Juxtaposing hope that Hillary Clinton stands for and fear that Donald Trump invokes about America’s promise, President Barack Obama has urged Americans to elect the Democratic candidate as their leader at November 8 polls.
“This year, in this election, I’m asking you to join me – to reject cynicism, reject fear, to summon what’s best in us; to elect Hillary Clinton as the next President of the United States, and show the world we still believe in the promise of this great nation,” Obama said charging up crowds at the Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia.
The president cited Clinton’s long career as a leader of socio-economic causes and her public service credentials.
“I can say with confidence there has never been a man or a woman more qualified than Hillary Clinton to serve as President of the United States of America.”
Trump reacted to Obama’s remarks in a tweet: “Our country does not feel ‘great already’ to the millions of wonderful people living in poverty, violence and despair.”
In another tweet, “Shooting deaths of police officers up 78% this year. We must restore law and order and protect our great law enforcement officers!”
But speaking at the convention, Obama also underscored Hillary Clinton’s ability to serve as commander-in-chief.
“And if you’re concerned about who’s going to keep you and your family safe in a dangerous world – well, the choice is even clearer. Hillary Clinton is respected around the world not just by leaders, but by the people they serve.
“She’s worked closely with our intelligence teams, our diplomats, our military. And she has the judgment, the experience, and the temperament to meet the threat from terrorism. It’s not new to her. Our troops have pounded ISIL without mercy, taking out leaders, taking back territory. I know Hillary won’t relent until ISIL is destroyed. She’ll finish the job – and she’ll do it without resorting to torture, or banning entire religions from entering our country. She is fit to be the next Commander-in-Chief.”
On the other hand, Obama said, Clinton’s Democratic opponent 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 ever known. He suggests America is weak. He must not hear the billions of men, women, and children, from the Baltics to Burma, who still look to America to be the light of freedom, dignity, and human rights. He cozies up to Putin, praises Saddam Hussein, and tells the 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. And that’s one reason why almost every country on Earth sees America as stronger and more respected today than they did eight years ago.”
Discarding Trump’s pitch to make America great again, Obama said:
“America is already great. America is already strong. And I promise you, our strength, our greatness, does not depend on Donald Trump.
“In fact, it doesn’t depend on any one person. And that, in the end, may be the biggest difference in this election – the meaning of our democracy.
