There’s not a whole lot I could say about a speech made by Barack Obama today. It’s not something that can be cut into sound-bites, or sections copied. But it is something that everyone should listen to. Here’s the link. It’s long, but it is worth every second.

If anyone has ever wondered what the ‘change’ is that Obama talks about, it’s in that speech. If anyone has ever wanted to see a politician grapple the most toughest of issues that float around U.S. politics, it’s in that speech. If you ever wanted to see something inspiring, honest, true, challenging, and thoughtful, it’s in that speech. It verges on perfection.

I listened to it, and as an Australian listening to a U.S. politics speech, it shouldn’t have spoken to me as much as it did. It shouldn’t have found a place in my mind. A mere speech in a primary race which has little bearing on me. But it was incredible. It was something you listen to and it sends tingles up your back.

There were no placards, no ‘Obama’ signs, no banners. There were American flags behind him as he spoke. Because he was speaking about an American issue, speaking to all Americans, appealing to the minds and hearts of American citizens. That speech was presidential. It was beyond anything we’ve heard this race, and probably we will never hear anything like it in a primary election again.

Just watch that speech and think how far America can soar under the presidency of Barack Obama. Just think of where the country has gone in the past 7 years, and then imagine where the U.S. could end up with Barack Obama as president. What he said in that speech proves that he is more qualified than Hillary Clinton or John McCain to be president. The job isn’t about military service, or years in office, of legislation moved, or playing the political game – it’s about looking at things and not settling for change. Not being content with what you have. It’s about looking ahead, inspiring people, making the better change, and serving for the people that need it.

You can bet that Hillary Clinton and John McCain watched this speech. And you can bet that both campaigns are in panic mode. Obama is a renowned orator, and everyone knew it. And he had made some impressive speeches to date – but nothing this big. And nothing this good. This was his big gun. This was a speech that, even if he were to lose the primary race, or the general election, will put him into history books. This speech has cemented his place in U.S. politics and in their society’s mind.

I really do recommend watching that speech.

Thomas.