Obama touts Clinton at UCF rally in Orlando
President Barack Obama this evening told Hillary Clinton supporters that they must be sure to "run through the tape" and assure that Clinton defeats Donald Trump on Nov. 8.
Obama used his 40-minute speech at University of Central Florida's CFE Federal Credit Union Arena to tout the attributes of Clinton and the faults of Trump.
"The stakes could not be higher," Obama told the capacity crowd of about 9,000 at the arena. Others who could not get inside were listening to the event outside the arena.
The Clinton campaign estimated 7,000 people were outside.
"You have a chance to shape history," Obama said. "Hillary needs your help. I need your help. America needs your help. Let's get to work" and elect Clinton.
In a plea for votes, Obama said: "If you want hope instead of fear," then Clinton is the candidate.
Other speakers at the event included U.S. Sen. Bill Nelson and U.S. Rep. Patrick Murphy, who is running against incumbent U.S. Sen. Mario Rubio in the November election.
"Do you want somebody who completely flies off the handle or (one who) is really prepared?" Nelson asked rhetorically, referring to why voters should support Clinton over Trump. "Do you want somebody who does not have a clue about foreign policy or is a real expert in foreign policy?"
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Obama also praised Murphy and criticized Rubio.
The rally was disrupted briefly when a protester wearing a Bill Clinton shirt began screaming "rapist" repeatedly. He was quickly escorted out of the arena by police.
In the hours leading up to Obama's visit, a nearly mile-long line wrapped around campus, extending out toward the football stadium. A few Trump supporters and protesters of the Trans-Pacific Partnership trade deal were scattered among the thousands of Hillary supporters.
UCF students waiting to get inside pointed to tuition and education policy as top priorities, but also noted gun reform, given the campus' close proximity to the Pulse nightclub, where Omar Mateen killed 49 people and wounded 53 others in June.
For many students, this was the first presidential election they've been able to vote in. A few said they were disappointed to see the bulk of the campaign season focused on personal swipes rather issues.
Both Clinton and Trump have been campaigning heavily in Florida, seeking to win the state's 29 electoral votes.
An analysis by the widely followed Real Clear Politics website shows Clinton with an average lead over Trump of 1.6 percentage points in Florida in the most recent polls of voters.
The president's speech in Orlando was one of a number of Clinton campaign events around the country scheduled for Friday. Clinton was making two appearances at rallies in Iowa; her husband, former President Bill Clinton, was scheduled for three appearances in Pennsylvania; and vice presidential candidate Tim Kaine was speaking in Tallahassee.
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Obama appeared at several Clinton campaign rallies earlier this month, including on Oct. 11 in Greensboro, North Carolina; Oct. 14 in Cleveland; Oct. 20 in Miami Gardens; and Oct 23 in Las Vegas. First lady Michelle Obama also is on the campaign trail for Clinton.
According to UCF, Obama's appearance is just the second time a sitting U.S. president has visited the college. President Richard Nixon delivered a commencement address at UCF in 1973.
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