US President Barack Obama took the stage at the Democratic National Convention on Wednesday amid thunderous applause.
Starting his speech on an emotional note, Obama, who has completed almost two terms as US President, said:
Lots has happened over the years and while this nation has been tested by war and recession, I stand before you after almost two terms as president to tell you I’m more optimistic of the future of America than ever before.
For Democrats, the night was steeped in symbolism – the passing of the baton from a barrier-breaking president to a candidate trying to make history herself. It culminated with Clinton making a surprise appearance on stage to greet Obama with a long embrace, an almost unimaginable image eight years ago when they battled for the Democratic nomination.
Speaking about his work towards the betterment of healthcare, education, clean energy and killing of Al-Qaeda leader Osama Bin Laden while in office, President Obama said that the Republican Convention in Cleveland did not suggest any solutions to the “pressing problems” of the country.
Endorsing Democrat Hillary Clinton as admirably tough, patient and hardworking, Obama said:
There has never been a man or woman, not me or Bill, more qualified than Hillary Clinton to serve as the President of United States of America.
He further added:
I hope you don’t mind Bill, but I’m just telling the truth.
‘Donald Trump Not a Facts Guy’
“Donald is not really a plans guy, or a facts guy either” said President Obama, going on to say that the GOP candidate who calls himself a businessman (has been sued a number of times) is nothing compared to the plenty of other business men and women who have been successful without “leaving behind a trail of lawsuits”.
Obama criticised what he said was the “deeply pessimistic vision” of America heard from the Republicans at their convention in Cleveland last week.
President Barack Obama blasted Donald Trump for scaring Americans over immigration and crime in an attempt to take over the White House.
‘Hillary Will Destroy IS’
President Obama said that presidential candidate Hillary Clinton who has worked closely with American intelligence teams, diplomats and the military, will not relent until the Islamic State is destroyed.
He said Clinton will “finish the job – and she’ll do it without resorting to torture, or banning entire religions from entering our country.”
In probably one of the strongest shots yet at Donald Trump, without naming the GOP nominee, Obama said:
Anyone who threatens our values, whether fascists or communists or jihadists or homegrown demagogues, will always fail in the end.
Referring to Clinton, Obama told the Democratic Convention and voters watching on TV that if they were concerned about who was going to keep them and their families safe in a dangerous world, then their Election Day choice was clear.
Wrapping up his speech at the Democratic National Convention, Obama thanked Americans for sustaining him through the two terms and asked them to “reject cynicism, reject fear” and elect Hillary as the next US President.
(With AP inputs)
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