In his remarks, Obama recalled bursting onto the national scene at the 2004 Democratic covention, when his keynote speech was hailed for its hopeful tone.

“I won’t pretend the path I’m offering is quick or easy. I never have. You didn’t elect me to tell you what you wanted to hear,” the president said. “You elected me to tell you the truth. And the truth is, it will take more than a few years for us to solve challenges that have built up over decades.” he said. Read more.