Focusing on ideology rather than concrete policy proposals, Obama criticized political negativity and stagnancy, values he ascribed to the current presidential administration.
"The American people have decided for the first time in a very long time to cast aside doubt, to cast aside fear, to cast aside cynicism," he said. "The American people have decided that they want something new, something different."
Obama said his victory in the Iowa caucuses was a result of a desire for change, and extolled the power of young people as a driving force behind his campaign. Rates of participation for 18-to-26-year-olds in the caucuses more than tripled since 2004, with the increases widely attributed to excitement about the senator from Illinois. Obama encouraged Dartmouth students to follow Iowa's example.
"Folks here in New Hampshire will have more of a say in electing the next president than just about anyone on the planet," he said. "Today you can make your voice heard. You can insist that change will come."
Obama returned to the themes of hope and change often in his remarks.
"Hope is not blind optimism," he said. "[Hope is] imagining and then being willing to fight for it."
Responding to criticism that he is an idealist without concrete policy proposals, Obama outlined several specific policies regarding healthcare and education. In order to extend healthcare to recent college graduates, he promised to allow children coverage under their parents' health plans until age 25.
He also mentioned his American Opportunity Tax Credit, which would offer college students $4,000 per year toward tuition costs in return for community or national service.
Obama said he needs to gain the support of the American public to realize these goals.
"You can actually reach out to people that you don't agree with. You can reach across the aisle," he said. He later added, "If I have the American people behind me, I fear no man."
The speech was interrupted for about ten minutes when a Dartmouth student fainted. As medical personnel attended to the student, comedian and Obama supporter Larry David called out into the silent gymnasium, "Sinatra used to have the same effect on people." Obama nodded in response to the joke, although the audience did not laugh.
Students began lining up for the event before 7 a.m. for the scheduled 7:45 a.m. speech. Although the event was initially open only to Dartmouth students, approximately fifty people not associated with the College were allowed in when Dartmouth students failed to fill the entire space.
Undecided voter Paul Magyar '09 was impressed but not entirely swayed by the address.
"Seeing him in person, the extent to which he can inspire, I think that's something the country really needs right now," he said. "It reminded me of people I've always thought highly of, like Martin Luther King and JFK."
Anna Bofa '09, an Obama supporter, predicted that the senator's message would resonate with young people.
"I think he really has found what everyone is looking for," she said. "So much of politics now is what we can't do. I think he makes people realize, 'Yeah, I can do something.'"