Thousands of spectators awaited her arrival. Supporters and opposers began waiting in line from the early hours, many since the evening before. One would think that the president of the United States was coming through town – or at least a presidential hopeful.
Hillary Clinton visited Fresno High School on Oct. 22 and was greeted by a crowd of approximately 4,000 onlookers, spread across McKinley Avenue., all hoping to catch a glimpse of what could be the very first female president.
“I think it’s great that she is here, because we need a big change, and it will take a woman to do it. Hillary Clinton is that woman,” said Eileen Rizzo of Clovis.
While some have decided that Hillary is the presidential candidate of choice, many are still investigating and informing themselves on the candidates and issues in play.
“I am here today to learn why I should vote for Hillary and what separates her from the other presidential candidates on both sides of the spectrum,” said Ruben Leyva, senior at Fresno High School.
As Clinton was scheduled to arrive at 8:30 a.m. and failed to show until 10:30 a.m., the crowd was noticeably becoming anxious as they awaited Clinton’s arrival. According to campaign representatives, a number of attendees fainted due to heat exhaustion; water was made available for $2 per bottle.
Prior to Clinton’s arrival, mayors and city council members from 25 different cities, including Delano, Shafter, Fresno, Selma, and Hanford, were on hand to offer their support for Clinton. Included in this time was a 20-minute endorsement speech from Delores Huerta, co-founder and former executive director of the United Farm Workers Union.
“Women make a great deal of difference when big decisions need to be made. We need to learn how to teach women that they are qualified to lead. Do not be afraid to vote for a woman for president of the United States of America,” said Huerta.
The Fresno High School treble ensemble, cheer team, junior ROTC, and Associated Student Body president and vice president delivered a number of presentations.
At 10:30 a.m., Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton walked onto the platform with a standing ovation from the crowd.
Clinton tried to convey a message of hope and create an attitude of change as she attempted to convince attendees that she is the most experienced and well qualified among presidential candidates on both political aisles.
“If you are ready for change, then I am ready to make it happen. We need to restore our positions in the world, build prosperous jobs for the middle class, reform our government and change the future of education for our children,” said Clinton.
The crowd provided a roar of chants and screams as they waved signs reading “Hillary Clinton for President,” helping to solidify her position in the Central Valley.
“Those in Washington need to realize that the era of cowboy diplomacy is over. I never thought that I would see the day when heroic Americans come home and are made to feel as though they are invisible. Our troops will not be invisible to this next president,” said Clinton as she addressed the war in Iraq.
Clinton further emphasized that many hard working Americans are unable to afford healthcare, a college education for their children due to high loan-interest rates and lack of availability and the need to provide a national pre-kindergarten program for struggling and disabled children.
“We need to start creating and providing better for hard-working Americans in the San Joaquin Valley and around the nation. America is the most intelligent and powerful country in the world – let’s start acting like it again!” said Clinton.
The crowd again began shouting and chanting, “Clinton, Clinton” as she promised to deliver and follow through on promises and expectations of the American people.
Among the variety of topics presented, Clinton discussed the need for the creation of renewable energy sources, ways to limit our dependence on foreign oil, providing affordable education for young people, and improving our use of scientific and medical evidence.
“We’ve got to start dealing with our global warming and energy needs, and you need a president that cares about the San Joaquin Valley and all Americans,” said Clinton.
Clinton went on to discuss the need to provide education to young people at an affordable cost.
“Let’s put our best minds to work and encourage young people to pursue education beyond high school. We are slamming the door on young people and their desire for education. I am going to make college affordable again for middle-class Americans, so that we can continue to be the best among the free world,” said Clinton.
Clinton ended her time in Fresno by discussing the need for science-based research as opposed to biased opinion-based lobbying.
She gave attendees a glimpse of her plan to provide healthcare for all Americans, regardless of race and income level.
“We will create a healthcare plan that works for all Americans, because if it’s good enough for Congress, it is good enough for America. I am tired of a system that takes care of illness instead of encouraging health and prevention,” said Clinton.
As she exited the platform surrounded by Secret Service agents, Clinton was given one final round of applause and waves of support from those young and mature alike.
“I am ready to roll up my sleeves and work beside all Americans, so that we can change the future of this great nation. This is America, and we can do anything that we put our minds to.”
It’s going to take a great deal of work and time to fix our nation when George W. Bush and Dick Cheney leave town,” said Clinton.