Speeches like this are what reinforces my belief that Senator Obama is genuine, down-to-earth and intent on making a real difference. In case you can’t watch the video (approx 13 mins) right now, read the transcript below which captures the essence of the speech.
“When I started this campaign I wasn’t sure that I was going to be the best of candidates. But what I was absolutely positive of was that there was the possibility of creating the best organization. Because I’m a big believer in that the way great things happen is when people are willing to submerge their own egos, and… just focus on bringing their particular gifts and passions and energy and vision to a common task then great things can be accomplished. That’s my old organizing mindset. It’s not just a gimmick. It’s not just a schtick. I actually believe it….
“You worked hard. You lifted each other up. You covered for each other. You made up for each other’s mistakes. You didn’t blame each other when things went wrong. There was just a good mood, a good heart, to this campaign. That’s what I’m most proud of. Even if we had lost I would be proud of what we’ve built because nobody thought that we could build it. Everybody thought that at some point this thing was gonna be a flash in the pan. Collectively, you, most of you are I’m not even sure of drinking age… You’ve created the best political organization in America and probably the best political organization that we’ve seen in the last 30 or 40 years. That’s a pretty big deal…
“Now, we also have more work to do. And I know that had this not been so difficult a task, the primary, it would have been nice to have a couple of weeks off, or even a week off, and just get a break. And I know how tired you guys are and if some of you are feelin’ burnt out… just let us know and we’ll understand. I feel you. But we’re gonna have to turn around and work even harder, because the truth is that… a lot of the reporters were asking, ‘how come you don’t seem more exuberant?’ It’s funny because that fist pump got so much play. That was our celebration. What I’ve told the reporters is that it’s because as I’ve traveled over the course of the last 16 or 17 months and I meet people that are struggling… you really do get this enormous sense of obligation. We don’t have an option now…. If I’d lost Iowa, it would have been over. One of the other Democrats would have emerged… But because we won, we now have no choice. We have to win.”
via The Field
