Gov. Andrew Cuomo: 'The very soul of America' is at stake in this election

PHILADELPHIA, Pennsylvania (WABC) -- New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo spoke of his late father's legacy as he laid out successes of the Democratic Party at the Democratic National Convention Thursday.

Cuomo's father, Mario Cuomo, gave the keynote speech at the 1984 DNC that his son said instructed him on how to lead his professional life as an elected official.

"He spoke about the 1984 election and the 1984 election was important because it was about two opposing philosophies more than two people," Cuomo said. "Even more profoundly, at stake this November is not which person or party wins or loses - at stake in this election my friends is the very soul of America."

Cuomo was critical of Republicans, slamming them on fear and immigration.

"Now Republicans are suffering from short-term memory loss," he said. "Unless Republicans are all Native Americans, then they are immigrants too."

** Click on the video player above to watch Cuomo's full speech **

The governor touted his successes in New York, including raising minimum wage to $15, enacting paid family leave and banning fracking.

Cuomo also talked about the terror attacks of 9/11, referring to the Democrats vision of community.

"Fifteen years ago, on September 11th, we saw death and we saw destruction, and we saw unimaginable horror and cruelty; but we also saw something else my friends - we saw this nation come together like it never come together before," he said.

Cuomo also talked about his time working with Hillary Clinton, saying he know she's qualified for the job of president of the United States.

"She won't just shatter the glass ceiling for my daughters and your daughters and provide a new role model for an entire new generation of women; she also has the vision, and qualifications to be a transformative force for this nation," he said.

He ended his speech with a message to his father.

"Pop, wherever you are - and I think I know where - at this time of fear, please help this country remember what truly makes it great: that we are one nation, under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all."