Barack Obama Democratic Convention Speech: 4 Years Since 2008 Denver Address (PLAYLIST)

Barack Obama's Greatest Hits (PLAYLIST)
|
Open Image Modal

As the GOP prepares for day one of the 2012 Republican Convention, it was not that long ago when President Barack Obama was in Mitt Romney's shoes.

Exactly four years ago Tuesday, Obama took the stage in Denver for his 2008 Democratic National Convention speech. Standing before an estimated 84,000 folks at INVESCO Field at Mile High, the then-Illinois senator entitled his address "The American Promise."

"It is that promise that has always set this country apart - that through hard work and sacrifice, each of us can pursue our individual dreams but still come together as one American family, to ensure that the next generation can pursue their dreams as well," Obama said. "That's why I stand here tonight. Because for two hundred and thirty two years, at each moment when that promise was in jeopardy, ordinary men and women - students and soldiers, farmers and teachers, nurses and janitors -- found the courage to keep it alive."

With that, HuffPost Politics is rewinding to some of Obama's more memorable moments during his first term in office, pairing those pieces with some fitting songs on Spotify. Spotify users: Open your app, scroll through our slideshow, click on the song tracks and let the music do the rest. Non-Spotify users: Get set up here for free.

Did we miss a moment or song for Obama? Email us at politicsplaylists@huffingtonpost.com, let us know in the comments section, or send us a tweet @HuffPostPol.

Barack Obama's Greatest Hits
Birth Certificate -- "Born In The USA"(01 of10)
Open Image Modal
(April 27, 2011) -- The White House released President Barack Obama's "long form" birth certificate, adding documentation to a longstanding discussion over his ability to serve as commander in chief. "We do not have time for this kind of silliness," Obama said. "We have better stuff to do. I have got better stuff to do. We have got big problems to solve." (JEWEL SAMAD/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty )
Osama Bin Laden Killed -- "Tonight, Tonight"(02 of10)
Open Image Modal
(May 1, 2011) -- In a televised address to the nation, Obama announces that Osama bin Laden is dead. His death was the result of a U.S. operation launched today in Abbottabad, Pakistan, against a compound where bin Laden was believed to be hiding. "[T]oday's achievement is a testament to the greatness of our country and the determination of the American people," Obama proclaimed. (Photo by Pete Souza/The White House via Getty Images) (credit:Getty )
Debt Ceiling Deal -- "Gold On The Ceiling"(03 of10)
Open Image Modal
(Aug. 2, 2011) -- After the Senate passed a bill to raise the debt limit, Obama pleaded with Congress to shift their attention to jobs. "I will urge them to immediately take some steps -- bipartisan, common-sense steps -- that will make a difference; that will create a climate where businesses can hire, where folks have more money in their pockets to spend, where people who are out of work can find good jobs," he said. (Photo by Brendan Smialowski/Getty Images) (credit:Getty )
Don't Ask Don't Tell -- "Don't Stop Believin'"(04 of10)
Open Image Modal
(Sept. 20, 2011) -- As the ban on gays serving in the military came to an end, Obama hailed the fresh start, celebrating the fact that "patriotic Americans in uniform will no longer have to lie about who they are in order to serve the country they love." (Photo by Brendan Hoffman/Getty Images) (credit:Getty File)
Iraq War To End -- "Homeward Bound"(05 of10)
Open Image Modal
(Oct. 21, 2011) -- Obama announced that all U.S. troops will be out of Iraq by 2011, fulfilling a promise that dated back to his campaign. "As a candidate for president, I pledged to bring the war in Iraq to a responsible end," Obama said. "So today I can report that, as promised, the rest of our troops in Iraq will come home by the end of the year." (Photo credit should read JIM WATSON/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty )
Singing Al Green's "Let's Stay Together"(06 of10)
Open Image Modal
(Jan. 20, 2012) -- During a fundraiser at Harlem's historic Apollo Theater, Obama delivered a memorable musical message to his donors. With Rev. Al Green in attendance, Obama sang part of Green's hit song "Let's Stay Together," drawing strong applause from the crowd. (credit:CNN)
Singing Robert Johnson's "Sweet Home Chicago" (07 of10)
Open Image Modal
(Feb. 21, 2012) -- Days after his Al Green rendition, Obama flexed his vocal chords again with a hometown favorite. The East Room of the White House had its blues fix filled when the president started swinging "Sweet Home Chicago." (credit:PBS)
Gay Marriage -- "Can't Fight This Feeling" (08 of10)
Open Image Modal
(May 9, 2012) -- In a sit-down interview with ABC's Robin Roberts, Obama explained his evolution on the issue, affirming his support for gay marriage. "[A]t a certain point I've just concluded that for me personally it is important for me to go ahead and affirm that I think same sex couples should be able to get married," he said. (credit:ABC)
Immigration -- "With Arms Wide Open"(09 of10)
Open Image Modal
(June 15, 2012) -- The Obama administration addressed America's immigration issue, announcing that it will halt deportations and grant work permits to young individuals eligible for Dream-Act benefits. "They pledge allegiance to our flag," Obama said. "They are Americans in their hearts, in their minds, in every single way but one: on paper."(Photo by Alex Wong/Getty Images) (credit:Getty )
Health Care Reform -- "Beautiful Day" (10 of10)
Open Image Modal
(June 28, 2012) -- After weeks of speculation that Obama's signature piece of legislation could be overturned, the Supreme Court ruled that the Affordable Care Act's individual mandate is constitutional. "It should be pretty clear that I didn't do this because it's good politics," Obama said. "I did it because it's good for the country." (Photo by Alex Wong/Getty Images) (credit:Getty File)

Our 2024 Coverage Needs You

As Americans head to the polls in 2024, the very future of our country is at stake. At HuffPost, we believe that a free press is critical to creating well-informed voters. That's why our journalism is free for everyone, even though other newsrooms retreat behind expensive paywalls.

Our journalists will continue to cover the twists and turns during this historic presidential election. With your help, we'll bring you hard-hitting investigations, well-researched analysis and timely takes you can't find elsewhere. Reporting in this current political climate is a responsibility we do not take lightly, and we thank you for your support.

to keep our news free for all.

Support HuffPost

Before You Go