The most presidential lorem ipsum in history.
Her father worked on oil rigs and farms through most of the Depression. Tonight, we gather to affirm the greatness of our nation - not because of the height of our skyscrapers, or the power of our military, or the size of our economy. The people I meet - in small towns and big cities, in diners and office parks - they don't expect government to solve all their problems. They know we can do better. We will all have to make concessions to achieve this. Some will see this as an attempt to justify or excuse comments that are simply inexcusable.
It's been several months now since I announced I was running for president. It was Islam - at places like Al-Azhar University - that carried the light of learning through so many centuries, paving the way for Europe's Renaissance and Enlightenment.
My father was a foreign student, born and raised in a small village in Kenya. And meeting them won't be easy. The truth is, on issue after issue that would make a difference in your lives - on health care and education and the economy - Senator McCain has been anything but independent. This history is well known. All of us share this world for but a brief moment in time.
But then I asked myself: Are we serving Shamus as well as he is serving us? Out of many, one. Michelle and I are only here tonight because we were given a chance at an education. Much has been made of the fact that an African-American with the name Barack Hussein Obama could be elected President. And finally, just as America can never tolerate violence by extremists, we must never alter our principles. On education, we will expand exchange programs, and increase scholarships, like the one that brought my father to America, while encouraging more Americans to study in Muslim communities.
They would give me an African name, Barack, or "blessed," believing that in a tolerant America your name is no barrier to success. Religious leaders like my friends Rev. Jim Wallis and Rabbi David Saperstein and Nathan Diament are working for justice and fighting for change. To President Clinton, who last night made the case for change as only he can make it; to Ted Kennedy, who embodies the spirit of service; and to the next Vice President of the United States, Joe Biden, I thank you. For while Senator McCain was turning his sights to Iraq just days after 9/11, I stood up and opposed this war, knowing that it would distract us from the real threats we face. I understand those who protest that some countries have weapons that others do not.
God bless you.