bullhorn moment 

A turning point in one's popularity and perceived effectiveness. Comes from when President Bush stood atop the rubble of the World Trade Center and announced, using a bullhorn: "I can hear you. The rest of the world hears you. And the people who knocked down these buildings will hear all of us soon."

Bush's speech on Hurricane Katrina was ok, but it was no bullhorn moment.

bullhorn moment by hulap0pr September 15, 2005