I couldn't help but look up "Obama" in the DU Archives from July 27, 2004.

[Bicoastal]

That was the evening, if you'll remember, Barack gave his famous keynote speech to the DNC and gained national exposure.

I can't link to the results, and it's devilishly hard to access anything from before 2005, BUT--

On that day, there are 67 threads on GDP with his name in the Original Post, compared to 7 just a day earlier. And nearly EVERY SINGLE ONE predicts he'll be President someday.

It's a little spooky (in a good way) to see DU witnessing history unfolding in front of our collective eyes. I highly recommend doing the same Archive Search--if you can.

[tabbycat31]

1. one old thread I read

when discussing possible 2008 candidates said that Obama should be a VP at best, and not considered until at least 2012.

Rod Blagojevich was mentioned as a possible candidate. I'm glad we did not run him.

[Cha]

7. Yeah, much bigger things

in store for Obama and blago ran amuck.

[monmouth]

2. I taped that speech and said the same thing after hearing him say

his first sentence. I knew he had something special, a maturity and likability that could not be denied. Funny how that works sometimes...LOL.

[AtomicKitten]

3. He made quite an impression on Democrats with that one speech. n/t

[Clio the Leo]

4. I think it's safe to say he took us all by surprise...

.... the question is, did we also take HIM by surprise?





(note, these are basically the same picture but the second one is not working for some reason, I'm leaving it in my message in case it fixes itself)

[NashVegas]

5. Try May 13, 2004

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=104x1591486

Dear (member):

Several months ago I put out a call to the hundreds of thousands of grassroots activists who had worked on my campaign to run for office themselves. Hundreds of volunteers answered this call. Our new organization - Democracy for America - is dedicated to using its resources to support those candidates in their fight to take our country back from the right-wing conservatives who dominate our government. Today, Democracy for America announces the Dean Dozen - twelve diverse candidates that represent the spirit of grassroots democracy. These will be tough races, and not all of the Dean Dozen may win. However, they will all spread the message that to change America progressives must compete.

These twelve candidates will be followed by hundreds of additional candidates in the next few months.

No incumbents are on the initial Dean Dozen, though Democracy for America will be announcing its support of incumbent candidates soon.

Barack Obama for United States Senate from Illinois. In the race to regain control of the U.S. Senate, Democrats have few better chances to pick up a seat than in Illinois. DFA volunteers all over Illinois helped Obama win his primary, now it's time to help him win the general. Stay tuned: I will be on the trail with Barack soon. www.obamaforillinois.com

Sincerely,

Gov. Howard Dean, M.D.

Now, perhaps you'll understand why so many of Dean's 2004 supporters see the treatment he's getting now as such an insult.

[Cha]

6. DU liked

him!

[HughMoran]

8. I was sure he was Presidential material after that speech

I never expected him to be President just 4 years later though - an amazing story this will read as when the history books are written.