11:53 AM: Bill Clinton says choice between 'speeches and solutions'
MILWAUKEE -- Former President Bill Clinton said the choice between Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton is one between speeches and solutions during a rally in Milwaukee this morning.
"This election is not just about change. It's about whether you choose the excitement of the new over the empowerment of all," Clinton told the crowd of several hundred at the Italian Community Center.
"It's about whether you choose the power of speeches over the power of solutions."
Clinton called Hillary the best "change maker" and highlighted her work while he was president in helping pass a children's health care program, her work to boost immunization rates for children and how she worked with Republicans to increase adoption rates.
He also noted that she has reached across the aisle in the Senate to address global warming, improve health care for children, get care for first responders to the 9/11 attacks and get body armor for troops.
Clinton's message about experience helped hit home for some of those in the crowd.
UW-Milwaukee student Greg Falesnick, 19, said he's been debating between supporting Obama or Clinton and is now leaning toward supporting Hillary after hearing Clinton speak.
He said he came to the rally for a learning experience and that Clinton's emphasis on Hillary's plan for health care, education and dealing with the Iraq war was most interesting to him.
He said he hopes to hear more from Hillary and also wants to attend an Obama event if he can.
Terry Lubar, of Milwaukee, who put her age "in the 50s," said she was impressed by the way Clinton was able to clearly lay out Hillary's experience and vision.
She says she's been following both Obama and Hillary, but said Clinton made it seem as if Hillary would be able to accomplish her goals, more so than other politicians who offer "empty promises."
"I think this helped change my mind," Lubar said.
Midway through Clinton's 40-minute speech, a protester interrupted his talk shouting "9/11 truth is here ... We're not going to go away."
After the protester was escorted away, Clinton said those who believe the attacks were an inside job shouldn't vote for Hillary.
Listen to audio of the protester and Clinton's reaction here.
Behind Clinton as he spoke were signs in support of Clinton from AFSCME, IUPAT and AFT.
Clinton was introduced by Dane County Exec. Kathleen Falk, who said Hillary Clinton has experience in making change.
Before Clinton spoke, the crowd heard from U.S. Rep. Corrine Brown, D-Fla., who demanded the state's delegates be counted, and U.S. Rep. Hilda Solis, D-Calif., who lauded Hillary Clinton's position on health care, jobs, energy security, the environment and foreign relations.
Listen to audio of Clinton's speech here.
-- By Dave Wise
Labels: 2008 spring primary