Clinton and Sanders rally in Raleigh for Democratic unity

Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton and Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., stood side by side Thursday night at Walnut Creek Music Pavillion in Raleigh to demonstrate the unity of the Democratic party and spoke about North Carolina’s importance in the election.

Clinton said she is grateful for both the support of Pharrell Williams, also at the rally, and Sanders, sharing how proud she is to have worked alongside Sanders in the Senate and to have ran a campaign based upon issues.

“This election has become a lot more fun now that we’re on the same side,” she said.

Sanders said this election should be about the people and should not be a personality contest.

“We’re not voting for high school president; we’re voting for the most powerful leader in the free world,” he said.

Sanders said the election has to be about which candidate has the experience and vision to work for middle and working class families.

“And in my view, without a shadow of doubt, that candidate is Hillary Clinton, our next president,” he said.

Sanders said he is upset with the Republican Party’s attempts to suppress voters.

“We have cowardly Republican governors all over this country trying to suppress the votes,” he said. “Hillary Clinton and I believe that our job is to get more people to participate in the political process — not fewer people.”

He said these politicians do not belong in office.

“If you don’t have the guts to participate in a free, open and fair election, get out of politics and get another job,” Sanders said.

Clinton, Sanders and Williams were joined by N.C. politicians including Democratic Senatorial candidate Deborah Ross, Rep. David Price, D-N.C., and N.C. Democratic Sen. Dan Blue Jr., D-Wake.

Ross focused on the strength and unity of the Democratic party, which she said was illustrated by the large gathering.

“We’re filling (the amphitheatre) for unity for the Democratic party because Hillary and Bernie are coming together, and you know you’re going to have Pharrell Williams so we’re all going to be happy tonight,” she said.

Ross said her opponent, Sen. Richard Burr, R-N.C., is out of touch with the people of North Carolina and their needs.

“We need a Congress that wants to stabilize social security and Medicare for this generation and generations to come,” she said. “Those are N.C. values, those are American values, those are Hillary Clinton values.”

Clinton said there is more at stake this election than just the presidential race.

“It is now our turn to stand up to people like your governor and your legislature,” she said. “Because we are fundamentally a good nation, and we need to make sure we deliver on that promise.”

At the end of the night, Clinton remarked that she was just getting started.

“We could go on all night; Bernie and I could keep you here until breakfast — we get excited about what we can do,” she said. “But of course, we can’t do anything if you don’t go out and vote.”

@kentomcdonald

state@dailytarheel.com