Obama Speechwriters Break Down Convention Speeches Pt. 1

Former White House Speechwriters Jon Favreau and Jon Lovett break down what goes into a major party nominee's convention speech and reflect on Barack Obama's 2008 acceptance speech.
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Crooked believes that we need a better conversation about politics, culture, and the world around us-one that doesn’t just focus on what’s broken, but what we can do to fix it. At a time when it’s increasingly easy to feel cynical or hopeless, former Obama staffers Jon Favreau, Jon Lovett, and Tommy Vietor have created a place where people can have sane conversations that inform, entertain, and inspire action. In 2017 they started Crooked with Pod Save America-a no-bullshit conversation about politics. Since then, we continue to add shows, voices, and opportunities for activism, because it’s up to all of us to do our part to build a better world. That’s it. End of mission.
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[@ec6615]

Sometimes I forget that these guys aren't just a couple of knuckleheads cracking wise in my ears during my runs, but that they are men of accompolishment. Truly lovely speechwriting. I long for these days ...

[@lauramcmahonfulford5862]

The dreamy look on Lovett’s face as he watches Obama give a speech and remembers what it was like to have a president.

[@Namari12]

"We cannot turn back. America, we cannot turn back. Not with so much work to be done." Well, I did not expect to start crying watching this, but now I'm bawling, so here we are.

[@yogagirl949]

I’m glad I’m not the only one who’s been watching old videos of Obama on KZbin. I’ve also been re-binge watching the West Wing for some relief from reality.

[@katherinethyne945]

Yep. The West Wing and I dream and dream.

[@gentlax13]

Get you someone who looks at you like Lovett looks at Obama speeches

[@LostEveryMarble]

😍 hahahahaha

[@ayeeshahm9078]

I thought he looked nervous but maybe that's his "concentration face".

[@harrybjr]

Around, 3:00, Lovett looks so wistful and Favs seems analytical and critical, which makes sense since it’s one of his best work really

[@Yesu44]

When Obama speaks, I get chills. That man has ways with words. He's certainly gifted. Those were the days.

[@04vanegas]

He was a literal joke as president and I loved it

[@mhambimusonda]

@@04vanegas How was he a joke?

[@RB-uh1ss]

04vanegas 👍🏻

[@mikkisen8092]

I want a man who looks at me like Jon Lovett watches Obama’s acceptance speech

[@turnne]

@@04vanegas and he literally won the popular and electoral vote twice... BIGLY He also left the office with the highest approval rating of any recent President

[@chrisflower3223]

What I love about first presidential campaign Barack Obama is the sheer charisma of someone who walks with such powerful purpose, that there is no denying that this guy is embodying a fucking bold vision for the future. His voice, his stance, his arm, dayum that guy had no time to lose ... Everything is in America

[@coromar]

Thank you for labeling each Jon and also labeling the clip they were reacting too. The true heroes at Crooked are the graphics designers and the video editing team

[@stillhere95]

I think I am gonna smash that like button.

[@Ilustrado649]

Please do more of these. We need to be reminded of how much language matters.

[@georgefrench6876]

My how the world has changed in such a short period of time. It felt like with Obama’s speech that we were entering a whole new era; who would have guessed we’d be where we are today

[@thehobbyhabit]

The arc of history bends towards progress and justice ... but I very much agree. I didn’t see the reactionary backslide coming. The result is probably a decade long loss in world leadership, the economy, and just plain American well being. The work before us, to rebuild from the damage of the past four years, is already a very heavy task.

[@T-aka-T]

Yeah, true, but today is BIDEN/HARRIS to lift spirits again.

[@Nushka1962]

I tried to get through this but I can't as I'm crying too hard to see the screen. I miss him every day!

[@terrylmiller8717]

Same, Nushka19. I cry every time I hear him. Sometimes because of how much I miss him and how good he was. Sometimes because of how much our country has messed up by electing someone who only seeks to destroy what he left. And sometimes I cry for the parts of America and our democracy that we are losing more of every day.

[@KyleGraham19]

Lovett's face while he listens to Obama!!! Hahaha...he loves it...still!!

[@Lil_legend217]

When Obama speaks, Lovett looks all nostalgic and favs looks like hes about to cry

[@terrylmiller8717]

"America, we can not turn back!" These words are even more true today! God, I miss Obama!

[@xiomara5147]

They are! But when Obama says them in a speech I’m like... are you sure?? 👀

[@AWintersong]

I didn't understand what to do! Where's Dan? Tell Dan, that it only works if HE tells us to subscribe. The pain on his face triggers the push of the botton. He is the bell to my pavlovian dog.

[@TopLob]

Obama: "We can not turn back! Not with so much work to be done!" Republican: "We're going to turn back so far we have to start civilization all over again."

[@barbtries]

Obama choked up? I'm weeping.

[@3flassy]

I remember exactly where I was and how I felt watching that Obama speech 😭 ❤ 💙

[@brianwalkup5214]

It is just priceless to hear a behind the scenes take of Obama’s acceptance speech. Obama, whether you liked his policies or not, remains the best political public speakers of our lifetime. (Though he should look behind his shoulder at Warren coming in just behind him). I take comfort in learning there was a day to day world focused on crafting of his speeches, which just seemed larger than life to an ordinary guy like me just listening.

[@zainkassam8103]

Listening again to these words and the way they were delivered and the person delivering them is mind boggling in 2020. There was actual hope.

[@kimedwards2010]

Obama might have gotten choked up before that speech, but when I hear a big, serious, substantive Obama speech, I’m the one getting choked up. I miss the days when we could be impressed by a President’s words, instead of just confused and befuddled by the word salad Mr. Yo-Semite manages to pick out of the 900-point font on the TelePrompTer

[@Rogue5747]

I cry big tears whenever I hear President Obama speak. His speeches are so moving and inspiring! Thanks guys for this episode.

[@PacificAirPhoto1]

You guys are national treasures. Canada needs our own Crooked Media. Good luck, my southern brothers.

[@Leonicles]

I remember how excited and proud in 2008. It was such an optimistic time, despite the recession. I thought it would just keep getting better from here. What a betrayal the last 4 years have been.

[@readerwriter2116]

I'm choking up hearing Obama....wow...great speech.....and his passion...love it.

[@elizabethanderson1403]

I think Obama makes me tear up more now than he even did then, he was helping to make the world a better place, not a worse one.

[@EastSider48215]

“That *American* promise!” Geez, I miss my Forever President.

[@mariapawlisz5883]

Oh my, what a great speech by President Obama. I'm getting goosebumps. Thank you for great writing.

[@mikeamarilio]

This episode just read like Dan's first book and I'm absolutely here for it

[@mimi-zh1ko]

I was a janitor at an elementary school in Chicago mopping floors and listening...that speech changed my life...

[@harisaran1752]

Please give a break down of his election victory speech. Pleassssssssssssssssss

[@SuperManning11]

Damn.... it just hurts watching this amazing man making a speech. We long for a leader in these very troubling times. We want our country back!

[@thescarecrow.8581]

You sometimes you forget how great Barack Obama was as a President and orator. He has made his mark in history not only as the first Black President of United States but as a President of the people. We are all just a small sparts of light in history but some people are a Beacon of light.

[@user-gl9mf3zo7r]

And others a shit stain.

[@RB-uh1ss]

Was he?

[@PhillyFrank1]

Gosh, could Barack Obama deliver a speech, from anecdotes to presentations of facts to rousing perorations -- he's one of the greats. We will not soon see the likes of him in The White House again, but we must NEVER again elect the likes of Donald Trump. Ironic that the McCain campaign tried to impugn Obama as "a celebrity" unready to lead given the RNC's subsequent nomination of Trump. Kudos to Favreau and Lovett for their contributions to the inspiring rhetoric and oratory we enjoyed during the Obama Presidency.

[@DeeDee-yz9ku]

Well he had help but, he delivered! He stayed on point, how refreshing to hear him again.

[@democratresistance7847]

Please tell us more stories about behind the scenes with Obama!!! I love watching this, makes me PROUD TO BE AN AMERICAN!!!! Biden / Harris 2020 !!

[@chrispreperato5562]

Favreau is looking mighty "Jonah from Veep" like in that photo at :32

[@sarah.fb.lindsay]

Annnd I'm crying. I miss Obama. 🥺

[@rochellecresov3846]

They are brilliant and amazing, and funny too. Keep this coming!😊

[@TinaOe]

Oh yes, I love this. Can't wait for episode 2, cheers guys!

[@tmackie1694]

Call me sentimental... I love hearing the tales and anecdotes from campaign trails past...

[@dragsigma]

Gotta react to 2004. Greatest speech of early Obama’s career

[@Yesu44]

That was the speech that put him on the map. Everyone started to notice Obama & people would ask who is that black man?!?! He has a great future ahead of him. Four years later he'd become the first African American president. We miss him in office.

[@josuemena5258]

I'm loving these react videos! I kind of want you guys to compare effective and ineffective speeches

[@podsaveamerica]

We'll keep that in mind for future episodes! :)

[@Syren1593]

I could comment on the insightful content of the video, OR, I could just talk about Lovett's amazing hair again. It's amazing.

[@harriet9928]

loving the graphics/editing in this !

[@terrylmiller8717]

I love you guys!!!! Thank you for giving me something to watch that is informative and fun. And makes me laugh. And keeps me sane. And helps me cope. And ... well, everything. ❤️❤️❤️

[@judykinsman3258]

OMG - you two have definitely aged well!

[@ayeeshahm9078]

Aged from young men to grown men ❤️

[@zainkassam8103]

California sun.

[@brianwalkup5214]

Reject the fear and shame when the urge to smash that like button rise up within. The world will be a just a little bit better of a place when you do!

[@jeremyd6775]

When they talk about Eric Lesser you realize how accurate Veep is

[@expatlifestyle6069]

Omg these guys know what is going on behind the scenes.

[@jorywoods9514]

This was a really good episode. Keep it up guys. Love the content

[@ThisIsFiftyWithLil]

Aw man, this piece really is calling up so many memories from those times starting with who is my guy, the newbie or the seasoned guy. Then the economic collapse... oh boy, i could go on for hours filling you in on what it was like in one particular household. Well, emotions are getting the best of me at the mo, I think I need a good cry.

[@brianwalkup5214]

This Is Fifty With Lil You can have my shoulder while you cry. Thanks for sharing your heart with us❤️

[@ThisIsFiftyWithLil]

@@brianwalkup5214 Took a turn! Exciting time: Biden's made his choice; may be announced today. I'm so ready to put a new decal on my car window! For some time my frontrunner has been Susan Rice. But excited no matter who it may be. I'm on pins and needles!

[@brianwalkup5214]

This Is Fifty With Lil Susan Rice is a good choice, but like you, I am for Biden no matter who he chooses. He is the one who will have to work with the VP. Still wish it could have been Warren, but we must all move on. I too I’m waiting to buy a new sticker.

[@jenniferdowding3426]

Trudeau was hit with the same “he’s a celebrity” criticism and for the record it didn’t work against him either

[@janiebuck2938]

Trudeau is a babe!

[@auroravazquez8085]

I miss Obama sooooooooo much 😢

[@NOFarah-jl1du]

Nice guys!...Thank you...

[@zednott688]

that thumbnail made me really worry that lovett had cut his hair !!! the long hair looks absolutely gorgeous and this is a plea to keep it lovett!!!!!

[@jessicarossman2966]

I co-sign this comment.

[@rustyb9873]

Thirded (if that’s even a thing) 😀

[@greyerbaby3323]

The stakes were high in 2008?! I remember feeling that way too 😥

[@virakravchenko]

I should be writing a smart-sounding comment because both Jons talk very professionally and seriously. It's so amazing to hear this after all this time... But my actual comment will be - look how good their hair looks! Favs is so pro and clean-cut, and the amazing curls on Lovett!

[@jillroyson4589]

The presidency really has gone from the sublime to the ridiculous

[@T-aka-T]

And thence from the ridiculous to the GOR BLIMEY, in Brit-speak.

[@telectronix1368]

@@T-aka-T Cor

[@ipaparaymond3622]

A great piece!

[@athoughtbytim]

Lovett’s hair is looking rad!

[@--Dan-]

Hairdressers react: 2008 Obama staffer haircuts

[@joefox5103]

I love this so much. Those were better times. I can’t help thinking though about that meme where Obama is putting the medal around Obama’s neck lol love you guys

[@janiebuck2938]

I love, love, love Obama! I miss his intellect!

[@Scoddygoat]

Smashed that like button!

[@politicsfan4633]

Am proud you both Jons, especially to you Mr. Favreau. you both are great in your fields.

[@debs.9612]

I was in Denver for that speech...such a memorable experience ❤😊.

[@sherrykumar2883]

Completely unrelated to the topic here but I have to say that’s a gorgeous ZZ plant you have Lovett!

[@brianwalkup5214]

Sherry Kumar Lovett has created a special home, and I feel blessed to see it in these small snatches.

[@sherrykumar2883]

Brian Walkup Yes, I agree. Loving that wall color also!

[@brianwalkup5214]

Sherry Kumar Yeah, it’s great too!

[@ellah6188]

Should be “Jon’s react”

[@jessicamorris6890]

You guys are all crying too, right?

[@elizafurnace3338]

I listened to Barack’s 2004 DNC Keynote on a rickety thrift store TV when the screen had gone completely black. I didn’t know anything about him but from that moment on I remained tuned in and engaged in both 08 and 12 campaigns

[@jessicarosenblatt9601]

Can you do the “Kerry reporting for duty!” Speech 😂

[@writernthesky]

The columns reminded me of old plantations. I also thought the backdrop was odd.

[@ashleyrenee4379]

Yall looked so young in the picture at 0:43 :)

[@hardy_har]

AHHH FAVREAU WITH THE BUZZCUT I’M CRYING

[@lucymerkom9571]

Well done ⭐ ⭐

[@AAM29290]

How do we go to a speech like that to a speech that sounds like a 5th grader wrote after getting grounded?

[@telectronix1368]

Because, when it came to it, most of the country didn't go out to vote.

[@Almondoto]

off topic but i got an ad for senate democrats and holy crap why is chuck schumer so close to the camera? anyways loved the video!

[@tmackie1694]

Dang, just remembered what perfect shoulders Obama has. A dream for a politician to convey solidity and strength.

[@MonicaMettert]

Has Joe Biden hired y’all yet? You guys are so talented!

[@victoriajoyce7363]

I can't watch this. It's making me extremely sad.

[@anitapricecheck9554]

A little gut-wrenching, yes.

[@matthewhawryluk4369]

John looks like David Dobrik who skipped his last haircut

[@chiveerum]

So, who wrote the Pokemon go to the polls line? Was it you, Jon?

[@DeeDee-yz9ku]

God bless America!

[@AB-qy9tc]

The people want to see the baby debate Lovett

[@richardherrell4770]

jon and jon rock buzzcuts.

[@dee-fz9sg]

britney spears was in a mccain ad???

[@Handlingthisnomore]

AOC has a speech in the convention. Could that be similar to what happened with Obama? Just thinking. 😅

[@obamna666]

One can hope!

[@telectronix1368]

I remember an interview with Obama towards the end if his last year in office, when asked about who he could see as the next big stars of the party......there weren't a lot of names. Hopefully the party will do more to plant seeds for future terms.

[@bethrichardson5364]

Gods, do I miss Obama. Sigh.

[@Evehawk87]

Tempers are much shorter as well.

[@LaureleiMarie]

Ha! I forgot about Trump's Close Encounters convention intro. The rest of that just gave me a serious case of ennui.

[@tessat.1616]

THOSE WERE THE GOOD OLD DAYS!!!

[@sophie0]

Blanks react stans unite! Smash all the buttons!

[@terrence1351]

HARRIS POG!

[@DanielleA2023]

President Obama acknowledged respected cared for refelected and was inspired by US as we were by HIM❤

[@tmackie1694]

I don’t understand the issue with the columns backdrop. They’re fine.

[@NADIA19644]

Hi 👋

[@Evehawk87]

Consultants said what now? What the hell were they consulting on?

[@epona9166]

OMG Lovett is so right about the columns! Kind of plantation-y, huh?

[@nikolaos9652]

The proportions are all wrong. There's this mistaken idea that greek/roman architecture has a certain gravitas and can be linked to the ideals of democracy and debate, but when it's just random elements that are used to frame video walls It doesn't signify "democracy", it screems "Las Vegas".