Obama reaches out to wavering Americans not to give up on him
Source: Agencies |
September 8, 2012, Saturday
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BARACK Obama urged wavering supporters not to give up on their dreams of change - or on him - as he accepted the Democratic Party's nomination for US president in what promises to be a tough race against Republican Mitt Romney.
Obama used his nationally televised speech on Thursday closing out the Democratic National Convention to try to recapture the excitement that powered his first run for the presidency.
With just two months before polling, Obama needs to win over undecided voters, especially those who had been swayed by his inspiring message of hope and change in 2008, but have grown disillusioned after years of economic weakness and persistent political bickering.
"The election four years ago wasn't about me. It was about you," he said. "My fellow citizens - you were the change."
He said the American people were the ones responsible for accomplishments on his watch, such as overhauling health care, changing immigration policies and ending the ban in gays in the military.
If they turned away now, he warned, "you buy into the cynicism that the change we fought for isn't possible." Change, he said, "will not happen."
Obama built on the message Democrats delivered in the convention: that America is on the road to recovery while Romney would revive failed policies, cutting taxes for the rich and slashing programs that give regular Americans a chance for a more prosperous future.
"If you reject the notion that this nation's promise is reserved for the few, your voice must be heard in this election," he said.
Republicans, who nominated Romney last week, argue that America's high unemployment rate is proof that Obama's policies have failed and that the president's spendthrift, big-government policies have hurt business and caused the federal deficit to soar.
The two candidates are locked in tight race. Polls show that Romney, a wealthy businessman and former governor of Massachusetts, is seen as the better candidate for improving the economy, while Obama is viewed as more likable and having a better understanding of everyday Americans.
Obama's speech marked the climax of the three-day convention. First Lady Michelle Obama talked about her husband's humble roots and compassion while former President Bill Clinton also gave a rousing speech.
Obama used his nationally televised speech on Thursday closing out the Democratic National Convention to try to recapture the excitement that powered his first run for the presidency.
With just two months before polling, Obama needs to win over undecided voters, especially those who had been swayed by his inspiring message of hope and change in 2008, but have grown disillusioned after years of economic weakness and persistent political bickering.
"The election four years ago wasn't about me. It was about you," he said. "My fellow citizens - you were the change."
He said the American people were the ones responsible for accomplishments on his watch, such as overhauling health care, changing immigration policies and ending the ban in gays in the military.
If they turned away now, he warned, "you buy into the cynicism that the change we fought for isn't possible." Change, he said, "will not happen."
Obama built on the message Democrats delivered in the convention: that America is on the road to recovery while Romney would revive failed policies, cutting taxes for the rich and slashing programs that give regular Americans a chance for a more prosperous future.
"If you reject the notion that this nation's promise is reserved for the few, your voice must be heard in this election," he said.
Republicans, who nominated Romney last week, argue that America's high unemployment rate is proof that Obama's policies have failed and that the president's spendthrift, big-government policies have hurt business and caused the federal deficit to soar.
The two candidates are locked in tight race. Polls show that Romney, a wealthy businessman and former governor of Massachusetts, is seen as the better candidate for improving the economy, while Obama is viewed as more likable and having a better understanding of everyday Americans.
Obama's speech marked the climax of the three-day convention. First Lady Michelle Obama talked about her husband's humble roots and compassion while former President Bill Clinton also gave a rousing speech.
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