Roosevelt Island was transformed into Hillary Island this morning when thousands of Hildogs came out for Hillary Clinton's kickoff rally for her presidential campaign. "Well, I may not be the youngest candidate in this race. But I will be the youngest woman President in the history of the United States! And the first grandmother as well," she said during her speech, which included her new catchphrase, "It's your time."
You can watch the whole event below (skip to the 32 minute mark to see her entrance).
And here was Hillary's first Periscope (with Michelle Kwan):
And here's another angle of Hillary addressing the crowd:
"Prosperity can’t just be for CEOs and hedge fund managers," Clinton told the crowd, which was estimated to be more than 5,500 people. "Democracy can’t be just for billionaires and corporations. Prosperity and democracy are part of your basic bargain too. You brought our country back. Now it’s time—your time to secure the gains and move ahead. And, you know what? America can’t succeed unless you succeed. That is why I am running for President of the United States."
You can read her whole 45 minute speech here—in it, she laid out her vision for new economic policies designed to benefit the middle class, placing herself as carrying the legacy of President Barack Obama, and former Presidents Franklin D. Roosevelt and Bill Clinton. The NY Times has some instant analysis here and an overview of the day here.
Time writes of the speech:
In her remarks, Clinton ticked off a wish list of Democratic reforms, including rewriting the tax code and eliminating loopholes for large corporations, expanding clean energy, establishing universal pre-kindergarten, mandating paid family leave, passing a constitutional amendment to end Citizens United, and providing relief for indebted college students.
Clinton placed herself in a long line of staunch Democrats, establishing herself as the inheritor of a leftist legacy. She paid homage to Franklin Delano Roosevelt, for whom the island where she gave her remarks is named, and she noted her husband’s presidency, saying he presided over the longest peacetime economic expansion in history. She also tipped her hat to President Obama, who she said brought the country back from the brink of a depression.
To her credit, Clinton has very much embraced social media for her campaign—in addition to immediately posting videos of the speech, trying out Periscope, and posting photos like the one above on Instagram, Clinton's team was Tweeting out large portions of her speech (often with very eye-catching graphics), along with photos and quotes from people in attendance. You can peruse it all here, but check out a few examples below.
— Hillary Clinton (@HillaryClinton) June 13, 2015
"Madam President! Madam President! Madam President!" pic.twitter.com/c7Jolknti4
— Hillary Clinton (@HillaryClinton) June 13, 2015
Let's build this together. pic.twitter.com/vibvcipflC
— Hillary Clinton (@HillaryClinton) June 13, 2015
"My mother taught me that everybody needs a chance and a champion. She knew what it was like not to have either one." pic.twitter.com/YCI5bKYSLA
— Hillary Clinton (@HillaryClinton) June 13, 2015
Advantage, Hillary. pic.twitter.com/vewNE5SvMP
— Hillary Clinton (@HillaryClinton) June 13, 2015
There's no better word for this than the one Hillary just used: "Outrage." pic.twitter.com/ZxKgfQiSVz
— Hillary Clinton (@HillaryClinton) June 13, 2015
Check out a few more Tweets from the event below, including some anti-Hillary protesters who came out (and were reportedly kicked out) and some off-brand Hillary swag that was being sold.
The crowd seems a bit quiet, but that very much may be because it is hot. pic.twitter.com/s2gH5rdr5c
— Philip Bump (@pbump) June 13, 2015
A guy selling some shirts after Clinton event. pic.twitter.com/QlsFz4b0dJ
— Adrian Carrasquillo (@Carrasquillo) June 13, 2015
Woman to her young daughter as Bill Clinton walks by: "That is Hillary's husband."
— Dan Merica (@danmericaCNN) June 13, 2015
The crowd seems a bit quiet, but that very much may be because it is hot. pic.twitter.com/s2gH5rdr5c
— Philip Bump (@pbump) June 13, 2015
The Republicans passed out signs. These dudes took them. Then, they say, a cop asked them to move on. pic.twitter.com/JE9uBt6InP
— Philip Bump (@pbump) June 13, 2015
Rep. Charlie Rangel on his way into Hillary event. "She's doing exceptionally well in a one-man race," he says. pic.twitter.com/6OYOe3Rugc
— Molly Ball (@mollyesque) June 13, 2015
The RNC, which was here to hand out these shades, getting kicked out of Hillary event right now. pic.twitter.com/bwROp618pf
— Adrian Carrasquillo (@Carrasquillo) June 13, 2015
New Yorkers are the best. Just saw elderly couple argue abt Hillary's speech. Her: "It lacked energy." Him: "*I* was energized, Susanne."
— Molly Ball (@mollyesque) June 13, 2015
How are sales? "Not that great. She's not that inspirational." pic.twitter.com/FWwmVYbLgA
— Philip Bump (@pbump) June 13, 2015
"Let your readers know what a liar Hillary is!" pic.twitter.com/rmSoVhurrU
— Philip Bump (@pbump) June 13, 2015
I am really happy that Hillary made her speech right under Trump World Tower!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) June 13, 2015