The Obama announcement speech

I finally got around to capturing a few stills from the video taken of Obama delivering his announcement speech live. I arrived just as the speech began, (text of speech here) and found myself pretty far from the podium.

It took me a while to even find where Obama was speaking, as it was like a speck only visible over the heads of those in front of me. (the square marks the podium) It was clearly set up nearly exclusively for the media, as their bleachers on either side of Obama's podium nearly obscurred him entirely from anyone who was outside the media area.


Needless to say, after several minutes of holding the camcorder over my head with my hand and arm going numb from cold, it was difficult to hold it steady and take a still shot, especially when it was zoomed about 20x. (and trying to juggle a cup of coffee, two cameras, and two bags at the same time is NOT recommended in any weather, but especially not when it's barely above zero.)

Click pictures to enlarge.

"It was here, in Springfield, where North, South, East and West come together that I was reminded of the essential decency of the American people - where I came to believe that through this decency, we can build a more hopeful America.

And that is why, in the shadow of the Old State Capitol, where Lincoln once called on a divided house to stand together, where common hopes and common dreams still, I stand before you today to announce my candidacy for President of the United States."

Below: Barack and Michelle Obama wave to the crowd after the speech.