Barack Obama's Acceptance Speech November 4 2008
President Obama puts the Democrats back in the White House
Nov 5, 2008
On the 4th of November 2008, the American people turned out in record numbers in support of a change in government and in a gracious and eloquent acceptance speech, Barack Obama took on the mantle of President of the United States of America. This is what President-elect Obama had to say.
The Election
In the live broadcast of his presidential acceptance speech on Australia's ABC1, Nov 4 2008, Barack Obama stated that, "I was never the likeliest candidate for this office. We didn't start with much money or many endorsements. Our campaign was not hatched in the halls of Washington."
Though not the likeliest candidate, President-elect Obama captured the hearts and imaginations of the American people. He inspired the "working men and women" (Obama, 2008) who supported him with their savings and the millions of Americans who gave him their vote in the hopes that "this time must be different, that their voices could be that difference." (Obama, 2008)
The Road Ahead
Like the Australian Prime Minister, Kevin Rudd, Barack Obama will inherit the challenges and mistakes of his predecessors. "Two wars, a planet in peril" (Obama, 2008) and "the worst financial crisis in a century" (Obama, 2008) will test the new President's abilities and it can only be hoped that he and his advisors will be able to follow the lead of their people and "put their hands on the arc of history and bend it once more toward the hope of a better day." (Obama, 2008)
It is encouraging that the new President-elect is enthusiastic about working together with his adversaries to heal the division within his country. He acknowledges that the problems may not be solved within a year or a term, while remaining optimistic that they can and will be solved.
Victory!
"This victory alone is not the change we seek, it is only the chance for us to make that change," stated President-elect Obama. "While the Democratic Party has won a great victory tonight, we do so with a measure of humility and determination to heal the divides that have held back our progress."
Today, the American people have taken a stand for tolerance and equality. They have resoundingly shown that they are ready to move forward with change. But whether this attitude extends beyond the borders of the United States is yet to be seen. The opportunity has arrived for President-elect Obama to provide real leadership on issues that affect the world. Will he take a stand on climate change and ratify the Kyoto Protocol? Will he defend basic human rights and close Guantanomo Bay? It remains to be seen.
President-elect Obama stated in his acceptance speech that "the true genius of America" is that "America can change." Now is the time for that change and when Barack Obama extends his challenge to the American people and the world let's hope he is answered with a resounding, "Yes we can!" (Obama, 2008)
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