Obama's Legacy: the 44th President's best speeches

With Trump officially elected president, Obama is set to leave office soon. Everyone knows Obama rocks at public speaking, it’s one of the reasons he became President. Today we’ll be looking back at some of his best speeches throughout his time in office.

2004 Keynote Address at the Democratic National Convention

Obama’s 2004 keynote address is widely known as the speech that truly made him President. As Candidate for U.S. Senate in Illinois in 2004, his speech at the Democratic National Convention marked the day America really met its next President.

Establishing the main underlying theme of future progress in America, Obama began with his personal story in the United States, truly connecting with the larger American audience, which many people say allowed citizens to look beyond his race during the elections.

“My parents shared not only an improbable love; they shared an abiding faith in the possibilities of this nation. They would give me an African name, Barack, or "blessed," believing that in a tolerant America, your name is no barrier to success.” he said

Moving into the Democratic Nominee John Kerry’s plans for the future, Obama’s messages focused on hope, highlighting Kerry’s campaign as the solution to problems in America.

As a young, rising figure amongst the Democrats, public speaking experts believe his use of concrete details, antithesis (repetition of keywords for emphasis) and most importantly, storytelling makes his stand out as a public speaker, and potential president for the 2008 race.

“I stand here knowing that my story is part of the larger American story, that I owe a debt to all of those who came before me, and that in no other country on Earth is my story even possible.” he said during his keynote address

Ending the speech on a memorable note; “It's what allows us to pursue our individual dreams, yet still come together as a single American family: "E pluribus unum," out of many, one.

Now even as we speak, there are those who are preparing to divide us, the spin masters and negative ad peddlers who embrace the politics of anything goes.

Well, I say to them tonight, there's not a liberal America and a conservative America; there's the United States of America. There's not a black America and white America and Latino America and Asian America; there's the United States of America.” he said

Obama's Victory Speech in 2008

Obama’s 2008 Victory speech as President-elect to John McCain was one where he echoed the theme of his campaign “Change We Can Believe In.”

Starting out by thanking the many supporters that made his victory possible, the core of his speech revolved around the different issues underlying the United States, and the achievements we will see in the next four years. The speech followed a smart pattern, as Obama first addressed the issues, and then ended with “Yes We Can”

Womens’ rights particularly stood out in his speech, as a wonderful story was shared by the President in expressing hope for the future, and brought the speech to its emotional core.

“This election had many firsts and many stories that will be told for generations. But one that's on my mind tonight's about a woman who cast her ballot in Atlanta. She's a lot like the millions of others who stood in line to make their voice heard in this election except for one thing: Ann Nixon Cooper is 106 years old.

She was born just a generation past slavery; a time when there were no cars on the road or planes in the sky; when someone like her couldn't vote for two reasons -- because she was a woman and because of the color of her skin.

And tonight, I think about all that she's seen throughout her century in America -- the heartache and the hope; the struggle and the progress; the times we were told that we can't, and the people who pressed on with that American creed: Yes we can.

At a time when women's voices were silenced and their hopes dismissed, she lived to see them stand up and speak out and reach for the ballot. Yes we can.” he said

In my opinion, however, the highlight of his speech was content, in showing audiences the importance of seeing his victory and one of the United States’, not a simple Democratic Party takeover. Moreover, many people, regardless Democratic or Republican, agree his use of pause and antithesis also takes things a step further.

“But above all, I will never forget who this victory truly belongs to. It belongs to you. It belongs to you.

I was never the likeliest candidate for this office. We didn't start with much money or many endorsements. Our campaign was not hatched in the halls of Washington. It began in the backyards of Des Moines and the living rooms of Concord and the front porches of Charleston. It was built by working men and women who dug into what little savings they had to give $5 and $10 and $20 to the cause.

It grew strength from the young people who rejected the myth of their generation's apathy who left their homes and their families for jobs that offered little pay and less sleep.

It drew strength from the not-so-young people who braved the bitter cold and scorching heat to knock on doors of perfect strangers, and from the millions of Americans who volunteered and organized and proved that more than two centuries later a government of the people, by the people, and for the people has not perished from the Earth.

This is your victory.”

Obama’s Victory speech in 2012

Obama’s Victory speech is 2012 was known to be one of his most remarkable, showing great appreciation to Romney’s fellows and their dedicated to public service while thanking the public for taking a step forward in America.

Touching on issues that have yet to be addressed while showing deep gratitude to those who made the election possible, Obama uses many stories in his speeches, which help in giving them a more personal touch.

“I wouldn’t be the man I am today without the woman who agreed to marry me 20 years ago. Let me say this publicly: Michelle, I have never loved you more. I have never been prouder to watch the rest of America fall in love with you, too, as our nation’s first lady.” he said

“Sasha and Malia, before our very eyes you’re growing up to become two strong, smart beautiful young women, just like your mom. I’m so proud of you guys. But I will say that for now one dog’s probably enough.”

Obama’s speeches are always about the audience and making them feel like they’re a part of the United States as a big family, putting the focus on “we”. (literally!)

According to the Benjamin Loh blog, in his 21 minutes victory speech, Obama had used the pronouns “We/Us/Our’” 110 times, in comparison to “I” which was only used 33 times!

2015 White House Correspondents Dinner Anger Translator

The 2015 White House Correspondents Dinner video went viral last year, as Obama took a creative “Anger translation” approach to his speech.

Throughout his presidency, Obama is known to be a calm fellow, and has never lost his temper in public. He’s kept his cool when during speeches and interviews, being a role model to many politicians known for anger issues. However, he spiced things up at the 2015 White House Correspondents Dinner, inviting an Anger Translator to join his speech.

Comedian Keengan-Michael Key gave a more direct expression of Obama’s true feelings towards issues underlying America. Speaking after the President, the tone may have been angry, but his speech was hilarious.

Touching on Global Warming was a hilarious scene, especially highlighting the chemistry between the two.

“OBAMA: But we need to focus on big challenges like climate changes.

LUTHER: Hey, folks, if you haven’t noticed, California is bone dry. It looks like a trailer for the new “Mad Max” movie up in there. Y’all think that Bradley Cooper came here because he wants to talk to Chuck Todd? He needed a glass of water! Come on.

OBAMA: The science is clear, the science is clear. Nine out of the 10 hottest years ever came in the last decade.

LUTHER: Now I’m not a scientist, but I do know how to count to ten.”

The end of the speech delivers a funny surprise. Not to be spoiled if you enjoy comedy.

Early words of his speech also touched upon the happenings in America, as potential forerunners for the 2012 Election were announcing their campaigns. The President’s use of humour really established his role as a cool fellow, especially among youngsters.

“The trail hasn’t been easy for my fellow Democrats either. As we all know Hillary’s private e-mails got her in trouble. Frankly, I thought it was going to be her private Instagram account that was going to cause her bigger problems.”

2016 White House Correspondents Dinner

*MIC DROP* -- Obama Out

Probably one of the biggest highlights of the 2016 White Correspondents Dinner this year? But that wasn’t the only takeaway from Obama’s remarkable speech that night.

Walking in with “You’re gonna miss me when I’m gone” by Anna Kendrick, Obama set the perfect stage for his last speech at the dinner. “You can't say it, but you know it's true.”

Starting off with his journey at the White House and accomplishments over the years, the real fun began when Obama spoke about Michelle.

“In this eight years, meanwhile, Michelle has not aged a day.

The only way you can date her in photos is by looking at me. Take a look.

Here we are in 2008.

Here we are a few years later.

And this one is from two weeks ago.”

Another funny moment came in as he talked about the foreign leaders and Obama’s departure from the White House.

“Even some foreign leaders, they've been looking ahead, anticipating my departure. Last week, Prince George showed up to our meeting in his bathrobe. That was a slap in the face.” he said

The time of the dinner coincided with elections, as nominee selections were being held. Our President touched on some of the running candidates, Donald Trump’s punchlines particularly standing out.

“The Republican establishment is incredulous that he is their most likely nominee -- incredulous, shocking. They say Donald lacks the foreign policy experience to be President. But, in fairness, he has spent years meeting with leaders from around the world: Miss Sweden, Miss Argentina, Miss Azerbaijan.”

But the highlight of the night was a hilarious video Obama showed following a statement announcing his stay in Washington until his younger daughter graduates high school. “Couch Commander” eventually becomes Obama’s title as he struggles to look for a job that best fits.

Ending on a more positive serious note, he thanked the many government officials, journalists, and most importantly, American citizens, in strengthening democracy throughout his time at office.

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