President Obama Passes The Torch: 'Never A Man Or Woman – Not Me, Not Bill, Nobody – More Qualified Than Hillary Clinton'

President Obama passed the Democrats' torch to his former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton on Wednesday night – but not before nostalgically savoring how it all began for him eight years ago.

Headlining the third night of the Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia, Obama strode onto the podium to "City of Blinding Lights," the same song that played when he took the stage at his first nominating convention in 2008. Now, like then, the crowd greeted him with his signature slogan from that first campaign: "Yes we can!"

Obama opened with reflections on his two terms in the White House, saying the highlights, for him, were reestablishing relations with Cuba, the economic recovery after recession, and the establishment of marriage equality as a constitutional right.

"While this nation has been tested by war, and by recession," he said. "I am more optimistic about the future of America than ever before."



But, he added with a wry grin, the eight years took a toll.

Just not on his wife. "[Michelle] somehow, hasn't aged a day," he said. "I know, the same can't be said for me."

Obama also discussed what he sees as the differences between Clinton's campaign and her opponent Donald Trump's.

"We Democrats have always have differences with the Republican party," "There's nothing wrong with that. It pushes our country forward. But we heard last week wasn't particularly Republican. And it wasn't conservative. What we heard is a pessimistic vision."

Obama and Clinton forged a close relationship after their bitter fight against each other in the 2008 Democratic presidential primary race. And on Wednesday, Obama acknowledged she made for quite a formidable opponent then.

"She was doing everything I was doing, but just like Ginger Rogers, it was backwards and in heels," he said.

He appointed her as his first Secretary of State when he took office in 2009. Tonight, Obama said that the former Cabinet secretary, U.S. senator, First Lady, children's advocate and attorney has a tremendous work ethic – one that uniquely equips her to be president.

"You know, nothing truly prepares you for the demands of the Oval Office," he said.  "Until you’ve sat at that desk, you don’t know what it’s like to manage a global crisis or send young people to war."

"But Hillary’s been in the room; she’s been part of those decisions.  She knows what’s at stake in the decisions our government makes for the working family, the senior citizen, the small business owner, the soldier, and the veteran."

Obama declared Clinton to be the best-prepared candidate for the job in American history.

"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," Obama said with a flourish.

As Bill Clinton, daughter Chelsea and the thousands of delegates and VIPs took to their feet applauding, Obama chuckled.

"I hope you don't mind, Bill, but I'm just telling the truth, man."

Obama credited Clinton with detailed plans for implementing her policy agenda. "And then there’s Donald Trump," the president continued, to a chorus of "boos."

"Don’t boo," he said. "Vote!"

"The Donald is not really a ‘plans’ guy. He’s not really a 'facts' guy, either. He calls himself a 'business' guy, which is true. But I have to say I know plenty of businessmen and women who achieved remarkable success without leaving a trail of lawsuits and unpaid workers and people feeling like they got cheated."

"Does anyone really believe that a guy who spent his 70 years on this earth showing no regard for working people is suddenly going to be your champion, your voice? If so, you should vote for him."

Obama – just like First Lady Michelle Obama did earlier this week – took issue with Trump's campaign slogan.

"America is already great," he said. "America is already strong. And I promise you our greatness does not depend on Donald Trump."

He also gave a shoutout to Bernie Sanders's supporters, saying they showed an enthusiasm for this election that should be shown in every race.

The president's speech was punctuated by a surprise appearance from Hillary Clinton – her first on the DNC stage this week. She grinned broadly and threw her arms around Obama in a long hug.

Following his speech, the president's wife took to Twitter to express her pride in Obama.

"That's my man! Your truth, dignity and grace reminds us what real leadership looks like. I am always proud of our POTUS," she tweeted.

President Obama has been #WithHer officially since endorsed her presidency bid in early June.

He joined Clinton on the campaign trail June 5, telling a rally in North Carolina he was "fired up" for Clinton.

Speaking at that rally, Clinton commented on their relationship, saying, "As we went from political rivals to partners to friends, my esteem for him just kept growing." 

On Monday, First Lady Michelle Obama gave an emotional speech about her life as the First Lady and why Clinton is the best candidate for the job. She also touched on the lives of the First Couple's two daughters, Malia and Sasha, who were just 10 and 7 respectively when President Obama first took office.

The speech has been highly praised, with the president himself tweeting in support of his wife later in the night.

"Incredible speech by an incredible woman. Couldn't be more proud & our country has been blessed to have her as FLOTUS. I love you, Michelle," the President said on his personal Twitter.