Ready to “Pass the Baton” to Clinton, Says Barack Obama

Welcomed by a screaming crowd, Obama led chants of “Hillary!” at the campaign rally in Charlotte, North Carolina.

President Obama, and likely Presidential Nominee Hillary Clinton on the campaign trail in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo Courtesy: Twitter/Hillary Clinton)

After months on the sidelines, President Barack Obama joined the Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton on the campaign trail at a rally in North Carolina on Tuesday, telling supporters he was ready to “pass the baton” to his former secretary of state.

He vigorously vouched for Hillary Clinton’s trustworthiness and dedication on Tuesday.

I’ve run my last campaign, and I couldn’t be prouder of the things we’ve done together, but I’m ready to pass the baton. I know Hillary Clinton is going to take it, and I know she can run that race.

Barack Obama

Welcomed by a screaming crowd of supporters, the president led chants of “Hillary!” as they stood onstage under banners reading “Stronger Together.”

Declaring his faith in her, Obama declared that “there has never been any man or woman more qualified” for the President’s office than Hillary Clinton, ever.

The energetic Obama-Clinton appearance in North Carolina was a show of Democratic unity in a state Clinton is hoping to put back in the party’s column. Obama was also returning the favor after Clinton backed him in 2008’s general elections.

We’re going to build on the vision for America that President Obama has always championed, a vision for a future where we do great things together.

Hillary Clinton, Democratic Party

Clinton’s Republican rival Donald Trump had some comments to make on the Democratic duo’s outing. As the rally began, Trump released a lengthy statement casting the joint appearance as an example of a “rigged” political system.

The Clinton campaign hopes Obama can reassure voters about her experience, talent and character, and help alleviate fears about her honesty and trustworthiness, some of which stem from the email investigation.

A couple of weeks ago, President Obama appeared on the popular The Tonight Show Starring jimmy Fallon, where he aired his views about the Presidential race.

(With inputs from AP, Reuters)