Obama's speech on race

This speech has been getting alot of play in the press. I thought people might want to see it and talk about it. Does it dovetail with issues we've already been discussing? Does it raise new issues? As usual, I find it to be rather inspirational. Does anyone think that the line he is toeing on race is too dangerous? I don't find anything he has said particularly controversial, but I can imagine people who might. Do you think he played it safe or took some risks? I think, if interpreted in a particular way, this speech can be considered a strong defense of Reverend Wright-not a defense of the words but a very strong defense of the man. As I listen to the speech I think it is ripe for all sorts of rhetorical analysis too. A strong case for the rhetorical situation? He situates the speech firmly in the current political climate, the broader historical climate, the particular geography (convenient that the Constitution Hall is in the state he is currently campaigning?), the context of race in the campaign and probably lots more...and that's just the tip of the ice berg. What about apologia? Differentiation and transcendence seem clear strategies to defend his image against the beating it has been taking in the press because of the incendiary comments made in Reverend Wright's sermons. Anyway, there is a lot here and I thought I would post it up and unload some of my thoughts. Maybe it will finally catalyze some on-line conversation :)