Supportive, Respectful Crowd Attends Clinton Appearance in Hartford

HARTFORD, CT - An appearance in Hartford by Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton Thursday did not spark any confrontations or draw any protestors to the north end of the city.

The line to enter the Wilson-Gray YMCA on Albany Avenue stretched for nearly two blocks, but those who attended came in peace. Not even a single sign was displayed, either pro or anti-Clinton.

While waiting, many attendees spoke highly of the Democratic frontrunner.

Jack Daumer, 14, a student at King Philip Middle School in West Hartford, was wearing a Hillary T-shirt.

"I went to the Donald Trump one last week and it was terrible," he said. "The people were crazy, saying racist and homophobic things."

His mom, Kate said, "We decided it was important for him to be here, to see history in the making."

Byron Bulgari, a Greenwich resident, said, "I've seen her at the Apollo Theatre and Purchase College in New York, and I will be at her fundraiser in Stamford this weekend. It's a matter of getting acquainted with her not only via literature and press, but to get a feel for her in person. I support her policies and admire her charisma and astuteness."

The youngest visible attendees were Audrey Sikorski, 3 and Eli Sikorski, almost 2. Their mom, Lauren Sikorski, said, "We're supporting Hillary, and I want my daughter to be exposed to a rally and see her."

Inside the jam-packed YMCA, a group of women began chanting, "Hill-a-ry, Hill-a-ry," at the scheduled time of her appearance - 11:30 a.m.

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Though Clinton and a panel of five family members of gun violence victims took the stage about 20 minutes late, they were greeted with tremendous applause and treated with the utmost respect throughout their 90 minutes of interaction.

The only item that could be construed as negativism came immediately following the assembly, where a group of neighborhood residents voiced their disappointment at not being able to see the former First Lady and Secretary of State.

Jean Mathis, who lives nearby, said, "We had no knowledge of her coming, but being as she did come this close to my home, I believe everyone should have had a chance to see her, not had to wait outside.

Photo credits: Tim Jensen