Obama to deliver keynote address at Democratic convention

[mefoolonhill]

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A49457-2004Jul14.html


Obama to Deliver Convention Keynote Address
Democratic Senate Candidate in Illinois Will Speak on July 27
By Emily Fredrix
The Associated Press
Wednesday, July 14, 2004; 12:10 PM


BOSTON -- Barack Obama, the Democratic Party's candidate for the Senate in Illinois, will deliver the keynote address at the convention, officials announced Wednesday.



Obama, a law professor and state senator, will speak on July 27, the second night of the convention, with Sen. Edward Kennedy (D-Mass.) Obama will talk about the future of America that a Democratic administration would provide, along with the need to make jobs, families and communities top priorities in the lives of Americans.

"Barack is an optimistic voice for America and a leader who knows that together we can build an America that is stronger at home and respected in the world," Democratic presidential candidate John Kerry said in a statement.

Obama has a compelling story: His father was a member of Kenya's Luo tribe, born on the shores of Lake Victoria. He met Obama's mother, who was white, when both were students at the University of Hawaii.

When Obama was 2, his father left the family, returning to Kenya, where he eventually became a senior economist in the Ministry of Finance.

More....

[aden_nak]

1. Get ready for them. You know they're coming.

How long do you think it will take for Hannity or O'Reilly (if not Rush) to start making Obama/Osama jokes? I mean, it'd be really unfair and in incredibly poor taste. . . but when has that stopped them before? My condolences to Barack Obama for the needless brow-beating he is about to receive. You don't deserve it, sir. But you're likely going to get it.

[LittleApple81]

2. Agree. Nothing is beneath contempt for these people. But I LOVE Obama. n/t

[lapfog_1]

3. Here is my guess

"take away the BS and you have the same guy!".

There will be more childish taunts like that.

[Frodo]

4. It's already happened.

They call him "Obama Bin Laden"



As for "why" he's picked for the keynote? Did they make the call before or after Ditka was rumored to get into the race?

[davsand]

19. I think it was in the works before Ditka was on the horizon.

I'd been hearing for a couple of months that Obama was supposed to be the keynote speaker.

I was told off the record by somebody who would absolutely know that Obama was the keynote speaker at a cook out on the 4th of July, so I'm thinking this was happening even before Ryan went out of the race.

I'm delighted to see it, BTW. Obama is well aware of the name issue and even makes jokes about being the "skinny guy with the funny name that sounds like Yo mama." I have NO doubt that he'll do just fine with Rush and the other GOPiglets making fun of his name.


Laura

[mom cat]

17. Oh well. If Whoopi can make bush-pussy jokes........

I am not worried about Obama. If the bush league tries to do that, it will alienate what is left of repuke minority support.

[Racenut20]

5. Should make our Ilini DUers very happy

I am looking forward to hearing him. Have never seen him on tv.

[Shakespeare]

6. EXCELLENT! Wish Gavin Newsom were on the list, too, though.

He's one of our brightest rising stars--it'd be great to see him speak.

[anon5858]

7. Smart cookie

This guy is incredible.....can't wait to hear him.

[Arugula Latte]

21. Welcome to DU!

:hi: :toast:

[arwalden]

8. A Better Photo Of Him... He's Just 41... And Very Handsome

[janx]

9. Another Dean Dozen candidate!

It's working! It's going to work from this point forward!

YAY!

[Ellen Forradalom]

10. WOW

Barack Obama is a real rising star, and it seems the party recognizes it. Go Obama!!!

[alarcojon]

11. Now will the Repubs

counter with Mike Dikka as their keynote speaker? Please, please do so!

[Sandpiper]

12. When I look at Obama

I see first black President material.

Great choice.

[alarcojon]

13. That would be great! Will the country be ready?

I have my doubts.

[Nashvilliberal]

14. Not so fast, Sandpiper...

Tennessee says "Harold Ford, Jr. in 2020!!!" After, of course, two terms for Kerry, and two for Edwards.

[newyawker99]

16. Hi Nashvilliberal!!

Welcome to DU!! :toast:

[arwalden]

15. He And Harold Ford Are Destined For Greatness

[calimary]

18. Funny, that's the first impression I got when I saw his photo.

Just had this feeling that in about eight years, he'll be - what, maybe Edwards' running mate? Clearing the way for HIM to be heir apparent. That'd be cool! And why not? He has smarts, appeal, he's telegenic, articulate, people like him, I've heard no complaints about his record as a state senator - hey, we need to be grooming the new crop, anyway. We currently have an embarrassment of riches in the bench strength department. But that's THIS generation. He'll be a first-tier of the next one, I think. And it's about time we started thinking seriously about viable national candidates of color. I mean, many are also thinking Hillary for a female prospect in the future. African-Americans have been a Dem constituency for a LONG time. Especially now, with the bush refusal to appear at the NAACP convention. It's time we look to that community for our future. I'm gonna keep my eye on this guy.

[metisnation]

20. Barack is the man

even my GOP parents acknowledge that he is a pretty good guy. Ladies and Gentlemen we might just have the right character for first Black president in the U.S. this guy has Class!

:dem: