Snappy newsletters. Simple Facebook sharing. Spirited comments. Sweet features are waiting… GET THEM NOW!

Down-to-Earth Barack Brought Fire

Speech brings Democratic nominee's campaign back to the elements

By Rob Quinn, Newser Staff

Posted Aug 29, 2008 7:55 AM CDT

(Newser) – Barack Obama took on two of his greatest challenges head-on in his acceptance speech last night, Patrick Healy writes in the New York Times. The Democratic nominee added some down-to-earth proposals to his lofty talk of change, while proving he could take the fight to John McCain with "memorable fire," Healy writes.

Instead of directly tackling the race issue, Obama invoked Martin Luther King's "I Have A Dream" speech with his talk of unity, Healy points out. Obama didn't reveal too much about himself, but that wasn't his purpose—it was to "open a direct channel between his candidacy and the personal lives of Americans," Healy notes.

[Images (4)]

[Quotes (3)]

Barack Obama waves after his acceptance speech at the Democratic National Convention. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)

Barack Obama delivers his acceptance speech at the Democratic National Convention at Invesco Field at Mile High in Denver last night. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)

The crowd cheers and confetti flies after Barack Obama's acceptance speech at the Democratic National Convention at Invesco Field in Denver Thursday, Aug. 28, 2008. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)

A focuses Barack Obama delivers a rousing acceptance speech at the Democratic National Convention yesterday. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)

« Prev« Prev | Next »Next » Slideshow

Rather than call out biases, as John F. Kennedy did in the part of his 1960 acceptance speech that dealt with anti-Catholicism, Mr. Obama sought to transcend race and find a plane of unity. - Patrick Healy

If John McCain wants to have a debate about who has the temperament and judgment to serve as the next commander in chief, that’s a debate I’m ready to have. - Barack Obama

If John McCain wants to follow George Bush with more tough talk and bad strategy, that is his choice, but that is not the change that America needs. - Barack Obama

« Prev« Prev | Next »Next » Slideshow

To report an error on this story, notify our editors.

More Newser Stories

Finally, the Obama We Elected

Last night's speech was incredibly important, Robert Reich writes

(NEWSER) - The speech President Obama gave last night in Osawatomie, Kansas, was the "most important economic speech of his presidency," writes former labor secretary Robert Reich. "Here, finally, is the Barack Obama many of us thought we had elected in 2008," one who actually fights Big Money the way Teddy and Franklin Roosevelt did. Obama at last took a stab at "connecting the dots, laying out the reasons behind our economic and political crisis." More»

Obama to GOP: Keep Your Word on Taxes

President chides Republicans on payroll taxes

(AP) - President Obama continued his onslaught on congressional Republicans today, saying that Congress needs to extend a payroll tax cut in light of an economic recovery that's "still fragile" and middle class families who need the money. In a statement given from the White House this afternoon, Obama urged Republicans to "keep your word to the American people" on not raising taxes. Obama has been seeking an extension and expansion to the payroll tax cut that will expire at the end of the year. More»

Most Popular National Politician Today Is ...

Hillary Clinton, as 'buyer's remorse' plagues a third of the country

(NEWSER) - The most popular politician nationwide is the one that got away: Hillary Clinton. Nearly two-thirds of the country sees the secretary of state favorably, and a third are battling what Bloomberg terms “buyer’s remorse” over not electing her president. Just over a year ago, only a quarter of Americans felt that way. “Looking back, I wonder if she would have been a stronger leader, knowing the games and the politics and all that goes on,” says a Florida woman. “I don’t think she would have bent as much.” More»

Obama: We Stand Behind Arab Protesters

Back Mideast peace deal based on 1967 borders

(NEWSER) - President Obama gave a wide-ranging speech on the Middle East today, speaking out forcefully in support of Arab protesters everywhere—even in US allies like Yemen and Bahrain. “After decades of accepting the world as it is in the region we have a chance to pursue the world as it should be,” Obama said, advocating “universal rights” for the people of the region, including freedom of speech and religion, and equality for women and men. More»

What Obama Will —and Should— Say in His Budget Speech

Some advice for the POTUS ahead of today's address

(NEWSER) - Here’s what we know about President Obama’s budget speech today: He’s going to lay out a four-step, long-term budget-reduction plan. It’s going to involve defense cuts, tax code changes, and recommendations from his deficit commission. And he’s going to stress keeping domestic spending low and reducing health care spending, according to Roll Call . But here’s what Politico thinks he should say: More»

NEWS FROM OUR PARTNERS

What is Newser?

Face it: there's too much news. At Newser, we choose the most thought-provoking and entertaining stories from hundreds of US and international sources and reduce them to a headline, picture, and two paragraphs. And we do it 24/7—you can come back morning, noon, night (and in between) for something new that matters. Read less, know more.

Learn more »

Partnering with: Slate

View Newser on the mobile website

Down-to-Earth Barack Brought Fire