Hillary Clinton came to Temple University on Monday and told students she needs their support in the upcoming November election.
“I need you, as partners, not just for winning this election, but for driving real change,” said the Democratic candidate for president in Mitten Hall.
According to a Quinnipiac University poll (September 14, 2016) only 31 percent of young voters under age 35 support Clinton. Third party options like Libertarian Party nominee Gary Johnson or the Green Party candidate Jill Stein won considerable support in the recent poll and could make it a four-way race with the Republican candidate, Donald Trump.
In 2012, 60 percent of voters under age 30 supported President Barack Obama.
During her speech, the former Secretary of State spoke about one of the most relevant issues for a college setting, college affordability.
“We came up with a plan that makes college tuition free for working families and debt free for everyone,” said Clinton.
Under the plan that the campaign says that families with incomes up to $125,000 would pay no tuition at in-state colleges and universities.
Clinton said she worked on with Senator Bernie Sanders, a candidate during the Presidential primary. The mention of Sanders’ name drew a few cheers from the crowd. The senator received high support from millennials earlier this year.
Many students at the event were Clinton supporters and were excited to see her come to Philadelphia.
“She’s important to voters like me,” said Rachael Pomerantz, a sophomore at the University of Pennsylvania and Political Director of the Penn Democrats. “I’m super excited to hear her talk.”
Others came to hear about what Clinton plans might be if she is elected.
“I don’t know all of her stances on everything so I’d like to get to know more,” said Harmony Redding, a sophomore at Temple.
Millennials are the largest share of the electorate but they don’t always turn out to the polls in large numbers.
“We need everyone off the sidelines. Not voting is not an option,” said Clinton.
After the half hour speech, Clinton took selfies with students and other attendees.
The event forced some students to change their Monday morning walk to class. The Liacouras Walk Broad Street entrance was blocked off for the morning. Students approaching crossing the street were directed away by police.
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