Hillary Clinton provided a high profile visit to Greenville to finish with a flourish this year's primary campaign season in North Carolina as voters here head to the polls today to begin the decision-making process that will end in November with a new president and a host of state and local leaders.
Democratic presidential candidate Clinton spoke to about 500 people at Pitt Community College on Monday, telling the crowd she's the best choice for the office.
Jason A. Frizzelle/The Daily Reflector |
Hillary Clinton visited Greenville on Monday.
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The Coburn Center crowd cheered the candidate with chants of "Hillary, Hillary, Hillary," as she stopped at the college for a final primary push. She was introduced by Gov. Mike Easley about 9 a.m.
"My husband, my daughter and I are all having the best time campaigning across North Carolina," Clinton said, thanking the audience for gathering on short notice. The campaign announced the appearance late Saturday.
"You obviously care enough about the decision you have to make tomorrow to come out here," Clinton said.
When questioned, about one-third of the audience indicated they had participated in early voting.
Clinton re-emphasized her intentions to help create new jobs, renegotiate NAFTA and open the federal health care system so that all Americans can have access to health care and insurance. She also promised to start bringing troops home from Iraq within 60 days of her inauguration.
She asked the crowd to think about what the next president will be facing, ticking off issues such as high gas prices, home foreclosures, jobs shipped over seas and the Iraq war.
"The problems facing the next president are going to be enormous," but her experience and ability make her the best candidate for the job, she said.
Voters go to the polls today, and many will be voting in the Democratic presidential primary between Clinton and Sen. Barack Obama of Illinois.
Obama visited Greenville last month, speaking to a crowd of 8,000 at East Carolina University.
Clinton's husband, former President Bill Clinton, also visited the Greenville area, speaking to about 1,200 people at South Central High School early in April.
The visit coincided with final exams at PCC, preventing many students from attending the event, said college President Dennis Massey.
There were student supporters of Clinton in the audience along with a smattering of faculty from PCC and ECU. They listened intently while Clinton discussed her plans for supporting all levels of education.
She promoted increasing investments in community colleges, along with ensuring community college students would have equal access to Pell Grants as four-year college students. She promised to double college tax credits.
"Most importantly, we have to stop the middle man (private college loan businesses) from charging these outrageous interest rates," she said.
Clinton said receiving federally funded, low-interest college loans allowed her to work for the Children's Defense Fund, a nonprofit organization, after graduating from law school.
She also promised to emphasize funding early childhood education programs over current federal No Child Left Behind requirements.
Clinton also talked about improving the nation's economy, referencing the achievements of the administration of former President Bill Clinton.
"I'm very proud of my husband's economic record," she said. "It wasn't just the well-to-do that was doing better, everyone was doing better."
The federal budget was balanced and the budget deficit was being reduced.
Under President George W. Bush's administartion the deficit has grown and countries such as China, have purchased a portions of the nation's debt, she said.
Clinton promised new jobs through new energy investments.
"North Carolina can be a leader in taking what they grow and turning it into energy," she said.
She pledged a $10,000 tax credit for people buying hybrid cars.
"The wealthy and well-connected have had their president," Clinton said. "It's now time for the rest of America to have theirs."
ECU student Dana Hughes and friend Daniel Orton cheered her message.
"My aunt loves her. I love her. I've been pushing her since she ran for Senate," Hughes said. "She's for the things I'm for."
Orton called himself a "conscientious objector" in the Democratic presidential primary, saying he liked both Clinton and Obama. Orton, who said he is gay, said he appreciated Clinton's honesty when she said in an interview no presidential candidate could openly support gay marriage and hope to be elected. Hughes said she would push her friend to support Clinton.
Neighbors Helen Matta and Linda Roach of New Bern got up at 5 a.m. to make it to the event. Not only did they shake Clinton's hand, they persuaded the candidate to pose for a photograph with them and autograph a book.
"I never thought I'd see this," Roach said, nearing tears. "I though I would be long dead," before a woman had a chance to be the nation's president.
Mary and Michael George arrived early and were rewarded with third-row seats on the floor of the gymnasium.
They were visiting their daughter in Greenville from Atlanta and had not had a chance to see Clinton yet.
"I have followed her career," Mary George said. "I think she is wonderful and is as smart as they come."
Comments
By kukki
May 8, 2008 3:18 AM | Link to this
Please do not quit.Please Senator Clinton-- We do not want a man who advocates CHANGE BUT CANNOT CHANGE THE WAY HIS WIFE, PASTOR, CHURCH, FRIENDS(FLAG STOMPPER AYERS) THINK OR ACT. Everyone wants to lives the dreams you stand for. The Middle Class Dream is important and every vote should count.Come on Floridians And people from Michigan what about a little 'SATYAGRAH'---MAHATMA GANDHI STYLE PEACEFUL DEMOSTRATION---Let your vote count-- Do not let history repeat itself Kukki
By Adam
May 7, 2008 7:49 PM | Link to this
http://www.ipetitions.com/petition/supporthillary/
I grow up with organic food :)) and I got my education far away ;))...not fast food or fast learn :))
I will not jump and vote for a person that is more interested in his breakfast then in mid east politics or his wife care more to get rid of ants then to understand what legislation he is working on. Such president we have for 8 years...
By keith
May 6, 2008 9:25 PM | Link to this
Please put the crack pipe down. I dont want a crack head for President.
By Ethel S
May 6, 2008 3:04 PM | Link to this
I hope that all you NC voters come out to vote for Hillary today. She has demonstrated that she is prepared, strong, and energetic. As Hillary said in one of her recent speeches there, the 1990s were a good period of time, and what about that period of time you did not like, the peace or the prosperity? We do not need radical change, but we need a leader who has vision, great ideas, and compassion for the people and the country. We need Hillary to help restore the peace and prosperity again. Go NC and Hillary.
By thierry
May 6, 2008 12:41 PM | Link to this
this is for obama supporters;do you like speeches better than debates? if your answer is yes then I understand the reason why you are behind him.this is just showing the kind of lazy attitude from you.in a debate you show the audience how knowlegable you are, how deep understanding you have on specific issues.we need a president who does know how to do both.you need to understand that those who don't make any effort,have no place in todays societies.open your eyes and your mind,nice speeches wont solve the problems this country is facing.I have been following hiM since the begining,and still not getting the substance.THOUGH THERE IS A GOOD NEWS FOR OBAMA;HE CAN ONLY BE A GOOD PASTOR or preacher
By Maureen Jones
May 6, 2008 12:02 PM | Link to this
The only thing really going for Obama is his ability to speak. Inspirational speeches regards HOPE, doesn't get the job done! We need a new leader in the Whitehouse who HAS experience. And we need an authentic change!
WOMEN UNITE, NOW'S OUR CHANCE..
HILLARY, THE FIRST WOMAN PRESIDENT!
By tyra marts
May 6, 2008 11:24 AM | Link to this
Please remember people, Hillary Clinton did NOT start the war in Iraq. BUSH did. Also remember that when Hillary makes a mistake (and most of us did about the war...remember....) she'll admit it and not try to cover it up. We need a strong leader right now, we need a smart leader right now, we need the most qualified leader right now, and that person is HILLARY CLINTON.
The times under Bill Clinton were the best financially we've ever had, and I know Hillary can do the same if not even better (I suspect, she'll be even better than her husband)
May God Bless you
By Bryan
May 6, 2008 9:43 AM | Link to this
I hope the great people of North Carolina go out and vote in big numbers today for Hillary. I think she has proven to be the most effective in getting her message of what she will try and do as president across. She has not got caught up in all the stumbles that Obama has with his pastor. We just don't need that distraction and Hillary is above it. Hillary is also the best to beat John McCain in November. She can debate with the best of them, its almost painful to watch Obama debate. He stumbles unless he is reading a speech.
Please vote Hillary.
God Bless America, and the future Leader Mrs. Clinton
By FellowAmerican
May 6, 2008 7:31 AM | Link to this
Wouldnıt you think that a responsible person who was going to make a decision to vote for war, would at the very least read all of the intelligence reports? If a person does not trust someone (in this case the Bush administration), you would think that they (Hillary Clinton) would do everything in their power to confirm the information given to them. Yet Clinton did not bother to read the intelligence reports before putting American citizensı lives in danger (over 4,000 American soldiers dead) as well as the innocent Iraqi children who died. We have spent over $3,000,000,000,000 so far and counting. There is experience and then there is good experience and from what the record shows, Clinton does not have any true experience and some of the experience that Hillary takes responsibility for, is not good or fabricated. It is just common sense to read all information before making decisions (especially ones that involves American lives).
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cZcY6TGfAxE
How could Hillary understand the working class (poor and middle class) if she has never been one and is definitely not one now (108 million dollars in 8 years)? Hillary has never lived, or walked in our shoes, so how could she possibly understand? Has Hillary ever wondered where her next meal will come from? Has Hillary ever been one paycheck (or a month) away from being destitute? Has she ever needed to wear other peopleıs clothes (from goodwill, other relatives, employers or friends)? Has Hillary ever had to decide between food, travel or her health? But she gets the White working class vote (overwhelmingly), why if not for race. Why is race constantly being injected into this election? I guess race is the biggest scare tactic there is in America so why not use it to Hillaryıs advantage. Until we can dispense of our racial differences America will stay in the 1800ıs. Please explain these things to the ones who are slow to understand the not so obvious.
Just look at Youtube and you will see Black, Hispanic, White, Oriental and all other races supporting Obama famous or not. Obama is the most inspiring candidate to ever run for president. He brings HOPE to many who have given up. It has nothing to do with race, because he inspires all races. Check out this video and you will see what I mean.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jjXyqcx-mYY
By Paulo Lacaz
May 6, 2008 6:36 AM | Link to this
Ms HILLARY CLINTON, VICTORY !!!
PUSH !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
SINCERELY.
Paulo LACAZ
=================================================================
American people!
After seven years of George W. Bush, you need a President with the strength, experience, and vision to make
to Conserve, Bettering,
because to CHENGE, it is violent and it can to provokes civil war.
I'm supporting Hillary for the White House because I know that her 35 years of experience means she can end the war in Iraq, make the economy work for the middle class, and achieve truly universal health care.
I hope you'll go to the polls today and vote for Hillary. You can learn more about her record of accomplishment and plans for America -- and find your polling place -- on her website at www.hillaryclinton.com.
Best Regard
Paulo LACAZ
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