BARACK OBAMA TO GIVE DNC KEYNOTE SPEECH

[WilliamPitt]

For Immediate Release
July 14, 2004

Barack Obama to Deliver Keynote Address at 2004 Democratic National
Convention

Obama to Speak Tuesday Evening, July 27

Washington, DC- The Kerry-Edwards campaign announced today that Barack
Obama, Illinois state senator and the Democratic nominee for U.S.
Senate, will deliver the keynote address at the 2004 Democratic National
Convention on Tuesday, July 27.

"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," said Democratic Presidential candidate John Kerry. "He
understands the importance of building an economy that lifts up families
and expands opportunity, and I'm honored that he has accepted the
invitation to deliver the keynote address."

"I am honored and humbled to deliver the keynote address at this year's
Democratic National Convention and look forward to sharing with America
the hopes and dreams of so many people throughout Illinois that I have
met during this campaign," said Obama. "America is excited about the new
direction our country can take under the leadership of John Kerry and
John Edwards, and I am ready to work with them to make it happen."

Obama will talk about his hope for America and the new direction for
this country the Kerry-Edwards ticket offers. He will speak to the need
for a stronger America that puts jobs, families and communities first.
He will also highlight the importance of Americans dedicating their
lives to serving their community and their country.

"Barack Obama is an accomplished public servant and a leader in the
Democratic Party," said Alice Huffman, DNCC Chairwoman. "He is
addressing the most diverse convention in Democratic party history. The
breadth and diversity of the delegates to this year's national
convention demonstrates the broad appeal of the Kerry-Edwards ticket."

Like John Kerry, Barack Obama has spent a lifetime fighting for working
families. As a civil rights attorney, community organizer, and leader
in the Illinois State Senate he has served America as an innovative
leader, bringing new solutions, shared values and an optimistic vision.
Obama was the driving force behind a state Earned Income Tax Credit,
which has provided over $100 million in tax cuts to working families,
reformed welfare, extend health coverage to uninsured children and
families, and brought down the cost of prescription drugs for seniors.

According to statistics compiled by the Democratic National Committee,
39.1 percent of the 4,341 delegates to this month's Convention in Boston
are minorities. More African-Americans, Asian-Americans,
Native-Americans, and Hispanics will attend the Convention than ever
before.

[Walt Starr]

1. RIGHT ON!!!

OUTSTANDING CHOICE!!!!

[mia]

25. Yes we can!

This video takes a while to load, but it's worth it!
More Barack Obama media links.

[Blue_Roses]

31. WOW! WHAT A FANTASITC VIDEO!

It made me tear up just hearing the music and watching the postive reaction this guy brings! It's such a breath of fresh air!

[Nicholas D Wolfwood]

2. Can we start Obama for President 2012 now?

Just curious. :evilgrin:

[madrchsod]

19. edwards-obama

sounds good

[Blue-Jay]

3. Wheeee!

Great news!

[dave29]

4. Nice

:)

[stevedeshazer]

5. Maybe the Repubs will have Ditka speak? n/t

[judge_smales]

6. Damn!

This kid is really on the fast track!

[Walt Starr]

7. Barack Obama is the REAL DEAL!

He is a person first, then a politician. He honestly cares.

Mark my words, Barack Obama is destined to be the first African American President in United States history!

[blm]

11. I see an Edwards/Obama ticket in 2012.

Obama could be president in 2020.

[Walt Starr]

15. Yup

No way around it. Obama is the Real Deal. He has more charisma than Bill Clinton and Ronald Reagan combined!

[Sporadicus]

8. I Can't Think of a Better Representative

of the Democratic party's future.

[kiahzero]

9. Now I'm even more upset I'm not going.

:sigh:... The people there better write damn good coverage of it, so I can live vacariously through you guys.

[prolesunited]

18. Don't worry

Gavel-to-gavel coverage on CSPAN, first live and then streaming on the Web. Not quite the same as being there, but still enjoyable.

http://www.c-span.org/homepage.asp?Cat=Current_Event&Code=Vote_2004&ShowVidNum=6&Rot_Cat_CD=Vote_2004&Rot_HT=&Rot_WD=&ShowVidDays=15&ShowVidDesc=&ArchiveDays=720#

[geek tragedy]

10. Wonderful choice!

I think the Republicans should choose someone equally representative of their party, such as Tom DeLay or Rick Santorum.

[apnu]

12. whoo hoo! Do you have a link BTW?

[WilliamPitt]

16. It came via email

Check Kerry's press releases on his website.

[apnu]

21. They haven't posted it yet

July 13th is the latest day. http://www.johnkerry.com/pressroom/releases/

[WilliamPitt]

27. Here

http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&u=/ap/20040714/ap_on_el_pr/democrats_keynote_speaker&cid=694&ncid=1963&sid=96378798

[Walt Starr]

29. Thanks, Will!

:D

[Cocoa]

13. he is a dynamite speaker

I was surprised when I first heard him, because he's kind of low key in inteviews.

:toast:

[terrya]

14. Fantastic! Durbin and Obama will make a great team in the Senate!

[madrchsod]

17. the republicans

have no one to run for senator in illinois and we have-will have- the two best senators in the nation..sometimes it isn`t to bad to live illinois...

[THUNDER HANDS]

20. Is that the night

that the networks aren't covering the convention?

[WilliamPitt]

23. It's the keynote

I have to assume they're covering it.

[THUNDER HANDS]

28. but they already released their schedules

They are not covering the Kennedy night of the convention.

Just Clinton's hour-long speech; Edwards' speech and Kerry's speech.

I doubt anyone else will get face time on tv.

[THUNDER HANDS]

24. i just checked, that is the night

Its the night Kennedy is speaking. Shame. I would have liked to have seen him on national tv.

[Neecy]

22. This is fantastic news

I've heard so many raves about Obama that I'm anxious to hear him for myself. This is going to be a great convention!

[Thrill]

26. Isn't Edwards suppose to be in ILL

with Obama this week? I would like to see that rally

[davsand]

30. Glad to see it made public!

I'd been hearing it was the plan--but it is wonderful to see it confirmed by someone outside Obama's campaign, finally!

For those of you who have not seen or heard Obama speak yet, please DO try and hear him. He is an amazing speaker, and I'm betting he'll captivate you every bit as much as he has captivated me (and EVERY other Dem in Illinois who's paying attention!)

Right on guys! I'm hoping the rest of the convention is done as nicely as this keynote speaker choice was!


Laura

[Susang]

34. No kidding

Its been old news for weeks here in Chicago. I'm still very happy for the official announcemnt! And nicely timed too. :party:

[AspenRose]

32. GOOD

I was concerned when I saw that list yesterday (albeit preliminary).

This is good news.

[CBHagman]

33. Hot diggity!

I've only read about the guy and have never had a chance to see any footage of him at all. I don't even think I've heard him on the radio (needless to say, I'm not in the land of Lincoln). This is very, very good news indeed!

[WilliamPitt]

35. .