A crowd of 2,500 people, including 16 Hopkins students, went to a Democratic rally at Coppin State College in Baltimore to show their support for Kathleen Kennedy Townsend, the Democratic candidate for governor, on Friday, October 18. Former President Bill Clinton was among the many renowned political figures that were there to endorse Townsend.
The supporters lined up outside the Coppin Center, the school's gymnasium, waiting for the rally to begin. According to Payal Patel, a sophomore who attended the convention, the Coppin State rally was announced at a different venue for Townsend the previous weekend, and it was broadcasted over the radio. Manu Sharma, a sophomore, observed that most of the supporters at the rally were "African American supporters, both students and adults, that attended the rally. There were also students from Morgan State University."
The rally was supposed to begin at 4 p.m., but did not start until 5:20 p.m. A marching band entertained the masses that were standing outside the Coppin Center, waiting to see Townsend and Clinton and to hear their respective speeches. Inside the gym, where the speeches were made, supporters piled in as a Coppin State gospel choir sang.
As the choir marched out of the building, along with the marching band, Clinton greeted the people. He saluted those sharing the stage with him, waving to members of the crowd and dancing along to the beat of the marching band. For the 15 minutes that Clinton was on the stage, according to Patel, he "did not talk about himself."
Clinton spoke directly to the community, advocating Townsend over Robert L. Ehrlich, the Republican candidate, said Patel. He said that due to her experience, Townsend would be very helpful for the community like that surrounding the college.
Sharma said, "Clinton struck home, influencing everyone to go out and vote on Tuesday, Nov. 5, emphasizing that every vote counts. Clinton helped convert undecided voters ? and rallied the troops behind Townsend."
Sharma further said, "Clinton reaffirmed the support of the African American students through the excitement and enthusiasm he was able to generate."
Kathleen Kennedy Townsend spoke for approximately 10 minutes, specifically addressing her role as a representative of the people.
According to Sharma, after this rally and Clinton's support, the democrats will see "victory on Nov. 5.
