CHAPTER ONE
A Newcomer Who Steals the Show
Illinois State Senator Barack Obama's life changes overnight after he delivers an electrifying speech at the July '04 Democratic Convention.
- Related Interview
David Axelrod
Axelrod, Obama's chief campaign strategist, describes the ramifications of the speech for the little-known Obama.
RELATED CONTENT FOR CHAPTER ONE
The Speech
Analysis of the Speech and Its Impact
A roundup of views from people interviewed for this FRONTLINE report.
A roundup of views from people interviewed for this FRONTLINE report.
Keynote Address at the 2004 Democratic National Convention
Watch/read the speech.
Watch/read the speech.
The Speech
"A behind-the-scenes look at the politicking, plotting and preparation that went into Obama's breakthrough moment." (Chicago Magazine, June 2007)
"A behind-the-scenes look at the politicking, plotting and preparation that went into Obama's breakthrough moment." (Chicago Magazine, June 2007)
Barack's Big Night
"The inside story of how did he got the gig -- and who really deserves credit for it." (The New Republic, Aug. 25, 2008)
"The inside story of how did he got the gig -- and who really deserves credit for it." (The New Republic, Aug. 25, 2008)
Barack Obama's family history and background
Though Obama had to Leave to Find Himself, it is Hawaii that Made his Rise Possible
"Those who come from islands are inevitably shaped by the experience. For Obama, the experience was all contradiction and contrast." (The Washington Post, Aug. 22, 2008)
"Those who come from islands are inevitably shaped by the experience. For Obama, the experience was all contradiction and contrast." (The Washington Post, Aug. 22, 2008)
A Free-Spirited Wanderer Who Set Obama's Path
"Though it is impossible to pinpoint the imprint of a parent on the life of a grown child, people who knew [his mother] well say they see her influence unmistakably in Mr. Obama." (The New York Times, March 14, 2008)
"Though it is impossible to pinpoint the imprint of a parent on the life of a grown child, people who knew [his mother] well say they see her influence unmistakably in Mr. Obama." (The New York Times, March 14, 2008)
Race Against History
A New Republic article written several months prior to Obama's speech at the Democratic National Convention.
A New Republic article written several months prior to Obama's speech at the Democratic National Convention.
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