Obama sings Clinton's praises at emphatic North Carolina rally

President Obama and Hillary Clinton campaigning together.

(Image credit: Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)

published 5 July 2016

Speaking at a joint campaign rally in Charlotte, North Carolina, President Obama on Tuesday delivered a resounding speech that basically boiled down to one thing: #ImWithHer.

In his first appearance with Hillary Clinton on the campaign trail, Obama spoke about Clinton's qualifications and how the election in November is really not a choice at all. "This is not a choice — the other side has nothing to offer you," he told the crowd, which was dotted with blue signs bearing the slogan "Stronger Together." Obama lavished praise upon Clinton's credentials and extensive experience, and even credited her time as his secretary of state as a reason global perception of America has improved since he took office in 2009:

Obama was clearly fired up during his speech, emphatically making the case for Clinton. "The fact is that Hillary is steady, and Hillary is true, and she's been in politics for the same reason I have: because we can improve people’s lives by doing this work,” Obama said. Without mentioning presumptive GOP nominee Donald Trump by name, Obama took shots at Clinton's general election rival, saying the "other team" would be terrible economically for the average American and mocking the idea that Twitter usage equates to leadership ability.

Subscribe to The Week

Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.

SUBSCRIBE & SAVE

https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/flexiimages/jacafc5zvs1692883516.jpg

Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters

From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.

Earlier Tuesday, FBI Director James Comey announced the bureau would not recommend charges be pressed against Clinton for her use of a private email server while secretary of state. While neither Clinton nor Obama acknowledged the issue Tuesday in Charlotte, Obama told the crowd he trusted Clinton's judgment and appeared to downplay attacks on Clinton's character. "Sometimes we take somebody who's been in the trenches and fought the good fight and been steady for granted. Sometimes we act as if never having done something and not knowing what you're doing is a virtue," Obama said. "Hillary has her critics ... That's what happens when you dedicate yourself to public service over the course of a lifetime."