PHILADELPHIA (AP) — His own legacy on the line, President Barack Obama implored Americans to elect Hillary Clinton to the White House, casting her as a candidate who believes in the optimism that powers the nation’s democracy and warning against the “deeply pessimistic vision” of Republican Donald Trump.
“America is already great. America is already strong,” he declared to cheering delegates Wednesday night at the Democratic convention. “And I promise you, our strength, our greatness, does not depend on Donald Trump.”
For Democrats, the night was steeped in symbolism, the passing of the baton from a barrier-breaking president to a candidate trying to make history herself. It culminated with Clinton making a surprise appearance on stage to greet Obama with a long embrace, an almost unimaginable image eight years ago when they battled for the Democratic nomination.
Obama urged Americans to summon the hopefulness of that White House campaign, before recession deepened and new terror threats shook voters’ sense of security. He robustly vouched for Clinton’s readiness to finish the job he started, saying “no matter how daunting the odds, no matter how much people try to knock her down, she never, ever quits.”
Earlier Wednesday, Clinton’s running mate, Virginia Sen. Tim Kaine, introduced himself to the nation as a formidable foil to Trump in his own right. With folksy charm, he ridiculed Trump’s list of promises and imitated one of the GOP candidate’s favorite phrases.
“Believe me!” he said mockingly, as the audience boomed back, “No!”
Obama’s vigorous support for Clinton is driven in part by deep concern that Republican Trump might win in November and unravel his two terms in office. He warned repeatedly Wednesday that the billionaire businessman is unprepared for the challenges that would await him in the Oval Office.
Trump fueled more controversy Wednesday when he encouraged Russia to meddle in the presidential campaign. On the heels of reports that Russia may have hacked Democratic Party emails, Trump said, “Russia, if you’re listening,” it would be desirable to see Moscow find and publish the thousands of emails Clinton says she deleted during her years as secretary of state.
Wednesday night’s Democratic lineup was aimed at emphasizing Clinton’s own national security credentials. It was a significant shift in tone after two nights spent reintroducing Clinton to voters as a champion for children and families, and relishing in her historic nomination as the first woman to lead a major political party into the general election.
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President Barack Obama waves with presidential nominee Hillary Clinton during the third night of the Democratic National Convention at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, July 27, 2016.
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US President Barack Obama acknowledges the crowd on the third day of the Democratic National Convention at the Wells Fargo Center, July 27, 2016 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton received the number of votes needed to secure the party's nomination. An estimated 50,000 people are expected in Philadelphia, including hundreds of protesters and members of the media. The four-day Democratic National Convention kicked off July 25.
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US Vice President nominee Tim Kaine acknowledges the crowd prior to delivering remarks on the third day of the Democratic National Convention at the Wells Fargo Center, July 27, 2016 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
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Delegates hold up signs as Democratic Nominee for Vice President Tim Kaine speaks during the Democratic National Convention at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, July 27, 2016.
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U.S. Sen. Minority Leader Sen. Harry Reid (D-NV) delivers remarks on the third day of the Democratic National Convention at the Wells Fargo Center, July 27, 2016 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
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Delegates cheer during Day Three of the Democratic National Convention at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, July 27, 2016.
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Former Governor of Maryland Martin O'Malley speaks during Day Three of the Democratic National Convention at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, July 27, 2016.
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A Hillary Clinton supporter looks on during day three of the Democratic National Convention at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, July 27, 2016.
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Vice-President Joe Biden addresses delegates on Day 3 of the Democratic National Convention at the Wells Fargo Center, July 27, 2016 in Philadelphia.
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In this July 27, 2016 photo, U.S. Vice Presient Joe Biden and his wife Dr. Jill Biden acknowledge the audience on Day 3 of the Democratic National Convention at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia.
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A man dressed as Jesus Christ dances in protest of a religious group as supporters for former Democratic presidential candidate Bernie Sanders hold a rally during the 2016 Democratic National Convention on July 27, 2016 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
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Lenny Kravitz performs during the Democratic National Convention at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, July 27, 2016.
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Supporters of former Democratic presidential candidate Bernie Sanders hold up posters at a 'Black Men For Bernie' rally to gain support for third party candidates and protest the DNC during the 2016 Democratic National Convention on July 27, 2016 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
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Former New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg delivers remarks on the third day of the Democratic National Convention at the Wells Fargo Center, July 27, 2016 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
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Actress Sigourney Weaver speaks during the third day of the Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia , Wednesday, July 27, 2016.
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Former Arizona representative Gabby Giffords and astronaut Mark Kelly join hands after addressing delegates on Day 3 of the Democratic National Convention at the Wells Fargo Center July 27, 2016 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
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Former US president Bill Clinton (R) cheers as former New York City mayor Michael Bloomberg addresses the third evening session of the Democratic National Convention at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, July 27, 2016.
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Delegates cheer US Vice President Joe Biden (lower L) during the Democratic National Convention at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, July 27, 2016. /
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Former Secretary of Defense Leon Panetta delivers a speech on the third day of the Democratic National Convention at the Wells Fargo Center, July 27, 2016 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton received the number of votes needed to secure the party's nomination. An estimated 50,000 people are expected in Philadelphia, including hundreds of protesters and members of the media. The four-day Democratic National Convention kicked off July 25.
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Children hold banners at a Bernie Sanders event near City Hall on day three of the Democratic National Convention (DNC) on July 27, 2016 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The convention officially began on Monday and has attracted thousands of protesters, members of the media and Democratic delegates to the City of Brotherly Love.
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Delegates hold up signs as Democratic Nominee for Vice President Tim Kaine speaks during the Democratic National Convention at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, July 27, 2016.
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Former U.S. president Bill Clinton addresses the second day of the Democratic National Convention at the Wells Fargo Center, July 26, 2016 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
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Former U.S. President Bill Clinton delivers remarks on the second day of the Democratic National Convention at the Wells Fargo Center, July 26, 2016 in Philadelphia. Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton received the number of votes needed to secure the party's nomination.
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Former U.S. President Bill Clinton arrives on stage to deliver remarks on the second day of the Democratic National Convention at the Wells Fargo Center, July 26, 2016 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
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Former US Secretary of State Madeleine Albright finishes her address on the second day of the Democratic National Convention at the Wells Fargo Center, July 26, 2016 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
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16-month Ethan Jennings grabs a cardboard cutout of the face of Democratic Presidential candidate Hillary Clinton as his father Florida delegate Bernard Jennings holds him during the second day session of the Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia, Tuesday, July 26, 2016.
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Actor Tony Goldwyn speaks during the second day of the Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia , Tuesday, July 26, 2016.
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Former U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder delivers remarks on the second day of the Democratic National Convention at the Wells Fargo Center, July 26, 2016 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
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Actresses America Fererra, right, and Lena Dunham deliver remarks on the second day of the Democratic National Convention at the Wells Fargo Center on July 26, 2016 in Philadelphia.
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Sen. Chuck Schumer (D-NY) deliovers remarks on the second day of the Democratic National Convention at the Wells Fargo Center, July 26, 2016 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
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Interim chair of the Democratic National Committee, Donna Brazile delivers remarks on the second day of the Democratic National Convention at the Wells Fargo Center, July 26, 2016 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton received the number of votes needed to secure the party's nomination. An estimated 50,000 people are expected in Philadelphia, including hundreds of protesters and members of the media. The four-day Democratic National Convention kicked off July 25.
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Former Vermont governor Howard Dean address the second day of the Democratic National Convention at the Wells Fargo Center, July 26, 2016 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
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9/11 survivor, Lauren Manning, delivers remarks on the second day of the Democratic National Convention at the Wells Fargo Center, July 26, 2016 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
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Ryan Moore smiles at the podium as he speaks on the second day of the Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia , Tuesday, July 26, 2016.
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Sen. Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) walks on stage to deliver remarks on the second day of the Democratic National Convention at the Wells Fargo Center, July 26, 2016 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton received the number of votes needed to secure the party's nomination. An estimated 50,000 people are expected in Philadelphia, including hundreds of protesters and members of the media. The four-day Democratic National Convention kicked off July 25.
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First lady Michelle Obama acknowledges the crowd before delivering remarks on the first day of the Democratic National Convention at the Wells Fargo Center, July 25, 2016 in Philadelphia. An estimated 50,000 people are expected in Philadelphia, including hundreds of protesters and members of the media. The four-day Democratic National Convention kicked off July 25.
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U.S. Senator Bernie Sanders smiles during Day 1 of the Democratic National Convention at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia on July 25, 2016.
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Delegates cheer during the first day of the Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia , Monday, July 25, 2016.
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Delegates dance as Paul Simon sings during Day 1 of the Democratic National Convention at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, July 25, 2016.
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Former Presidential candidate and US Senator Bernie Sanders gestures during Day 1 of the Democratic National Convention at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia on July 25, 2016.
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Wellington Webb, former mayor of Denver, speaks during Day 1 of the Democratic National Convention at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia on July 25, 2016.
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Rep. Elijah Cummings, D-Maryland, speaks during the first day of the Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia on Monday, July 25, 2016.
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A Bernard Sanders supporter glows on the floor on Day 1 of the Democratic National Convention at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia on July 25, 2016.
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Signs in opposition to Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump are displayed on the floor of the 2016 Democratic National Convention at Wells Fargo Center on July 25, 2016 in Philadelphia.
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Delegates hold up signs during the first day of the Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia on Monday, July 25, 2016.
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Leah Daughtry, CEO of the Democratic National Convention Committee, waves to the crowd before delivering a speech on the first day of the Democratic National Convention at the Wells Fargo Center, July 25, 2016 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. An estimated 50,000 people are expected in Philadelphia, including hundreds of protesters and members of the media. The four-day Democratic National Convention kicked off July 25.
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Tape covering the mouth of a delegate from Michigan reads "Silenced By DNC" on the first day of the Democratic National Convention at the Wells Fargo Center on July 25, 2016 in Philadelphia.
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Florida delegates dance during the first day of the Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia on Monday, July 25, 2016.
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Bernie Sanders supporters gather at FDR park after marching through downtown on the first day of the Democratic National Convention on July 25, 2016 in Philadelphia.
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Singer-songwriter Paul Simon performs on stage during the first day of the Democratic National Convention at the Wells Fargo Center on July 25, 2016 in Philadelphia.
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Richard Trumka, President of the AFL-CIO, speaks during the first day of the Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia on Monday, July 25, 2016.
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An attendee in support of Sen. Bernie Sanders walks the floor on the first day of the Democratic National Convention at the Wells Fargo Center, July 25, 2016 in Philadelphia.
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Singer Demi Lovato performs on stage during the first day of the Democratic National Convention at the Wells Fargo Center, July 25, 2016 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. An estimated 50,000 people are expected in Philadelphia, including hundreds of protesters and members of the media. The four-day Democratic National Convention kicked off July 25.
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Baltimore Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake bangs the gavel calling to order the first day of the Democratic National Convention at the Wells Fargo Center, July 25, 2016 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. An estimated 50,000 people are expected in Philadelphia, including hundreds of protesters and members of the media. The four-day Democratic National Convention kicked off July 25.
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Astrid Silva walks to the stage to speak about immigration during the first day of the Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia on Monday, July 25, 2016.
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Rep. Luis Gutiérrez (D-Ill) delivers remarks on the first day of the Democratic National Convention at the Wells Fargo Center, July 25, 2016 in Philadelphia.
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Sen. Al Franken, D-Minn., gives his thumb up as after speaking to delegates during the first day of the Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia on Monday, July 25, 2016.
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U.S. First Lady Michelle Obama addresses delegates on Day 1 of the Democratic National Convention at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia on July 25, 2016.
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Sen. Cory Booker (D-NJ) delivers remarks on the first day of the Democratic National Convention at the Wells Fargo Center, July 25, 2016 in Philadelphia.
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U.S. Senator Elizabeth Warren speaks during Day 1 of the Democratic National Convention at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia on July 25, 2016.
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Former President Bill Clinton applauds First Lady Michelle Obama as Eric Holder and Rep. Elijah Cummings, D-Maryland, take their seats during the first day of the Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia on Monday, July 25, 2016.
The convention’s third night was also a time for Democrats to celebrate Obama’s legacy. Vice President Joe Biden, who decided against running for president this year after the death of his son, called it a “bittersweet moment.”
A son of Scranton, Pennsylvania, Biden appealed directly to the working class white voters who have been drawn to Trump’s populism, warning them against falling for false promises and exploitation of Americans’ anxieties.
“This guy doesn’t have a clue about the middle class,” he declared.
Kaine also picked up the traditional attacking role of the presidential ticket’s No. 2. He tore into Trump, mocking his pledges to build a wall along the Mexican border, asking why he has not released his tax returns and slamming his business record, including the now-defunct Trump University.
“Folks, you cannot believe one word that comes out of Donald Trump’s mouth,” Kaine said. “Our nation is too great to put it in the hands of a slick-talking, empty-promising, self-promoting, one-man wrecking crew.”
Liberals, particularly those who supported Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders, have grumbled about Kaine being on the ticket, particularly because of his support for “fast track” approval of the Trans-Pacific Partnership trade pact. Several delegates held up anti-TPP signs as he spoke.
In a move aimed at broadening Clinton’s appeal, New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg — an independent who considered launching a third party bid for president — endorsed the Democratic nominee. A billionaire businessman himself, Bloomberg took aim at Trump’s bankruptcies, reliance on foreign factories and other economic experience: “The richest thing about Donald Trump is his hypocrisy.”
President Bill Clinton, filling the role of devoted political spouse, joined the crowd packed to the arena rafters in cheering the attacks on Trump.
The core of Clinton’s strategy is putting back together Obama’s winning White House coalition. In both his campaigns, Obama carried more than 90 percent of black voters, the overwhelming majority of Hispanics, and more than half of young people and women.
That coalition was vividly on display in the first two nights of the convention in Philadelphia. Women lawmakers were prominently featured, along with young activists, immigrants, and mothers whose black children were victims of gun violence or killed during encounters with law enforcement.
Gun violence continued as a theme Wednesday night as families of mass shooting victims took the stage. Delegates rose in an emotional standing ovation for the mother of one of the victims in last month’s Orlando nightclub shooting, who asked why “commonsense” gun policies weren’t in place when her son died.
“I never want you to ask that question about your child,” Christine Leinonen said.
Though Obama has six months left in office, his address Wednesday had the feeling of a political transition. He was emotional as he thanked Americans for sustaining him through difficult stretches.
“Tonight, I ask you to do for Hillary Clinton what you did for me,” he said. “I ask you to carry her the same way you carried me.”