Strong rains were not enough to keep away a crowd of more than 2,800 people that gathered Thursday afternoon at Florida Memorial University's arena in Miami Gardens to participate in a rally with president Barack Obama.
"Tolerance is on the ballot. Justice is on the ballot. Equality is on the ballot. Our democracy is on the ballot," said Obama, who in several instances of his speech reiterated to the crowd the need to vote in this election. "Don't believe your vote doesn't matter, that all politicians are the same. They want you to stay home, to not vote."
After a more formal speech at Miami Dade College dedicated to defending the Affordable Care Act, Obama took off his jacket, rolled up his sleeves and concentrated on attacking Republican candidates Donald Trump and Marco Rubio while emphasizing how electing Hillary Clinton and Patrick Murphy will give continuity to his policies.
"Progress doesn't stop with my presidency. We are just starting," said Obama to the crowd gathered in Miami Gardens. "But all that progress is at stake if we don't do things right in this election."
And if there was any doubt about what, in Obama's eyes, is the right course of action, he said: "Donald Trump wants to reverse progress. Marco Rubio wants to help."
"Florida, your vote matters," said the president at the rally. When the crowd booed at the mention of Donald Trump, he said: "Don't boo, vote."
That particular line resonated with Jeff Noel, a born-and-raised Miamian and community organizer who squirmed his way to the front of the crowd.
"I'm fascinated when he says, 'Don't boo, vote.' I was just waiting for that line," Noel said. "Whether you're a Republican or a Democrat or you're nonpartisan, it's true. It's true. If you want to make a change, want to make a difference in this society, then you have to vote."
Obama was fiery in his defense of the Democratic candidates in Florida, singing the praises of Hillary Clinton and U.S. Senate candidate Patrick Murphy, but parts of his speech were nostalgic, with references of this being his last visit as president.
Obama: "It has been one of the great honors of my life to serve the American people."— Kate Stein (@stein_katherine) October 20, 2016
"His presidency was more about us than him. And I will miss that, because not every candidate that runs is all about the people. Sometimes they’re all about them,"said Shawn Thomas, Miami resident, after hearing the President's speech.
Bittersweet farewell to @POTUS from this crowd. Several people told us they are sad this is his last presidential visit to Florida pic.twitter.com/vO8Yqis3y9— Teresa Frontado (@tfrontado) October 20, 2016
The program included a speech from Congresswoman Frederica Wilson, who asked the crowd to chant with her: "Fired up, ready to go, Fired up, ready to vote."
"Donald Trump says to vote for him, what do you have to lose? Let me tell you," said Wilson.
Wilson: "This all started as a joke. Donald Trump for president." @WLRN— Kate Stein (@stein_katherine) October 20, 2016
Wilson: "We can't allow ourselves to be tricked, hoodwinked or bamboozled." @WLRN— Kate Stein (@stein_katherine) October 20, 2016
Murphy was also in attendance. In his speech, he asked the crowd to vote to preserve the legacy of President Obama.
. @PatrickMurphyFL taking stage now. "Are we going to elect a president and a senator to build on [Obama's] legacy?" @WLRN— Rebekah Entralgo (@rebekahentralgo) October 20, 2016
Oliver Gilbert, mayor of Miami Gardens, welcomed those in attendance to the city and said: "We tore down the White Only sign at the White House. In this election, we are tearing down the Men Only sign".
"This election we are tearing down the men only sign at the @WhiteHouse," said @CityofMiaGarden mayor Oliver Gilbert— Teresa Frontado (@tfrontado) October 20, 2016
The rainy afternoon didn't dampen the spirits of the participants.
" I am here because this is the last time that he [Obama] is here as president," said Jean Johnson, who stood with her mom in the rain for almost half an hour to get into the Arena.
Thainy Diaz was also in line with her mother and friends, all huddled under a big green and black umbrella. "I am going to miss the Obama family giving us hope," she said.
Rain can't stop these loyal @POTUS & @HillaryClinton supporters! Despite rain its joyous over here in Miami Gardens. @WLRN pic.twitter.com/1uwmjr9msU— Kyle Holsten (@Kehl_H) October 20, 2016
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