The Obama family takes to the stage as the gathering draws to a close on Thursday, September 6, the final day of the Democratic National Convention in Charlotte, North Carolina. See the best photos from the Republican National Convention.
Charlotte, North Carolina (CNN) -- Vice President Joe Biden accepted his party's renomination on Thursday night and urged voters in an impassioned appeal to give President Barack Obama four more years in the White House.
"The cause of change is not fully accomplished, but we are on our way. So I say to you tonight, with absolute confidence, America's best days are ahead of us, and, yes, we are on our way," he told the Democratic National Convention.
In making the case for his boss, Biden sought to give thousands of delegates packed into the Charlotte convention venue and a prime-time television audience a taste of what Obama is like behind the scenes as a decision maker.
"I want to take you inside the White House to see the president, as I see him every day. Because I don't see him in sound bites. I walk thirty paces down the hall into the Oval Office, and I see him in action," Biden said.
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He said the economy had created some 4.5 million jobs since early 2010, although Biden didn't add that only 300,000 net jobs have come on line since Obama took office nearly four years ago, given that unemployed spiked sharply in the president's first year in office.
Republicans argue that Obama has mismanaged the economy, slowing the recovery from recession and worsening unemployment.
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Working so closely with Obama, Biden added they have "learned a lot about each other."
"I learned of the enormity of his heart," Biden said. "And he learned of the depth of my loyalty to him."
Biden, a former senator who also sought the presidency in 2008, cited what has been arguably the Obama administration's chief economic success to date - the bailout of the U.S. auto industry. He praised the decision to dramatically extend taxpayer help for General Motors and Chrysler, saying the move saved the two Detroit icons from collapse and preserved one million jobs industrywide.
The bailout is a key issue in the battleground states of Ohio and Michigan, both heavy with auto manufacturing, but also with voters nationally. Many Republicans and other everyday Americans opposed the decision as an unnecessary government intrusion in private industry.
Biden also noted Obama's decision in May 2011 to sign off on the raid by elite U.S. forces that killed al Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden in Pakistan, and he delivered a heartfelt tribute to American troops.
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Biden is comfortable in the spotlight after decades in Washington, and he hit his high notes with the convention crowd revved up for the rousing Obama speech that followed.
"You can say lot of things about Joe Biden, but you shouldn't underestimate him. He's a guy who has a lot of experience. He's a guy who knows how to step up and give a speech," Rolling Stone executive editor Eric Bates said Thursday on CNN. "And he knows how to debate."
As vice president, Biden's biggest job on the campaign trail in a tight race is to take on the dirty work for the president.
Though he frequently says Republican nominee Mitt Romney and his running mate, Rep Paul Ryan, are "decent" men, Biden quickly pivots to make loaded digs at the GOP ticket.
He embraced his "attack dog" role on cue on Thursday night, taking a swipe at reports that the private equity firm -- Boston's Bain Capital -- once headed by Romney was an advocate for outsourcing.
"Governor Romney believes in this global economy," Biden said, sardonically. "It doesn't much matter where American companies invest and put their money or where they create jobs."
Romney has said that Bain turned around struggling companies and saved and created jobs.
Biden also reiterated his opposition to the Medicare health plan for the elderly proposed by Ryan, the chairman of the House Budget Committee. Under the Ryan plan, Medicare would be replaced with a system that gives seniors subsidies to purchase their own health insurance.
"They're not for preserving Medicare. They're for a whole new plan. They're for 'Vouchercare.' That's not courage," Biden said. "That's not even truthful."
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And as one who calls himself "middle class Joe," Biden is often deployed to speak to labor union groups or blue-collar workers in the Rust Belt. In July, he charged Romney with wanting to attack public workers, based on the Republican candidate's call for major spending cuts in government.
Biden stayed largely on script in his big speech, a form of discipline that underscores the importance of the event. However, the vice president made headlines several times this year over slip-ups in speeches and interviews.
Biden sparked controversy when he told a Virginia crowd at a campaign event last month that Romney's Wall Street regulatory policies would "put y'all back in chains." Some conservatives quickly reacted to the remark, charging Biden with using a racially charged undertone in the statement.
The Obama campaign said the remark was taken out of context and pointed to Republicans who have used the word "unshackle" -- a term that also brings to mind the image of chains -- when referring to the economy.
CNN Political Editor Paul Steinhauser contributed to this report.
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U.S. President Barack Obama kisses first lady Michelle Obama after giving his acceptance speech on Thursday.
Barack Obama embraces his wife, Michelle, after giving his acceptance speech on Thursday.
Barack Obama waves on stage on Thursday as he makes his acceptance speech.
U.S. President Barack Obama accepts the Democratic Party's nomination on Thursday.
Barack Obama speaks on stage to accept the nomination for president on Thursday.
First lady Michelle Obama, with daughters Malia, left, and Sasha, smiles as Barack Obama delivers his acceptance speech on Thursday.
Barack Obama delivers his acceptance speech on Thursday.
First lady Michelle Obama introduces her husband on Thursday. She gave a full speech on Tuesday night.
First lady Michelle Obama sits with Jill Biden as Vice President Joe Biden speaks on Thursday.
Attendees watch a video tribute for Barack Obama on Thursday.
Barack Obama waves from the stage on Thursday.
Crowds react to a speech at the Time Warner Cable Arena in Charlotte, North Carolina, on Thursday.
Vice President Joe Biden gives his acceptance speech to run for a second term on Thursday.
Actress Eva Longoria speaks at the DNC on Thursday.
Biden walks onstage during the final day of the convention on Thursday.
First lady Michelle Obama sits with Dr. Jill Biden on Thursday as Joe Biden accepts the vice presidential nomination.
Caroline Kennedy addresses delegates on Thursday.
U.S. Sen. John Kerry of Massachusetts waves onstage Thursday.
Obama campaign co-chair Eva Longoria waves to the audience on Thursday.
Attendees hold signs that say "Thank You" for miltary veterans on Thursday.
First lady Michelle Obama attends the final day of the Democratic National Convention on Thursday.
Former U.S. Rep. Gabrielle Giffords stands on stage during the final day of the Democratic National Convention.
U.S. Rep. John Lewis of Georgia speaks to delegates on Thursday.
Loretta Harper of Nevada cheers on Thursday.
Singer Mary J. Blige walks on stage on Thursday.
DNC Chair and Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, left, talks with Democratic National Committee Chair and Florida Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz on Thursday.
Vice President Joe Biden waves as he stands with his wife Jill Biden and family after being nominated on Thursday.
An Uncle Sam impersonator makes his way across the floor at the Time Warner Cable Arena on Thursday.
Actor Jon Hamm, right, attends the final day of the Democratic National Convention on Thursday.
Gus Mansour holds up a poster of President Barack Obama on Thursday.
Actress Scarlett Johansson addresses delegates on Thursday.
Actress Kerry Washington speaks to delegates on Thursday.
Musican Dave Grohl of the Foo Fighters performs during the final day of the Democratic National Convention on Thursday.
Delaware Attorney General Beau Biden gestures during his speech to nominate his father Joe Biden for the office of vice president on Thursday.
Delegate Brian Fadie of Nevada watches the program on Thursday.
Former Michigan Gov. Jennifer Granholm gestures during her speech on Thursday.
Caroline Kennedy speaks to the delegates on Thursday.
Former U.S. Rep. Gabrielle Giffords, right, recites the Pledge of Allegiance on stage with Democratic National Committee Chair Debbie Wasserman Schultz on Thursday.
Delegates sit around a large cutout of President Obama's head during the final day of the convention on Thursday.
A woman salutes during the DNC on Thursday.
U.S. Rep. Barney Frank of Massachusetts takes the stage on Thursday.
Musician James Taylor performs at the convention on Thursday.
Supporters pray during an invocation on Thursday.
Singer Marc Anthony walks onto the stage to sing the national anthem on Thursday.
Attendees sing and dance as musician James Taylor performs on Thursday.
Two women run for cover from the pouring rain during the final day of the convention on Thursday.
People in the stands wait for the start of the third day of the Democratic National Convention on Thursday.
President Bill Clinton speaks on Wednesday, September 5.
Former President Bill Clinton embraces President Barack Obama at the end of his speech Wednesday.
The crowd cheers as Bill Clinton makes his case Wednesday for the re-election of Barack Obama.
A person holds a sign that says "Bin Laden Is Dead, GM Is Alive" on Thursday.
Bill Clinton formally nominates President Barack Obama for a second term in his highly anticipated speech.
First lady Michelle Obama receives a standing ovation Wednesday. Bill Clinton praised the president for having "the good sense to marry Michelle Obama."
U.S. Vice President Joe Biden speaks on Thursday.
Delegates wave union signs supporting Barack Obama on Wednesday.
U.S. Senate candidate Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts waves to the crowd Wednesday. A consumer advocate, she complained that people today "feel like the system is rigged against them."
U.S. Rep. Chris Van Hollen of Maryland speaks on day two of the DNC.
Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel claps while listening to Wednesday's speeches. He spoke Tuesday night.
Cuban-American actress and talk show host Cristina Saralegui endorses President Barack Obama on Wednesday.
Planned Parenthood President Cecile Richards walks off stage after her speech Wednesday.
Delegates cheer during Wednesday's program.
Audience members wave signs Wednesday in support of the American auto industry.
House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi speaks Wednesday.
U.S. Rep. Karen Bass of California speaks before delegates on Wednesday night.
U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan speaks on Wednesday.
A guard stands by as former North Carolina Gov. Jim Hunt speaks on Wednesday.
A choir performs on stage during the DNC on Wednesday.
Two men in vests hold a pile of American flags on Wednesday.
People pose during the official convention photography during Day 2 of the Democratic National Convention at Time Warner Cable Arena on Wednesday.
A tri-colored hat sporting the Democratic party's mascot sits on a chair on Wednesday.
Sikh supporters hold up a sign on Wednesday.
A woman reacts as Missouri Rep. Emanuel Cleaver II, chair of the Congressional Black Caucus, speaks on Wednesday.
Rep. Emanuel Cleaver II, chair of the Congressional Black Caucus, speaks to delegates on Wednesday.
Olympic gymnast Gabby Douglas leads the Pledge of Allegiance as the West Charlotte High School ROTC presents the colors on Wednesday.
Delegate Gloria Goodwin wears earrings depicting President Barack Obama and first lady Michelle Obama on Wednesday.
Ruby Gilliam of Ohio salutes the flag on Wednesday.
Olympic gymnast Gabby Douglas waves after leading the Pledge of Allegiance on Wednesday.
Priscilla Marquez and Evie Walls from Arizona pose in the Google photo booth on Wednesday.
A police officer stands near golf carts outside the Time Warner Cable Arena on Wednesday.
First lady Michelle Obama wraps up day one of the Democratic National Convention in Charlotte, North Carolina, on Tuesday, September 4.
A sea of signs welcomes the first lady onto the stage Tuesday at the Time Warner Cable Arena.
Delegates listen to Michelle Obama's speech Tuesday. The first lady offered a personal perspective on why her husband should be re-elected.
Texas Rep. Joaquin Castro and his brother, San Antonio Mayor Julian Castro, wave to the audience Tuesday.
Julian Castro gives the keynote address Tuesday night. "Mitt Romney, quite simply, doesn't get it," he declared.
Massachusetts Gov. Deval Patrick speaks during day one of the Democratic National Convention at Time Warner Cable Arena on Tuesday.
Lilly Ledbetter, whose fight for equal pay resulted in the Fair Pay Act, takes the stage on Tuesday.
First lady Michelle Obama's brother, Craig Robinson, and President Barack Obama's half-sister, Dr. Maya Kassandra Soetoro-Ng, speak on Tuesday.
People hold signs Tuesday that read "Forward" and "Not Back."
Actor-producer Kal Penn speaks on Tuesday.
People listen to Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel on Tuesday.
Rahm Emanuel, who served as President Barack Obama's first chief of staff, addresses the crowd Tuesday.
Secretary of Health and Human Services Kathleen Sebelius walks onstage Tuesday.
Former Ohio Gov. Ted Strickland takes the podium on Tuesday.
Robert Rios from the Virgin Islands waves a state flag on Tuesday.
Stacey Lihn of Arizona speaks on Tuesday as her husband, Caleb, holds her crying daughter, Emmy, and other daughter, Zoe Madison.
A detail of the prosthetic legs of Tammy Duckworth, an Iraq war veteran who is running for the U.S. House from Illinois, is shown at the podium on Tuesday.
President of NARAL Pro-Choice America Nancy Keenan speaks on Tuesday.
Audience members wave American flags Tuesday.
Maria Ciano, who grew up a conservative Republican, addresses the DNC crowd Tuesday
Former Rep. Patrick Kennedy holds his child as he speaks to the media Tuesday. He is a son of the late Sen. Ted Kennedy.
U.S. House candidate Joe Kennedy III of Massachusetts takes the stage Tuesday.
Joe Kennedy III speaks Tuesday during the Democratic National Convention.
A video tribute to the late Sen. Ted Kennedy is displayed Tuesday in Charlotte.
House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi speaks onstage with other female members of Congress on Tuesday.
Pelosi and other female members of Congress applaud on Tuesday.
Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar sports a cowboy hat while taking the stage Tuesday.
Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid of Nevada speaks to an applauding crowd on Tuesday.
DNC delegates cheer during Tuesday's program.
Former President Jimmy Carter addresses the convention in a videotaped message.
Former Virginia Gov. Tim Kaine speaks to the convention.
A man from the Texas delegation stands under a campaign sign.
A baby sleeps during Tuesday's speeches.
North Carolina Gov. Bev Perdue welcomes the convention to her state.
The Rev. Jesse Jackson attends the convention.
Newark Mayor Cory Booker points to the crowd during his speech on Tuesday.
A woman cheers during Tuesday's program.
Security personnel looks out at the crowd as U.S. Rep. Steny Hoyer speaks on Tuesday.
Hoyer gives a thumbs up.
U.S. Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz, the Democratic National Committee chairperson, opens Tuesday's program.
The third-grade class from W.R. O'Dell Elementary School in Concord, North Carolina, recites the Pledge of Allegiance.
Dr. Lorrie Rickman Jones of Chicago cries as she watches Tuesday's speakers.
Law enforcement officers prepare to face off with protesters during a march outside the Charlotte Convention Center on Tuesday.
People in the Wisconsin delegation area sit in front of a digital image of the Lincoln Memorial hours before the start of the convention on Tuesday.
Newark Mayor Cory Booker, left, laughs with stage manager David Cove during a walk-through on Tuesday.
A worker checks the stage hours before the start of the convention on Tuesday.
First lady Michelle Obama is interviewed before the start of the convention on Monday, September 3.
Michelle Obama and actor and former Obama administration aide Kal Penn bump fists after a rehearsal for her speech on Monday.
A man prays during a public prayer service at the Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre on Sunday, September 2, ahead of the convention.
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