Wright 's sermon left a great impression on Obama , who recounted Wright 's sermon in detail in his memoir '' Dreams from My Father '' . Soon after '' Dreams From My Father '' was published he went into politics , entering the Illinois Senate . In 2004 he was chosen to deliver the keynote address at the 2004 Democratic National Convention . In Obama 's 2006 memoir '' The Audacity of Hope '' , he recollects that on being chosen to deliver this speech , he pondered the topics on which he had previously campaigned , and on major issues then affecting the nation , before thinking about the variety of people he had met while campaigning , all endeavouring in different ways to improve their own lives and to serve their country
2004 Democratic National Convention
2004 Democratic National Convention
Hope (painting)