On August 26 , 2008 , at the 2008 Democratic National Convention , Kucinich gave a spirited speech structured around the refrain " Wake up America ! " The speech levies trenchant criticism of the perceived abuses of power of the George W. Bush administration , attacks the corporate control of the American political and economic systems , and rallies for a program of universal health coverage , universal higher education , tax reform , trade policy reform , energy regulation , civil liberties and de-militarization . At the end of the speech , Kucinich reiterates his endorsement for Barack Obama and Joe Biden for president and vice-president . His words electrified the audience who began delivering a standing ovation midway through the speech and continued cheering past its closure
2008 Democratic National Convention
2008 Democratic National Convention
Dennis Kucinich 2008 presidential campaign