Obama's speech

I just watched Obama's acceptance speech (yes I'm aware that it was two nights ago but I didn't have the chance to catch it then.) I think that the speech was well written and delivered. The transitions from one subject to the next flowed smoothly. Opening the speech with tributes to both Clintons, Biden, and Kennedy was his way of appreciating their supported commitment to serving the American people. Including some back ground information about his family was a great way to catch the audience's attention. Obama discussed how he came about and the sacrifices that his mom and grandmother made on his behalf for him to have a better future. He truly is an example of how dreams can be achieved if people remain focused and committed. He discussed how although Americans can see themselves as individuals we are an American family. Stating that ordinary American citizens rise up when the American promise is threatened was a way to empower the people because he's asserting that collectively ordinary citizens can impact their world greatly. Motioning that this time is as such when the American promise is threatened he was able to place blame on the Bush administration. The transition from the Bush administration was linked with McCain's policies. The fact that he gave praise of McCain for his service reveals his respect for McCain but that stopped there. In one instance Obama went from praising McCain to bashing him. Besides bashing the current administration and McCain Obama noted that the government can't solve everything but it can solve what Americans can't. I think that particular statement is of importance because it somewhat hints at less governmental involvement. Declaring that America as a society must be responsible for itself displayed his awareness that America must rise and fall as one and Americans should be their brothers'/sisters' keepers. Obama commented next on what he intends to do as president which would be obvious because a person who only illuminates a problem or a set of problems without offering a solution is of no value. The one thing that I would be critical of his speech is the continual use of I will do this, I will do that. I state this because later on he declares that this whole process has been about the American people and not him. It's true that he could be the one heading the operations but without the American people what is he heading. The reference to Martin Luther King Jr.'s speech was also of significance because it also contains relevancy to his situation. Articulating that America's legacy is in need of restoration was a great way to lead towards the end of the speech. A reminder that America is still a country that other nations look upon was a way of reminding the people that the American promise is still attainable but it must be secured. One particular phrase that still resonates used by Obama was that change must come not from Washington but to Washington. Overall the speech was good. It'll be interesting to see what happens when the GOP holds its convention and McCain has the opportunity to respond to Obama.