History Daily 1299: An Inauguration to Remember
Jan 20, 2026
Witness the historic journey leading to Barack Obama's memorable 2009 inauguration. Explore how his electrifying 2004 Democratic keynote speech propelled him into the national spotlight. Discover the dramatic shifts during the 2008 primaries, including Ted Kennedy's powerful endorsement that boosted Obama's momentum. Delve into campaign tensions, including the notable clashes between Hillary Clinton and Obama. Finally, relive the inauguration day drama, from a rare oath-taking error to the surprising camaraderie between rivals Obama and McCain.
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Keynote Launches A National Rise
- Barack Obama rose from relative obscurity after his 2004 DNC keynote speech, which he crafted around "the audacity to hope."
- That 17-minute address captured national attention and launched his path to the presidency.
Grassroots And Digital Built Momentum
- Obama's grassroots fundraising and digital strategy compensated for lacking traditional high-dollar donors.
- That approach converted early primary surprises into sustained momentum through the nomination.
Kennedy Endorsement Shifts Momentum
- Ted Kennedy's endorsement came after he accused Clinton surrogates of racialized attacks, and he then backed Obama.
- Two days after the call, Obama won South Carolina by nearly 30%, shifting the race decisively.