PHILADELPHIA—In a match entering its third round Wednesday night, the Democratic Party brought out its biggest names to highlight their reasons for backing presidential nominee and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton.
President Barack Obama and Vice President Joe Biden praised Clinton’s readiness for the duties of the presidency and attempted to draw a contrast between her readiness and that of Republican nominee Donald Trump.
“I can saw with confidence there has never been a man or woman more qualified than Hillary Clinton to serve as President of the United States of America,” Obama said to a packed arena of delegates, who have heard him make a prime-time address in the the last four conventions.
Clinton served in the Obama administration during its first term following a contentious primary battle between the two former senators. Obama noted that her experience in the White House prepared her for the role of commander-in-chief
“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. She knows what’s at stake in the decisions our government makes.”
Kaine introduces himself to America
Vice presidential nominee and Virginia Sen. Tim Kaine took Trump to task during his address to the convention, highlighting the differences between Clinton and the real estate mogul’s career paths.
“Hillary’s passion is kids and families,” Kaine said. “Donald Trump has a passion too. It’s himself.”
Mixing in fluent Spanish throughout his remarks, Kaine reflected on his time as a missionary in Honduras and how it shaped his view of public service.
“I got a first-hand look at the system--a dictatorship--where a few people at the top had power and everyone else got left out,” Kaine said. “It convinced me that we’ve got to advance opportunity for everyone.”
At one point, Kaine began to mock Trump’s acceptance speech phrase “believe me,” which drew applause from delegates.
“Most people, when they run for president, they don’t just say ‘believe me.’ They respect you enough to tell you how they will get things done.”
Kaine also knocked Trump on his refusal to release his personal tax returns, a formality nominees have done since Watergate.
Biden highlights American values in Clinton
Biden, who nearly entered the nominating contest before declining to do so last Fall, underscored American values that he said exist in Clinton in the wake of Trump’s more negative outlook on the current state of the United States.
“It has never been a good bet to bet against America,” Biden said. “We endure, we overcome, and we always, always, always move forward.”
Biden, who served in the Senate with Clinton, said that her readiness goes beyond political knowledge.
“Everybody knows she’s smart. Everybody knows she’s tough. But I know what she’s passionate about. I know Hillary,” he said.
The headliners all built up their case before Clinton made a surprise visit on stage after Obama’s speech. Clinton is set to accept her nomination Thursday night.
