In South Texas, Clinton Rallies Hispanic Voters
LAREDO, TEXAS -- Wearing a clay-colored suit, recognized by most Texans as the official color of the University of Texas Longhorns, Hillary Clinton stood in the town square before an enthusiastic crowd that braved light rain and heavy security to listen to the Senator from New York.
She continued to push voters to start soon, as Texas offers early voting 10 days before the actual election. "If your votes are not cast, they can't be counted," Clinton warned the crowd of predominantly Hispanic supporters. "If your voices are not raised, they cannot be heard."
Clinton has roots in South Texas, as she spent several months as a young woman working along the borders. "The first time I ever came to Laredo, I didn't come as a wife of a presidential candidate, or the wife of a president or a candidate for president. I came nearly 36 years ago to help register voters all along the border," she said to loud cheers.
Clinton knows that in order to win Texas she needs the support of the large Hispanic population, a group that has supported her in large numbers in elections past.
She focused on issues important to many Hispanics, like immigration, ending the war in Iraq, and education. At several points the crowd chanted "Si se puede! Si se puede!" or "Yes we can! Yes we can!" At one point Clinton joined in the crowd chanting "Si se puede!"
The former First Lady reminded the crowd that her candidacy enjoys the support of the Farm Workers Union and the family of the late labor leader Cesar Chavez. "They know that I've been with them, I am with them, and I will be with them like I will be with all of you moving forward."
As the Democratic nomination continues to heat up, Clinton continues to draw contrasts with Barack Obama. "The choice you make is really critical," she said. "I want you to think who you want to have in the White House answering the phone at three o'clock in the morning when some crisis breaks out somewhere around the world."
As Clinton wound up her speech she tried to reach out to female voters, who make up a large portion of the electorate in South Texas. "Many are supporting me because they are so excited about having the prospect of having the first mother and wife and sister and daughter in the White House!"