Why Obama's speech could be a historic one...eventually

[doyourealize1]

Rhetoric and historical significance are the components for the most memorable speeches.

The most memorable speeches in recent US history:

MLK's I have a Dream Speech
JFK's inaugural address
Reagan's speech at the Berlin Wall
Lincoln's Gettysberg Address
FDR's Post-pearl harbor address
LBJ's We shall overcome and Great Society speeches
Malcolm X's various speeches
Carter's carnigan sweater speech
Nixon's "checkers" speech

Were all performed at some apical point in history. As eloquent as Obama is, he cannot replicate the history behind these moments by himself. He has not been a visible member of the Civil Rights Movement, nor has he had a strong political presence up until now.

But he has the opportunity to become a part of the next big step of the Civil Rights Movement, which is still going onwards to this day. He also has the opportunity to become the first candidate with broad appeal for his personality characteristics since JFK. For these reasons, we could be watching the next great figure in American politics. He seems to be the right man at the right time.

I was originally a Hillary Clinton supporter myself. I felt that she was the "next" great step in the Civil Rights Movement -- women are the majority in this country. Combine this and the fact that her age makes this possibly the last serious opportunity to elect a female president in at least 8 years, and you will have my reason for originally voting for her despite her sometimes caustic personality. Yet I have no reason not to support Obama as the next president.

Are we watching history as it unfolds? Perhaps. This generation -- the YouTube generation -- represents the next great step in the evolution of American politics, and Obama is likely the right man at the right time to represent this new stage of American Democracy. Yet, once he is president, will he be the next Carter, a compassionate man whose tarnished legacy lies amidst the wreckage of a helicopter in Iran? Or will he be JFK, our country's famed uniter, whose personality transcended his politics? I see the seedlings of history which are ready to sprout. Whether this speech does make history is up to the voters and how history unfolds while he is in office.

[better tomorrow]

1. I stil think the "Not This Time" will be the key phrase

[pscot]

3. Not this time!

You could base a presidential campaign on that line.

[doyourealize1]

2. shameless bump n/t

[JimGinPA]

4. Thoughtful OP's Are Dropping Too Quickly Today

K&R

[doyourealize1]

5. thanks

[JeffR]

6. K & R

:kick:

[loyalsister]

7. I viewed it as a "hall of mirrors"

I think some people may be taken aback when they see themselves or their close friends or family. Many people will ignore the reflection others will simply be confused. It is offered in such a calm intellectually compacted manner that it will not be as broadly understood as well or easily as the most vivid, stronger speeches were.
People have an option as to whether to look in the mirror here. They have to make an effort to take pause and listen and unpack what is expressed in this speech. I suppose it is a smart choice politically on his part to give a speech that is the very antithesis of the style of Rev. Wright.

[doyourealize1]

8. i notice

i notice fewer negative threads today than in the past.

[Blue_Roses]

9. wow! exactly

and this is exactly what has so many up in arms. The reflection...wow! Well said.