Clinton offers optimism in historic speech

PHILADELPHIA — Hillary Clinton cast an optimistic outlook on the nation’s present and future as she accepted the Democratic nomination for president Thursday and formally became the first woman to lead her party into the fall. 

{mosads}The speech outlined a vision that contrasts with the one offered by Donald Trump last week on issues such as the economy and national security. 

“America is once again at a moment of reckoning,” she said at the Democratic National Convention, according to excerpts released before the speech. “Powerful forces are threatening to pull out apart. Bonds of trust and respect are fraying. And just as with our founders there are no guarantees.

“We are clear-eyed about what our country is up against. But we are not afraid. We will rise to the challenge, just as we always have.”

Clinton specifically seized on comments Trump made last week, such as asserting that he alone could fix the nation’s woes. 

“None of us can do it alone,” she said. “That’s why we are stronger together.”

Clinton discussed plans to “empower all Americans to live better lives.”

The speech aimed to stitch together themes from the first three nights of the convention, such as the economy, gun control and national security. 

All week, the convention’s speakers sought to portray Clinton as a tested, steady and qualified candidate who would be a fighter for the working class and the polar opposite of Trump, whom Democrats view as a divisive, polarizing and dangerous figure who would reverse President Obama’s policies.

“My primary mission as president will be to create more opportunity and more good jobs with rising wages right here in the United States. From my first day in office to my last,” she said. 

”Especially in places that for too long have been left out and left behind. From our inner cities to our small towns, Indian Country to Coal Country. From the industrial Midwest to the Mississippi Delta to the Rio Grande Valley.”

Part of the speech focused on the recent terror attacks, including in Orlando, Fla., and the string of attacks in France. Clinton sought to display that she would be a steady hand in dealing with the rise of threats by groups like Islamic State. 

“The choice we face is just as stark when it comes to our national security. Anyone reading the news can see the threats and turbulence we face. From Baghdad and Kabul, to Nice and Paris and Brussels, to San Bernardino and Orlando, we’re dealing with determined enemies that must be defeated,” Clinton said. 

“No wonder people are anxious and looking for reassurance, looking for steady leadership.”

Updated at 10:50 p.m.