Pennsylvania – Outgoing U.S. President Barack Obama addressed waves of supporters in the city of Philadelphia on Monday, calling on the Americans to vote for the Democrats’ Candidate and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton.
In his last presidential speech, an emotional Obama said that during his term, he set out to keep America safe and strong, highlighting the quick recovery achieved following the economic crisis.
“Eight years ago, I asked all of you to join me on an unlikely journey. We set out not just to change programs or policies, but to rebuild an economy where everyone had a chance to succeed; to reform Washington so that your voices would be more powerful than entrenched lobbyists,” he said.
“We set out to keep America safe and strong — not just with the might of our arms and the extraordinary valor of our troops, but with the power of our ideas. To shape a changing America so that everybody belongs and everybody has a part, everybody has a responsibility,” he added.
Obama said that although the country fell into the “worst economic crisis of our lifetimes”, the Americans succeeded into turning their recession into recovery because of their strength and faith.
“We brought home more of our men and women in uniform; took out Osama bin Laden; and almost every country on Earth sees America stronger and more respected today than they did eight years ago,” he added.
He also stressed that the United States was better run by Democrats.
“Under the last two Republican Presidents, job growth was basically flat. Deficits went up. Over our two Democratic presidencies, jobs went up by more than 30 million, deficits went down; millions more Americans gained health insurance. So, yes, with Democrats in charge, America is stronger,” he stated.
Obama praised Clinton’s achievements during her term as Secretary of State.
“Hillary did a great job for America. She’s a big reason why we’re more respected around the world,” he stated.
“Like the American people, she is strong and tough. And she knows that government service is not about her — it’s about you, your struggles, your dreams,” Obama added.
First Lady Michelle Obama described Clinton as a “phenomenal woman who has devoted her life to helping others — kids in crumbling schools, families struggling to get by, women who need a voice.”
“Hillary is the person we want on our side, because she never gives up. She never quits. She refuses to ever be knocked down, pushed around, or counted out”, she added.