CNN, NEW YORK TIMES, THE WASHINGTON POST (US)
CHARLOTTE – Former US President Bill Clinton delivered an impassioned plea for President Barack Obama's second term at the Democratic Convention, reports the New York Times.
Clinton’s 50-minute-speech, which formally nominated the President for a second term, sets the stage for Obama's concluding remarks Thursday in Charlotte.
But on Wednesday night, it was the 42nd President of the United States attacking Republican candidate Mitt Romney's agenda point-by-point with an vigorous defense of Mr Obama's policies.
"If you want a you're-on-your-own, winner-take-all society, you should support the Republican ticket," Clinton said. "If you want a country of shared opportunities and shared responsibilities -- a we're-all-in-it-together society -- you should vote for Barack Obama and Joe Biden."
Mr Clinton argued that Mr Obama's economic policies since taking office had prevented further collapse and begun the recovery, reports CNN.
“No president — not me or any of my predecessors — no one could have fully repaired all the damage in just four years,” he said. “But he has laid the foundations for a new modern successful economy, a shared prosperity, and if you will renew the president’s contract, you will feel it.”
Clinton urged Americans to "keep President Obama on the job," adds the Washington Post.
After No. 42 concluded his speech, the 44th President walked on stage receiving roaring applause from Democrat supporters attending the convention at Charlotte’s Times Warner Cable Arena.
OBAMA AND CLINTON BOTH ON STAGE LOOK LIKE THE AVENGERS.
— MarcosGarcia (@GotDeportedYolo) Septembre 6, 2012
For many observers, Clinton’s endorsement is a vital one for Barack Obama. According to BBC News, the speech is being seen as the high point of a revitalised relationship between the two presidents and as an attempt to boost Obama's appeal with white working-class voters.
Barack Obama is scheduled to give his acceptance speech Thursday night, in the last act of the 2012 Democratic National Convention, taking the stage for remarks that will define the two-month sprint to Election Day.
