Hillary Clinton’s supporters filled the dining hall of the Iowa Western Community College Tuesday afternoon as the former Secretary of State and First Lady stumped there ahead of the February 1 Iowa Democratic Caucuses.
“This is one of the most consequential elections in our lifetime. I don't think the stakes could be any higher for families here in Iowa and across our country,” Clinton told the crowd after she took the stage.
Supporters came from across the region to hear Clinton. Kurt Ninneman held his three-month-old baby as he listened to Clinton speak for the first time. His family traveled to Council Bluffs from Lincoln.
“I’d support any Democrat right now. I don’t really want any of the Republicans to be in there,” Ninneman said, as he insisted he had not made up is his mind.
Frances Mierzwa watched over her identical twins during the speech—it was also the Council Bluffs’ mother’s first time at a campaign rally.
“I wasn't surprised by much in the message, but it was great to hear it come directly from the candidate,” she said. “Directly from Hillary in her own words, with her passion behind it makes a difference.”
Clinton’s speech hit all the notes Democrats expected. She favors abortion, organized labor, equal pay, immigration, and so much more.
She praised actions by the Obama Administration Tuesday aimed at tightening gun policies in the United States.
“The question will be in this election, do we want to build on the progress we've made or do we want to let the Republicans rip it away?” Clinton asked the crowd.
Mierzwa said she has not made up her mind ahead of the Caucuses next month. Clinton’s gun stance resonated on the Iowan who wants to see some change in gun policies.
“I am an Iowa concealed weapons permit carrier,” said Mierzwa. “I believe in firearms, I enjoy gun sports,” she said.
