Election 2016: Decision in voters' hands, candidates make closing cases
OAKLAND, Calif. (KTVU/AP) - After their grueling and contentious primary and general election campaigns, Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump continued their whirlwind pace right into the early morning hours of the historic election day which could see the nation's first female president or a Washington political outsider take the highest elected office.
In Philadelphia, in the shadow of Independence Hall, two Presidents, First Lady Michelle Obama, and Chelsea Clinton set the stage for Hillary Clinton's closing case.
President Obama, who made history breaking a racial barrier, introduced the woman who could break the gender barrier.
"This fighter, this stateswoman, this mother, this grandmother, this patriot, our next president of the United States of America, Hillary Clinton," President Obama said.
Clinton vowed to continue supporting initiatives started by the Obama administration.
"I will not let anyone rip away the progress we made and turn back the clock," Clinton said.
She said the election was not about her as much as a vision of an inclusive, diverse, America. She promised to fight for all Americans and urged supporters in the battleground state of Pennsylvania to vote.
"It is not just my name or Donald Trump's name on the ballot tomorrow. We have to bridge the divide," Clinton said.
The image of the Clintons and Obamas is for some a symbol of hope. They have become an image for Trump and his supporters, however, of Washington's political class.
In Manchester, New Hampshire the "Live Free or Die State", Trump touched on familiar themes of immigration, security, health care and the economy.
He also has run an historic campaign as an outsider taking on Washington. The crowd at times chanted "USA, USA" and "Drain the swamp" referring to Trump's frequent campaign cry.
"You have one magnificent chance to beat this corrupt system," Trump told supporters in Manchester, "For every forgotten man, forgotten woman, forgotten child in this nation, do not let this opportunity slip away."
"I'm really happy I did this. I'm really happy I did this. It's been an amazing experience," Trump said in a moment of on-stage contemplation.
There already has been a surge in early voters led by high voter turnout among Latinos in key battleground states of Florida, Georgia and North Carolina. By some projections, as many as 15 million Latinos could cast ballots this year compared to the estimated 11.2 million who voted in 2012.
The campaigns have concluded. The day of reckoning has arrived for two different visions of America.
"We will make America wealthy again, we will make America strong again, we will make America safe again. And we will make America great again," Trump said in New Hampshire.
Clinton made her final case by asking voters what they will say about November 8, 2016.
"You voted for an America where we build bridges not walls," Clinton said, "And maybe most importantly you voted in great numbers to demonstrate conclusively, once and for all, love trumps Hate. Let's get out and vote. Let's make history together. Thank you and God bless you."