As for that American future, the President stated that the choice could not be any clearer. Discussing a range of topics from education to energy dependence to job creation, President Obama urged that now is not the time to change direction. For the President, now is the time to move forward, not back.
President Obama also did not shy away from his accomplishments. Placing focus back on the American people, President Obama gave credit for success to the American can-do spirit. Whether it was taking inspiration from the dedication of a wounded veteran, or praising the hard work of a young student, President Obama held true to his faith in the American people.
Earlier in his speech, President Obama gave credit to the American people for creating change:
"So you see, the election four years ago wasn't about me. It was about you. My fellow citizens, you were the change.
You're the reason there is a little girl with a heart disorder in Phoenix who will get the surgery she needs because the insurance company can't limit her coverage. You did that.
You're the reason a young man in Colorado who never thought he'd be able to afford his dream of earning a medical degree is about to get that chance. You made that possible.
You're the reason a young immigrant who grew up here and went to school here and pledged allegiance to our flag will no longer be deported from the only country she's ever called home; why selfless soldiers won't be kicked out of the military because of who they are or who they love; why thousands of families have finally been able to say to the loved ones who served us so bravely, 'Welcome Home. Welcome Home.' You did that. You did that."
But, perhaps the most poignant aspect of the President's speech was his reaffirmation of hope. Speaking to the American people, President Obama urged the value of hope and warned of the forces willing to step in if hope is forsaken for cynicism:
"If you turn away now - if you turn away now - if you buy into the cynicism that the change that we fought for isn't possible, well change will not happen. If you give up on the idea that your voice can make a difference then other voices will fill the void - lobbyists, special interests, the people with the ten million dollar checks who are trying to buy this election, and those who are trying to make it harder for you to vote, Washington politicians who want to decide who you can marry, or control health care choices that women should be making for themselves - only you can make sure that doesn't happen. Only you have the power to move us forward."
A week after Republicans stressed individualism, President Obama fought for values of togetherness. Reminding his audience that America is built upon a little thing called citizenship, President Obama remained unwavering in the belief that success results from the obligations that Americans have towards one another. Asking for their vote, President Obama, once again, placed his faith in hope...hope in the American people.
