Hillary Clinton has made history by becoming the first woman nominee of a major American party.
“It is with humility, determination and boundless confidence in America’s promise that I accept your nomination for President of the United States,” the 68-year-old said at the final night of the Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia.
The former first lady confessed there are huge challenges ahead.
“Powerful forces are threatening to pull us apart,” she said.
Mrs Clinton accused her Republican opponent in November’s election, Donald Trump, as sowing discord.
“He wants to divide us – from the rest of the world, and from each other.”
“Do you really think Donald Trump have the temperament to be Commander-in-Chief?” he asked.
“Donald Trump can’t even handle the rough-and-tumble of a presidential campaign.
“He loses his cool at the slightest provocation. When he’s gotten a tough question from a reporter. When he’s challenged in a debate. When he sees a protestor at a rally.
“Imagine, if you dare, imagine — imagine him in the Oval Office facing a real crisis. A man you can bait with a tweet is not a man we can trust with nuclear weapons.
“I can’t put it any better than Jackie Kennedy did after the Cuban Missile Crisis. She said that what worried President Kennedy during that very dangerous time was that a war might be started – not by big men with self-control and restraint, but by little men – the ones moved by fear and pride.”
Expectedly, Mr Trump tweeted that the speech failed to address the threat posed by radical Islam, making the former secretary of state unfit to lead the country.”
Hillary’s refusal to mention Radical Islam, as she pushes a 550% increase in refugees, is more proof that she is unfit to lead the country.
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) July 29, 2016
US President Barack Obama commended his rival for the 2008 Democratic nomination for her speech, saying she never quits.
Great speech. She’s tested. She’s ready. She never quits. That’s why Hillary should be our next @POTUS. (She’ll get the Twitter handle, too)
— President Obama (@POTUS) July 29, 2016
Before taking the stage, Mrs Clinton’s daughter Chelsea shared personal memories of her mother.
“My wonderful, thoughtful, hilarious mother,” the 36-year-old said, adding: “She was always there for me.”
After embracing her daughter, the former secretary of state 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’s truly is up to us. We have to decide whether we’re going to work together so we can all rise together.”
She 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, she said.
However, she was confident these challenges could be overcome with the American values of “freedom and equality, justice and opportunity”.
She 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 Thursday was when the father of a fallen Muslim soldier challenged Donald Trump over his Muslim ban, prompting an ovation.
And General John Allen, former commander of US forces in Afghanistan, appeared on stage with other military veterans and gave Mrs Clinton a ringing endorsement as commander-in-chief.
Mrs Clinton’s high-stakes remarks on the closing night of the four-day convention followed a rousing speech by President Obama.
He said on Wednesday there had never been a man or woman more qualified than Mrs Clinton to serve as president.
Mrs Clinton and Mr Trump are set for an election battle widely considered to be a tight race when voters head to the polls in November.
