2016 Presidential Campaign Blog

President Bill Clinton to Join GOTV Rallies Across South Carolina on February 25-26, 2016 *Updated

President Bill Clinton to Join GOTV Rallies Across South Carolina on February 25-26, 2016 *Updated

Headed into Election Day on Saturday, February 27, President Bill Clinton will join Get Out the Vote rallies across the Palmetto State to outline why Hillary Clinton is the best choice for South Carolinians. On Thursday, President Clinton will travel to Rock Hill, Spartanburg and Winnsboro, and on Friday, he will travel to Aiken and Bluffton.

President Clinton knows Hillary Clinton is the tireless fighter Americans need to get things done and protect the progress we’ve made under President Obama. Hillary Clinton has spent her entire life taking on the toughest fights on behalf of families and children—starting here in South Carolina while working at the Children's Defense Fund.


These events will be open to the public. To find your polling location, please visit hrc.io/locate.

THURSDAY, FEBRARY 25

Get Out the Vote Rally with President Bill Clinton
Where: Freedom Center At the Freedom Temple Ministry, 215 East Main Street, Rock Hill, SC 29730
When: 11:45 AM
Doors Open: 11:00 AM
Public RSVP Here 

UPDATED: Get Out the Vote Rally with President Bill Clinton
Where: Health Education Complex//The Wellness Center at University of South Carolina - Upstate, 165 American Way , Spartanburg, SC 29303
When: 4:30 PM
Doors Open: 3;45 PM
Public RSVP Here

Get Out the Vote Rally with President Bill Clinton
Where: Gymnasium of Fairfield Middle School, 728 US-321 BYP, Winnsboro, SC 29180
When: 7:45 PM 
Doors Open: 7:00 PM
Public RSVP Here

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 26

Get Out the Vote Rally with President Bill Clinton
Where: Aiken High School, 449 Rutland Drive, Aiken, SC 29801
When: 12:15 PM 
Doors Open: 11:30 AM  

Public RSVP Here 

Get Out the Vote Rally with President Bill Clinton
Where: Bluffton Recreation Center 61 Ulmer Road, Bluffton, SC  29910
When: 4:00 PM 
Doors Open:  3:15 PM 
Public RSVP Here

Hillary Clinton Returns to South Carolina on February 24-26, 2016

Hillary Clinton Returns to Palmetto State to Discuss Breaking Down Barriers on February 24-26, 2016

Hillary Clinton will return to the Palmetto State to rally South Carolinians ahead of the First in the South primary on Saturday, February 27th and to discuss her plans to break down all the barriers that hold South Carolinians back. 

Clinton will begin her trip with five mothers who lost their children to gun violence and police incidents including Sybrina Fulton, mother of Trayvon Martin; Geneva Reed-Veal, mother of Sandra Bland; Gwen Carr, mother of Eric Garner; Maria Hamilton, mother of Dontre Hamilton; and Lucy McBath, mother of Jordan Davis.

Wednesday, February 24
Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. Statewide Luncheon with Guest Speaker Former U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton
Where: Brookland Baptist Conference Center located at 1054 Sunset Blvd in West Columbia, SC 29169
Estimated Time of Remarks: 2:25 PM 

Breaking Down Barriers Town Hall 
Where: Garrick-Boykin Human Development Center at Morris College located at 100 W College Street in Sumter, SC 29150
When: 5:15 PM
Doors Open: 3:45 PM
Public RSVP here

Thursday, February 25
Corridor of Opportunity Town Hall
Where: Williamsburg County Recreation Center located at 2084 Thurgood Marshall Hwy, Kingstree, SC 29556
When: 11:15 AM
Doors Open: 9:45 AM
Public RSVP here

Breaking Down Barriers Town Hall with Senator Cory Booker
Where: Cumberland United Methodist located at 163 South Coit Street in Florence, SC
When: 2:15 PM
Doors Open: 12:45 PM
Public RSVP here 

Get Out the Vote Event
Where: Ballroom at Sheraton Myrtle Beach Convention Center Hotel located at 2101 N Oak St, Myrtle Beach, SC 29577  
When: 5:00 PM
Doors Open: 3:30 PM
Public RSVP here  

Presidential Town Hall with Hillary Clinton
Where: Royal Baptist Church Family Life Center, ‪4750 Abraham Avenue, North Charleston, SC 29405
When: 7:45 PM
Doors Open: 6:15 PM
Public can go to marlonkimpson.com to RSVP.
 
Friday, February 26
Get Out the Vote HBCU Rally
Where: Dukes Gymnasium at South Carolina State University located at 300 College St NE in Orangeburg, SC 29115
When: 4:45 PM
Doors Open: 3:15 PM
Public RSVP here

NEW: Get Out the Vote Rally with Hillary Clinton and President Bill Clinton
Where: Boyd Plaza located at the Corner of Hampton & Main Street at 1515 Main Street in Columbia, SC 29201
When: 8:00 PM
Doors Open: 6:00 PM
Public RSVP here

Hillary Clinton 2016 TV Ad “Letters"

In New Ad, Columbia Mayor Benjamin Makes The Case to His Two Daughters

Hillary for America is airing a new ad in South Carolina featuring Columbia Mayor Steven Benjamin, President of the African American Mayors Association, making the case that Hillary Clinton will fight for an America where “all of our sons and daughters have a chance to achieve their God-given potential.”  In the ad, called “Letters,” MayorBenjamin talks about an open letter he wrote to his young daughters about electing Hillary Clinton as President and about her fight for equal pay for women, to make college affordable and to stop Republicans from ripping up the progress we’ve made.

The new ad begins airing today in the Columbia, South Carolina, media market.

A copy of Mayor Benjamin’s letter to his daughters is below:

Dear Bethany and Jordan Grace,

I know, I know. You’re used to hearing your dad say that as long as you work hard and have faith, nothing is impossible. But sometimes it can be hard to even dream of doing something nobody like you has ever done. Trust me, I know.

Growing up, I never expected to see a politician who looked like me become president. But in 2008, I watched in awe as Barack Obama ascended to the highest political office in the country.

Now, I’ve always believed in my ability to do whatever I set my mind to. Grandma and Papa did a very good job of instilling that in me, from the time I was your age. But when President Obama took office, I felt like I really could do anything—truly, in a tangible way I could feel in my heart.

Two years later, Columbia elected me as the first African American mayor in the city’s history.

I could never have gotten to where I am if people didn’t kick down some doors ahead of me. Because of that, I feel a duty to kick down doors for other people.

When I was 29, Governor Hodges appointed me to his cabinet. He gave me the opportunity of a lifetime, and I used my position to lift up voices that weren't being heard.

I worked hard while there to bring as many women as possible onto my staff. At one point we had an all-female staff, and many of those women have gone on to do remarkable things.

I did that for you two. I wanted to do everything I could to make the world a better place for you, even before you were born.

Of course, both of you know women are capable of accomplishing anything. Your mother is the perfect example of that. But sometimes, things you can’t control block you from achieving your dreams.

I don’t want you girls to have to wait until you’re an adult to have the feeling I had in 2008. I want you to grow up knowing—not just believing, but KNOWING—you can be anything you want, even president of the United States.

That’s one of the reasons I’m working so hard to get Hillary Clinton elected.

Bethie, getting to watch you talk with Hillary was one of the proudest moments of my life. I will never forget the look on Secretary Clinton’s face when you told her guys had been president for long enough, and it was time for women to take control. She called you the smartest 10-year-old in the world, and she was right.

Jojo, I know you haven’t met her yet, but don’t worry—I’m working on it.

I want both of you girls to grow up in a better, safer, more prosperous country. I know Secretary Clinton can—and will—build that country.

If you study hard, love your family, serve your community, are never afraid to lead, and continue to follow the model of your mother, your grandmothers, and women like Secretary Clinton, nothing should ever stop you from achieving your dreams.

I am doing everything I can to put a woman in the White House because I believe both of you can grow up to be president—and I want you to believe it, too.

Love,
Dad

Hillary Clinton New TV Ad "Johnson Controls" First Airing in Duluth, Minnesota

In New Minnesota TV Ad, Hillary Clinton Pledges to Crack Down on Inversions
“When companies walk out on America, they’ll pay a price”
 
Duluth, MN — Hillary for America is releasing a powerful new ad first airing in Duluth, Minnesota, where Hillary Clinton pledges to end corporate “inversions” while standing in front of Johnson Controls, a company planning to use that tax gimmick to move profits overseas to avoid paying their fair share in the United States.  Hillary Clinton has released a  unique, tough and targeted plan to end these tax-avoidance measures that big corporations like these use to avoid paying their fair share in the United States and instead invest that money here at home.

Johnson Controls

The new ad, “Johnson Controls”, focuses on a Milwaukee, WI, based auto parts company that recently announced a merger estimated to let the combined companies keep $150 million in taxes by moving abroad to Ireland to shirk its U.S. tax obligations.  In the past decade, nearly 50 companies have chosen to leave the United States for a foreign country on paper, saving billions of dollars in taxes through these so-called “inversions” and related transactions.
 
“Now that Johnson is back on their feet, they’re gaming the system and moving their profits to Ireland so they can avoid paying taxes here at home,” says Hillary Clinton in the ad. “It’s an outrage.  If I’m president, when companies walk out on America, they’ll pay a price.”
 
Last year, Hillary Clinton rolled out her plan to end inversions and invest in America instead. She also denounced a recent Pfizer-Allergan deal – in which Pfizer is merging with Allergan, giving up its identity as a U.S. company to help it permanently avoid paying its fair share of taxes on as much as $70-$150 billion. You can read her full plan here https://www.hillaryclinton.com/briefing/factsheets/2015/12/08/ending-inversions-and-investing-in-america/
 
The ad will begin airing in the Duluth, Minnesota, market on Tuesday and will air in rotation with other ads in the market.

Hillary Clinton to Campaign in Atlanta, Georgia for Early Vote Event on Friday, February 26, 2016 *Updated

Hillary Clinton to Campaign in Atlanta, Georgia for Early Vote Event on Friday, February 26, 2016 *Updated
 
On Friday, February 26, Hillary Clinton will return to Georgia for a grassroots event at Georgia State University where she will encourage Georgians to take advantage of early voting, which ends that evening. At the event, Clinton will lay out the case for why she is the only candidate who has the experience to get the job done and break down the barriers that hold Georgians back.

Members of the public who wish to attend the event can RSVP here: https://www.hillaryclinton.com/events/view/1899368/

Hillary Clinton will speak at an ‘Early Vote’ Organizing event
DATE: Friday, February 26th 2016 at 12:45 PM
WHERE: Georgia State University Student Center, 310 Student Center – East, 55 Gilmer Street (Corner of Piedmont and Gilmore), Atlanta, GA 30303
DOORS OPEN:  11:15 AM

Lt. Governor Tina Smith, Mayor Betsy Hodges and Hillary for Minnesota to Launch ‘Woman for Hillary’ in Minneapolis

Lt. Governor Tina Smith, Mayor Betsy Hodges and Hillary for Minnesota to Launch ‘Woman for Hillary’ in Minneapolis

Minneapolis, MN —A week out from the Minnesota caucus and a few days following Hillary Clinton's decisive win in Nevada, a group of prominent female elected officials, grassroots activists, and volunteers will launch ‘Women for Hillary’ in Minneapolis on Tuesday, February 23. The event will highlight Hillary Clinton’s commitment to breaking down barriers for those who have been left out or left behind for far too long, and encourage Minnesotans to caucus for Hillary on March 1st.

Lt. Governor Tina Smith, Mayor Betsy Hodges, Councilwoman Alondra Cano, Civil Rights Activist and Educator Dr. Josie Robinson Johnson, Executive Vice President of the American Federation of Teachers Mary Cathyrn Ricker, and MN College Democrats President and President of U of M College Democrats Haylee Hilton, will discuss why they believe Clinton is the best choice for Democrats ahead of the March 1st caucus. At the event, volunteers will sign up to make calls and knock on doors for Hillary Clinton's campaign.

"Our support for Hillary Clinton sends a clear message: we want a President who will break down barriers with inclusive politics to build an inclusive society,” said Minneapolis Mayor Betsy Hodges. “Hillary believes, as I do, that your name, race, or zip code should not determine your fate. She has both the progressive vision and the record of actually making progress that America needs to make this inclusive society a reality.”

"Hillary Clinton and I have one very common bond: a lifetime spent fighting to improve the lives of people of color,” said longtime civil rights activist and educator Dr. Josie Robinson Johnson. “Hillary understands the integral inequities faced by African Americans and is committed to dismantling them with policies that create jobs, improve education, and access to affordable housing. As President, I am confident Hillary will do everything in her power to counter decades of neglect and triumphantly build on the progress we have made during the last eight years."

Former NAACP President and Maryland Congressman Kweisi Mfume Endorses Hillary Clinton

Former NAACP President and Maryland Congressman Kweisi Mfume Endorses Hillary Clinton
 
Former NAACP President and CEO and five-term Maryland Congressman Kweisi Mfume announced his endorsement of Hillary Clinton for president today.  Mfume praised Clinton as a time tested leader with a track record of working for everyday people, especially on issues important to the African American and Latino communities.
 
"For decades, Hillary Clinton has demonstrated her commitment to fighting for Black and Latino communities in both deed and action. She is a proven leader with a long record of working for everyday people and getting the job done. She has been a remarkable colleague and friend who I know and trust.
 
"From voting rights, to health care, to education, to reforming our criminal justice system and eradicating poverty the need for a proven and time tested leader is more clear today than ever before.
 
"The basic American principle of equal treatment under law is in many ways still under attack. We need a leader who has stood up and spent time working on our behalf when it wasn't popular. She has used her life to fight for others and not just to make promises.  For working families, minority communities, millennials and our seniors there is too much at stake in this election to give it away.
 
"I served in Congress with Bernie Sanders and know him to be a likable guy, but I know that Hillary understands our struggles first hand. I believe she is the candidate best suited to carry on the work and progress made on health care and common sense gun reforms... and then actually get something done. As a former student organizer, city council member, congressman and national president of the NAACP, I am proud to enthusiastically endorse and work for Hillary Clinton to be our next President of the United States."

Hillary for Minnesota Volunteers Take to the Phones in Blaine, Minnetonka on February 22, 2016

Hillary for Minnesota Volunteers Take to the Phones in Blaine, Minnetonka on February 22, 2016

Minneapolis, MN – Coming off of a strong win in Nevada and with the Minnesota Caucus eight days out, Hillary for Minnesota volunteers will make phone calls in support of Hillary Clinton’s campaign for president today, February 22nd, in Blaine and Minnetonka. They will urge Minnesotans to caucus for Hillary on March 1st because they want a President who will break down barriers, rather than offer up promises that do not add up.

“Hillary for Minnesota volunteers will be making calls and going door to door every day before March 1st to remind their friends and neighbors that Hillary Clinton is the one candidate who will actually get things done and deliver results for Minnesotans.” said Hillary for Minnesota Press Secretary Alexandra Fetissoff.  “We’re a week away from Minnesota's caucuses and we’re not taking anything for granted.”

Blaine Phone Bank
WHO: Hillary for Minnesota volunteers and organizers
WHEN: 6:30 PM
WHERE: Blaine City Hall - Sanctuary Room, 10801 Town Square Dr. NE, Blaine, Minnesota 55449
https://www.hillaryclinton.com/events/view/1693374/

Minnetonka Phone Bank
WHO: Hillary for Minnesota volunteers and organizers
WHEN: 6:30 PM
WHERE: Minnetonka Davanni’s, 15200 Hwy 7, Minnetonka, Minnesota 55345
https://www.hillaryclinton.com/events/view/1686897

Morgan Freeman, In New Hillary Clinton TV Ad, Declares 'She’s Always Stood With Us'

Morgan Freeman, In New Clinton Ad, Declares 'She’s Always Stood With Us'
 
Actor Morgan Freeman narrates a second Hillary for America ad, called “Stand”, in which Freeman makes the case that Hillary Clinton has “always stood with us.” The ad highlights how Clinton has stood up for mothers who lost their sons and daughters to gun violence or while in police custody. The ad also invokes Clinton's work on behalf of families in Flint that had their water poisoned and her commitment to defending the progress made during the Obama administration. The ad began running this weekend nationally on cable.
 
The new ad runs alongside the previously released "All The Good" ad, in which Freeman tells the story of Hillary Clinton's lifetime commitment to breaking barriers. That ad highlights Clinton's work on juvenile justice issues, exposing racism and registering Latino voters and her agenda to revitalize under-served communities. Freeman narrated advertising for the Obama re-election campaign in 2012.
 
Hillary Clinton recently launched her “Breaking Every Barrier Agenda” to break down all the barriers that hold Minnesotans back and build ladders of opportunity for all Americans. Clinton is committed to ending the school-to-prison pipeline, ending the era of mass incarceration, making college affordable and protecting the right to vote. For a fact sheet detailing Clinton's proposals, click here.

Hillary Clinton Returns to the Palmetto State on February 23-24, 2016

Hillary Clinton Returns to Palmetto State to Discuss Breaking Down Barriers on February 23-24, 2016
 
Hillary Clinton will return to the Palmetto State to rally South Carolinians ahead of the First in the South primary on Saturday, February 27th and discuss her plans to break down all the barriers that hold South Carolinians back.
 
Clinton will begin her trip with five mothers who lost their children to gun violence and police incidents including Sybrina Fulton, mother of Trayvon Martin; Geneva Reed-Veal, mother of Sandra Bland; Gwen Carr, mother of Eric Garner; Maria Hamilton, mother of Dontre Hamilton; and Lucy McBath, mother of Jordan Davis.
 
Additional campaign events with Hillary Clinton in South Carolina will be released in the coming days.
 
Tuesday, February 23, 2016

Breaking Down Barriers Forum with Sybrina Fulton, Geneva Reed-Veal, Gwen Carr, Maria Hamilton, and Lucy McBath
Where: Central Baptist Church located at 3625 Clement Road in Columbia, SC 29203
When: 6:15 PM
Doors Open: 4:45 PM
Public RSVP here
 
Wednesday, February 24, 2016

Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. Statewide Luncheon with Guest Speaker Former U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton
Where: Brookland Baptist Conference Center located at 1054 Sunset Blvd in West Columbia, SC 29169
Estimated Time of Remarks: 2:25 PM