In many ways it was the most important speech he would deliver; as the old saying goes, you save the best for last. At the Democratic Convention in Philadelphia last night, standing in front of a capacity crowd adoring his every word, President Barack Obama reminded Americans of his accomplishments that he says were achieved with the people’s backing, lampooned Donald Trump as representing all of what America is not; stated clearly that hope was alive and well as he lauded the U.S.A. as the most powerful country that yet retained is place as the envy of the world, and impressed upon Democrats, independents and disaffected Republicans who have become disenchanted by their new standard bearer, to support Hillary Clinton, whose character he praised as consistent, strengthening her wavering support among Bernie Sanders Democrats.
“There has never been a man or a woman — not me, not Bill, nobody — more qualified,” Mr. Obama said of Mrs. Clinton, his words resonating through the Pennsylvania Convention Center and through millions of television and mobile device screens across the nation.
“She’s been there for us — even if we haven’t always noticed — and if you’re serious about our democracy, you can’t afford to stay home just because she might not align with you on every issue,” he added, an explicit appeal to supporters of Senator Bernie Sanders who continue to resist Mrs. Clinton.
“And if you’re rightly concerned about who’s going to keep you and your families safe, in a dangerous world. Well, the choice is even clearer. Hilary Clinton is respected around the world not just by leaders but by the people they serve… Because they know Hilary. They’ve seen her work,” he said.
The president assailed Mr. Trupm as ill-prepared and careless in words; a candidate who would not embody the best of America and its core values.
“Meanwhile, Donald Trump calls our military a disaster. Apparently he doesn’t know the men and women who make up the strongest fighting force the world has even known. He suggests America is weak. He must not hear the billions of men and women and children, from the Baltics to Burma, who still look to America to be the light of Freedom and dignity. He cozies up to Putin, praises Saddam Hussein; tells our NATO allies that stood by our side after 9/11, that they have to pay up if they want our protection.
“Well, America’s promises do not come with a price tag. We meet our commitments, we bear our burdens — that’s one of the reasons why almost every country on earth sees America as stronger and more respected today that they did eight years ago,” Mr. Obama said.
The president spoke for about 40 minutes, touching on many topics, talking up his moments of victory, including a robust economic growth that has added 15 million jobs to the economy since he became president; the passing of his landmark healthcare bill with tens of millions newly enrolled; the killing of Osama Bin Laden, believed to be the mastermind of the 9/11 tragedy; crippling Iran’s nuclear ambitions through diplomacy, and his work on climate change, among other standout initiatives.
Mr. Obama did not refer to efforts stymied by Congressional gridlock as failures — the elephant in the room being immigration reform — but rather efforts that would be continued if Mrs. Clinton were to become the next president, urging the audience to go and organize for her like they did for him four and eight year ago.
Tags: dnc 2016 speech, president barack obama
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