Chelsea Clinton, daughter of presidential candidate Hillary Clinton, hit the campaign trail for her mother in Carlisle, Pennsylvania, on Wednesday for the first time since the Democratic National Convention.
Chelsea, who was greeted by enthusiastic supporters and protestors, met with dozens of people at the democratic headquarters in the town’s square. The “Pennsylvania Women for Hillary” event focused on Hillary’s support for women and disability equality.
Disability rights advocate Anastasia Somoza, a long-time supporter of Hillary, spoke to dozens of enthusiastic campaign supporters crammed into the headquarters.
“I’m supporting her not only as a person with a disability but as a woman,” Somoza said, receiving cheers. Somoza said Hillary supported her education and fought as a senator and presidential candidate for disability rights.
“I am thrilled to be here and share how much she really, truly cares,” she said.
Amidst more applause, members of the crowd turned to look through the large glass windows as a growing number presidential candidate Donald Trump supporters gathered across the street. They waved signs and vehicles honked as they passed. Dozens of Clinton supporters, who were not able to fit inside the headquarters, responded by erecting a large banner. The crowd inside soon turned its attention back to the stage as Chelsea was welcomed to speak.
Chelsea praised Somoza for her words and insisted she received another round of applause. Chelsea said she trusts her mother more than anyone in the world and that she believes in her to bring change for the benefit of women. She cited issues such as equal pay for equal work, the right to choose an abortion and a number of other topics that were received with exploding cheers.
Chelsea said Hillary would act on curbing climate change and making college more affordable — two issues she said resonated with college students. Local university and high school students in the crowd responded with applause.
After opening up to questions from the audience, Chelsea said her mother does not let mudslinging and attacks on the campaign trail degrade her.
“She has risen above that to show she is a real human being.”
One woman Chelsea spoke to outside said she was supporting Hillary despite being a Republican, Chelsea said, partially because of her support of women’s rights.
“I hope you will have as many conversations as you can between people you know and don’t know,” Chelsea said.
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