Senator Barack Obama: You want a fight, President Bush?

October 2, 2002

Good afternoon. Let me begin by saying that although this has been billed as an anti-war rally, I stand before you as someone who is not opposed to war in all circumstances. The Civil War was one of the bloodiest in history, and yet
it was only through the crucible of the sword, the sacrifice of multitudes, that we could begin to perfect this union, and
drive the scourge of slavery from our soil. I don't oppose all wars.