Sen. Barack Obama delivered this eloquent, soaring speech to thunderous ovation and public accolade after he won the Iowa Democratic caucus on January 3, 2008, which was the first vote in the 2008 presidential primary race. (See Obama Soars to Iowa Victory for more details.

His words in Iowa were strongly reminiscent of Barack Obamas Inspiring 2004 Democratic Convention Speech.

His 2004 convention speech first brought Barack Obama to national attention.

Obama-supporter Oprah Winfrey said that as she watched Obama deliver his famed 2004 speech, she thought, This is something above and beyond politics.

SEN. BARACK OBAMAS IOWA VICTORY SPEECH

You know, they said this day would never come.

They said our sights were set too high. They said this country was too divided, too disillusioned to ever come together around a common purpose.

But on this January night, at this defining moment in history, you have done what the cynics said we couldnt do.

You have done what the state of New Hampshire can do in five days. You have done what America can do in this new year, 2008.

Our Time for Change Has Come

In lines that stretched around schools and churches, in small towns and in big cities, you came together as Democrats, Republicans and independents, to stand up and say that we are one nation. We are one people. And our time for change has come.

You said the time has come to move beyond the bitterness and pettiness and anger thats consumed Washington.

To end the political strategy thats been all about division, and instead make it about addition. To build a coalition for change that stretches through red states and blue states.

Because thats how well win in November, and thats how well finally meet the challenges that we face as a nation.

Were Choosing Hope over Fear

We are choosing hope over fear.

Were choosing unity over division, and sending a powerful message that change is coming to America.

You said the time has come to tell the lobbyists who think their money and their influence speak louder than our