TVC E. With Election Day looming Tuesday, President Barack Obama urged Hillary Clinton’s supporters in this critical battleground state to cast votes and “help finish what we started eight years ago.”
“Now here’s the thing though, Florida: All the progress we’ve made goes out the window if we don’t win this election. And we win this election if we win Florida,” Obama said during a rally Sunday in Kissimmee.
“If we win Florida, it’s a wrap. We win Florida, it’s over. So we’ve got to work our hearts out this week – these next two days – as if our future depends on it,” he said.
An estimated 11,000 people attended the afternoon event, braving occasional rainfall to pack the stands and infield area of Osceola County Stadium, the former spring training home of the Houston Astros.
Obama also denounced Republican candidate Donald Trump on multiple fronts, saying “our democracy is on the ballot” and Trump’s character makes him uniquely unqualified to serve as commander-in-chief.
“If somebody can’t handle a Twitter account, they can’t handle the nuclear codes. If somebody starts tweeting at 3 in the morning because ‘SNL’ made fun of him, then you can’t handle the nuclear codes,” Obama said, drawing laughs from the crowd.
Music legend Stevie Wonder performed a few songs in support of Hillary at a rally in Kissimmee, Fl. Video by Tim Shortt. Posted 11/6/16.
Before Obama’s remarks, Motown legend Stevie Wonder performed a handful of hits from a musical stage set up just beyond the infield. A Puerto Rican festival and parade outside the ballpark at surrounding Osceola Heritage Park added to the diverse flavor of the event.
Rally attendee Caitlin Burns, 25, of Orlando is working on her master’s degree in business administration at Webster University – and she described her college expenses as “insane.” She volunteered with Obama’s 2012 re-election campaign, back when she lived in Canton, Michigan.
“I remember being on a conference call with him during that, and hearing his inspirational words. He’s been a great proponent for equality, and he’s worked very hard to make change while he’s in office,” Burns said.
“And Hillary has to win so she can continue with that change,” she said.
Melbourne resident Kristen Warren, 30, works as a waitress. She also teaches acting and voice to children.
