U.S. Sen. Barack Obama gave a forceful speech Thursday night in accepting the Democratic Party's nomination for U.S. president. He spoke in detail about his plans for the economy, defense, environment and other issues. And he strongly took on the Republican Party and the status quo, saying "Eight is enough," as in eight years of Republican control.
Obama also mentioned gays and lesbians.
He said that "If you don't have fresh ideas" you use stale tactics, and you "make a big election about small things."
He said men and women in the military "have not served a red America or a blue America, they have served the United States of America."
He took on controversial issues including abortion, guns, immigration and gays.
"We may not agree on abortion, but certainly we can agree on reducing the number of unwanted pregnancies," he said.
"I know there are differences on same-sex marriage, but surely we can agree that our gay and lesbian brothers and sisters deserve to visit the person they love in the hospital, and to live lives free of discrimination." The comment received loud applause.
He also stated his support of equal pay for equal work.
The evening was made more emotional by the fact that it happened on the 45th anniversary of the 1963 March on Washington. Two of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr's children spoke in Denver, and several speakers, including Obama, referenced the dreams of King from long ago. It was, after all, King's dreams for people to be judged by the content of their character, not the color of their skin. For Obama to be elected president, that will have to be one dream that is not deferred any longer
The other U.S. Senator from Illinois, Dick Durbin, introduced his friend and colleague to the jam-packed outdoor stadium. Earlier in the evening, U.S. Reps. Luis Gutierrez and Jan Schakowsky also spoke to the crowd.
Former Vice President Al Gore had a prominent speaking role, discussing the environment, national security and other key issues. He, too, included gays and lesbians as part of a list of things that would have been different had he occupied the White House these past eight years. "We would not be showing contempt for the Constitution, we would be protecting the rights of every American, regardless of race, religion, disability, gender or sexual orientation," he said. That last comment received a loud roar of support.
Chicagoans were visible on camera during the week, including Ald. Tom Tunney, David Munar, Jackie Kaplan, Michael Bauer and state politicians.