Barack Obama and his wife Michelle stand before an audience of thousands following the Illinois senatorial candidate's speech at the Democratic National Convention, July 2004. In his speech, Obama asserted that, despite their differences, Americans "are one people, all of us pledging allegiance to the stars and stripes, all of us defending the United States of America."

Obama's convention speech was seen by many as the moment he arrived on the national stage. On the campaign trail today, Obama often draws thousands to hear his speeches, many of which touch upon the same themes as the convention speech.

(© AP Images)