Independent Student Newspaper for the University of Texas at San Antonio

The Paisano

Independent Student Newspaper for the University of Texas at San Antonio

The Paisano

Independent Student Newspaper for the University of Texas at San Antonio

The Paisano

Clinton rally draws 2,000

An estimated crowd of 2,000 gathered at Hemisfair Park on Feb. 29 for a rally in support of New York Senator Hillary Clinton.

The former First Lady campaigned throughout Texas all day, completing her rounds with an appearance in San Antonio. The main purpose of the rally was to encourage voting for Clinton on March 4 in the primary-caucus vote for Texas.

La Mafia, a four-time Grammy-winning Latin musical group, began the event with a stream of performances at 7:00 p.m. Henry Cisneros, former mayor of San Antonio and former U.S. Secretary of Housing and Urban Development under President Bill Clinton, spoke of his support for the Democratic hopeful.

“She (Hillary Clinton) is a problem-solver, a woman with a good heart, a big heart for social issues. Hillary Clinton will do the right thing for the people of America,” he said.

Also, he called for a special commitment from all Texan supporters of Clinton, which includes voting on March 4 in both the primary and the caucus.

At 9:00 p.m. the crowd was told Clinton was still 30 minutes away. Dolores Huerta then took the stage and reminded the crowd of their individual importance and the necessity of voting in both the primary and caucus on March 4.

Cisneros then introduced individual congressmen and women at the rally, and announced Clinton’s arrival at 9:40 p.m. Clinton first recognized and thanked the congressmen and veterans at the rally.

“I’m overwhelmed by your support and your love,” she said.She moved forward by talking about the American dream. “I know that our country today still offers the opportunities we believe are a part of the American dream,” she said. “I see an America that says to every little boy and girl: ‘You will have a chance to live up to your God-given potential because America believes in you.'”

Clinton believes we have learned something over the past seven years- ” it does matter who the President is,” Clinton said to a laughing crowd.

As the first female candidate for presidency, Clinton asserted that she will be equally fierce as any male who has served as commander-in-chief.

“We (Americans) need a commander-in-chief ready to make the tough decisions. With my years of experience, I know what it will take to end the war in Iraq and to win the war in Afghanistan.”

She added that the war in Iraq is the most important challenge facing our nation. Her plan to stabilize Iraq includes non-interference, mediation and reconstruction funding. Clinton said she would begin bringing home U.S. troops within the first 60 days of her administration.

Lastly, Clinton said that if she is elected president, “We will take our country back, and we will change our world.”

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