But, he added, “I do not believe that is the story of America that prevails in the end … and I remain convinced that the overwhelming majority of Americans feel the same way.”
Former First Lady Michelle Obama spoke before her husband, praising his “stubborn optimism and unflinching courage” throughout his presidential terms.
“You were unflappable at every turn, always focused, always calm, always looking at the long view,” she said.
She ended her remarks by stressing the power of hope, which she said “is all we have.”
“Hope is the essential spark that lights the fire of change,” she said. “But hope is a choice, whether or not we use our voices to speak up is a choice.”
Other notable political figures in attendance on Thursday included former Vice President Kamala Harris, former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker, California Gov. Gavin Newsom, and Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson, as well as international faces such as former Italian Prime Minister Matteo Renzi, former Chancellor of Germany Angela Merkel, and former Prime Minister of Canada Justin Trudeau.
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