Young Barack Obama 90s Video for Black History Ad Goes Viral
Obama, Age 29, Is Seen in 'Black History Minute' Ad for TBS
A YouTube video showing a young Barack Obama has gone viral on the Internet as of last week, prompting viewers to discuss how the president's oratory skills have developed over time.
The 1991 video is a TBS ad for "Black History Minute" and shows Obama, then editor of the Harvard Law Review, giving a brief history lesson on Charles Hamilton Houston.
"I'm Barack Obama, remembering Charles Hamilton Houston and celebrating a great moment in our history" a poised, contemplative Obama says as the ad closes.
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According to The Daily Caller, Obama is roughly 28 or 29 years old in the video, depending on the time of year it was filmed. The video was made the same year Obama graduated from Harvard law school, and five years prior to his Illinois’ Senate seat campaign.
The video shows a young Obama, not as learned in his oratory skills as in his present role as president of the United States.
As CelebrityCafe contends, Obama uses a "much lower, cautionary tone of voice" in the video.
Although many have commented on the video criticizing Obama’s elementary speaking skills, others argue that his cautionary grace reveals his intelligence and potential even at a young age.
This video shows a stark contrast to the fiery speaker Americans know today. Obama has made orator history with past speeches such as the 2009 Fort Hood speech and the coining of the phrase "Yes We Can."
Andy Kaczynski posted the video on YouTube under the username "Akaczynski1" on Thursday of last week, and it has already garnered over 1 million views. Kaczynski posts several other eccentric political commercials and videos on his Twitter site, including one video, circa 2009, which shows Obama speaking Spanish in support for Jon Corzine, former Democratic governor and senator from New Jersey.
VIDEO: A Young Barack Obama Honors Black History
