Barack Obama issues call to Americans in DNC 2016 speech: 'Don't boo Trump, vote'

The president delivered his off-the-cuff remark when the crowd booed Donald Trump

Barack Obama has urged Americans who boo Donald Trump to vote in this year's presidential election in his final set piece speech at the Democratic National Convention.

Speaking to a giant sports arena hosting Philadelphia, the president delivered his off-the-cuff remark after the crowd booed when he mentioned Mr Trump's name.

"Don't boo, vote", Mr Obama told the crowd.

"You know, the Donald is not really a plans guy," the president continued. "He’s not really a facts guy, either.

"He calls himself a business guy, which is true, but I have to say, I know plenty of businessmen and women who’ve achieved remarkable success without leaving a trail of lawsuits, and unpaid workers, and people feeling like they got cheated."

"Does anyone really believe that a guy who’s spent his 70 years on this Earth showing no regard for working people is suddenly going to be your champion? Your voice? If so, you should vote for him.

"But if you’re someone who’s truly concerned about paying your bills, if you’re really concerned about pocketbook issues and seeing the economy grow, and creating more opportunity for everybody, then the choice isn’t even close.

"If you want someone with a lifelong track record of fighting for higher wages, and better benefits, and a fairer tax code, and a bigger voice for workers, and stronger regulations on Wall Street, then you should vote for Hillary Clinton."

His message targeted Mr Trump's remarks about foreign policy: “He cosies up to Putin, praises Saddam Hussein, and tells the Nato allies that stood by our side after 9/11 that they have to pay up if they want our protection.

"Well, America’s promises do not come with a price tag. We meet our commitments, we bear or burden.”

He also argued against Mr Trump's contention that America is a country in decline: “What we heard in Cleveland last week wasn’t particularly Republican - and it sure wasn’t conservative.

"What we heard was a deeply pessimistic vision of a country where we turn against each other, and turn away from the rest of the world. There were no serious solutions to pressing problems - just the fanning of resentment, and blame, and anger, and hate."

“That is not the America I know,” he said “The America I know is full of courage, and optimism, and ingenuity.

"The America I know is decent and generous.”