Write a short, one-paragraph speech for the Democratic nominee.....

[kentuck]

You can make it positive, negative, hopeful, fearful, or whatever you wish he or she would say to the American people to get their attention and get their vote. For example:

"No, we will not cower in fear. We will not hide under our beds. We do not wish to give up our freedoms because our leaders are too fearful and too paranoid to fight the terrorists in a more courageous and intelligent manner. We will fight these outlaws with the help of our friends and allies around the world. We are not the Lone Ranger. We will not preemptively attack another nation where we do not have solid proof they are a threat to us."

[WilliamPitt]

1. My fellow Americans

Now is a time for patriots. Now is a time when that which is best about us, that which makes us swell with pride when we see our flag and hear our anthem, that which compells us to teach our children about the great country they call home, that which made us that shining light upon a hill, must be held forth before God and the world. 228 years ago, our forefathers set upon a great and mighty adventure, bound by the promise that this government would be of the people, by the people and for the people. Their hope is our promise to keep, and we must keep it, we must guard it, we must never forget it, we must never let our children forget. Too long now have we cowered in fear. Too long have we been whipped along by those who would use that fear for their own political desires. We have enemies, to be sure, and they are cunning. But we do not defeat those enemies hiding in a bunker constructed from the broken pieces of our American dream. We defeat those enemies by standing tall and shouting to all who would listen, "This is America, and we are not afraid."

[Nederland]

19. I Like It

Complete devoid of substance and anything that anyone could object to. That's not a criticism, that type of speech writing is a necessary element of politics and gives everyone a chance to temporarily ignore their differences and come together.

[JohnKleeb]

2. ok

We are on a crossroads to a new America, an America that rejoins the international community. An America that believes that peace not war is inevitable. We will be leaders for social and economic justice around the world. We will achieve an America that is not afraid. FDR said in his inguaral address that the only thing we have to fear is fear itself, and 71 years later, lets continue the message of one democratic generation to the next. For too long people have seen things as they are and ask why, and today we see great things and say why not.

[AP]

7. In the seventy years since FDR, Americans have reached the

edge of greatness. In three short years, George Bush has brought us to the edge of a cliff....


(I'll have to think some more about what comes next...)

[JohnKleeb]

8. I dont use jokes, I am mostly all serious

BTW I kinda used my old style mixed in a little DK, and quoted Shaw.

[KittyWampus]

27. VERY GOOD Kleeb!

[JohnKleeb]

35. Thanks, my own words but a little bit of that is my candiate

[jobycom]

3. Really short

This time I ain't lettin that dumbass steal nothin'!

-Al Gore.

[LSparkle]

5. right on!

[blackcat77]

4. "You see what Bush has done for America?"

"I'll repeal it. Thank you."

[Spider Jerusalem]

6. Okay...

"My fellow Americans:

The past four years have been some of the most trying our Republic has yet endured, marked by incompetence, corruption and malfeasance in high places; blatant disregard for international law and opinion; and utter disdain on the part of the government for the average American. I stand before you today to tell you that I, and my administration, will be devoted to changing that, as much as it is within our power to do so; but, we need YOUR help. So I call on YOU, the people of this great nation, to aid us in our efforts; to write your Senators and Representatives; to let us know what it is we can do, for, after all, we serve YOU, and not the other way around. Working together,we CAN make America great again...great because it is respected, not feared. Thank you for listening; and now, let's get to work."

Best I could come up with on the spur of the moment...

[ACK]

9. Here we stand on the verge of great opportunities

We stand here with all the power in the world to put our country on a new course of action. America has the chance to move beyond the radicalism of the right-wing extremists that want to move this country backwards in its march to its true goal as the leading light of democracy in the world. We need to forge our foreign policy behind moral goals along with our allies not unilateralism. We need to work toward a health care system that both benefits the people and takes the burden of administration off the shoulders of business. We need to end the days of pork-belly corporate welfare schemes and truly promote real small business initiatives to promote competition and private sector growth. We must protect the social safety net for our children and our seniors because we can give a hand up and not a hand out. We must protect the Bill of Rights and wrap ourselves in those ideals to preserve our nation. These are the things we must do if are to live up to the true ideals of our founding fathers.

[lumpy]

10. Seems to me

Iv'e heard that song before ...la da da da da la la...
All of the contributions are great but same old same same.
Don't really mean to be rude but flowery rhetoric is boring to these old ears. One liners short and sweet would appeal to me. Maybe accompanied with a good tune.

[kentuck]

11. Give us a good one-liner, lumpy...

...it may be used in the campaign. :)

[lumpy]

22. Would if I could, kentuck

My one liners wouldn't pass muster. You guys are better at that.
I hope you realize I was being rather facetious; I have heard so many speeches throughout the years I am a little bit jaded and disenchanted. I remember when I was younger I could be moved by a beautifully executed poltical speech. Maybe I will be moved again.

[kentuck]

23. lumpy,never underestimate the power of words...

Words are how we communicate. They can move people to tears or laughter. Words can also move people to action. Few things are more powerful than the pen. Words can come in different colors. Some are as red as a rose and some are as green as poison.

[lumpy]

31. Words of wisdom, kentuck

thank you

[dsc]

12. George Bush is my shephard

whom I decidedly do not want. He maketh our soldiers lie down in a barren desert: he leadeth us into troubled waters. He destroyeth our economy: he leadeth us in the paths of deception for his his name's sake. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of terrorism: I will fear all evil for thou art with me: and thy Attorney General and his staff they scare me. Thou preparest a table for thy contributers in the presence of our government: thou annoitest their heads with money: their cups runneth over. Surely evil and intolerence shall follow us all the days of our lives: if we choose to dwell in the house of Bush for four more years.

[0007]

34. That's pretty good, I'm sure it would wake up the basic fundamentalist..

My Fellow Americans,

Four years ago a man took reign of this great country with promises of bringing the world and the people together. This man said "he was was a uniter not a divider." And would leave no child behind.

Today we are fraught with uncertainties and doubts. Our country is divided and the world is looking harshly & adversely in our direction. Our foreign policy is in disaray and our country is facing hard times with millions that has no jobs. 'Tis time for this blood vetting to end and time for a change. George W. Bush must be replaced with a man or women who can make amends and restitution for the damage this nation has brought upon us and other nations. Foregin Policy must be made for all and with all nation of this world in the name of peace and fairness for all humanity.

[dsc]

36. Thanks I like yours too

We do need to use religious symbolism more effectively. In many respects we are the party of Jesus.

[THUNDER HANDS]

13. My loyal worshippers

Hear me. See me. Praise me. Hold me. I am yours. You are mine. We are what we are. Buy low. Sell high. If it's less filling it probably doesn't taste great. The moon might not be made of green cheese but that doesn't mean it wouldn't make a nice spreadable snack if it did. We have come a long way as a nation and hardly any bathroom breaks have been taken. I feel this nation is in need of one giant leak. Because this nation cannot have a full bladder and an empty head, I am running for the presidency of the United States. You will all bow before me and shine my shoes. I am God here. Thank you, and may I bless America!

[KittyWampus]

28. That Must Be The Bart Simpson Speech

:D

[madfloridian]

14. My fellow American, I survived DU.

That would be quite appropriate.

[jarab]

15. My fellow Americans

Look at this stupid ass picture of your Commander in Thief for the past four years.
(Then peel one silly caricature from your deck of 55).
.....O...

[economic justice]

16. Here Go

"In the long history of the world, only a few generations have been granted the role of defending freedom in its hour of maximum danger. I do not shrink from this responsibility—I welcome it. I do not believe that any of us would exchange places with any other people or any other generation. The energy, the faith, the devotion which we bring to this endeavor will light our country and all who serve it—and the glow from that fire can truly light the world. And so, my fellow Americans: ask not what your country can do for you—ask what you can do for your country."

Oh, that's been used? Well, it's still good!!

[CMT]

17. My fellow Americans

Four years ago our candidate won the most votes of the people of the United States. A closely divided and partisan Supreme Court selected the current president. Instead of acting as a "uniter, not a divider" this president has gone out of his way to divide us. He has not only divided his countrymen but he divided the world and in particular our allies when he launched a morally unjustified war against Iraq. His domestic policies have divided the have and the have nots. His economic policies have created more have nots. His foreign policies have brought war and international chaos on a level unseen since the Vietnam era. My fellow Americans, it is time for new leadership in Washington.

[Military Brat]

18. Just off the top of my pointed little head ...

My fellow Americans. It is time for the voice of reason to prevail over the empty echos of rhetoric. Those of us who cherish freedom and genuine democracy are ready to once again take the reins of leadership. Ever since the tragedy of September 11, we have been the servants of fear, when instead we should stand proud and remember that we are the masters of freedom. America has a birthright of justice for all, and we stand ready to extend that birthright to all our fellow citizens around the world. We must do this through cooperation, good faith, and by keeping our promises, instead of by threats, coercion, and at the point of a gun. We must not speak lightly of sacrifice, remembering that our country was born in blood and tears, and such a great price should only be paid when our cherished freedoms are at stake. We must remember to protect our environment, as well, for that is the gift we leave to generations which shall walk this earth when we have passed. Our task before us now is to remember the legacy our Founding Fathers bequeathed us. We must unite this fragmented country. In doing so, we shall remain strong in the face of adversaries, and we shall earn once again the admiration and respect of the world.

[KittyWampus]

29. This One Is REALLY Great! Lots of Talent Here On DU

although I'd think you'd say "prevail over the echoes of empty rhetoric"....

just a minor tweak :)

[Military Brat]

30. I accept your tweak, with gratitude

Now let's submit our applications for speechwriters to the candidate of our choice ;)

Edit: I just read your speech. I am humbled.

[PissedOffPollyana]

20. Fellow Americans,

We have been witness to one of the most challenging times in the course of our short history. The question we must ask ourselves is how this adversity will change us as a people. Will we strike out in vengeance and divide ourselves with fear or come together to rebuild and hope for even greater unity in our vision of progress? To be an American is to reach for an ideal, not squander our future for hollow victories and specious gains. It is providing health care to every American before indulging foreign policy misadventures. It is continuing our legacy of exceptional public education before waging pre-emptive, illegal war. It is providing assistance and available jobs for our poor and homeless before rewarding our wealthiest with tax giveaways. This is what we can be, who we are as a nation. We are the America we dream when we dare to believe.

[nostamj]

21. ok, will give this a shot...

we've all heard mr. bush tell his 'trifecta' joke. and we don't find the mass murder of americans citizens worthy of a snicker. but you need to know that mr. bush and his enablers do have a 'trifecta' for america. that 'trifecta' is: HATE, FEAR and IGNORANCE. they tell you who to fear. they tell you who to hate. and they keep you ignorant about the real enemies to the american vision of democracy--the corporate criminals who are bankrupcting the futures of our children and grandchildren for their immediate, personal gain. when a legally elected democratic president led this country, the 'trifecta' was HOPE, PEACE and PROSPERITY. don't you want that back?

[IndianaGreen]

24. My fellow Americans

I pledge to you that I will end the occupation of Iraq at once by bringing the troops home and letting the people of Iraq choose their own form of government.

I pledge that I will reverse Bush's economic policies that have been a miserable failure.

I pledge that I will ask Congress to repeal the PATRIOT Act, and restore the Constitution as the Law of the Land.

I pledge to fight against racism, sexism, and for equal rights for all Americans regardless of sexual orientation.

I will do all I can to make reality the words of Woody Guthrie:

This land is your land, this land is my land
From California to the New York island
From the Redwood forest to the Gulf Stream waters
This land was made for you and me

[David Zephyr]

38. IG's Got It, Kentuck!

Woody!

[kentuck]

40. This land is your land ! This land is my land !

:) Powerful words!

[KittyWampus]

25. It Is Morning In America. We Cannot Hit The Snooze Button

We have work to do! Let us rise and turn our faces towards the rising sun.

Pulling together as a United Nation we shall secure our Freedom and our Liberties by reaching out towards fellow citizens and countries across the globe.

We shall build a bridge into a cleaner, brighter future together as a team. Let us recommit ourselves to the Common Good and join together in creating a world that recognizes each and every individual as a neighbor and potential ally.

Let us embrace the use of diplomacy as we go about our Daily Affairs.

Let us forge a New Economy that gives everyone a chance to sit at the Table and enjoy the Bounty that Nature has to offer.

Let us Safeguard our Environment so that our Children can live healthy productive lives.

Most of all, Let us look to our Higher Selves for guidance rather than falling for the lure of divisiveness and hatred.

Together we are Strong and can face whatever Challenges the New Day brings.

Y Pluribus Unum. Out of Many, One.

[DrFunkenstein]

26. Kneel Before Zod

When I first came to planet Houston...

[Military Brat]

32. kick

:kick:

[0007]

41. btt

[Scott Lee]

33. Dean's nomination acceptance speech

Fellow citizens. Brave soldiers of democracy. Colleagues of a Brave New World.

Today is not about me. Nor is it the end of a long road. In fact, it is about us, and the road is just beginning. The battle has yet to begin. To take back that which was always ours but stolen from our hands by the thieving schemes of petty, powerdrunk and delusionary men; that is our rally cry, and that will be our victory dance.

Now armed with your support and your vision, I want to hold out my hand to all those who have been angered or wounded by the rancor surrounding my campaign thus far. Phirili, as far as I'm concerned, I never saw thread after stupid thread of yours making baseless attacks on my character. I wipe that slate clean. Quinnox, though you tagged along the shame train like some hapless second banana, mouthing the empty platitudes of my distractors, you too are forgiven. Blm, I take volumes of your posts accusing me of lies and flush them down the toilet. They were never even posted. DrFunkenstein, Fearancuwie, sangh0 and others, the venom of your past is washed from you by the baptismal waters of galvanized hope. Ego te absolvo.

Having said that, if I EVER, EVER see you all saying such things again, I'm going to pass a law that would open a can of stank ass on you so fast you'll beg to crawl back to the cyberhole from whence you came. I swear I'ma put on my skis and this bad backed old centrist is gonna cut mogul tracks up and down your be-hinds.

God bless America.

[dsc]

37. Though cute and clever

your post also violates the rules. You are not allowed to call people out.

[Scott Lee]

43. One would HOPE that humor is both alive and still recognizable

here on DU.

But then again, you never know.

[burr]

39. corporations are cool...

Abortion is arbitrary!

Filibusters are fuckers.

insurance companies are completely inclusive.

space bombers are out of this world!

high costs are happy campers.

Iraq is indecent.

torture can be tolerable.

Evil socialists are soon exposed.

democracy is dandy.

Republicans are respected!

Gays are grinding.

Electoral College has empowered co-operation.

Patents need protecting.

Taxcuts are terrific!

Deficits are down.

lobbyists are laymen.

Noble Medicare is now mummified.

Military spending is mighty super!

Tom Ridge is truly revered.

Zell Miller has much zeal.

Lieberman is most Liberal.

Real problems can have real solutions.

Real people are real pleased.

United We Stood.

Divided you shall die.

Galling corruption can get complex!

Patriots are praiseworthy.

Terrorism is turbulent.

Local cowards are like kinfolk!

bin laden is badly losing.

Sadamn is shouting damn!!

United Nations are not unimportant.

And Rumsfield is my runningmate.

Thankyou.thankyou..yes thanks very very much my dear, dear..compatriots!! :yourock:

[kentuck]

42. Gleaning info from these excellent speechwriters....

One might assume that the lack of leadership and promulgation of fear are important issues that need to be addressed. Thanks for all the superb input! :)