The Choice Is Clear: Hillary’s Vision for An America That Is Hopeful and Inclusive

On Thursday in North Carolina, Hillary Clinton continued to make her closing argument for the presidency, outlining her record of championing the interests of people of color throughout her career–in contrast with Donald Trump’s history of racial discrimination and divisive rhetoric. Throughout her professional life and candidacy, Hillary has pledged to take on social injustice, including systemic racism and sexism. If elected president, Hillary has vowed to pass end-to-end criminal justice reform and implement common sense gun reform, priorities of great concern to communities of color.

Trump, on the other hand, has throughout his life and this campaign repeatedly instilled division and hate–from championing the racist birther movement and courting conspiracy theorists, to calling for a deportation force for immigrant families and banning Muslims.

Long before Trump ran for president, he was sued by the Department of Justice for racial discrimination at his family’s housing developments in Brooklyn and Queens–in addition to discrimination at properties in Cincinnati, Ohio, and Norfolk, Virginia. Federal investigators were told that Trump employees would mark applications of prospective renters with “C” for “colored” and refused to rent to African Americans. At her event in Winterville today, Mae Brown Wiggins, a registered nurse who was turned away from an apartment Trump managed because of her skin color, introduced Hillary, describing the impact Trump’s actions had on her life.

Years later, in the 1980’s, Trump took out full-page ads in four newspapers calling for the death penalty for a group of black and Latino teenagers who were wrongly convicted of a crime, some as young as 14 years old. Just recently, Trump doubled down on his view that the five men, who were exonerated based on DNA evidence, are still guilty and should go to jail. Trump’s refusal to accept the evidence and admit he was wrong about the Central Park 5 is deeply disturbing, and continues to exacerbate deep and painful wounds borne by the men and their families.

The choice is clear. Americans deserve a president who believes Americans are stronger together, not one whose dark and divisive vision is fundamentally at odds with who we are as Americans.

As the presidential election draws to a close, here’s a recap of Trump’s pattern of discrimination and divisiveness:

A History of Housing Discrimination

• Trump was twice sued by the Department of Justice for discrimination in housing.
• Despite Trump’s claim that many companies were sued for discrimination when he was, the truth is that Fred and Donald Trump’s violation of the law was so egregious that the case made against them was “one of the strongest”
• At the first presidential debate, Trump admitted he was sued for housing discrimination saying, “we settled… it was very easy.”
• Trump’s real estate company had a disturbing practice of marking applications from black families with the letter “‘C’, for ‘Colored.”
• A Trump building manager had the rental application of a black woman and was instructed to “‘Take the application and put it in a drawer and leave it there,’ Mr. Leibowitz, now 88, recalled in an interview.”
• The N-word was used Trump offices and Donald was reportedly was in the room when it happened.
• Black families made up a tiny percentage of renters in Trump-owned buildings.

Trump vs. Central Park 5

• Trump paid for a racially provocative ad calling on New York lawmakers to reinstate the death penalty for five teenage Latino and African American men who were wrongfully accused of raping a woman.
• Trump refused to acknowledge the innocence of The Central Park 5 even after their 2014 exoneration.

The Birtherism Conspiracy Theory

• Trump led the birther movement in an attempt to delegitimize America’s first black president
• Trump continued pushing his birtherism theory to delegitimize President Barack Obama every Trump’s conspiracy theory: President Obama is a Muslim and rendered ineligible for the presidency because he was born in Kenya.
• When asked what he would say to people of color who were hurt by his remarks Trump repeatedly said, “I say nothing.”

Trump’s Hateful Rhetoric

• Trump has failed to appropriately disavow racists and white supremacists like David Duke supporting his campaign.
• Trump said African Americans have “nothing to lose” by voting for him because: “You’re living in poverty. Your schools are no good. You have no jobs.”
• Trump continues to ignore history and disparage black Americans, saying the African American community is in the worst shape “ever, ever, ever” and African Americans in cities are “living in hell” and living in “war zones.”
• Trump retweeted “racially loaded” and “wildly inaccurate” statistics claiming Blacks were responsible for 81 percent of White homicides.

Hateful Movements

• Trump’s campaign shared an anti-Semitic image on his twitter that first appeared on white supremacist websites.
• Trump has received an outpouring of support from hate movements like the alt-right.
• White Supremacists used Trump’s candidacy as a recruiting tool.
• White Supremacists and Klan members supported Trump, comparing his views to their views.
• David Duke said Trump has “Made it OK to talk about these incredible concerns of European Americans today, because I think European Americans know they are the only group that can’t defend their own essential interests and their point of view.
• “Virginia KKK Leader Endorses Trump: ‘What He Believes In, We Believe In.’”
• Trump on being supported by White Supremacists: “A lot of people like me.”

More Discrimination in Trump Organization

• Trump Plaza was fined $200,000 for shuffling Black and female dealers away from a high-rollers table to accommodate the preferences of patron and “reputed mob figure” Robert LiButti.
• Trump Marina was fined for requesting non-Black driver.
• When Trump came to his casino, Black people were allegedly ordered off the floor, according to a former employee in a report by The New Yorker.

For all the latest, follow our Scheduled Events page and follow Clinton on Twitter, Facebook, YouTube, and Instagram. Also, be sure to subscribe to the campaign’s official Podcast, With Her.

President Obama Campaigns for Hillary at UNC-Chapel Hill

President Barack Obama campaigned on the campus of the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill where he spoke in support of Hillary Clinton and Democratic Senate candidate Deborah Ross. Obama argued that it is not only important to elect Clinton president, but to put down ballot Democrats in office as well. Obama spoke about Clinton’s focus on the middle class, creating jobs, and raising the minimum wage. During his speech, Obama attacked Donald Trump for his hateful rhetoric, but he argued that ut is spreading and North Carolina Senator Richard Burr is a prime example. Burr joked about a “bullseye” being placed on Clinton. Obama slammed his comments saying, “You don’t talk about violence against public officials, even in a joke. This is becoming normal. This is the red meat they’re throwing their audiences, and it’s not normal, and it’s not who North Carolina is.” He concluded his speech by urging everyone to vote. A video from the event is below.

For all the latest, follow our Scheduled Events page and follow Clinton on Twitter, Facebook, YouTube, and Instagram. Also, be sure to subscribe to the campaign’s official Podcast, With Her.

News Source: The News & Observer, The Washington Post

Michelle Obama Campaigns for Hillary in Phoenix

On Thursday, First Lady Michelle Obama campaigned on behalf of Hillary Clinton in Phoenix, Arizona. Obama spoke to a crowd of over 7,000 about the optimistic vision for America offered by Clinton and her campaign platform. She condemned Donald Trump for his hateful rhetoric, and she blasted his refusal to say that he would accept the results of the 2016 election, regardless of the outcome. She said, “You don’t keep American democracy in suspense.” Obama then spoke about the importance of voting and how Arizona will play a vital role in this election. She admitted that this election cycle has been rough, but she said, “Do not let yourself get tired or frustrated or disgusted by everything you’ve seen in this campaign. Please, be encouraged. I have traveled the world, and I am telling you we still live in the greatest country on earth. We have every reason to be hopeful. Remember that in difficult times, we don’t give up. We don’t discard our highest ideals. No! We rise up to meet them. We rise up to perfect our union. That is the power of hope!” Watch a video of Obama’s speech below.

For all the latest, follow our Scheduled Events page and follow Clinton on Twitter, Facebook, YouTube, and Instagram. Also, be sure to subscribe to the campaign’s official Podcast, With Her.

News Source: The Arizona Republic, NBC12, The Washington Post

Tim Kaine, Anne Holton Campaign for Hillary

Tim Kaine attended three campaign events on Wednesday. The first two events were in Ohio, and he began by speaking at a canvass kick-off event in Upper Arlington. Kaine spoke about the importance of Ohio in this election and urged supporters and volunteers to canvass for Hillary Clinton. “Donald Trump cannot be president without Ohio. That means you’ve got this election right in the palm of your hands, Ohio,” he said. Kaine wrapped up by urging everyone to vote on November 8th. A video form the event is below.

Kaine then traveled to Springfield where he spoke to a crowd of supporters about the importance of 2016 election and Clinton’s plans to ensure that everyone has an equal opportunity to prosper in America. As in Upper Arlington, he spoke about the importance of Ohio and urged voters to reject the hateful rhetoric spread by the Trump campaign. Kaine also went after Trump for comments he made about women saying, “To just say this is the way men are, this is the real Donald Trump. But, this isn’t real men, folks.” A video from the Springfield event is below.

Kaine’s final event of the day was in Asheville, North Carolina where he spoke to supporters on the campus of the University of North Carolina-Asheville. Kaine attacked Trump for spreading the idea that the American democracy is rigged. Now (Trump) is attacking American democracy itself. Donald Trump is now perpertrating the lie that, ‘Oh the election is all set against me.’ We know what’s going on: He’s losing. Donald Trump has never been willing to take responsibility for anything so it’s not like he’s going to stand up and say, ‘Well, I lost. I guess must have run a divisive campaign.’ … If he loses, it’s going to be somebody else’s fault and so he’s he’s going around saying the election’s set against him.” Watch a video of the rally below.

Anne Holton, Kaine’s wife, was in Iowa where she held events in four cities. Her first event was in Des Moines where she held a discussion with local educators and parents about bullying in schools. Holton then spoke at early voting events in Ottumwa and Burlington. At each event, she encouraged everyone to get out and vote on, or before, election day. Holton’s final Iowa event was in Davenport where she attended a debate watch party with a group of supporters. Full coverage from today’s Iowa events will be posted when/if available.

For all the latest, follow our Scheduled Events page and follow Clinton on Twitter, Facebook, YouTube, and Instagram. Also, be sure to subscribe to the campaign’s official Podcast, With Her.

News Source: The Columbus Dispatch, WLWT, Citizen-Times

Hillary Clinton Statement on Alleged Plot Against Somali Community

Following news that the FBI had charged three Kansas men for plotting to use a weapon of mass destruction against an apartment complex in Garden City, Kansas, that is home to many Somali immigrants, Hillary Clinton issues the following statement:

“I applaud law enforcement for detecting and disrupting a highly disturbing terror plot in Kansas, in which men were allegedly planning an elaborate attack directed at Muslim Americans, including directing four car bombs at an apartment complex housing more than 100 men, women, and children. This plot is an affront to all Americans. We all must stand firm in fighting terror and rejecting hateful and divisive rhetoric–and we must do it together. According to the FBI, their eight-month investigation uncovered ‘a hidden culture of hatred and violence.’ We should all be grateful to law enforcement for preventing this plot from being carried out, and as President, I will work with law enforcement at all levels and with our communities to make sure we have the tools we need to prevent both domestic and international terrorist threats.”

For all the latest, follow our Scheduled Events page and follow Clinton on Twitter, Facebook, YouTube, and Instagram. Also, be sure to subscribe to the campaign’s official Podcast, With Her.

News Source: USA Today

Bill Clinton Campaigns in OH, Chelsea in PA

On Friday, Bill Clinton campaigned for Hillary Clinton in Ohio at events in Delaware and Cincinnati. At both events, Bill focused on the issues and Hillary’s plans to held grow the economy and support the middle class. In Delaware, Bill was interrupted by protestors which led him to address anger. He said that he understand why people are mad at the political system, but he explained that anger may feel good, but it does not achieve results. “Anger and resentment and conflict may win a lot of attention, but it won’t put a single soul to work, it won’t save a single life in a complicated world, it won’t give a single person … a chance to fulfill their dreams,” he said. A video from the event in Delaware is below.

Chelsea Clinton was in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania where she attended two events. Her first event was a Women for Hillary event where she spoke about Hillary’s plans to ensure equal pay for women and paid family leave. She also spoke about the hateful rhetoric being spewed by Donald Trump, and in particular his comments about women. “I never thought I would see in lifetime the type of rhetoric we’ve heard from Donald Trump and his campaign. We have to stand against the normalization of hate speech,” she said. Chelsea then answered questions from those in attendance.

Chelsea then spoke at the University of Pittsburgh where she focused on Hillary’s plans to reduce student loan interest rates for those currently repaying student loans, making public college tuition free for families making less than $125,000 per year, and ensuring equal rights for women and the LGBTQ community. As with the event earlier in the day, Chelsea took questions from the audience. Videos from today’s events will be posted when/if available.

In Cleveland, Ohio, Mothers of the Movement held a local community discussion. Full coverage from the event will be posted when/if available.

Meanwhile, in Dublin, Ireland, a fundraiser was held on behalf of Hillary for America. The event was only open to American citizens and featured a conversation with Elizabeth Frawley Bagley.

For all the latest, follow our Scheduled Events page and follow Clinton on Twitter, Facebook, YouTube, and Instagram. Also, be sure to subscribe to the campaign’s official Podcast, With Her.

News Source: The Columbus Dispatch, The Toledo Blade, CBS Pittsburgh, WESA, Tribune-Review

National Leaders Reject Donald Trump’s Outreach Effort to African Americans

Following Donald Trump’s efforts to reach out to African American communities, Hillary for America released the following statements from African American leaders across the country.

After a campaign spent courting white supremacists and playing into misleading stereotypes about people of color, today in Detroit, Donald Trump addressed a predominantly African American audience for the first time.

While Trump can attempt to reach out to African Americans, he has proven to the community time and again that he is unfit to be president and he has no interest in working with the African American community.

National leaders are rejecting Trump’s scripted conversation and his staged outreach to the Black community.

“Whether he is embracing policies that preserve privilege for those at the top or spewing rhetoric that demeans Americans, Donald Trump has shown us that he wants to roll back the progress we have witnessed over the past eight years. Trump is running around the country riling up his supporters declaring that he wants to ‘take our country back.’ I have news for Mr. Trump, the hateful groups he has courted and now represents can never have this country again. We are moving forward together, and we refuse to allow him to take us back.” –Rep. Emanuel Cleaver II (D-MO)

“Donald Trump’s visit to Detroit is tantamount to a wolf visiting a sheep farm to lead a discussion on Let Me Be Your Leader To Greener Pastures. It is the old southern strategy of Nixon, Bush and Reagan, wrapped up in a new an un-improved version of divide and conquer the Black and moderate white votes. Let’s talk about law and order for you, bad economic times for you but no specific plan of action from me. He is talking over, around and through Black people but not to Black people. He should apologize, repent, re-align and retreat from his divisive non-Presidential behavior. We are all better than that.” –Rev. Dr. Wendell Anthony, Detroit Social Activist

“Hillary Clinton has been a champion for the African-American community for decades. This year, she traveled to Flint to stand with us and let the country know that Flint’s crisis is a national crisis. In doing so, she showed us once again who she is: a proven leader who is committed to addressing the injustices African-Americans are subjected to in this country. Flint’s water crisis should serve as a reminder to Americans of what can happen when entire communities are ignored, left out and left behind. Donald Trump has a long history of turning a blind eye to the African American community. We are not fooled by this manufactured stop in Michigan. This is the same man who has talked down to us and falsely claimed that our entire community is poor, uneducated and unemployed. Donald Trump’s lack of concern for our community is yet another reason he is unqualified and unfit for the presidency.” –Mayor Karen Weaver, Flint, MI

“As the Bible says, beware of false prophets who come disguised as harmless sheep but are really vicious wolves. No matter how many times he attempts to reset, Donald Trump is still running the same race but with a pair of different shoes.   There’s no doubt in my mind that this man who discriminated from the boardroom will take that same attitude to the White House.  He has shown us who he really is and who he really cares about—and that’s not us.” –Rev. Marcia Dyson, Social Activist

“I have no room for conversation with Mr. Trump, until he first apologizes to the President and the entire African American community for attempting to delegitimize his presidency with regard to him being a US Citizen. If a person has no respect for an African American serving in the highest position in this country and world, then how can I believe that he has any respect for me?” –Bishop Charles Ellis, Detroit Faith and Community Leader

For all the latest, follow our Scheduled Events page and follow Clinton on Twitter, Facebook, YouTube, and Instagram. Also, be sure to subscribe to the campaign’s official Podcast, With Her.