More than 1,000 C. Oregonians attend Bill Clinton rally
Despite just 48 hours notice, Central Oregon Community College campus still drew long lines as Central Oregonians showed up to hear from former President Bill Clinton. More than 1,000 were able to attend the vent, and another 400 could listen outside
“It’s exciting, I mean, I pulled him out of school because it’s not every day you get to meet the former president or hear him speak,” said one Bend resident who brought her son along.
Although Bill Clinton was on hand to stump for wife Hillary,, many Bernie Sanders backers were in the crowd.
More than 1,000 people attended the rally, including about 500 who registered online at an RSVP Website for pre-tickets. Bend Deputy Fire Marshal Dan Derlacki said Friday they allowed 1,000 because it was within the approved occupant load for the building. As many as 400 more were turned away after that, but organizers set up a speaker outside for those who wanted to still stay and hear Clinton speak.
Democrats made up a majority of those on hand, but there were a few Republicans as well. One Bend Republican said he wanted to hear what Clinton had to say after several Republican candidates recently dropped out of the race.
“I’m going to be hard-pressed to vote for Donald Trump, so I’m curious what Bill has to say in support of Hillary,” he said.
The Hillary fans came out loud and proud to show their support as well. Event-goers said they showed up as early at 6 a.m. to make sure they got in.
A sea of smartphone cameras rose when Clinton finally made his appearance. His speech covered a range of topics, but it was emphasis on education and eliminating student debt that made an impact on Cascade Middle School Principal Stephanie Bennett.
“As a principal, I love to hear what he said about education,” Bennett said. “And we really need to be thinking about our youth and helping them get through college and offering some incentives for them to get through college.”
After his speech, Clinton took some time to shake hands and sign autographs for a lucky few before he was off to the Bend Airport and his next campaign stop.
