PHILADELPHIA -- Arkansas Democratic delegates began their evening Tuesday applauding a Bauxite grade-school teacher and ended the night cheering for a former University of Arkansas law professor, William Jefferson Clinton.

The former president gave the night's biggest address, telling America why he believes his wife, Hillary Clinton, should be the next president of the United States.

But Dustin Parsons, a fifth-grade teacher at Pine Haven Elementary, also testified on Clinton's behalf, praising her for her work to improve education in Arkansas.

The theme for the second night of the Democratic National Convention was A Lifetime of Fighting for Children and Families.

Throughout the night, convention attendees saw video of Hillary Clinton, including snippets from her time as first lady of Arkansas. Later, when the would-be first gentleman took the stage, he shared stories about their life together in Arkansas, first recounting their time in Fayetteville, where they worked and married and bought their first home.

He said Hillary Rodham took "a huge chance" by going to Arkansas.

"She moved to a strange place, more rural, more culturally conservative than any place she'd ever been, where she knew good and well people were wondering what in the world she was like and whether they could or should accept her," he said.

Once in Fayetteville, he said, she taught at the law school and worked to expand legal aid for the poor.

Later, he described their time in Little Rock, where they lived in the Governor's Mansion, practiced law and celebrated the birth of their daughter, Chelsea.

In Arkansas' capital and later in Washington, D.C., she showed herself to be "the best darn change-maker I have ever known," he said.

During the former commander in chief's 40-minute speech, every seat in the Arkansas section was occupied, every eye focused on the speaker's platform. And over and over again, when he mentioned the Natural State, they shouted in reply.

Parson's speech was shorter: roughly one minute long. He told the audience that Clinton had worked hard to improve education. "When she started, Arkansas' schools, we were ranked second-worst in the nation. By the time she was done, they were among the most improved," he said.

After hearing the speeches, listening to Alicia Keys and hearing from actress Meryl Streep, Arkansas delegates complimented both Arkansas speakers.

But their highest praise went to the former president.

"I think he sold America on Hillary," said Jordan Johnson of Little Rock. "I know she's got to be proud and I know Arkansas [has] got to be proud and I know that the country's got to be proud."

Beth Coulson of Little Rock portrayed it as a landmark in oratory. "I thought it was the best speech a husband could have ever given for a wife and it really set the tone for what America needs for the next generation."

Sen. Joyce Elliott of Little Rock called it "a speech that the world needs to hear again," adding, "I thought it was just terrific."

Metro on 07/27/2016