Barack Obama hails 'unifying' Hillary Clinton as 'most qualified' presidential candidate ever
Barack Obama has hailed Hillary Clinton as the most qualified candidate to break down barriers and unify the country as the next president of the United States.
In a searingly emotive address on the third night of the Democratic National Convention (DNC), the US President boldly stated that Mrs Clinton was even more qualified to lead the country than both himself and her husband, former president Bill Clinton.
"There has never been a man or a woman - not me, not Bill, nobody - more qualified than Hillary Clinton to serve as president of the United States of America," he said.
Mr Obama portrayed the Democratic presidential nominee as a unifying candidate who would meet the needs of all of America's vastly diverse communities.
"We are stronger together. Black, white, Latino, Asian, Native American, young, old, gay, straight, men, women, folks with disabilities, all pledging allegiance under the same proud flag to this big bold country that we love.
"That's what I see, that's the America I know," he said.
He continued: "And there is only one candidate in this race who believes in that future, who has devoted her life to that future - a mother and a grandmother who would do anything to help our children thrive.
"A leader with real plans to break down barriers and blast through glass ceilings and widen the circle of opportunity to every single American, the next president of the United States, Hillary Clinton."
Mr Obama's declaration was met with a standing ovation and resounding chants of "Hillary, Hillary". A visibly moved Bill Clinton applauded and cheered from the audience.
ITV News Washington Correspondent Robert Moore tweeted from the convention:
Mr Obama's address before the DNC is widely acknowledged to be his last major speech before leaving office, and he is acutely aware that his legacy will be defined by the next leader who succeeds him.
A Donald Trump presidency could pose a threat to some of Mr Obama's key policy achievements such as healthcare and environmental regulations.
Capping a night of direct attacks on Mr Trump from earlier speakers including Vice-President Joe Biden, and Michael Bloomberg, Mr Obama said the Republican presidential hopeful had "no regard for working people".
He also took aim at Mr Trump's campaign slogan and promise to "Make America Great Again."
"America is already great," Mr Obama said. "America is already strong. And I promise you, our strength, our greatness, does not depend onDonald Trump."
The president issued a plea for unity on the issue of tighter gun control, and called on Americans who agree on safeguards such as background checks to be just as vocal and determined as "the gun lobby that blocks change through every funeral we hold".
In a sign of his commitment to a Hillary Clinton presidency, Mr Obama invoked the familiar refrain of his campaign slogan which helped elect him the first African-American president of the United States in 2008:
The statement was met with loud chants from the crowd of "yes we can", with Mrs Clinton later walking onto the stage and warmly embracing the president at the end of his speech.