Obama: Not the Time for Small Plans

Sen. Barack Obama (D., Ill.) faced immense pressure leading up to his acceptance speech at the Democratic Convention in Denver Thursday night after delivering a virtuoso performance four years ago in Boston. Did he exceed expectations or fall flat?

Obama accomplished two things in his speech. First, he described his humble beginnings and his choice to fight injustice when others would not. Second, he issued a challenge to Sen. John McCain (R., Ariz.) on the presumptive Republican nominee's home turf -- national security.

Obama's speech was titled the "American Promise," a link to his past and hopes for a greater future. During the month of August, Obama had allowed McCain to define Obama as a celebrity too caught up in the ego of his own popularity. Obama deflected these attacks in his speech Thursday. He described how his grandfather had joined the army to fight the Nazis, his grandmother fought discrimination to become a bank executive, and his mother struggled as a single mother to provide for her children. He said:

"I don't know what kind of lives John McCain thinks that celebrities lead, but this has been mine. These are my heroes. Theirs are the stories that shaped me. And it is on their behalf that I intend to win this election and keep our promise alive as President of the United States."

Obama outlined his philosophy on the purpose of government, suggesting government cannot be the answer for all problems and deterring some of the cynicism of the average American. Republicans have charged he would increase the size of government. To that, he said:

"Our government should work for us, not against us. It should help us, not hurt us. It should ensure opportunity not just for those with the most money and influence, but for every American who's willing to work. That's the promise of America -- the idea that we are responsible for ourselves, but that we also rise or fall as one nation; the fundamental belief that I am my brother's keeper; I am my sister's keeper."

Obama outlined specific ways he would help people with government, urging his audience, "America, this is not the time for small plans." First and foremost, he would spur economic growth by offering tax breaks to companies to create jobs in America, not overseas. He would offer a tax cut to 95% of Americans, though he failed to mention he planned to raise taxes for only the wealthiest. He would make America energy independent in 10 years, and he blasted McCain's record on voting against alternative energy. He would fully fund our education promise. Finally, he would ensure that every American has access to health insurance.