Despite falling snow and freezing temperatures, almost 4,000 supporters gathered in Magness Arena to hear former President Bill Clinton campaign last Wednesday night for wife Hilary’s bid for the Democratic nomination for president.
“Well, even with all the snow who said this wasn’t Clinton country,” said former mayor Wellington Webb after surveying the crowd.
Clinton’s appearance at DU came a mere 12 hours after Barack Obama drew some 14,000 supporters to an early morning rally on campus. Clinton’s address was marred at the outset by a persistent heckler shouting 9/11 conspiracy beliefs. Clinton told the heckler to “shut up” before launching into a speech extolling his wife’s qualifications for becoming president.
Clinton discussed Hilary’s plans for the future of America, which included making healthcare affordable for everyone, taking a stance on global warming and rebuilding America’s relationship with the international community.
As president, he said, Hilary would restore the country’s leadership for peace and prosperity by working with other countries to fight terrorism, epidemics and the use of nuclear weapons.
Addressing the large number of college students in the audience, Clinton also talked about Hilary’s vision to rebuild the future for the younger generation. He emphasized improving science and technology as well as making college affordable for all Americans.
“Vote for her if you think every American should go to college,” Clinton said.
Addressing his wife’s “conservative” side, Clinton called Hilary more onservative than President Bush when it comes to one issue, the national budget.
See “Clinton,” page 4
SeeSeeee”She actually still believes in
arithmetic,” said Clinton.
Comparing his wife’s candidacy to Obama’s, Clinton said, “The issue is not experience versus change it’s about who can make change in your life.”
He went on to document the work Hilary has done throughout her lifetime and the changes that have resulted in such areas as child healthcare reform and protection of the medical leave law.
Contradicting Obama’s campaign message that change could not be brought about by Washington insiders,” Clinton argued Hilary’s experience was precisely what made her a successful change maker. Clinton pointed out that as U.S. senator from New York, his wife has shown her ability to find common ground with Republicans. In order to bring about change, the new president will have to be able to unite legislators of both parties. because “we can’t make change without Republican votes in the Senate, Clinton said.
Having DU as the venue for intense presidential campaigining, left some students more unsure about whom to support.
“I am more confused now and have to do some more research,” said freshman Krissy Scommegna.
Others simply felt fortunate to get a chance to hear the former president speak.
“I came because I just thought it would be an amazing opportunity to hear him speak,” said freshman Sophie Rosen.
