Obama Ipsum

Tonight is a particular honor for me because - let's face it - my presence on this stage is pretty unlikely. But it also comes from my own American story. America, our work will not be easy.

I believe that we have a righteous wind at our backs and that as we stand on the crossroads of history, we can make the right choices, and meet the challenges that face us. "I'm here because of Ashley." By itself, that single moment of recognition between that young white girl and that old black man is not enough. And I consider it part of my responsibility as President of the United States to fight against negative stereotypes of Islam wherever they appear.

There are patriots who opposed the war in Iraq and there are patriots who supported the war in Iraq. And they are a part of America, this country that I love. The Republican nominee, John McCain, has worn the uniform of our country with bravery and distinction, and for that we owe him our gratitude and respect. We will, however, relentlessly confront violent extremists who pose a grave threat to our security. Islam is not part of the problem in combating violent extremism - it is an important part of promoting peace. 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.

And it's a testament to what we can achieve when good people with strong convictions stand up for their beliefs. But she didn't. A nation of whiners? Tell that to the proud auto workers at a Michigan plant who, after they found out it was closing, kept showing up every day and working as hard as ever, because they knew there were people who counted on the brakes that they made. When I listen to another worker tell me that his factory has shut down, I remember all those men and women on the South Side of Chicago who I stood by and fought for two decades ago after the local steel plant closed. The Bush-McCain foreign policy has squandered the legacy that generations of Americans - Democrats and Republicans - have built, and we are here to restore that legacy. And fault lines must be closed among Muslims as well, as the divisions between Sunni and Shia have led to tragic violence, particularly in Iraq.

But I also get the sense that there's a hunger that's deeper than that - a hunger that goes beyond any single cause or issue. And if we can do that - if we can embrace a common destiny - then I believe we'll not just help bring about a more hopeful day in America, we'll not just be caring for our own souls, we'll be doing God's work here on Earth. With profound gratitude and great humility, I accept your nomination for the presidency of the United States. So let me spell out exactly what that change would mean if I am President. I'll help our auto companies re-tool, so that the fuel-efficient cars of the future are built right here in America.

Thank you, and God bless America.