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President Obama, others rally for Hillary Clinton in Ann Arbor

November 7, 2016

President Barack Obama spoke at a rally for Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton in Ann Arbor Monday. The president is one of many high profile officials to campaign in Michigan on the day before the election. Clinton will be in Grand Rapids to campaign at an event with doors opening at 2 p.m. and Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump will also be in Grand Rapids at an event with doors opening at 8 p.m. 

Hundreds came to the Ray L. Fisher Stadium at the University of Michigan to support the Democratic presidential campaign. The crowd filled the seats, all of the infield and a portion of the outfield.

“We’ve got one more day, Michigan,” Obama said as he began his speech.

Obama focused much of his speech on the importance of voting. When the crowd booed statements about Trump, Obama said his newest famous campaign phrase: “don’t boo—vote!”

The most important position in a democracy is a citizen voter, Obama said.

“There’s a word in our democracy: the word ‘we,’” he said. “‘We the people,’ ‘We shall overcome,’ ‘Yes, we can.’ America is not about what one person can do for you. I didn’t say ‘yes, I can.’”

Obama and other speakers focused on encouraging supporters to vote the next day. Many speakers, including Sen. Gary Peters (D), Rep. Debbie Dingell (D) and Hillary Clinton’s daughter Chelsea Clinton focused on how Clinton’s campaign will change the country.

Chelsea Clinton said her mother’s presidency will focus on issues such as health care, women’s rights, the economy and climate change.

“If you want to protect the progress on these issues and so much else, you have to vote,” Chelsea Clinton said.

Other speakers focused on how electing Hillary Clinton would make history for the nation.

“Eight years ago this country rose to the occasion and elected President Obama.” Rep. Sander Levin (D) said. “Tomorrow we’re going to rise up once again and elect the first woman president Hillary Clinton.”

University of Michigan student Nikki Krings came to the rally because she plans to vote for Hillary Clinton Tuesday. She said her presidency will be best for the future of the country.

“As a future educator, I think it’s the best option for me and my future students,” Krings said. “She has a plan for both me and students.”

The election campaign has focused on bringing the country together, Dingell said. Dingell said Trump’s campaign alienates groups in the country while Hillary Clinton’s campaign celebrates differences and wants to be “stronger together.”

"We are witnessing people in this country trying to divide us with fear and hatred, and we can't let that happen," Dingell said.

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