Clinton Stumps For Money As Well As Votes
TACOMA, WASH. -- Hillary Clinton took the stage at the University of Puget Sound and asked voters for support, but not support in the form of votes, rather in the form of cash.
In a rare appeal for money on the stump, Clinton, who's campaign finances have been in the spotlight in recent days, told the crowd: "As some of you may have heard, I recently loaned my campaign some money, because I intended to be competitive going into Super Tuesday and I think it turned out to be a good investment with all those victories across the country!"
Throughout this financial crunch, Clinton and her campaign have attempted to turn a perceived weakness into a strength, pointing out that since the beginning of the month Clinton has now raised close to $8 million and have attracted some 75,000 new donors.
Clinton told a story about a woman who told her husband that rather than spend money on a Valentine's Day gift, she would rather he donate the money to Clinton's campaign.
"So I hope you will go to hillaryclinton.com, read about the issues, read about what I have done over 35 years and help support this campaign because its your campaign."
Part of Clinton's strategy in the coming days will be to focus on health care and contrast her plan with Obama's on how many Americans are covered under each plan.
Clinton told the crowd of nearly 4,000: "When it comes to universal health care my opponent is saying 'No we can't.' Well, I say 'Yes we will if we make the right decision in this election!'"
"I am the only candidate - in either party - who has a plan to insure every single man, woman and child in America, no one left out. My opponent's plan would leave out at least 15 million people. Leave them uninsured, including 250,000 right here in Washington," said Clinton as the crowd booed.
As she concluded her remarks, Clinton made a final plea to get supporters to turn out Saturday and caucus for her. What was clearly a swipe at Senator Obama's campaign message of "hope," Clinton said this election "isn't about some momentary good feeling."