SPEECH EXCERPTS: Select Remarks from Tuesday Night's Program at the Democratic National Convention

PHILADELPHIA, July 26, 2016 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Democratic National Convention Committee (DNCC) released a selection of excerpts from the prepared remarks of speakers who will address the Democratic National Convention tonight in Philadelphia. The second day of the Democratic National Convention will be a historic moment, where Hillary Clinton officially becomes the first woman nominee of a major party for President.

Tuesday night's program will tell the story of how Hillary has spent her entire career fighting to make a difference for children, families and our country - and how that connects to her vision for moving the country forward. Speakers will talk about Clinton's work for women and families, for social justice, for health care, for 9/11 recovery and for global security as Secretary of State. Each segment will include leaders, validators and real people impacted by that work who will speak to what Hillary Clinton did to get results.

Excerpts from select speeches from tonight's program are included below:

U.S. Senator Barbara Mikulski:

"I broke a barrier when I became the first Democratic woman elected to the Senate in her own right, and first woman to chair the powerful Senate Appropriations Committee.

 "So, it is with a full heart that I am here today as we nominate Hillary Clinton to be the first woman President. 

"You can count on her. She'll work hard for you. She'll fight for your day-to-day needs and the long range needs of the country.  She'll fight for the macro issues and the macaroni and cheese issues.  So you'll have national security and economic security.  So you will have equal pay for equal work, living wages, and health care that's there when you need it." 

Congressman John Lewis

"There are forces in America that want to take us backwards.  They want to undo 50 years of progress. We've come too far.  We've made too much progress, and we're not going back.

"She is one of the most qualified candidates to ever run for president.  She is a leader, sometimes sailing against the wind to break down the barriers that divide us.  She's smart, just smart.  She could have done anything with her life, but she decided long ago: she didn't want to just do well, she wanted to good.  And so she has dedicated her life to public service and building a better America.

"I give you a leader who can unite us as a nation, a leader who can break down barriers and build a better future for every American.   She will fight for us all with her heart, soul, and mind."  

Governor Terry McAuliffe:

"We selected a nominee who doesn't just talk about making America stronger around the world – she's the only candidate with a specific plan to work with our allies and fight ISIS. My friends, Hillary Clinton is a nominee who is ready to stand up to the hatred and the fearmongering and send Donald Trump back to his bankrupt casinos where he belongs."

"Hillary is tough. She is determined. She is an amazing mother, grandmother, and wife. And know that she loves this country more than anything."

U.S. Senator Chuck Schumer:

"Middle-class incomes have not grown enough; there aren't enough good-paying jobs; too many families struggle to make ends meet……Some are using this unease to pit Americans against each other. Not us. We Democrats fight for an America that works for everyone, that's focused on leveling the playing field for all of us."

"I'm from Brooklyn – it's in our blood to sniff out empty bravado. There's a lot of that in politics, but not an ounce of it in Hillary Clinton. When she tells you something – take it to the bank. I saw it: her remarkable ability to listen, internalize the concerns and fears, hopes and dreams of everyday Americans – and then get things done for them."

"Hillary Clinton sees a different America. An America that strives to live up to that promise written here in Philadelphia that every man (and woman) has a right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness…  An America where we don't build walls, we break down barriers and shatter ceilings. An America that's stronger because of our differences. Stronger together."

FIGHTS OF HER LIFE: KIDS & FAMILIES

David Banks, President and CEO of the Eagle Academy - New York, NY - As a senator, Hillary Clinton supported the creation of the Eagle Academy to educate at-risk youth in New York City. Eagle Academy was featured in the ad Came Through during the New York primary.

 "Our schools were founded to address a serious problem facing young men of color. In 2004, the high school graduation rate was only around thirty percent and seventy-five percent of New York State's entire prison population came from just seven neighborhoods in New York City. If you were a young man in one of these areas, the odds were stacked against you. So we did something about it."

"Ninety-eight percent of our graduates are accepted to college. We're making a big difference now, but we could not have done it alone. One leader was with us from the beginning - and our earliest champion. One leader understood that addressing the crisis facing young men of color in our country required innovative measures. I'm with Hillary Clinton because she has always been with us."  

Jelani Freeman - Washington, DC: Jelani grew up in foster care and is a former intern in Hillary Clinton's Senate office. Since receiving his law degree, he has worked to bring opportunity to kids at risk.

"I spent my childhood in the New York foster care system, moving from home to home with a trash bag as my suitcase. But if you're a kid in that system who never finds a permanent home, when you turn 18, you're on your own."

"But Hillary Clinton had this crazy notion: Every kid deserves to live up to their God-given potential. So she reserved an internship spot in her Senate office for former foster youth. In 2003, I got that spot. I remember our first meeting vividly. She looked me in the eye and said "Jelani, I'm proud of you. I felt seen and heard – for the first time in my life."

Thaddeus Desmond - Philadelphia, PA: Similar to Hillary's work at the Children's Defense Fund, Thaddeus is a child advocate social worker in Philadelphia.

"Every kid deserves an advocate who truly cares for them. And they have on in Hillary Clinton. Hillary knows that when you fight for our kids, you're fighting for our future. That's why I'm with her."

Kate Burdick- Philadelphia, PA: Kate is a staff attorney at the Juvenile Law Center in Philadelphia.

"From the moment a child touches the justice system, it's important society lifts them up instead of letting them fall behind. That's why I became a juvenile justice lawyer. You don't often make headlines fighting for kids – but her whole career, Hillary has been quietly leading that fight anyway. That's why I'm with her." 

Donna Brazile

"At her core, rooting her to this earth, is the belief that every child, black or white, rich or poor, native born, immigrant, or undocumented, deserves the opportunity to live up to their God-given potential."

"My friends, as a child, I sat in the back of the bus. I was told, time and again, that God's potential didn't exist in people like me. I've spent my life trying to change that. And, from the first day when I met Hillary Clinton, I've known that she's someone who cares just as much and fights just as hard. As long as she's in charge, we are never going back."

FIGHTS OF HER LIFE: SOCIAL JUSTICE

Former U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder

"At a time when the bonds between law enforcement and communities of color have frayed – when assassins target police in heinous attacks, and peaceful activists have to question whether black lives truly matter – we need a president who understands the reality I saw, in my travels across the country, as our nation's 82nd Attorney General: that there is no tension between protecting those who valiantly risk their lives to serve… and ensuring that everyone is treated fairly by police.

"Hillary understands that the goals we share are the same: safer communities, with less crime, where all our loved ones – police and community residents – come home at night.  As president, she will continue the work that needs to be done to rebuild trust – because she knows we are stronger together."

"Throughout history, too many people have sacrificed too much – fought wars and braved fire hoses, dogs and bullets, and bombs – for this generation to sit on the sidelines. Never forget we are the heirs to the revolution that began just five miles from where we gather this week. And the choice we face, in this pivotal election, is about much more than politics."

Mothers of the Movement

Geneva Reed-Veal: "Exactly one year ago yesterday, I lived the worst nightmare anyone could imagine. I watched as my daughter, Sandra Bland, was lowered into the ground in a coffin. I'm here with Hillary Clinton because she is a leader and a mother who will say our children's names. Hillary knows that when a young black life is cut short, it's not just a personal loss. It is a national loss. It is a loss that diminishes all of us. 

"What a blessing to here tonight, so that Sandy can still speak through her mama. And what a blessing it is for all of us that we have the opportunity—if we seize it—to cast our votes for a president who will help lead us down the path toward restoration and change."

Lucia McBath: "You don't stop being a parent when your child dies. I am still Jordan Davis' mother. His life ended the day he was shot and kill for playing loud music. But my job as his mother didn't."

"Hillary Clinton isn't afraid to say black lives matter. She isn't afraid to sit at a table with grieving mothers and bear the full force of our anguish. She doesn't build walls around her heart. Not only did she listen to our problems, she invited us to become part of the solution.

"We're going to keep building a future where police officers and communities of color work together in mutual respect to keep children like Jordan safe. The majority of police officers are good people doing a good job—and we won't let the bad apples take away from that. And we're also going to keep using our voices and our votes to support leaders like Hillary Clinton, who will help us protect one another so this club of heartbroken mothers stops growing."

Sybrina Fulton: "I am here today for my son, Trayvon Martin, who is in heaven. And for my other son who is still here on earth.  I didn't want this spotlight. But will I do everything I can to focus some of that light on a path out of this darkness. 

"Hillary Clinton has the compassion to comfort a grieving mother. She has the courage to lead the fight for common sense gun legislation. And she has a plan to repair the divide that so often exists between law enforcement and the communities they serve."

FIGHTS OF HER LIFE: WOMEN AND FAMILIES

President of the Planned Parenthood Action Fund Cecile Richards

"As first lady, Hillary declared to the world that women's rights are human rights. She worked with republicans and democrats to help create the Children's Health Insurance Program – which now covers 8 million kids. As secretary of state, she was a champion for women and girls around the globe.  And she will always stand up for roe v. Wade and the right of every woman to access a full range of reproductive health care, including abortion – no matter her economic status."

"Make no mistake: women's health and rights are on the line and on the ballot in this election. His policies aren't just frightening –they're rooted in a disturbing worldview. Donald Trump has called women "fat pigs" and "dogs." He wants to punish women for having abortions. And he says pregnancy is, quote, an "inconvenience" for a woman's employer." 

FIGHTS OF HER LIFE: STANDING UP FOR 9/11 SURVIVORS

Joe Sweeney – New York, NY – Joe served as a NYPD officer and detective for 21 years. He was a first responder on 9/11.

"When we needed someone to speak for us, to stand with us, to fight on our behalf, Hillary Clinton was there, every step of the way. Within 48 hours of the towers falling, Hillary introduced a bill – signed into law – that helped first responders get the benefits they earned easier and faster."

"A lot of people moved on; they thought everything was fine. But Hillary Clinton kept in touch – and kept at it. Ten years later Hillary Clinton was still our toughest champion."

Lauren Manning - New York, NY - Lauren was one of the most severely injured survivors of 9/11. She spent more than 6 months in the hospital recovering from 82.5% total body burns.

As senator, Hillary helped Lauren navigate red tape to get the care she needed. "When I arrived at the World Trade Center on the morning of September 11th, 2001, I was a partner at Cantor Fitzgerald. A moment later, my life changed forever. I was burned over 82 percent of my body, my chances of survival next to zero.  I battled for months to live, and for years to recover. 

"Hillary Clinton stood with me through that fight. In the darkest of days and the hardest of times, the people who show up mean everything. Hillary showed up.  She visited, called, and checked n for years, because she cared. When I needed her, she was there. When our first responders needed her, she was there.  Now our country needs her."

U.S. Representative Joseph Crowley

"On September 12th, I stood at what had been the World Trade Center.  All that remained was ash and smoke.  there beside me that day, was Hillary Clinton.  She fought to help our city rebuild. And she delivered.

"Where was Donald Trump in the days, and months, and years after 9/11?  He didn't stand at the pile. He didn't lobby Congress for help. He didn't fight for the first responders.  Nope. He Cashed In. Collecting $150,000 in federal funds intended to help small businesses recover – even though days after the attack Trump said his properties were not affected.  It was one of our nation's darkest days, but to Trump, it was just another chance to make a quick buck. 

"My friends, this is the Hillary Clinton I know. The doer of deeds – who I've stood and worked and fought alongside.

"This is the Hillary Clinton I believe in. The proven fighter, who has devoted herself to helping American families. American workers… and cops… and firefighters… and first responders. Helping all Americans." 

FIGHTS OF HER LIFE: HEALTH CARE

Ryan Moore - South Sioux City, NE - Ryan has spondyloepiphyseal Dysplasia dwarfism and has known Hillary Clinton since 1994 when his family came to Washington, DC for an event to advocate for health care reform. Brian Moore, Ryan's father, lost his job when his employer was unwilling to cover treatment for Ryan's health condition. Ryan has stayed in contact with Hillary ever since.

"My family began our friendship with Hillary over 20 years ago. As a person with a rare form of dwarfism, my family knew that my life was going to be filled with surgeries and hospital visits.  For me, quality, affordable health care was more than a privilege, and even more than a right.  It was an absolute necessity. I'm thankful that she's kept up the fight over the years.  

"Here's what I can tell you from my years knowing Hillary Clinton. She's compassionate.  Every time I see Hillary, she remembers meaningful details about my life, sometimes from years earlier. She's thoughtful.  Every time I have a big operation coming up, I always receive a note from Hillary, full of encouragement and kindness. Most of all, she's genuine.  No matter how busy she is – and I'm pretty sure she's always really busy – she makes you feel like the most important person in her day.  She really cares."  

Former Governor of Vermont Howard Dean

"Twenty-five years ago, I got to know Hillary Clinton when she worked to achieve a goal a century in the making: universal health care. Between the aspiration of Harry Truman and the accomplishment of Barack Obama, there was Hillary—poised and persistent.

"When her first attempt at health reform didn't work out, Hillary could have given up. Instead, she fought the way she always does. She did her homework… persevered… never forgot who she was fighting for. Thanks to her effort, the State Children's Health Insurance Program was born."

"We have expanded insurance to 20 million more people. Today, 90% of Americans are covered. We've made so much progress and now we need to elect the person who will finish the job. Hillary has a plan to drive down health care costs. Hillary has a plan to stand up to the drug companies and lower prescription drug prices and Hillary has a plan to take us that last mile and finally achieve health care for all."

FIGHTS OF HER LIFE: SECRETARY OF STATE

U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar:

"She sees a world where girls are not captured and sold but are fearless and bold … where they lead, not follow … and where when someone tells a young woman, "You fight like a girl," her answer is, "Yes, I do. And I'm proud to be that girl!"

"Fellow delegates, human trafficking is the third biggest criminal enterprise in the world. As long as ISIS is selling girls for $165, and parents in Nigeria are left with nothing but bows and arrows to chase the terrorists who steal their daughters in the middle of the night, we will never have a just and good world.

"Elevating women across the world so they're treated with dignity and respect -- That's what Hillary Clinton will do.   And if that means playing the woman card, Donald Trump, let me tell you: There are hundreds of millions of women in this world who are ready to play that card. And in the United States of America, it's called the voting card."

Ima Matul Maisaroh: Ima is a survivor of human trafficking

"I grew up in a poor village in Indonesia. When I was 17, I was brought to Los Angeles with the promise of a job as a nanny. Instead, I spent the next three years in domestic servitude being abused."

"Before human trafficking began to capture our attention, before there were laws to identify and protect victims, even before I escaped my trafficker, Hillary Clinton was fighting to end modern slavery. And throughout her career, Hillary kept up that fight."

Former U.S. Secretary of State Madeleine Albright:

"This fall, we must do everything we can to make sure that Hillary becomes our next Commander-in-Chief. Because in this era, with these threats, we need a leader who has the experience and judgment to keep America strong, secure, and safe.

"But we also know what it's like to step off that plane with the words "United States of America" on it. You know that safeguarding freedom and security isn't like hosting a reality TV show. It's a complex, round-the-clock job that demands not only a steady hand and a cool head, but a big heart. You are not just representing yourself, you are there for all of us. Hillary has displayed these qualities in every job she has ever had."

"Hillary Clinton will be that president.  I know this because I have known her for more than twenty-five years – because I have seen her fight – and win – for our country...and for causes that count."

Contact: DNCC Press, 215-389-5252
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SOURCE 2016 Democratic National Convention Committee

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