I clearly remember watching this in 2004 and realizing this guy was going to run for president.
About one year later, he spoke at a small college in eastern Washington state.
By chance, I had the Seattle NPR station on, and they broadcast it live.
After listening for a couple minutes I realized, for the first time, that he was going to run for president in 2008.
I remember that speech clearly. I had driven to Tennessee to visit my mom. After he spoke I told her to watch out for this Obama guy because he would probably be our next president. I remember this huge sinking feeling seeing his charisma and composure and obvious intelligence. Combine that with the fact that he was nominally black and it seemed like the perfect combo. Unfortunately I called that one ball and pocket.