Former President Bill Clinton urged citizenship and participation on a young crowd at Florida International University on Tuesday. He held their attention through a long speech that touched on every issue in the presidential campaign.
A heavy rainstorm soaked the campus just as people were lining up at FIU's U.S. Century Bank Arena. 21-year-old Vanessa Velis took it in stride.
“I waited three hours on Sunday actually in line in pinecrest to get these tickets. I love Bill Clinton”, said Velis.
But she loves President Obama no less.
Velis's recent life included the death of her father and a need to refinance the family home. She says Obama's policies made it easier.
“That and healthcare and everything and extending the age for people already enrolled in health care and there's kids, it’s been a big part of our life at home. I hope we continue with the health care process” said Velis.
Kevin Hernandez also waited patiently, pleased that the presidential campaign had finally come to his own university.
Hernandez said, “It's a good opportunity for us to see someone of such large importance here at FIU.”
Hoarse, and a bit subdued compared with his Democratic convention performance, Clinton praised President Obama's accomplishments and criticized Republican nominee Mitt Romney.
“I think the president's budget plan is better,” Clinton said. “It meets the arithmetic test. I think the healthcare plan is better. I know the higher education plan is better. I know the energy plan is better. And I know the economic plan is better. And I know it will not amount to a hill of beans if you don't register and vote and get your friends to. So do it!”
Clinton will campaign in West Palm Beach today for Congressional candidates Lois Frankel and Patrick Murphy.
