(Video) Obama commemorates 1965 civil rights march

Presidential candidate Barack Obama returned to Selma, Alabama, the site where the civil rights movement began 47 years ago.  He spoke at the same church where black leaders first organized to push back against the oppressive forces that were behind the intolerance in the south just two generations ago.

This excerpt of Obama's speech was a slap in the face to those who claim the Illinois Senator is "not black enough."  He preached that had it not been for the civil rights movement in Selma, Alabama, he would not be alive today:

"Don't tell me I'm not coming home when I come to Selma, Alabama.  I'm here because somebody marched for our freedom.  I'm here because you all sacrificed for me.  I stand on the shoulders of giants."

So much for Barack Obama being disconnected from the black community.  Civil rights marches, like the one in Selma, had an immense impact on Obama's father and allowed him to come to the United States.

Comments

[Erick]

Beside the fact that I agree with him, it's so good to see a true orator in politics again. No teleprompter, no manuscript, probably some flash cards and some planning; brilliant, moving, and genuine. Can't wait til primary season.

[Administrator: Todd]

Erick, it's great you bring that up. The reason why is because back in 2003, about six months before the primaries, John Kerry was campaigning in Iowa. He was due to speak in front of a small audience. His staffers set up teleprompters in front of the podium, and the audience seemed really turned off by it. It took him a few months later to figure out that voters want authenticity, not scripted Washingtonian academics that are out of touch with the needs and dreams of most Americans.

This primary season, our candidates are much smarter. Hillary, Obama and Edwards are great public speakers (Obama and Edwards especially). They would never use a teliprompter. They wouldn't have to. It just shows how solid the field of Democratic presidential candidates is. Even people like Dodd, Richardson and Biden are solid.