PHILADELPHIA — Virginia Gov. Terry McAuliffe rallied against GOP nominee Donald Trump and recounted his long relationship with the Clintons, as he made the case that Hillary Clinton is the best candidate for president.
“We have come so far since 2008, but there is still more work to be done. That’s why I support Hillary Clinton,” McAuliffe said from the podium at the Democratic Convention Tuesday night. “A president who has experience, purpose and vision to lead our nation. Not just cheesy slogans and silly hats.”
Recalling that he has known Clinton “and her husband Bill over half my life,” the Virginia governor and former Democratic National Committee chair fondly recalled Hillary “playing mermaid” with his daughters in their pool.
The Clintons and McAuliffe have been friends and political allies for decades, and McAulifee’s fundraising for them has sometimes created controversy. Most recently, Clinton’s brother’s work to help McAuliffe raise foreign money put the two political families in hot water.
The Virginia governor also noted Clinton’s “excellent judgment” for selecting Virginia Sen. Tim Kaine as her vice president. If Clinton and Kaine are elected McAuliffe will get to select Kaine’s replacement in the Senate.
“My friends, I’ve known Hillary for decades. I’ve seen her in action. I know the kind of leader she will be,” McAuliffe said. “Tonight we made history, but the fight has just begun. It’s time for all of us to get to work and make my friend, Hillary Clinton, the next president of the United States.”
