Obama Ipsum

Last time we took up immigration reform, it failed. "People began to shout, to rise from their seats and clap and cry out, a forceful wind carrying the reverend's voice up into the rafters....And in that single note - hope! - I heard something else; at the foot of that cross, inside the thousands of churches across the city, I imagined the stories of ordinary black people merging with the stories of David and Goliath, Moses and Pharaoh, the Christians in the lion's den, Ezekiel's field of dry bones. Just as black anger often proved counterproductive, so have these white resentments distracted attention from the real culprits of the middle class squeeze - a corporate culture rife with inside dealing, questionable accounting practices, and short-term greed; a Washington dominated by lobbyists and special interests; economic policies that favor the few over the many. Because one of the things that we have to change in our politics is the idea that people cannot disagree without challenging each other's character and patriotism. Our problems must be dealt with through partnership; progress must be shared. I am emphasizing such investments within my country.

Tonight is a particular honor for me because - let's face it - my presence on this stage is pretty unlikely. Part of it's because of the so-called leaders of the Christian Right, who've been all too eager to exploit what divides us. And God is still speaking. The issues that I have described will not be easy to address.

We can play Reverend Wright's sermons on every channel, every day and talk about them from now until the election, and make the only question in this campaign whether or not the American people think that I somehow believe or sympathize with his most offensive words. Many bring up a specific issue.

It came about as a choice, and not an epiphany. As Commander-in-Chief, I will never hesitate to defend this nation, but I will only send our troops into harm's way with a clear mission and a sacred commitment to give them the equipment they need in battle and the care and benefits they deserve when they come home. But we will support a secure and united Iraq as a partner, and never as a patron.

Now Ashley might have made a different choice. I'll help our auto companies re-tool, so that the fuel-efficient cars of the future are built right here in America. If your hopes have been dashed again and again, then it's best to stop hoping, and settle for what you already know.

Thank you, God Bless you, and God Bless the United States of America.