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A group of about 20 people, many active in previous campaigns, along with a few college-age voters, gathered Friday at the home of Westport RTM member Kristan Peters-Hamlin.
Both Peters-Hamlin and co-host Sara Lowenstine are local attorneys who have been active in women’s issues projects led by Clinton.
Taking advantage of a lovely evening, Peters-Hamlin gathered the group on her patio, and asked two questions: What issue are you most passionate about, and, Why do you support Hillary?
To the first, passions they would like Clinton to share included "a stronger foreign policy;” “developing a strategy to improve the lives of people in communities like Ferguson and West Baltimore;” passing a national paid parental leave law; and finally passing an Equal Rights Amendment.
The young people added climate change and the high cost of student loans. One offered that until Millennials vote in greater numbers, little progress will be made.
There was far more unanimity around why they support Clinton. "She's the best person for the job” one said; "She should have been president eight years ago,” said a second; and "It's time for a woman.”
Peters-Hamlin, who has worked on Clinton projects, said the former U.S. senator and secretary of state "has the intellect … She gets stuff done like no one else … She’s tough."
Another recalled Clinton's 2008 ad in which a White House phone is ringing at 3 a.m. Who do you want to answer it?
One person said that the left wants an alternative, which Bernie Sanders provides. He was discussed briefly, always positively. But no one saw him as a contender who could stay the course. And it was noted that the media have yet to vet him.
Elizabeth Warren was called "the salt of the earth," and the one person who would offer a challenge," but, alas, she is not running.
Assuming Clinton receives her party's nomination, consensus was that Jeb Bush will be her opponent — though there was minimal conversation about possible opponents.
Peters-Hamlin said she will host a fundraiser in the fall for Clinton but offered no details.
The group broke up, prepared to come together soon to start the real work of getting Clinton elected.
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