Dayton Speaks On Last, Historic Night Of Dem Convention
MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) -- Hillary Clinton will make history Thursday night when she becomes the first woman in American history to lead a major political party.
President Barack Obama backed Clinton in a rousing speech Wednesday night.
"This year, in this election, I'm asking you to join me to reject cynicism, reject fear, to summon what's best in us; to elect Hillary Clinton as the next president of the United States, and show the world we still believe in the promise of this great nation," the president said.
Obama said he's more optimistic about the future of the country than ever before.
In contrast, he called last week's Republican convention in Cleveland a dark vision of America.
Using unusually harsh language, Obama called Republican nominee Donald Trump a "homegrown demagogue" and lumped him in with fascists, communists and jihadists.
"America is already great. America is already strong," Obama said. "And I promise you, our strength, our greatness, does not depend on Donald Trump!"
The moment of the night was when Clinton made a surprise walk on to the convention stage after Obama's address.
Clinton stood next to Obama, giving Democrats a compelling image of unity. On the other hand, the image of the two together will almost certainly be used in Trump campaign commercials.
Trump on Thursday was facing criticism about his comments about Russian hackers.
Trump told reporters he was just being sarcastic Wednesday when he repeatedly said Russian hackers should break into Clinton's computer servers and find 33,000 emails she deleted.
However, it doesn't look like Trump's running mate, Mike Pence, got the joke. Pence issued a statement that there would be "serious consequences" to Russia if it meddles in the U.S. presidential election.
Thursday marks the end of the Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia. Among the speakers will be Gov. Mark Dayton, and, of course, Clinton.
Earlier in the day, Minnesota State Rep. Peggy Flanagan, of St. Louis Park, gave a speech at the convention. She's considered a rising star in the party.
Earlier in the week, Sens. Amy Klobuchar and Al Franken took the stage. Rep. Keith Ellison also introduced Bernie Sanders on Monday night. Ellison was one of Sanders' earliest supporters.
