Exactly 12 years after he introduced himself to the world during a legendary keynote address at the 2004 Democratic National Convention, President Barack Obama delivered a similarly inspiring speech to thousands attending the 2016 DNC in Philadelphia (and millions more watching at home) on Wednesday. Once again, Obama urged the American public to reject cynicism and embrace the audacity of hope, and made clear that there was a simple way for Americans to do just that: by electing Hillary Clinton over Donald Trump this November.
Citing the chaos and fear that punctuated the narrative of this year's Republican National Convention (particularly in the rhetoric of the speakers), Obama stressed that though Democrats and Republicans have their share of disagreements, this current manifestation of the GOP was not something the country should embrace.
"What we heard in Cleveland last week wasn’t particularly Republican—and it sure wasn’t conservative," he said. "What we heard was a deeply pessimistic vision of a country where we turn against each other, and turn away from the rest of the world. There were no serious solutions to pressing problems—just the fanning of resentment, and blame, and anger, and hate."
"That is not the America I know," he said."The America I know is full of courage, and optimism, and ingenuity. The America I know is decent and generous."
And as Obama explained, Hillary Clinton is the only candidate in this race who not only shares his view of optimism and perseverance in the face of adversity, but has dedicated her career to helping all Americans thrive.
"I can say with confidence 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," he said, before joking, "I hope you don't mind, Bill, but I was just telling the truth, man."
He went on to praise Mrs. Clinton, her plans for the future, and her choice in running mate Tim Kaine, before bluntly laying out the other presidential option: "And then there’s Donald Trump."
Amidst overwhelming jeers from the crowd at the mention of Trump's name, Obama delivered a succinct call to action that lit Twitter up: "Don't boo—vote."
It's a line he's used before, while campaigning during the 2012 election, but it was an especially prescient note for this DNC, especially after a divisive primary.
Invoking his 2008 campaign slogan, Obama stressed that the future of the country is in the hands of the people—the people who make their voices heard and elect representatives at all levels of government to enact the change that they want to see. "Democracy isn’t a spectator sport. America isn’t about 'yes, he will,'" he said. "It’s about 'yes, we can.' Yes, we can. Not 'yes, she can.' Not 'yes, I can.' 'Yes, we can.'"
And much like First Lady Michelle Obama did in her own inspiring speech, the president called upon America to join him in the electoral process, and vote their conscience and unwavering hope for the future:
Following his emotional address, Obama was joined onstage by Secretary Clinton, who made surprise—but brief—appearance ahead of her official acceptance of the nominee on Thursday night in order to hug the president.
And much like the president did on Monday night, Mrs. Obama offered her own heartwarming response on Twitter: "That's my man!"
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