Barack Obama

I am proud of the fact that I opposed this war from the start.

I stand before you today to announce my candidacy for President of the United States of America. And if you will join with me in this improbable quest, if you feel Destiny calling and see as I see the future of endless possibilities…

We need to internalize this idea of excellence. Not many folks spend a lot of time trying to be excellent.

In the end, that's what this election is about. Do we participate in a politics of cynicism or a politics of hope?

Let us honor their valor by providing the care they need and rebuilding the military they love.

The failure of leadership, the smallness of our politics... has stopped us from meeting these challenges.

For that is our unyielding faith - that in the face of impossible odds, people who love their country can change it.

In the face of war, you believe there can be peace. In the face of despair, you believe there can be hope.

Let us be the generation that finally tackles our health care crisis.

I might play a small part in building a better America.

Not just to hold an office, but to gather with you to transform a nation.

Divided, we are bound to fail.

Let us be the generation that ends poverty in America.

Today we are called once more - and it is time for our generation to answer that call.

Let us be the generation that finally frees America from the tyranny of oil.

Let us be the generation that reshapes our economy to compete in the digital age.

Through this decency, we can build a more hopeful America.

I want us to take up the unfinished business of perfecting our union, and building a better America.

He tells us that there is power in hope.

I know I haven't spent a lot of time learning the ways of Washington. But I've been there long enough to know that the ways of Washington must change.

We all made this journey for a reason. It's humbling, but in my heart I know you didn't come here just for me, you came here because you believe in what this country can be.

If you sense, as I sense, that the time is now... then I'm ready to take up the cause, and march with you, and work with you.

Let us begin this hard work together. Let us transform this nation.

The time for waiting in Iraq is over.

We worship an awesome God in the blue states. And we don't like federal agents poking around in our libraries in the red states. We coach Little League in the blue states. And yes, we've got some gay friends in the red states.