PHILADELPHIA — Weeks after his endorsement of Hillary Clinton, President Barack Obama made an appeal for Clinton to delegates and supporters at Well Fargo Center on Wednesday.
President Obama walked on stage with crowds chanting, "Yes we can," his 2008 campaign slogan.
12 years ago on Wednesday, Obama spoke at his first Democratic National Convention, he said.
Obama reflected on his presidency for most of the speech, discussing what has been accomplished for the country over seven-and-a-half years.
"By so many measures, our country is stronger and more prosperous than it was when we started," Obama said.
"Time and again you've picked me up," Obama said. "And I hope I've pick you up too." @thesnews
— Rachel Fradette (@Rachel_Fradette) July 28, 2016
Obama said the current election is not the typical form and that the Republican Party has lost their touch.
"What we heard in Cleveland last week wasn't particularly Republican and it sure wasn't conservative," Obama said. "There were no serious solutions to pressing problems, just the fanning of resentment and blame and anger and hate."
Obama shifted to the country's need for Clinton to continue his work set forth in his own presidency.
"Until you've sat at that desk, you don't know what it's like to manage a global crisis or send young people to war," Obama said. "But Hillary's been in the room, she's been part of those decisions."
Obama said Clinton's track record makes her the most qualified choice hands down.
"There has never been a man or a woman, not me, not Bill, nobody more qualified than Hillary Clinton to serve as president of the United States of America," Obama said.
Obama said Sen. Tim Kaine would make Clinton a better president, the way Vice President Joe Biden made him a better one.
After his praises to Clinton and her decisions, Obama examined what a Donald Trump presidency would mean for the American people.
"He's betting that if he scares enough people, he might score just enough votes to win this election," Obama said.
"America is already great. Our greatness does not depend on Donald Trump," Obama said. @thesnews #DNCinPHL
— Rachel Fradette (@Rachel_Fradette) July 28, 2016
Clinton's accomplishments and belief in the country are the opposite of Trump, he said.
"She knows that this is a big, diverse country, she has seen it, she's traveled. She's talked to folks, and she understands that most issues are rarely black and white," Obama said.
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Obama told attendees who booed Trump, "Don't Boo. Vote," he said.
He applauded Sen. Bernie Sanders supporters for their tenacity and dedication to their cause.
"As I leave this stage tonight, that the Democratic Party is in good hands," Obama said.
He concluded by asking the American people to get behind and support Clinton the way they supported him.
"Now I'm ready to pass the baton...elect Hillary Clinton as the next President of the United States," Obama said. @thesnews
— Rachel Fradette (@Rachel_Fradette) July 28, 2016
"I'll tell you what's picked me back up, every single time, It's been you, the American people," Obama said. "And I hope sometimes I've picked you up, too."
Following his speech and in a surprise appearance, Clinton entered the arena to greet Obama. The crowd went crazy over the unexpected greeting. Clinton and Obama waved to the crowd before departing the stage.
President Obama and Hillary Clinton wave to the crowd. @thesnews #DemsinPhilly pic.twitter.com/coThQbn4Bh
— Rachel Fradette (@Rachel_Fradette) July 28, 2016
