Barack Obama 2008 presidential election victory speech facts for kids

"If there is anyone out there who still doubts that America is a place where all things are possible, who still wonders if the dream of our founders is alive in our time, who still questions the power of our democracy, tonight is your answer."

—Barack Obama, November 4, 2008

On November 4, 2008, Barack Obama won the election to become the next President of the United States. After his victory, he gave a big speech at Grant Park in his hometown of Chicago. About 240,000 people gathered to hear him speak. Millions more watched on TV and online around the world.

Obama's speech focused on important issues facing the United States and the world. He often talked about "change," which was a big part of his campaign slogan. He also remembered his grandmother, Madelyn Dunham, who had passed away just two nights before.

What Challenges Did Obama Talk About?

Supporters at Grant Park watching Obama give his speech.

In his speech, Obama spoke about the main problems the United States was dealing with. These included a tough economic crisis and the Iraq War.

He said:

Even as we stand here tonight, we know there are brave Americans waking up in the deserts of Iraq and the mountains of Afghanistan to risk their lives for us.

There are mothers and fathers who will lie awake after the children fall asleep and wonder how they'll make the mortgage or pay their doctors' bills or save enough for their child's college education.

About the economy, he shared an important lesson:

Let us remember that, if this financial crisis taught us anything, it's that we cannot have a thriving Wall Street while Main Street suffers.

Obama also sent a message to other countries, both friends and those who might cause trouble:

To those — to those who would tear the world down: We will defeat you. To those who seek peace and security: We support you. And to all those who have wondered if America's beacon still burns as bright: Tonight we proved once more that the true strength of our nation comes not from the might of our arms or the scale of our wealth, but from the enduring power of our ideals: democracy, liberty, opportunity and unyielding hope.

He looked to the future, talking about new goals:

There's new energy to harness, new jobs to be created, new schools to build, and threats to meet, alliances to repair.

And he spoke about the future of all Americans:

This is our time, to put our people back to work and open doors of opportunity for our kids; to restore prosperity and promote the cause of peace; to reclaim the American dream and reaffirm that fundamental truth, that, out of many, we are one; that while we breathe, we hope. And where we are met with cynicism and doubts and those who tell us that we can't, we will respond with that timeless creed that sums up the spirit of a people: Yes, we can.

Why Was This Speech Important?

Supporters cheering as Obama gives his speech in Grant Park.

Obama's speech was a big moment for many reasons. He talked about the hard work of his campaign and the challenges America would face. Famous people like Jesse Jackson and Oprah Winfrey were seen crying in the crowd.

This speech was also special because it was the first time a President-elect spoke positively about gay Americans in an acceptance speech.

Grant Park had a difficult history. In 1968, there were many protests there that ended in violence. But in 2008, CNN said that "History gave Grant Park another chance" as it became a place of peaceful celebration for Obama's win. Many people praised Obama's speech for its ability to connect with everyone, no matter their background.

Who Was Ann Nixon Cooper?

Obama giving his speech.

One person Obama mentioned in his speech was Ann Nixon Cooper. She was a 106-year-old woman from Atlanta, Georgia.

Obama said about her:

She was born just a generation past slavery; a time when there were no cars on the road or planes in the sky, when someone like her couldn't vote for two reasons — because she was a woman and because of the color of her skin.

He connected her story to his famous campaign phrase, "Yes We Can":

And tonight, I think about all that she's seen throughout her century in America — the heartache and the hope; the struggle and the progress; the times we were told that we can't; and the people who pressed on with that American creed: 'Yes, we can.'

How Was Security Handled?

A security checkpoint along Columbus Drive.

Because of the importance of the event, security was very tight. Obama spoke behind two pieces of bulletproof glass. Each piece was about 2 inches (5 cm) thick, 10 feet (3 meters) high, and 15 feet (4.5 meters) long. This glass was there to protect him from any shots from nearby tall buildings.

A "no-fly zone" was put in place over the area, meaning only police helicopters could fly there. Thousands of police officers, Army members, and Secret Service personnel were on duty. The event cost the Obama campaign around $2 million for security. Even with such a large crowd and high security, no arrests were made.

What Music Was Played?

Supporters at Grant Park.

Before Obama came out to speak, several songs were played. These included "Signed, Sealed, Delivered I'm Yours" by Stevie Wonder, "Only in America" by Brooks & Dunn, and "(Your Love Keeps Lifting Me) Higher and Higher" by Jackie Wilson.

After the speech, when Obama, Joe Biden, and their families appeared on stage, music from the movies Remember the Titans and The Patriot was played. "The Rising" by Bruce Springsteen was also played, as Springsteen had supported Obama's campaign.