Hillary Clinton came out with a huge smile on her face Saturday night in Nevada as she turned to supporters and thanked them for the victory that put her back in the position of the Democratic primary frontrunner.
“Some may have doubted us, but we never doubted each other,” Clinton said. “This one is for you.”
Her tone Saturday was markedly different than in recent weeks as she clawed out from under questions on whether her campaign had what it took to go the distance. Clinton took a turn. Instead of just talking about what she would do for the country, Clinton asked Americans from “Flint” to “coal country” to come on her journey with her.
“No one can get this done alone not even the president of the United States,” Clinton said. “I have never believed in dividing America between us and them. We are all in this together.” She added that “we all have to do our part.”
Clinton had an even more direct message for young Democrats who have been hesitant to support her.
“I know what you are up against,” Clinton said before promising that as president she would do more than simply make college more affordable.
“You need help with the debt you already have,” Clinton said.
But she also demanded more of the young voters who have been mostly attracted to 74-year-old Sanders’ message.
“I want you to think about this. It cannot be just about what we are going to give to you. It has to be about what we are going to build together,” Clinton said.
Clinton’s short, but pointed victory speech also sought to re-connect her to the Democratic coalition that has been splintered in recent months as Sanders has forged ahead in his campaign. She had a direct message for the youth, the minority and the women’s vote.
“Every one of us has a role to play in building the country we want,” Clinton declared.
She assured voters that when in office she would take on criminal justice reform, tackle immigration reform and ensure that women were paid the same as men in the workplace.
“Don’t you think we have waited long enough?” Clinton asked. “It is time for equal pay for equal work”
Clinton pledged to keep on fighting with her supporters now. Next stop? Texas.
“The fight goes on,” Clinton said. “The future that we want is within our grasp.”
