Clinton draws crowd of old and young

By Jan Hill, Journal correspondent | Monday, May 12, 2008

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The people in the crowd Saturday at former President Bill Clinton's campaign speech on behalf of his wife were as diverse as the reasons Clinton urged supporters to vote for Hillary.

Ten-year-old Catalina Bush, a fourth-grader from Box Elder, said she was thrilled to be in attendance for the speech. "I've never met a former president before, and it's neat that a woman is running for president," she said.

Catalina said that in her opinion, Hillary is well-qualified for the top job in the nation.

"If the men can do it, then she can do it," she said.

Many came to hear how Clinton would address issues important to them.

"I'm a business owner, but I can't afford health insurance, and that's only one of the reasons I think Hillary is the best candidate," Rosemarie Stewart said. Paula Arnold, Stewart's neighbor, nodded in agreement.

"I admire Hillary's strength," Stewart said. "She's focused on the issues, such as health-care reform and ending the war. Of the three candidates, she is the most politically connected and understands the maneuvering necessary to get things done."

Bob Kirland, 73, a United States military veteran with more than 44 years in the armed services, was also in attendance to see the former president. He said that like a lot of older Americans, he is ready for a change of leadership.

"When it all comes out in the wash, I think we'll see the first woman president elected," he said.

Besides the economy, the war and gasoline prices, he believes that other issues facing our country, such as the composition of the United States Supreme Court, also define this year's election.

"We're going to see several Supreme Court justices age out in the next several years or so," he said. "We need strong leadership in appointing their replacements, and I think Clinton has the experience for that."

Rapid City Central High School students Jake Kabrud and Greg Puccetti each had different reasons for attending the event. "I'm interested in hearing her stand on educational issues," Kabrud said.

"I really just want to get a picture with Bill," Puccetti said.

Lyn Wilson-Pine, a longtime supporter of both the Clintons, was in attendance at Pine Ridge in 1999 when Bill Clinton addressed a crowd of Oglala Sioux Tribe members about economic stimulus on reservations.

"I think many Native Americans support Hillary Clinton because she is genuinely interested in our issues," Wilson-Pine said. "I have faith in her."

Her son, Dale Pine Jr., a student at Chadron State College, said he was there to "learn more so that I can make a good decision when I vote."

Vince Rafal, a Native Alaskan and Rapid City resident, said that of the three presidential candidates, Hillary Clinton best represents his vision of the American ideal.

"Bill Clinton went from washing dishes at minimum wage to becoming president of the United States," he said. "The Clintons are hard workers who understand that the government should be run based upon a professional, not personal, basis. I think most rational people have moved past Bill's indiscretions while he was in office. If his wife can, we should all be able to. I don't see it as an issue at all in this election."