5 Memorable Convention Speeches

The speechifying starts in Denver tonight. Here are five memorable convention speeches from history:

1. Barbara Jordan, Democratic National Convention, 1976—The former congresswoman was the first African-American woman to deliver the keynote address at an American national party convention.

2. Mario Cuomo, DNC, 1984—The then New York governor became nationally known after his rousing speech that urged Democrats to stay committed to liberal traditions.

3. Jesse Jackson, DNC, 1984—In this speech, Reverend Jackson, who has spoken at every convention since 1984, sought to help heal the division in the Democratic Party. By the end of the speech, 33 million viewers were watching.

4. Ann Richards, DNC, 1988—The late Texas politician delivered a humorous yet biting speech criticizing the Reagan administration and Vice President George H. W. Bush, garnering national attention.

5. Mary Fisher, Republican National Convention, 1992—Fisher's groundbreaking speech about her personal battle with AIDS as a straight, married woman shook the audience and the American public.

Source: American Rhetoric