Kaine is a longtime politician A former civil rights lawyer he served as the mayor of Richmond Virginia and as both lieutenant governor and governor of that state before being elected to the US Senate in 2012 During an interview on the television program 60 Minutes Clinton explained why she chose Kaine as her running mate She said the most important qualification is that the person be ready to become president 2 She wanted someone who could step into her shoes at a moment’s notice She believed Kaine was that man Political analysts believed there was another reason why Clinton picked Kaine as her vice president They suggested Clinton chose Kaine because he is a middle-aged white man who has moderate political positions He could help Clinton attract independent and Republican voters who were uncomfortable voting for the Republican nominee businessman and former reality television star Donald Trump Stronger Together On July 28 the last night of the Democratic convention speaker after speaker proclaimed Clinton’s virtues and 8 ESSENTIAL LIVES
Clinton announced Tim Kaine as her running mate on July 23 2016 9 9
decried Trump’s flaws Finally the time arrived for the nominee to address the crowd Rachel Platten’s Fight Song played in the background as Clinton walked onto the stage to accept the nomination The pop song had become Clinton’s anthem on the campaign trail Clinton waved to a crowd that roared its approval back In her nomination speech Clinton both acknowledged people’s concerns and extolled America’s virtues It was true she admitted that economic and social inequality and threats at home and abroad still existed But she insisted Don’t let anyone tell you that our country is weak we’re not Don’t let anyone tell you that we don’t have what it takes we do 3 DONALD TRUMP Donald J Trump was born in Queens New York in 1946 He graduated from the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania with a degree in economics He expanded his father’s successful real estate business into an empire In 2004 he gained national fame for starring in the reality show The Apprentice Trump contemplated a run for the presidency several times but found little support In 2015 he entered a crowded field for the Republican nomination Trump who had never held elected office found burgeoning support among voters who felt the political system did not represent their interests To the surprise of many political experts Trump won the majority of votes during the Republican primary season He accepted the party’s nomination at the Republican National Convention in July 2016
Clinton’s speech did not dwell on the specifics of her intentions to increase jobs reform the criminal justice system and combat climate change Instead she elaborated on the mantra for the evening and the entire convention unity Delegates held signs that stated Stronger Together Hillary echoed this slogan Let’s be stronger together my fellow Americans Let’s look to the future with courage and confidence Let’s build a better tomorrow for our beloved children and our beloved country 4 Hundreds of red white and blue balloons dropped from the ceiling as the convention ended If history was any judge Clinton was ready Her life so far had proven Clinton was a fighter A DAUGHTER’S INTRODUCTION Before Clinton took the stage to accept the nomination of the Democratic Party Clinton’s daughter Chelsea introduced her mother to the cheering crowd Chelsea shared stories of her relationship with her mother and father former president William Bill Clinton Chelsea explained how the work Hillary Clinton did throughout her career shaped her mother’s character She never ever forgets who she’s fighting for That’s who my mom is She’s a listener and a doer She’s a woman driven by compassion by faith by a fierce sense of justice and a heart full of love 5 Hillary Clinton stepped onto the stage as Chelsea finished her introduction a smile on her face and momentarily tears in her eyes Hill ary Clinton 11
