainstream politician expose the real roots of our divisions like that, the corporatacracy, and how they use those divisions to exploit us. For a former Edwards supporter like me who had doubts about Obama's grasp of that reality, it was music to my ears.

[noel711]

16. Do I hear an "Amen!"???

Amen!

[wowimthere]

17. Where can we see the speech? Any links?

[LeftHander]

19. Yes I was working and could not watch....

I want to see it all...without TV commentators....

I read it and it made me cry.

[rucognizant]

65. Go to Huff PO

There is a video & a transcript.

[humbled_opinion]

18. Obama is like a spiritual gift

If we don't embrace the gift it will be taken away from us forever, lets embrace this time. We won't get another chance. Everything that Obama said was optimistic and transcendent. Lets embrace those things that unite us not divide us. Bush has divided this nation through fear and hate. Let Obama heal that divide and bring us all together hand in hand and make this nation whole.

[Name removed]

23. Deleted sub-thread

Sub-thread removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[Krashkopf]

66. And, so it is!

Everything that Obama said was optimistic and transcendent. Lets embrace those things that unite us not divide us. Bush has divided this nation through fear and hate. Let Obama heal that divide and bring us all together hand in hand and make this nation whole.

I recognize that God is in Barack Obama, and his wonderful, truth-filled speech. I also know that God is in me. I let these inspirational words go, out into the Universe, to multiply and come back to America in the form of a greater, more enlightened, understanding on the part of all Americans.

And, so it is!

[katty]

21. truth is urgently needed,he spoke to that-that takes much

courage and he certainly showed that with this speech. He seized the moment and it worked.

[Rainbowreflect]

24. It was incredible. When you compare our next President to the

current resident it boggles the mind!

[coalition_unwilling]

60. Brings to mind the contrast between Prezs Buchanan and Lincoln,

doesn't it? Obama saying the Union might never be perfect but it can be and is constantly being perfected is Lincolnesque.

[daleo]

25. That's a great speech

No doubt about it. I didn't hear it, but I read it. I imagine it sounds even better spoken. Should he be elected, I hope he has a chance to put some of those ideas into action.

[tpsbmam]

27. CNN commentator

I was in the other room so I'm not sure who it was -- it sounded like Bill Schneider -- just said it was the most sophisticated speech about race he's heard. Yeah.

[Doctor_J]

28. Networks are frothing at the mouth, I hear

Pat Buchanan, Bill Kristol, Sean Hannity, and a bunch of other white people are weighing in on Race In America, according to Peter B Collins.

[wowimthere]

31. Those are the other dumb people in the room

[humbled_opinion]

32. Hannity and his ilk are the problem in America

He is all about division and hate. Oh but if it was a Republican oh then there would be context and meaning and deep dialogue and give me a break.... Republicans are evil pure and simple.

[butch1227]

82. Republicans- EVIL, pure and simple...!!!!!!!!!!!!

Amen, brother....... Never was a truer statement given........ but you forgot to add
"HYPOCRITES....!!!"
But alas......... they'll get theirs in NOVEMBER....... and boy will it be fun to listen to them
whine and moan and contemplate suicide.....!!!!!
GO DEMS........!!!!!!!!!!!

[jimnasium]

40. Expected nothing less from them...

O'Bama (Everyone's Irish until the St. Pat's hangover wears off) could have sad "Sorry for the inconvenience, I'm dropping out to become a republican" and they would condemn him for being a flip-flopper.

You'll never turn some people around, that's for sure.

[IronLionZion]

30. who has the youtube link?

[Overseas]

35. Many YOu Tube clips on ly show first few pages of speech

So do be sure to read the full speech.

http://www.c-span.org/Content/PDF/obama_031808.pdf

[IronLionZion]

54. That's one of the greatest speeches I have ever read

Simply amazing...and true. Thank you for sharing.

[LSK]

57. I posted it in the video forum

[byronius]

34. I read the text. Wow. This guy's Something New.

Pretty straightforward. Sounds like a President.

[debbierlus]

37. The first time I have felt positive about my default choice of Obama

Beautiful.

Well done.

[heliarc]

38. This speech is historically elevates the discourse in US Politics

This it what I've been waiting to hear from a politician for years. Perhaps my whole life. Ever since I learned of the great struggles our nation has been through, I have wanted to hear someone who matches those struggle in eloquence and courage and he just did it. He did it with grace and elegance and I will forever be proud that I support Barack Obama. Vote wisely Pennsylvania!

[jimnasium]

39. My review

What I loved - Barack speaking on a personal level about his experiences, and his faith in the youth of America. He is the embodiment of the "Melting Pot" that defines our Union.

What I liked - His definition of his relation with Rev. Wright: Love the sinner, repudiate the sin.

What made me go ??? - Mustard and Relish? Are you kidding me? Ramen noodles is the way to go. :silly:

What I really wanted to hear, but didn't - A clear, unequivocal call for forgiveness - on both sides of the racial divide.

What I didn't like - Portraying his grandmother as a person with racist tendencies. I know the point was again to Love the sinner, not the sin, but I don't think that came across as he intended. I dunno, maybe its just me. :shrug:

What I really didn't like - The absolute lack of enthusiasm from the audience. This was a man speaking from the heart, and the response was completely weak. :wtf:

Overall, I'd give this an 8. A solid power-alley double to the warning track, but not quite out the park.

[Terran]

45. I think the part about his grandmother...

just made clear the complexity of race relations in America. Quite often people of one color have descendents or in-laws of another ethnicity thrust upon them unasked, and they deal with it in different ways. Much like my own mother, it's quite possible to be comfortable with people of another 'color' on a personal level while expressing illogical/irrational issues about those same people as a group. His grandmother is not an uncommon sort of person. Is she a racist? It's a broad brush to apply, and one we as progressives need to be more careful about using perhaps.

I loved the speech. It is certainly the best public statement about race in America since the "I have a dream" speech. I only hope some people will actually hear what he has said.

[nodehopper]

84. ugh I hate the fact that he feels he has to "repudiate the sin"

I read about what "hateful remarks" the rev. said. He said nothing particularly radical--he said things that I say every day and obviously agree with, and so do most of my friends. And yet Obama has to distance himself from these points of view to placate the lowest common denominator in the interest of "uniting" the country. No wonder I don't feel represented in this election, when the truly progressive candidates were forced out, and the remaining most progressive candidate has to condemn statements that completely reflect the way I feel about things, just so that he doesn't lose his shot at being elected.

[sybylla]

97. My grandmother is exactly like his grandmother

She's a very sweet, more or less social democrat - but always comes out with these comments about "darkies" as if no on else noticed their skin color and has given voice to fears of black men on the street.

I used to be both ashamed and confused on the rare occasions I've heard the comments. Now that I'm a little older and I see how younger generations look at issues like race, gender and sexual preference, I recognize that my 81-years-old grandmother is simply the product of her era. I recognize it. I encourage her better angels when those comments come out and love her no matter what.

I imagine there are loads of Democrats and independents just like me who see the presence of the old ways and want to know, to hope that they will die with the past.

I connected with Barack's speech on a very different level than you, it appears. And I suggest that the appeal the grandmother anecdote had for me is more universal than you might expect.

[Megahurtz]

41. Excellent Speech!

[wowimthere]

42. It was to it's very core... Phenomenal!!!!

It was a thoughtful speech and it wasn't supposed to be a rousing convention speech because that wouldn't have been appropriate. It said everything it needed to. And it says we should have had this discussion before Obama even uttered he was running for the presidency of the United Sates of America.

[Mr. Mojo Risin]

44. Finally

Something to make me feel proud to be an American again.

It has been a while, forgive me if I smile.

[scipan]

46. youtube link here

Part 1
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JPDFuNW55uA&feature=user
Part 2
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1I_Xaadm6Sg&feature=user
Part 3
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mvh7J-sFtAc&feature=user
Part 4 is not up yet

edit to add Part 4:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7l5YR0T4rv8&feature=user

[kittycat1164]

49. thanks for the links!

I watched it, (WOW!) but know many who couldn't. I'll be forwarding these.

[JerseygirlCT]

89. Thanks for that! nt

[NM Independent]

51. Being only 30

I have never heard any political figure speak of such things in such a way. The only thing that comes close is what I've studied through history, and those are only words without inflection or emotion (with the exception of a few sound bytes). The only ones that come directly to mind are MLK and JFK.

This stands above any Obama speech I've heard before, and nearly every Obama speech I heard before stood above most any other.

Many may not believe this, but I have been hesitant to believe Barack from day one (slick politicians will say anything ya know). I figured he just had to be too good to be true. The sincerity seemed to be there, but I just couldn't buy it yet. I wasn't ready to start vouching for him only to get egg on my face. Especially after I learned more about Wright (however much I might agree with some of his words). My support 'til now has mostly been only on DU and mostly just because I can't stomach Clinton, but I'm so ready to move beyond that.

I'm now convinced. I'll finally start calling, canvassing and slap that Obama '08 sticker on the back of my POS.

This Independent finally has a reason to believe in politics again. Even if he does swing quite to the left of me, and even if he isn't anti-corporatist (he can't be perfect after all).

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=385x107079 for the whole video...23 recs and it's not on the homepage? Let's get it there :)

[DavidMS]

124. I am with you on that

I am 27 and for the first time ever, I felt like a presidential candidate was speaking to me.

I would have to add FDR to that list. I believe that on 20 Feb 2009 Barak Obama will be sworn in as President.

I knew I was a Democrat since I was 14 (Republicans were too stupid for me to be with them). I liked (Bill) Clinton, but this is authentic.

Obama managed to on one hand steal conservatives "up by one's bootstraps" line and fuse it to "we are our brother's keepers," and he also managed to both talk about Anger and Resentment. It was a masterpiece.

[varelse]

52. [not an Obama "fan"] but I'm impressed - and will comment further when I'm not at work

these 30 minute lunch periods don't give one much time to think :P

What I did get to read of this speech so far has greatly impressed me - and I agree that this could make history. It's also a great relief to see him handle this so skillfully, because it will be brought up over and over again and it is good to know that he's armed and ready to deal with it.

[tomg]

55. This is a remarkable speech.

I have heard great speeches. This is authentic.

[dixiegrrrrl]

83. I second that.

[Quantess]

56. The pastor is relatively mild.

There is an endless lineup of crazy preachers all over the nation.
There is even a lunatic preacher who hates Obama because he isn't aggressive enough about being black, and posts his delirious rants against Obama on YouTube.

Please people. If you are still surprised by the divisive words of preachers, you must have been born yesterday. There's a divisive preacher in every town.

[coalition_unwilling]

63. If that preacher were a white, RW fundie, the corporate whore media

would have been giving him (her?) a free pass and he (or she?) would probably be invited to dinner at Bush\Reagan\Nixon's white house.

In short, this whole kerfluffle is an example of white supremacist racism in action, not so much from Obama's pastor as from the reaction and obvious double standards of the predominantly white corporate whore media.

'Nuff said.

[Quantess]

67. Yes. It's amazing how much the Right Wing Fundie white preachers can get away with

before being called "divisive".

[treestar]

86. Exactly.

When is the MSM going to make it so McBush has to defend over every word ever uttered by any person he is connected with?

Not likely to happen.

Dems always feel they have to respond to it. Sometimes I wonder if that is just letting the right wing set the framing of the issues. Why is one paragraph from this one pastor such a big deal to the MSM? When are they going to make a storm about McBush as they surely could find something to do it on?

[Krashkopf]

58. How wonderfully refreshing to hear the plain, simple, TRUTH!

Quite simply, this is what a genuine, honest, inspirational, LEADER looks, and sounds, like.

America NEEDS Barack Obama!

[jlake]

59. Attending a church that is based on racial division. Next up: How Bush promotes peace

by waging war.

[CreekDog]

76. your candidate has her contradictions

don't pretend she or any other candidate doesn't.

[jlake]

79. "a new kind of politics" "hope and change" ..... but Hillary's campaign

isn't based on the premise that Obama's is.

[George II]

95. That church is NOT based on racial division.

Amazing that some people are so negative that they can come to that conclusion.

[jlake]

130. Obama admitted as much in his damage control speech.

[George II]

132. What were the words he used to "admit" this? Or is that your interpretation of something he said?

[FlyingSquirrel]

61. I think the average Edwards supporter would be impressed...

with certain passages in his speech. I read the entire thing, slowly, word for word. Some of it seemed to be posturing and I'm sure those lines will be pointed up by his detractors. But the overall speech was a very important one.

Here are the paragraphs that I thought would most impress the average Edwards supporter, for those without the time to read or listen to the entire speech:

-----

"In fact, a similar anger exists within segments of the white community. Most working- and middle-class white Americans don't feel that they have been particularly privileged by their race. Their experience is the immigrant experience - as far as they're concerned, no one's handed them anything, they've built it from scratch. They've worked hard all their lives, many times only to see their jobs shipped overseas or their pension dumped after a lifetime of labor. They are anxious about their futures, and feel their dreams slipping away; in an era of stagnant wages and global competition, opportunity comes to be seen as a zero sum game, in which your dreams come at my expense. So when they are told to bus their children to a school across town; when they hear that an African American is getting an advantage in landing a good job or a spot in a good college because of an injustice that they themselves never committed; when they're told that their fears about crime in urban neighborhoods are somehow prejudiced, resentment builds over time.

(snip)

Just as black anger often proved counterproductive, so have these white resentments distracted attention from the real culprits of the middle class squeeze - a corporate culture rife with inside dealing, questionable accounting practices, and short-term greed; a Washington dominated by lobbyists and special interests; economic policies that favor the few over the many. And yet, to wish away the resentments of white Americans, to label them as misguided or even racist, without recognizing they are grounded in legitimate concerns - this too widens the racial divide, and blocks the path to understanding.

(snip)

In the white community, the path to a more perfect union means acknowledging that what ails the African-American community does not just exist in the minds of black people; that the legacy of discrimination - and current incidents of discrimination, while less overt than in the past - are real and must be addressed. Not just with words, but with deeds - by investing in our schools and our communities; by enforcing our civil rights laws and ensuring fairness in our criminal justice system; by providing this generation with ladders of opportunity that were unavailable for previous generations. It requires all Americans to realize that your dreams do not have to come at the expense of my dreams; that investing in the health, welfare, and education of black and brown and white children will ultimately help all of America prosper.

(snip)

This time we want to talk about the shuttered mills that once provided a decent life for men and women of every race, and the homes for sale that once belonged to Americans from every religion, every region, every walk of life. This time we want to talk about the fact that the real problem is not that someone who doesn't look like you might take your job; it's that the corporation you work for will ship it overseas for nothing more than a profit.

This time we want to talk about the men and women of every color and creed who serve together, and fight together, and bleed together under the same proud flag. We want to talk about how to bring them home from a war that never should've been authorized and never should've been waged, and we want to talk about how we'll show our patriotism by caring for them, and their families, and giving them the benefits they have earned.

I would not be running for President if I didn't believe with all my heart that this is what the vast majority of Americans want for this country. This union may never be perfect, but generation after generation has shown that it can always be perfected. And today, whenever I find myself feeling doubtful or cynical about this possibility, what gives me the most hope is the next generation - the young people whose attitudes and beliefs and openness to change have already made history in this election."

-----

Now before you jump all over me, I know I'm just a single Edwards supporter and can't speak for Edwards supporters as a group. I know that some may say he's just "stealing" Edwards' themes. But my personal belief when reading the speech in its entirety is that he really gets it. And that this is the reason why the majority of Edwards' support shifted to Obama after Edwards dropped out.

[many a good man]

127. I found it notable for its lack of posturing

It was very heartfelt, honest, and straightforward. It was not pandering. It discussed issues head on that I could never imagine a politician bringing up in public. He tied together issues that are that core of the American experience and the problems we face as a nation both socially and economically.

[dixiegrrrrl]

62. It's on YouTube already....

that was fast.

Lordy, haven't heard anything like this since 1968..

do we dare hope ?????

[gorfle]

69. What a fantastic speech!

This guy is just amazing. What an orator. What a brilliant mind. Such eloquence. It is amazing to me listening to him talk. I am so sold on this man. So many of the frustrations he spoke to that white people have I have had, too, and it is so liberating to have them acknowledged, and how shameful it feels to realize that I have been part of divisiveness myself.

They say there are none so blind as those who will not see. I say there are none so appreciative of sight as those who were once blind and now do see. I cannot believe some of the things I supported in the past as a Republican. I cannot believe I voted for Bush when I knew in my heart of hearts listening to the man talk that he was a moron.

Man, I can't wait for Obama to be president.

[maseman]

73. I agree

I studied as a part of my major public speaking. This had intense emotional appeal, appeal to logic, it was eloquent and persuasive.

[kevinbgoode]

114. I teach public speaking. . .I plan on showing this tomorrow...

So I'll tell them that you analyzed it better than them....:-)

[maseman]

128. I used to teach public speaking

I love it! My current job has me traveling so I don't have time to teach even part-time. Someday I will go back to it.

[TexasLady]

71. My kids missed it earlier

I plan to make sure they all hear it.

[indimuse]

99. ???

are you going to let them hear and watch Rev Wright at his finest too? Obama does.

[TexasLady]

103. they have , yes

they arent little, they are near or over voting age. the nine year old is too busy pasting and coloring, lol

[laureloak]

74. If the speech were about the rich vs the poor I'd buy it.

Count me OFF the Obama express.

[GMFORD]

81. Oh, but it was.

You should listen to it.

[haymakeragain]

105. You didn't listen to it did you?

Too bad.

[tomreedtoon]

85. This may be history in the making.

When I was a kid, I saw the speeches by Kennedy, King and others. I was suitably impressed. They were what you might call "history in the making." Silly, naive me; I thought those were the standards of all Presidential speeches, with the quality all speeches should have.

In the decades since, I've seen speeches by other Presidents, and none of them ever reached those peaks.

Until I read this speech today, when I awoke in the afternoon after my long overnight shift at work.

Whether he wins the nomination and the Presidency or not...whether or not he survives the assassination attempts that will undoubtedly grow far more fierce, and will intentionally not be stopped by Bush's Secret Service...Obama has made his mark in history with this speech.

Anything else I could say would just be just one more flower of praise in the avalanche I've seen here and elsewhere.

[Better Believe It]

93. Where Can We See Video Of Entire Speech?

Where can I see the entire speech by Obama?

If anyone has a link please post it.

Thank you.

[Krashkopf]

100. A link to the entire speech

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pWe7wTVbLUU

[Better Believe It]

120. Wonderful

Thanks for the link!

[bhikkhu]

96. Awesome, perfect, I am going to replay it with my kids tonight.

I heard someone say "that was the speech of a president", the first such speech we have heard in this country in years...what a perfect way to solidify front-runner status, and gain the nomination.

[distantearlywarning]

101. I just read the transcript.

What a terrific speech!

I have actually been undecided about a candidate up until this point. Now I think I might have found one to vote for...

[erpowers]

109. Going To Say Things People Do Not Like

I am going to say something that many people may not like. I may be wrong, but I think Barak Obama just lost the general election today. I agree with some of the things he said, but I think there will be a number of white people who will not vote for him because of some of things he said today. I think a number of people both black and white will say he made a large amount of excuses for his pastor and others.

In terms of his pastor or former pastor one cannot excuse his words just because he grew up in a bad time. I think a number of people will say so what. A number of people grew up in bad times, but they do not go out in public and say things that are even minorly rascist. There are a number of people who lived during the era of jim crow and/or segregration, but they still do not promote even a small form of anger or rascism.

I know some people will want to flame me so flame away.

[vincenzoesq]

113. If we don't elect this man,

abandon all hope. We are doomed to affirm the world's opinion as the crazies who elected Bush TWICE. And we will deserve it.

[rantsalot]

119. Racial Anti American Remarks

It was a nice speech, reminded me of a "shell game"
you know where you redirect someone's attend from the issue
and send them off in the different direction. Obama's speech
was designed to do just that, take your attention away from
someone the screams hatred of white people and of American and
blames it on everyone else, except Rev. Wright. 

As far as Mr Obama's relationship with Rev Wright, if you are
willing to support and defend a racist, bigot, anti-American,
then you must, at some level agree with them.

[vincenzoesq]

121. Rantsalot--purposely stupefied?

Are you pretending to be obtuse? The point here, seems to me, is that human beings and human issues are deep and complex, not two dimensional. I think you are purposely simplifying the picture to support your own (shallow?) opinions. Hopefully, there are enough intelligent, insightful, imaginative American voters to understand that.

[MilesColtrane]

133. He unequivocally condemned Wright's remarks.

Then said he could no more disown him than he could a member of his family.

This is something that those of us with racist family members can understand, as we daily confront them, tell them they're wrong, but love them none the less.

[Zorra]

123. In terms of depth, John McCain is a mud puddle. Barack Obama is an ocean. n/t

[fshrink]

125. Simple and honest.

A breath of fresh air.

[The_Casual_Observer]

129. An epic "cover your ass" speech.

[Eurobabe]

131. Oh Nedra, your slip is showing a wee bit

"Obama tried to stem damage..."

But Nedra, you won't get us Dems down this time. We're onto you.

GOBAMA!!