Hillary Clinton Makes History by Accepting Democratic Nomination
Hillary Clinton made history by accepting the Democratic nomination at the party’s national convention in Philadelphia.
The former secretary of state has told voters the presidential election is a “moment of reckoning”.
Speaking on the final night of the Democratic convention, the first woman nominated by a major party said there were huge challenges.
Hillary Clinton accused her Republican opponent in November’s election, Donald Trump, of sowing discord.
“He wants to divide us – from the rest of the world, and from each other.”
Donald Trump tweeted that the speech had failed to address the threat posed by radical Islam, making Hillary Clinton unfit to lead the country.
Before taking the stage, Hillary Clinton’s daughter Chelsea shared personal memories of her mother.
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“My wonderful, thoughtful, hilarious mother,” she said.
Chelsea Clinton added: “She was always there for me.”
After embracing her daughter, Hillary Clinton delivered a speech which featured a stark admission about the threats to national unity.
“Bonds of trust and respect are fraying. And just as with our founders there are no guarantees. It truly is up to us. We have to decide whether we’re going to work together so we can all rise together.”
The former secretary of state and first lady added: “We are not afraid. We will rise to the challenge, just as we always have.”
The risk to American prosperity included inequality, limited social mobility, political gridlock, “threats at home and abroad” and frustration over wage stagnation, Hillary Clinton said.
However, the Democratic nominee was confident these challenges could be overcome with the American values of “freedom and equality, justice and opportunity”.
Hillary Clinton acknowledged that too many Americans had been “left behind” by economic forces and addressed them directly: “Some of you are frustrated – even furious. And you know what? You’re right.”
Another highlight at the convention on July 28 was when the father of a fallen Muslim soldier challenged Donald Trump over his Muslim ban, prompting an ovation.
General John Allen, former commander of US forces in Afghanistan, appeared on stage with other military veterans and gave Hillary Clinton a ringing endorsement as commander-in-chief.
Hillary Clinton’s high-stakes remarks on the closing night of the four-day convention followed a rousing speech by President Barack Obama.
Barack Obama said on July 27 there had never been a man or woman more qualified than Hillary Clinton to serve as president.
Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump are set for an election battle widely considered to be a tight race when voters head to the polls in November.