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On the Road in Pennsylvania: Primary Eve Hillary Clinton Rally

4:45 am April 22nd, 2008 by lauram · 3 Comments

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PHILADELPHIA-Hillary Clinton spoke at the University of Pennsylvania, Palestra campus on the eve of the primary that could decide her future in the race.

She had a good turnout.

Both candidates have been campaigning extensively in the state for the last seven weeks. Near the vicinity of the event, Barack Obama supporters passed out campaign literature.

Clinton looked on top of her game. It was a significantly more impressive rally than her appearance at Penn State on Sunday night.

At her last stop before the contested primary, people jumped up and down in the bleachers in support of Clinton. It was a lively scene.

Former President Bill Clinton, Chelsea Clinton, Governor Ed Rendell, Mayor Michael Nutter, and Ohio Representative Stephanie Jones all took the stage prior to Clinton. Jones really got the crowd amped up. “Look at how P.A.’s for Hillary,” shouted Jones. The crowd responded with chantings of “yes we can.”

Signs filled the hands of some, one read, “Latinos para Hillary.” Another was a handmade one. Someone copied the vintage looking Obama design and colors, and put Clinton’s picture on.

At roughly 10:20 p.m. former President Bill Clinton took the stage. Shortly thereafter, he spoke about unity to the crowd. And, he talked about Hillary and change.

He told the crowd, “all her life she’s been a change maker.” He then went on to mention change again. And after that, he said, “she is the best change maker I have ever known.”

His talk of “change” sounds similar to another candidate, whose message has been “change” on the campaign trail.

Clinton was introduced by her husband at roughly 10:45 p.m. to the song, “This Is Our Country.”

In front of a hanging American flag, which is consistent at her rallies, and in an orangish-red blazer, she addressed issues such as the economy, education, healthcare, and energy independence. “It is not only for America, it is for humanity,” said Clinton who addressed energy independence. This drew big cheers and more chanting from the crowd.

Clinton said she would end the war in Iraq, and begin to bring troops home within 60 days.

“…I can begin to withdraw our troops within 60 days, and I know, I know, how difficult and dangerous this is. I understand how dire the potential consequences can be. But I also know, that our young men and women in uniform have performed heroically, they have done everything they have been asked to do.”

“It is time for you to decide,” said Clinton at the end of her speech.

The primary-eve rally ended with the Rocky theme song blasting over the speakers.

Three University of Pennsylvania students, who attended the rally together, decided they would vote for Clinton on Tuesday.

“She got my vote tonight,” said Clint Randall, a city planning student. Randall, who attended a recent Barack Obama rally, was undecided prior to Clinton’s rally. Randall said Clinton had a clear outline, and the practice to know how to make things happen.

Donnie Maley, also a city planning student, said he has always been a Clinton supporter, but was unsure of a superdelegate victory, and wanted to hear her in person. Maley said her plans for crime and energy transportation were important to him.

Medical student Jake Lazarus said health care is an important issue to him because of the health care issues he sees while practicing medicine. “She is the only one with the knowledge and experience to make it happen,” said Lazarus.

Maria Perez and Maria Laboy are passionate Clinton supporters. “She was everything I expected and more,” said Laboy, a retired supervisor of instruction for public schools. “If she wins tomorrow, it’s going to be a sweep all the way,” said Laboy.

Perez and Laboy are from New Jersey, and will be canvassing on voting day for Clinton. Perez said she will be able to reach out to the Latino voters because she is bilingual. “Latinos are backing her 100 percent,” said Laboy.

Perez said Clinton is a smart woman. Perez said, “Hillary is the one to lead us to gain the respect we have lost in the world.” Perez, a social service worker in welfare, said, “if Obama gets the nomination, I’m voting Republican.” Perez said Obama is an elitist.

Tags: Hillary Clinton · Pennsylvania

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