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Do we participate in a politics of cynicism or do we participate in a politics of hope? It wasn't until after college, when I went to Chicago to work as a community organizer for a group of Christian churches, that I confronted my own spiritual dilemma. I know, too, that Islam has always been a part of America's story. Around the world, we can turn dialogue into Interfaith service, so bridges between peoples lead to action - whether it is combating malaria in Africa, or providing relief after a natural disaster.
With profound gratitude and great humility, I accept your nomination for the presidency of the United States. And it is on their behalf that I intend to win this election and keep our promise alive as President of the United States. Unlike John McCain, I will stop giving tax breaks to corporations that ship jobs overseas, and I will start giving them to companies that create good jobs right here in America. What the nay-sayers don't understand is that this election has never been about me. Finally, I want to discuss economic development and opportunity. But we can only achieve it together.
Many bring up a specific issue. 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. Now is the time to end this addiction, and to understand that drilling is a stop-gap measure, not a long-term solution. Islam is not part of the problem in combating violent extremism - it is an important part of promoting peace.
Tonight is a particular honor for me because - let's face it - my presence on this stage is pretty unlikely. Without these ingredients, elections alone do not make true democracy.
But the remarks that have caused this recent firestorm weren't simply controversial. The fact is that the comments that have been made and the issues that have surfaced over the last few weeks reflect the complexities of race in this country that we've never really worked through - a part of our union that we have yet to perfect. The dream of opportunity for all people has not come true for everyone in America, but its promise exists for all who come to our shores - that includes nearly seven million American Muslims in our country today who enjoy incomes and education that are higher than average. But if we choose to be bound by the past, we will never move forward.
Thank you.