At Invesco Field, Where 44 and 45 Are Not Yardlines
INVESCO FIELD AT MILE HIGH STADIUM –
As he fought to achieve gains in civil rights and the setbacks were many, Maritn Luther King Jr. said ”the arc of history bends toward justice.” It was meant to reassure those for whom the struggles of the civil rights movement felt heavy, possibly too heavy for them to endure. The message – injustice now will give way to justice eventually — and sooner, if those who seek it persevere in it s pursuit.
Barack Obama used to refer to quote this line of Dr. King frequently. He has so less recently. I suspect we will hear it again tonight. When Obama used that line, it was when his campaign appeared fresher than it does now, more vibrant, confident and in search of something.
The question mark back then, in snowy Iowa and New Hampshire, was could Obama assemble a campaign worthy of the monumental task of defeating the “inevitable” Hillary Clinton. The excitement Obama triggered was genuinely rooted in a long- suppressed sentiment that politics could be different - that it could sound different, be different. Policy was less important than the gravitational pull of Obama’s non-partisan rhetoric and the embryonic hope that maybe, just maybe, politics could change, that motivation could run deeper than red-state or blue-state loyalties.
Never was that feeling more evident than when Obama suffered his first big defeat, one that threatened to derail his campaign. When Obama lost in New Hampshire, a defeat every single poll failed to predict, he took the stage in a high school in Nashua and gave a speech that made it sound as if he had actually won. That speech, in its own way, was a rhetorical elegy to Dr. King’s “arc of history” prediction. It was in that speech that Obama reassured his unsettled followers that, despite this painful loss, new victories would emerge. His slogan was simple, poetic and forceful: “Yes, We Can.”
Watch the speech here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fe751kMBwms
Will.I.Am’s video soon made the speech and the slogan a cultural touchstone. http://www.dipdive.com
We will see that slogan again tonight, featured prominently in the Obama video produced for tonight’s acceptance speech.
And we will hear it again in Obama’s speech as he consciously tries to recapture the spark of his early days on the campaign trail. At this stage of the campaign, Obama sometimes visibly carries the weight of a national campaign and the crushing question that now hangs over his pursuit of the presidency: is he ready.
To answer that question, Obama must remind people — and himself — why people were drawn to his message in the first place. With that enthusiasm rekindled, Obama can then make the case that he has the fortitude and vision to lead the country. But his first priority tonight is to re-animate the dormant sense that this campaign — with its reliance on individual contributions, yes, even those from rich people, some of whom were once lobbyists or who have lobbyist friends — can change the way politics acts, sounds and governs.
There will be no shortage of ways Obama can link himself, his campaign, and the “moment” to broader historical trends in America — to distant dates that somehow now seem amazingly relevant.
This is the 44th convention for the Democratic Party. The first one was held in Baltimore in 1832. The first Democratic convention ever held in a western state was held in Denver in 1908. That was the first national political convention that allowed a woman to participate as a delegate. If elected, Obama will be the nation’s 44th president. And today, as everyone should now know, is the 45th anniversary of Dr. King’s “I Have a Dream” speech.
That the 44th Democratic convention might produce the nation’s 44th president on the 45th anniversary of the King speech leaves one wondering about what else the arc of history can do.
In the last 72 hours a federal injunction was filed in Philadelphia which states that Barrack Obama is not a natural born U.S. Citizen and, contends that he is still an Indonesian National. The forensics study determined that the certificate of live birth was Kenyian and the birth of Obama was witnessed by Obama’s Kenyian Grandmother and other members of the Obama family in Kenya.
Also, the injunction contends that Obama lost his U.S. Citizenship after he was adopted by the stepmother, an Indonesian National, and based upon U.S. Constitutional Law, he lost his citizenship. The injunction seeks to remove Obama from the ballot since he is not eligible. I’m surprised that the lid is kept on this.
HELP!!! The BACKGOUUND NOISE makes it almost impossible to hear your reporters on TV.
Oh, give me a break! Obama will lose, not because of his race or religion, Muslim or not, but because he is a liberal, socialist, and most Americans don’t want government handouts. The American dream is alive and well, in the republican party. Please America, read his tax plans. Your 401k’s won’t be worth squat after the tax! And all to pay handouts to those who won’t work.
This channel needs to change the name to the GOP network.
I cannot tell you how disappointed with what I have seen so far in this convention. I cannot remember if I have ever seen so much hypocrisy and lack of loyalty. It started with the end of the primary, when Sen. Clinton’s delegates started abandoning her, friends are suppose to stick with you to the end as long as you are above board. I don’t even know where to start talking about the “POLLING” it was obviously prearranged, California. 441 votes that would have given Sen. Clinton the boost she needed PASSES give me a break. I had been a Democrat ever since I could vote, but when I saw what was going on early I switch my affiliation to Independent, after seeing this 1-120 million-dollar SHOW I am convinced I made the right decision.
I am sure that once the spectacle is over I will be even more convinced that I have made the right decision to vote for Sen. McCain. We have so many people in America hurting and he’s wasting money on this nonsense, with columns and fireworks, this is a disgrace to the memory of Dr. King, I would not imagine that he would even allowed his people to put on such a spectacle. It hurts me as a black woman to see a black man reach a level to have the possibility to become the president of this united states and handle it so shamefully.
We do not need any more rock star types we have enough of them already, they end up in some of the worst scandals.
It is just unbelievable what I seen, I am VERY disappointed.
Chris
Fl
Obama better hope he gets a CHANGE in his ratings after tonight because right now the Dems should be doing a lot better then they are now. When McCain announces VP he will be sure to get a bump and depending on how the weather affects the RNC he will get a bum every day next week. I think its looking pretty nice for Republicans. And if McCain if there is any chance you see this consider Newt for your VP slot! Please.
SO MICHELLE ISN’T SO ANGRY AFTER ALL ? CAN ANYONE SAY ” BOTOX ” ???
Lots of glitx & money. I hope Replublicans do not do the same. If I was the guy losing my house, I’d rather see them handing me a check to help me rather tham paying some rock band that does not need it.
I would of had my convention fooball field in a lower income district in Illinois, with local bands, where it might have helped.
How can this convention possible make folks think, that you are in touch with the “Kitchen Table”?
CHANGE???? What change Barack? When are we going to hear what changes are going to be made by you and your party. Maybe Sen Teddy (I didn’t kill Mary Jo) Kennedy or Nancy (I’m in charge) Pelose can help you make the changes……. WOW look out people…… The change we will get is the change left in our pockets when the Dems get our money…….
I find most of this comments unbelievable. First do you actually think the Republican party hasn’t checked out all of OBAMAS credentials and would have outed him along time ago if there was anything to this charge. Even the liberal radio host discount this. This is just another attempt at taking unsubstantiated shots at OBAMA. This was presented to Chris Matthews by a spectator Monday night and as he questioned her about her information and where it came from she simply said I am not going to tell you.
Next - please explain to me if indeed OBAMA is givng money away what is the difference in giving it to people who need it than the rich who have all the loop holes in the tax code to take advantage of to obtain their wealth. Also, not everybody who needs help is slothful and not working.
I think America is in the battered wife syndrome, they have taken this crap so long until even the abuse will be returned to out of fear for the unknow. Sometimes you just have to take a risk. I don’t see where it could get any worse with OBAMA.
What a change in our pocket. The people have no change left. The Republicans have found a way to scounder it all.
Usually all presidential candidates are announced by their full name. How come nobody calls this liar by his full name Barak Hussein Obama?
The “Temple of Obama” setup at the DNC took this to a new level of ridiculousness. I sincerely hope that the ‘underground’ rumors of the Clinton’s desire to undermine this campaign as we get closer to November, so that Hillary Clinton has a shot in 4 years at the nomination, are true. The prospect of “Barry” Hussien Obama as president is slightly comical but mostly terrifying. Obama is an empty-headed socialist prop whose past highlights how confused his positions are… his past is rife with association with some very unsavory characters who are, literally, terrorists and haters of our nation. READ UP ON THIS GUY… very, very scary!
WARNING to America: Obama’s “CHANGE” is to take from those who work to earn their living and give it to those who don’t.. it’s commonly known as SOCIALISM. Wake up!!!!!!
This was one of the greatest speeches of our time… http://enewsreference.wordpress.com/2008/08/28/barack-obama-gives-electrifying-acceptance-speech/
The election is about what is best for the US of A. It is simple really, those who admire the Bush legacy will vote McCain, those who do not will not.
At times Americans must ask themselves what is best for the country? Is my party affiliation really what democracy is about? Or, are Americans supposed to hear them all and then make a choice.
But, then that would be democratic in nature.
K. Keim,
I wouldn’t put much hope in Philip Berg’s Philadelphia injunction. Considering the birth certificate, Honolulu birth announcement, lack of evidence about any birth in Kenya, etc., etc., I suspect this trial will be thrown out just like the others. You don’t have to like the guy, but Obama’s a citizen and McCain’s just going to have to beat him the old-fashioned way. McCain, unfortunately, has to deal with these wacko cases too every now and then because of his Panamanian birth…must be fun running for president
I thought it was a well delivered and inspiring speech. The enthusiasm the crowd showed was really exciting and made me feel proud and hopeful for the future direction of the country.
you guys are all nerds. So hardened and so cynical that you cannot appreciate a fresh breath of air. You all must have graduated from Tucker Bounds Community College. A true independent mind can appreciate that the man has good ideas. Might as well give him a chance. if he screws up, you have a shot in 2012. i am a lifelong McCain fan, but i am definately ready for something new…
About Barack’s speech tonight…
Are we electing a President or a rock star?
He gave a great meaningless speech off a teleprompter and may as well be a robot creation of the DNC.
Use common sense:
He promises tax cuts to people who do not pay taxes
He promises great government programs without telling you who will pay for them
He says he will tax US corporations more but the greatest problem the US has is that its corporations are already relocating to countries with lower tax rates
He talks about us succeeding “on our own” but then immediately dictates how government will essentially run your life for you
He has no interest in the US as a premier nation but merely a step in his personal goal to becoming the world leader
He has written numerous articles and reports directly based on Marxist-socialist philosophy
He ridicules George W. Bush but our country’s greatest failure has come in the last few years when a Democrat Congress has hampered all possible policy improvements
He ridicules the Iraq war but we have now successfully succeeded in bringing a true democracy to a once world threat
He had absolutely nothing to do with the decision-making for the Iraq war but flat out lies that he was somehow a part of the decision
He is not the answer for America but the absolute worst solution
Aren’t we fortunate that we will be hearing Obama’s speech over, and over, and over for weeks and months to come? SHEESH!! The change I would like to see in my lifetime is honesty with WE THE PEOPLE, instead of literally the same political promises made at Democratic National Conventions for 40 + years. Baby boomers don’t wake up in a new world every day (except for some that you show up in the evening news).
New voters are easily lead down a rose-colored, idealistic path pumped up with emotion and visual messages followed by pyrotechnics. I wish them luck with that thinking.
if you guys are not a bunch of nerds, you must be a bunch of millionaires. i have a masters degree and i had to start delivering pizzas just to make ends meet. i STILL cannot afford health insurance for my family. Bush has not done anything for me lately…should i count on John McCain to do anything different? i used to, but now he sounds too much like you guys- cynical and oblivious. i do not know how someone could agree with a clown who has a 30% approval rating 90% of the time…that is rediculous math…
I have just watched the Obama speech to 80,000 people and unless the Republicans can amass a true zeal for McCain as opposed to a fear for Obama they will have big problems in November.
The running mate for McCain is absolutely crucial as not to alienate any significant segment of his base as in Right to Life, Christian Right groups.
McCain is going to have to shore up the troops from the Rush Limbaugh, conservatives wearing very large “Nose Clips” who feel McCain is not conservative enough to the Ann Coulter conservatives who because of things like the McCain-Feingold Bill (which she despises) to the Donald Rumsfeld Republicans who simply will not vote for McCain even if the Devil himself ran against him.
Newt Gingrich noted that the record breaking numbers in “overall” election turn out during the Democratic Primary stired on by this excitement for Obama may be very troubling for the Republicans and which out numbered the turn out for the Republican Primary almost 2 to 1.
What can make a significant difference is the large group of young white educated “new” voters who have flocked to Obama but have a very fragile volitile allegiance and can be easily swayed but not by the traditional FUD (Fear-Uncertainty-Doubt) tactics that Republicans have used in the past this will only make there opponent stronger with this group.
Clear intelligent arguments are the only hope to influence this group also moving on the Hillary defectors has to be done quickly and agressively although it appears that the Dems will become more united and more zealous after this quite eloquent speech by Obama which is sure to produce a definate temporary “bump up” in the polls.
The Republicans have there work cut out for them.
knew you wouldnt post my comments a-holes.
Dear Fox… You may be the last to realize it, but you’re a journalistic joke. The coverage of the Democratic Convention by Fox News has been both hilarious and sad. Hilarious to witness the absurdity of the far too thinly veiled GOP political propaganda with the commentators nearly apoplectic as they froth their talking points masquerading as objective journalism. Sad to experience such divisive influence on the American landscape. I agree with another comment calling for FOX to simply rebrand as the GOP News Service, because that’s what it is. But, it’s not just the GOP, it’s something more mutated and insulting to the many decent Republicans who also care about our wonderful country. Until this week, I actually thought Brit Hume had some shred of journalistic integrity, but his sputtering political slogan infused diatribes revealed him to be just another political hack. History will ultimately place the phenomenon of Fox News into the annals of political propaganda, a microphone of a corrupt government controlled media, something we had never seen taken to such an extreme, and frighteningly threatening to the principles on which our country was founded. Unfortunately, the hateful presence of this toxin and the harming influence it has on American political life and true journalism must be endured. We can all take stock in the knowledge that in time this too shall pass. We’re headed towards a brighter day…
You Rep’s are so blind, our country has fallen apart and you can’t see that. Dems get your money….We’re so far in the gutter with what the Bush admin. has done there’s no money to get cause no one’s spending. They Can’t!
A friend of mine is from Germany and he blogged the following comparing Obama to HITLER.
Reading all posts worries me tremendously. So many people have their heads in the sand.
Don’t they realize that Hitler was Germany’s “Man of Change”?
He ran on the same platform …. he was going to bring about great changes to benefit everyone. Well, he certainly did! The citizens rallied to support him - cheered him on as they watched in idolization. Sounding familiar? And after all the “changes”, we know what happened next.
With Barack we will be asking for bigger government, bigger taxes to support all the “giveaway” programs he is proposing, less money in everyone’s pockets, and the loss of even more small businesses. You think big business runs everything now? Just wait!
The government already wants to tell us what light bulbs to buy, how our food should be grown (and who can grow it), what we can and can’t wear, what can legally be put into our childrens’ vaccinations, etc. Pretty soon we’ll be told we can only have so many children (like China already does). Where does it all end?
I have thought and have seen the paralleism between the Hitler campaign and the Obama campaign. It’s scary but true.
The people of Germany idolized Hitler and fell at his feet, much like Americans are doing to Obama. Hitler had a hidden agenda as I believe Obama has as well.
There are way to many “unknowns” about Obama. I don’t think America really likes this guy that much, they just want change and since McCain is a republican, America automatically tunes him out because of Bush.
McCain is very different from Bush and will be the best candidate to lead America. I pray America will come to her senses and vote Obama out…..if not, America will enter very dark days as did Germany under Hitler.
God help america if OBAMA doesn’t win. you country is in a real mess and cannot believe the comments made in this blog, are these people just not getting it or seeing what has happened to our country, 8 years of BUSH republicans stupidity and for the fact he was re-elected 4 years ago. this is pitiful. I just hope sanity would prevail
Mannn….Some folks here are sooo bitter, Let’s talk about AMERICA and how we can fix it you DUMBOOs. not the trivial things that the guys on TV are making you to believe. WAKE UP!!
Mccain should be the winner. I’m rich and I don’t want to pay higher taxes so I can help poor people. What’s that all about? Mccain’s policy of the “trickle down effect” works great for me. Once I start spending my money, it’ll trickle down and the poor people won’t starve. It’s perfect, and that’s why Barack is inexperienced. We have to help the rich, not the poor. That’s why we don’t fight in wars, because we can pay for colleges.
Seriously Barack! Get with the program and start helping rich people out. That way I can buy more houses when most of Americans suffer from foreclosure.
Stand by our president and 4 more years people!
I think Palin is just what McCain needs to boost his ticket. Conservative. Reduced property taxes in Alaska by 60%. Cleaned out the corrupt politicians. NRA member. She isn’t trying to block an investigation into her firing a staff member and is forth coming with all requested documents. Obama is trying to impead research about his relationship with Ayers. This gal is something. Salt of the earth.
I’ve heard on several channels that they didn’t think John McCain could feel a stadium. I suppose if John McCain wanted to fill a stadium, he could do the same as Obama’s camp and DNC did. All he has to dois offer free food and send out invitations four weeks ahead of time for a gigantic party. You know every one likes free food and a party! How do I know this because a friend of mine received and e-mail invitation from DNC.
Thank You
John McCain’s got my vote!
WOW!!!…McCain VP pick I’m still laughing wait I can’t catch my breath this is to funny…Ashton Kutcher must be around somewhere because AMERICA IS BEING PUNKED…you just can’t throw any woman in there and think American women are stupid enough to vote for her JUST BECAUSE SHE IS A WOMAN… but this is the typical McCain and the republican party “SMALL MINDS THINK ALIKE”…WOW look out people…EXPERIENCE IS NO LONGER NECESSARY the republicans argue that OBAMA was not ready to lead but look who they decided is ready to lead Sarah Palin…AMERICA WE CAN NOT TURN BACK!!!
PLEASE AMERICA, DO YOU THINK WE CAN AFFORD ANOTHER 4 YEARS OF THIS?
OBAMA/BIDEN ‘08 AND ‘12
Why do educated, informed people vote Democratic?
Why do rich people vote Republican? Why do CEOs who cancel employee pensions, embezzle, close and sell off companies then give themselves million dollar bonuses vote Republican? Why do NASCAR fans vote Republican? Why do people who want to force all the people to follow the guidelines of their religion vote republican? Why do people who think starting wars is patriotic vote Republican? Why do self-proclaimed rednecks vote Republican?
Which group do you identify with?
Dishonest rich people must be tickled pink that even though their group is relatively small in number, they can count on the uninformed, the religious extreme, the not-very-bright, and the “let’s bomb them” masses to keep pushing forward the party that gives them all their houses, yachts, servants, gold and jewels.
Education will never, ever be a platform of the Republican party. It goes against the primary platform of “Keep them afraid and keep them stupid. They will take any abuse and still come back for more. Tax the the poor more and tax the rich less. They will come back for more. If anyone looks like they are starting to think a little bit, call them a liberal and brand them as an America-hater, they will fall in line.”
The Dems might get an extra few dollars from you in taxes (if you make more than $250k per year), but the corporations the Republicans make certain are in control without regulation will bleed you dry of tens of thousands of dollars: One $4 gallon of gas at a time. One $80 prescription at a time. One $6 jar of peanut butter at a time. One war at a time. One loan from China at a time. One bailout of a corrupt corporation at a time. (Privatize the profits - socialize the losses. It’s the CON-servative way.)
Even if you are voting based on wanting to keep your hard earned money, you should still vote Democrat. Unless of course you make over $250k per year. If high-earners want to vote Republican I totally understand.
The rest of us have no excuse to vote Republican. No, being pro-life is not an excuse to vote Republican. If you are a pro-life Republican spread your beliefs the true Republican way - on your own. Take ownership of your beliefs and the spreading of them, it’s not the government’s job to spread your ideology.
This station is ridiculous in that it is not very nuetral in its coverage and the people who write comments on here are quite ignorant in their rantings. Perhaps fox news should consider changing its name to GOP News for Rednecks. Say goodbye to John McCain for good. He will be turning 80 when Obama exits office as one of the greatest presidents. I think John McCain made a great choice for vice-president. Thank you, John McCain for conceding the presidency to Obama. Thrilled in New Hampshire.
The New York Times is ready to publish an investigation that proves John McCain was never really a war hero. There has been an in depth investigation as to his manipulation of the facts and doctored pictures while he was allegedly a POW. Photos have emerged which paint him to be a Benedict Arnold. I wonder which one of his homes he will hide out in when the news emerges.
Shawn, If you have a masters and are delivering Pizzas with an unemployment rate still a stellar 5.7%; it’s time to gain a little introspection and be honest with yourself..Dude, its you.
Heym everyone look at David. He’s smarter than all of us. Just ask him.
Thanks Middleclass Wife…that was very interesting.
Obama/Biden ‘08 and ‘12
Heaven forbid we elect a candidate that stops to think before he speaks.
And Heaven forbid we elect a candidate that lots of people want to see speak.
Yeah, we should go elect another old boring idiot.