Bryant welcomes former President Bill Clinton

President Clinton speaks at the “Solutions for America” rally in support of Hillary Clinton’s campaign to be the Democratic presidential nominee.

Former President Bill Clinton visited Bryant on February 28 to campaign for his wife, Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton, in her bid to be the Democratic presidential nominee. This was the first time a United States president visited Bryant University.

About 2,600 students, faculty, staff, and members of the community assembled in the Chace Wellness Center gym for the rally. It was also simulcast on Bryant’s cable network, as well as streamed live on the web.

“What an exciting and historic day for Bryant University – to have on our campus the former President of the United States,” said Bryant University President Ronald K. Machtley.

“I know as a former United States Congressman how important every vote is in an election,” he said. “And as a person who loves history, I also know how important it is for everyone to participate in the election process. It is a right that people have literally died to achieve. My request is that every student register and vote in this year’s election.”

Stephanie Reategui ’09 (Wethersfield, CT), a volunteer for the Clinton campaign in Rhode Island, had the opportunity to introduce Rhode Island Congressman Jim Langevin and President Clinton.

“This is history – right here right now,” she told the crowd.

As part of the “Solutions for America” rally, President Clinton spoke about his wife’s experience in public service and laid out her plans for the economy, healthcare reform, and making college more affordable.

“Hillary’s argument is that this election fundamentally is about you, not us the candidates, about you the American people, your future,” said President Clinton.

Micaela Maynard ’08 (North Yarmouth, ME), the president of the Bryant Democrats, encourages students to get involved in the political process because the decisions made now will affect their generation.

“It is important to me that students take a proactive approach to what is going on in our country so that we are knowledgeable about our government and the choices our elected officials are making,” says Maynard.

Randy Trickett ‘09 (Amesbury, MA), the vice president of the Bryant Democrats, tells students not to let their lack of experience in the political arena stop them from taking part in the process.

“I didn’t know much about politics when I first got involved,” he says. Looking back on it I have met many important people and even been able to help different campaigns, which make the experience worthwhile.”

Davin Morris ’08 (Keene, NH), a member of the Bryant Democrats, says her interest in politics came from her parents and a relative who is a former state representative in Vermont.

“We are very fortunate to live in a democracy and have the freedom to make choices that affect our lives,” she says. “Being politically active and voting are especially important in this process.”

Richard Holtzman, assistant professor of history and social sciences who teaches political science, hopes students realize the influence their vote can hold.

“President Clinton came to Bryant to ask for your support and make convincing arguments about why you should offer this support,” says Holtzman. “Students should recognize how much power they really have in this system.”

Holtzman and the Bryant Democrats encourage students to be aware about issues like the economy, health care, or college affordability that already do or will have a direct impact on them.

“The first step is getting informed and gathering multiple views on issues,” says Morris. “From here you can shape you own views and decide what your stance is on a range of political issues.”

Says Holtzman, “The most important thing to do is to get informed by reading the newspaper, taking political science courses, and having political discussions with others.”

Rhode Island, along with Texas, Ohio, and Vermont, will vote in primaries on March 4.

To see the rally, visit Bryant media.