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The Democratic National Convention is kind of like a massive, four-day concert, and tonight, President Barack Obama was the eagerly anticipated headliner. Given presumptive nominee Hillary Clinton's currently high unfavorable ratings, Obama was under a lot of pressure to show support for his long-time colleague. And as these unforgettable quotes from Obama's DNC speech prove, he did not disappoint.
From celebrating Clinton's strength and toughness, to describing her incredible work ethic and tenacity, to highlighting her life-long work for children's health, job creation, civil rights, and the strength of the military, Obama forcefully and powerfully doubled down on the great promise of a Clinton presidency. Wisely, he even faced head-on the criticism that has been mounted against her, stating that she's been "accused of everything you can imagine — and some things you can't." But making mistakes, Obama pointed out, is inevitably "what happens when we try." And as Obama hoped to make clear, Clinton is a public servant who tries to do what's best, even if it involves compromise.
Of course, amidst all the Clinton-praise, Obama threw in some comments about the success of his own administration, and deservedly so. He recounted the triumphs of eight years under a progressive president, and highlighted the dangers that Republican nominee Donald Trump poses to the health and safety of the nation. This speech was packed with memorable moments.
Here are some of the best.
"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."
"America learned that love has no limits, and marriage equality is now a reality across the land."
"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."
"Ronald Reagan called America 'a shining city on a hill.' Donald Trump calls it 'a divided crime scene' that only he can fix."
"America has never been about what one person says he’ll do for us. It’s always been about what can be achieved by us, together, through the hard, slow, sometimes frustrating, but ultimately enduring work of self-government."
"Don't boo — vote!"
"America is already great. America is already strong. And I promise you, our strength, our greatness, does not depend on Donald Trump."
"You know, nothing truly prepares you for the demands of the Oval Office. 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. But Hillary’s been in the room; she’s been part of those decisions. She knows what’s at stake in the decisions our government makes for the working family, the senior citizen, the small business owner, the soldier, and the veteran. Even in the middle of crisis, she listens to people, and keeps her cool, and treats everybody with respect. And no matter how daunting the odds; no matter how much people try to knock her down, she never, ever quits."
"That’s who we are. That’s our birthright – the capacity to shape our own destiny. That’s what drove patriots to choose revolution over tyranny and our GIs to liberate a continent. It’s what gave women the courage to reach for the ballot, and marchers to cross a bridge in Selma, and workers to organize and fight for better wages."
"It’s got me thinking about the story I told you 12 years ago tonight, about my Kansas grandparents and the things they taught me when I was growing up. They came from the heartland; Their ancestors began settling there about 200 years ago. I don't know if they had their birth certificates, but they were there."
"It’s been you who’ve fueled my dogged faith in our future, even when the odds are great; even when the road is long. Hope in the face of difficulty; hope in the face of uncertainty; the audacity of hope! America, you have vindicated that hope these past eight years. And now I’m ready to pass the baton and do my part as a private citizen."
Despite the tense atmosphere going into November, for one night, thanks to the president's final, moving DNC speech, the country was granted a brief reprieve from the madness.
