Crowd Rallies For Clinton In Indiana

INDIANAPOLIS — Dozens of people had to be turned away from a packed political rally Sunday as the Democratic presidential front runner, Hillary Clinton, worked to stir up excitement before Tuesday’s primary.

Chants such as “We believe she will win” and “It’s time for a woman in the White House” broke out in the 750-member crowd, with additional supporters overflowing outside the Douglass Park Gymnasium. Fire marshals had to close the door to the supporters after hitting the maximum number of people allowed by fire code.

The former Secretary of State talked and met with Hoosier voters in downtown Indianapolis Sunday about issues ranging from education to gun violence. Clinton was joined by Indiana Democratic leaders including U.S. Sen. Joe Donnelly, former Gov. Evan Bayh, U.S. Rep. André Carson and Indianapolis Mayor Joe Hogsett.

“I know Hillary Clinton and I know she is ready to lead our nation from day one,” Donnelly said. “She is the best prepared. She is incredibly dedicated to working families to make everybody’s lives better.”

Donnelly also said the the state of Indiana wants to create good jobs and opportunities and he argued Clinton will guide the state.

“I think there are three big tests facing the next president,” said Clinton. “Can this person produce positive results that are actually going to improve people’s lives? Can this person keep us safe here at home, protect Americans and led the world? And can this person unite our country?”

She ensured her audience that she is “willing to meet those tests.”

“I will work against the divisive differences, the mean spiritedness, the hateful rhetoric that we are hearing from Donald Trump,” said Clinton. “I just really find it so wrong and so dangerous. You divide people against one another. You don’t know what’s going to happen.”

During Clinton’s speech, she said diversity should be celebrated. She said she’s had enough of hateful talk against women, immigrants and Muslims.

As Clinton spoke, children sat on the floor of the gym. Nicki McNally brought her four children, ranging in ages from six to 14, to listen and learn how important it is to vote

“It impacts everything. From jobs that they’re going to have when they get older to whether or not they become apart of a draft—who knows,” said McNally.

McNally, 42, is a member of Mom’s Demand Action for Gun Sense in America. The organization has not endorsed and is not affiliated with any candidate. McNally wanted to hear for herself what Clinton had to say.

“Ninety human beings a day are killed by guns in our country—33,000 a year,” Clinton said. “I know you have had some terrible gun violence here in Indianapolis. This is an epidemic that doesn’t respect any boundaries or borders.”

But Clinton promised she will fight for change in Indiana and throughout the country.

“I believe this with all of my heart—if we do what we should do, America’s best years are still ahead of us,” she said as the crowd cheered.