Tuesday, October 11, President Barack Obama and Senate nominee Deborah Ross spoke at a Hillary Clinton campaign rally in Greensboro. Accompanying them with similar but shorter speeches were Councilman Jamal Fox, Hillary For America Campaign organizer Nam Nguyen Phan, Congresswoman Alma Adams, and Justice Henry Frye.

 Preceding Ross’ speech, she spoke on how she as a local government official aspires to lead on Obama’s legacy, and she believes Hillary Clinton will do the same. With president Obama’s term coming to an end, he endorsed Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, highlighting in his speech about her qualifications to handle the things that he could not do in office. When asked about his opinion on President Obama’s term coming to an end, junior Isaiah Patterson said, “I feel like the country would have been a lot better off had Obama had the opportunity to do more within his presidency. His supervisors and congress limited him more in my opinion.” Also in his speech, President Obama discussed equal pay, immigration laws, and threw his support behind Hillary Clinton, Deborah Ross, and North Carolina Governor nominee Roy Cooper. In between topics, President Obama would tell a quick one-liner or ask the crowd a few questions to add some fun to the serious topics, too.

 There were several times that President Obama had to deal with outbursts from the crowd. Whether it be from excited fans or opposing protesters, Obama had to avert away from his speech and lighten the mood. The rally itself was full of life and had protesters against their cause, resulting in the removal of 5 people total. As the speech came to a close, President Obama walked off the stage and shook hands and greeted North Carolinians in the crowd, too. Overall, his speech was well-worded, effective, and informative for its purpose.

 All of these individuals spoke about similar topics that Democratic presidential  nominee and current Secretary of State Hillary Clinton has on her platform. Some of the topics discussed by Councilman Fox were mainly based around the nation’s and local government’s economic plans. Fox emphasized points on improving healthcare, local roads, small businesses, and regulating America’s gun control. Similar to Councilman Fox, Nam Nguyen Phan and Congresswoman Alma Adams encouraged people to get out and vote. The majority of the short speeches performed were based around targeting and securing votes. In addition, Adams spoke on how important it is for Americans to remain united throughout a campaign season as tough as this. Senior Kylie O’Connor said, “Our councilmen and women have been working hard recently and deserve the attention and recognition received at the rally on Tuesday.”

 Senator nominee Deborah Ross followed Congresswoman Adams’ speech and addressed important matters for North Carolinians. Some of the first words out of her mouth were discussing hurricane Matthew and how she strives to remain active in seeking aid for those in need. President Obama spoke about the tragedy as well and promised to not leave North Carolina behind. Ross highlighted her passion for unity and equality by expressing her opinion on the importance of family, job creation and fair pay within the workforce, as well as her opinion on affordable education.