History was made on the evening of August 28, 2008 as Sen. Barack Obama became the first black man to be nominated as a United States Presidential candidate. Obama will represent the Democratic party in the race for the White House.

HALLANDALE BEACH – THE VOICE magazine, Advancing Christian Life & Culture

“Let freedom ring from the snowcapped Rockies of Colorado,” said Dr. Martin Luther King in his famous “I Have a Dream” speech on August 28, 1963, exactly 45 years to the day that Obama accepted his party’s nomination for president.

Surely the sounds of brass bells were rung on Invesco Field in Denver Thursday night as Obama approached the podium to give his acceptance speech. Even his Republican opponent, Sen. John McCain, laid down his campaign saber long enough to send a televised “approved message” of congratulations to Obama on this historic day.

There’s little doubt the filmed biography of Obama’s childhood that ran right before his speech, along with his recognition of his beautiful family, connected with the best of American values.

Obama proved himself a master communicator. He reminded listeners of the “broken promises” and “failed policies” of the George W. Bush administration. He pointed to families sliding into poverty and a major city, presumably New Orleans, that “drowned before our eyes” after Hurricane Katrina. He commended McCain for his military service, then laid into him for calling America “a nation of whiners.” Regarding terrorism he said, “Don’t tell me the Democrats won’t keep us safe.”

Addressing our nation’s addiction to foreign oil he said we will end, in 10 years our dependence on oil. He said he would help auto companies retool to build fuel efficient cars and spend $150 billion in affordable renewable energy sources.

Obama managed to rally the faithful with chants of “Yes, we can!” that reverberated throughout the stadium. With a democratically controlled Congress, however, that is struggling with an approval rating of only 9 percent, can he move his party forward and take the White House in November?

Many evangelical Christians are happy to see racial divisions weakening in America but still struggle with Obama’s stance on important moral issues such as gay and lesbian marriage and abortion. Even his appeals of resistance against discrimination of homosexuals that only “want to visit their loved ones in hospitals” are disconcerting.

Some think not much more was said Thursday night, other than more political rhetoric, indeed well-polished political rhetoric and the promise of a chicken in every pot filled his speech.

These are not the only questions will continue to surface. Others, such as “How will Obama handle adversity?” will be asked. And even though he is a tremendous speaker, is talk enough to be the leader of the greatest nation in the world?

Obama made a lot of promises on August 28, 2008. Is he ready to be Commander in Chief? Did America see their next president? We will see in November. Up next, John McCain.

Contact The Voice magazine editor at editor@thevoicemagazine.com or 954-456-6032.
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