Clinton holds campaign rally in Pittsburgh

Democratic+president+nominee+Hillary+Clinton+speaks+to+a+crowd+at+Heinz+Field+as+part+of+one+of+her+last+campaign+efforts+Nov.+4.

Photo by Sarah Campbell

Democratic president nominee Hillary Clinton speaks to a crowd at Heinz Field as part of one of her last campaign efforts Nov. 4.

Written By Kelsey Wolfe

Four days before the 2016 Presidential Election, Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton visited Pittsburgh for a campaign push in the city. An estimated 2,500 attend the event held in Heinz Field’s Great Hall on Nov. 4.

The crowd was energized and receptive to a star-studded Pittsburgh line-up. The event opened with rock musician Donnie Iris singing the national anthem, speakers like Pittsburgh Mayor Bill Peduto and Sen. Bob Casey and appearances by Dan Rooney, Mel Blount and Franco Harris.

Democratic Senate candidate Katie McGinty took the stage around 1 p.m., the first of three main speakers. McGinty called for Pittsburghers to vote and to carry out the mission of her campaign, as well as Clinton’s.

“We have to win because we stand for good people who are out there working hard every single day, giving it their all,” McGinty said. “They deserve a helping hand. They deserve all of us standing with them.”

Throughout her speech, McGinty repeatedly called out and criticized Sen. Pat Toomey on his unwillingness to back a candidate. She went as far as to say it was “dainty and delicate” that Toomey was waiting to be persuaded by Trump.

“This we know: In politics, the definition of courage and character is doing to right thing even though it might cost you some votes,” McGinty said. “Pat Toomey has failed the test of courage and character.”

After concluding her own speech, McGinty introduced Pittsburgh-born business man and investor Mark Cuban.

Cuban called for supporters to persuade friends and family, undecided and otherwise, to get to the polls to make the right choice. He said to convince those not participating in the election by having voters back a candidate they can trust.

“This election is no longer about the candidates, it’s about us,” Cuban said. “It’s about what each and every one of us are going to do to make this world a better place.”

Clinton concluded the rally giving a speech 30-minute speech focusing largely on the subject of equality, issues and her solutions for America as well as the high stakes of this election. Clinton made note her push for an America where more people have the chance to get ahead and succeed.

“I’m all about making sure the American dream is big enough for everybody. And we’re going to knock down the barriers that stand in the way,” Clinton said.

Karen Geisler, a Point Park University alumni of the Class of ’90, plans on voting for Clinton because of her stance on equality.

“Everything I believe in is right here. Basic human rights for all people,” said Geisler. “No matter what age, race, sexual orientation… She represents all people.”

Throughout her speech, Clinton urged voters to push undecided friends and family to the polls to cast their votes on Nov. 8.

“Ask them to search their heart about what kind of country we want for our kids and our grandkids,” Clinton said. “It is not as important as they think about voting for me, as it is that they think about voting for themselves.”