Obama accepts Democratic presidential nomination

Democratic presidential nominee Barack Obama is laying out his plan to lead the country into an era of change after what he called eight years of failed policies.
Sen. Barack Obama accepted his party's nomination for presidential candidate Thursday night.

Sen. Barack Obama accepted his party's nomination for presidential candidate Thursday night.
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"I believe that as hard as it will be, the change we need is coming. Because I've seen it. Because I've lived it," Obama will say, according to a copy of his speech released Thursday evening.

"Change happens because the American people demand it -- because they rise up and insist on new ideas and new leadership, a new politics for a new time," he will say.

Obama received a standing ovation from tens of thousands of cheering supporters chanting "yes we can."

He brushed aside critiques from his Republican opponent, Sen. John McCain, that he lacked the experience and wisdom to become president of the United States.

"I realize that I am not the likeliest candidate for this office. I don't fit the typical pedigree, and I haven't spent my career in the halls of Washington," he will say. Watch the speech live on CNN.com

"But I stand before you tonight because all across America something is stirring. What the naysayers don't understand is that this election has never been about me. It's been about you," he will say.

Point by point, he compared McCain's policies on the Iraq war, the economy, offshore drilling and health care, accusing him of pursuing the same policies as the Bush administration.

"Next week, in Minnesota, the same party that brought you two terms of George Bush and Dick Cheney will ask this country for a third," Obama will say. "On November 4, we must stand up and say, 'eight is enough.' "

Obama, who is the first African-American to lead a major party ticket, is accepting his party's nomination on the 45th anniversary of Martin Luther King Jr.'s "I have a dream" speech.

Earlier in the evening, other Democrats attacked McCain's policies. iReport.com: Watch and share your thoughts on the speeches

Former Vice President Al Gore urged Americans to "seize the opportunity" to change course by voting for Barack Obama as president.

He reminded the audience at the Democratic National Convention of his failed bid to become president in 2000 when, he said, some believed there was so little difference between Republicans and Democrats that it did not matter who won the White House.

"Today, we face essentially the same choice we faced in 2000, though it may be even more obvious now because John McCain, a man who has earned our respect on many levels, is now openly endorsing the policies of the Bush-Cheney White House and promising to actually continue them," Gore said.

"Hey, I believe in recycling, but that's ridiculous," he joked.

Gore suggested the election was close because people feared the change the Obama represents, and compared him and his promise to fellow Illinoisan Abraham Lincoln.
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"In 2008, once again, we find ourselves at the end of an era with a mandate from history to launch another new beginning. And once again, we have a candidate whose experience perfectly matches an extraordinary moment of transition," Gore said.

Gov. Bill Richardson of New Mexico greeted the crowd in English and Spanish before criticizing McCain for changing his views.

"Let's be honest America, McCain may pay hundreds of dollars for his shoes but we are the ones who will pay for his flip-flops," Richardson the crowd at Invesco Field in Denver, Colorado.

He outlined differences between economic and foreign policies of the two candidates, saying Obama had the better ideas.

"That's the change America needs," he said.

Rep. John Lewis of Georgia, a veteran of the civil rights movement, called Obama's nomination "a testament" to King's vision.

"We are making a down payment on the fulfillment of that dream," said Lewis. "We proved that a dream still burns in the heart of every American." Video Watch Rep. Lewis discuss King's speech »

King's son, Martin Luther King III, described "the majesty" of his father's dream.

"On this day, exactly 45 years ago, my father stood on the National Mall in the shadow of Abraham Lincoln and proclaimed, 'I have a dream that one day, this nation will rise up and live out the true meaning of its creed: We hold these truths to be self-evident: that all men are created equal,' " the younger King said.

"Let us give our nation a leader who has heard this clarion call and will help us achieve the change," he urged the crowd. Video Watch Candy Crowley interview King »

Democratic Party chair Howard Dean compared the candidates' plans for Iraq.

"Like George Bush, John McCain suggests spending $10 million in Iraq. Barack Obama and Joe Biden believe we ought to bring the war in Iraq to a responsible end," Dean said. Video Watch Dean's speech »

"Barack Obama and Joe Biden know that this is not just about turning red states blue, it's about turning our country around," he said.

Tens of thousands of people, including celebrities Oprah Winfrey and Farrah Fawcett, packed into the football field Thursday night, with millions more expected to watch on television as Obama delivers what could be the biggest speech of his presidential campaign. Video Watch supporters line up for the big address »

The campaign said it planned to put the attendees to work -- encouraging them sign up to volunteer and get involved in Obama's campaign.

In between the speeches, performers including Stevie Wonder, Sheryl Crow and will.i.am performed songs and declared their support for Obama.

To prepare for his big night, the Democratic candidate studied previous acceptance speeches from John F. Kennedy, Ronald Reagan and Bill Clinton, campaign officials said. See what's on tap for Thursday night »

Thursday marks the end of the four-day Democratic convention in Denver, which included rousing speeches by Democratic heavyweights Sen. Edward Kennedy of Massachusetts and Hillary Clinton.

The theme for Thursday is "Change You Can Believe In," a slogan borrowed from Obama's successful quest for the Democratic nomination.

On Wednesday night, Sen. Joe Biden of Delaware formally accepted the vice presidential nomination and praised Obama as a leader who had been right on a wide range of issues, including Afghanistan.
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Also on Wednesday, former President Bill Clinton declared Obama "ready to be president of the United States" after months of attacks from his wife's supporters on the Democratic nominee's lack of experience.