By Andrea Asuaje
BU News Service
Herstory made.
On Thursday night, Hillary Rodham Clinton formally accepted the Democratic Party’s nomination as their candidate for president of the United States, a first for a major political party.
Clinton was introduced by her daughter Chelsea, who called her mother wonderful, thoughtful and hilarious.
“I hope that someday my children will be as proud of me as I am of my mom,” Chelsea Clinton said. “She makes me proud every single day.”
The former Senator and Secretary of State took the stage to a standing ovation.
All week long, speakers from all walks of life praised Clinton for her life-long dedication to public service and commitment to advancing policy to benefit children and families. On Thursday night, Clinton gave her supporters a glimpse into why she chose a life of service, explaining how helping others was instilled in her by her mother, Dorothy.
“No one gets through life alone,” Clinton said, reiterating the wisdom of her mother. “We have to look out for each other and lift each other up.”
She also said that her Methodist faith, along with her early career choices, pushed her to assist others.
“To drive real progress, you have to change both hearts and laws,” Clinton said. “You need both understanding and action.”
She spoke directly to supporters of Senator Bernie Sanders who have vocally opposed her and those endorsing her throughout the convention, booing and chanting loudly during the previous night’s speeches.
“I’ve heard you,” Clinton said to Sanders supporters. “Your cause is our cause. Our country needs your ideas, energy and passion. That is the only way we can turn our progressive platform into real change for America.”
Hillary Clinton addresses delegates at the Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia, July 29, 2016. Pankaj Khadka/BUNS
Her speech was often interrupted by Sanders supporters, whose shouts were drowned out by pro-Clinton supporters chanting, “Hillary!”
Clinton explained what she thinks needs to be improved or fixed during her proposed administration, including criminal-justice reform, comprehensive immigration policy, mending the divides caused by systemic racism and gun control.
“I’m not here to repeal the 2nd Amendment,” Clinton said. “I’m not here to take away your guns. I just don’t want you to be shot by someone who shouldn’t have a gun in the first place.”
She also took time to take a few jabs at her Republican competition.
“A man you can bait with a tweet is not a man we can trust with nuclear weapons,” Clinton said of GOP presidential nominee Donald Trump.
Recent polls show that Clinton trails Trump by about one percentage point, according to Real Clear Politics, with Clinton receiving 44.7 percent of votes to Trump’s 45.6 percent. Trump appears to be benefitting from a post-convention bump. Whether Clinton’s numbers rise post the DNC convention remains to be seen.
When she accepted the nomination — “with humility, determination and boundless confidence” — the crowd erupted with cheers.
Her speech touched on many issues, but it also clearly focused on the theme of the week: that the country is better and stronger as one, not as a divided nation. “We will not build a wall,” she said, taking a swipe at her opponent.
“I will be a president for Democrats, Republicans, and Independents,” Clinton said. “For the struggling, the striving, the successful. For those who vote for me and for those who don’t. For all Americans.”
