In Winston-Salem, Michelle Obama and Hillary Clinton Make First Joint Campaign Appearance

Without mentioning Clinton's Republican opponent by name, Mrs. Obama drew a stark contrast between what she called a campaign of despair and division and Clinton's positive message of inclusion.  She then retooled one of her most memorable lines into a get-out-the-vote rallying point.

 

“Casting our vote is ultimately the way we go high when they go low. Voting is our high. That's how we go high. We vote," she said.  

"How do we go high?" Mrs. Obama asked the crowd.

"We vote!" they shouted back.

Clinton noted the ugliness of the campaign, and worried about what effect that could have on children who were watching it unfold.

"We're going to launch a major new effort to help states and communities and schools and families end bullying wherever it takes place," she said. "And we will work together to make the Internet a safer place for kids." 

The N.C. GOP released a statement from state Sen. Joyce Krawiec in response to the joint appearance by Clinton and Obama.

“Hillary Clinton's campaign stop comes as North Carolinians continue to grapple with the news that health care premiums will skyrocket by double-digits next year," she said. "Democrats like Hillary Clinton, Deborah Ross and Roy Cooper refuse to admit the harmful consequences of Obamacare but they can't run from their ownership and support of the disastrous law. North Carolina voters have been hit hard by rate hikes, fleeing providers and dwindling choices and deserve better than Clinton, Ross and Cooper who continue to back a law that is hurting so many.”

The appearance drew a huge crowd, filling most of Lawrence Joel Coliseum, with some people turned away.

David Spear came from Madison to watch the rally. He says he's heard most of what the candidates said before, but it was nice to hear it face-to-face.

"I thought Hillary was spot-on, everything she said was what needs to be done in this country," he said. "And of course, Michelle was fabulous - actually she's a better orator than her husband."

Emily Howell said she was undecided who to pull for in this election, but Obama persuaded her that Clinton is the right choice. 

"Michelle Obama, being such an inspiration in my life, I take everything she says to heart," Howell says. She can't help Clinton at the polls - the West Forsyth High School student is still too young to vote. But she says she will spread her newfound pro-Clinton message to people who can. 

The coliseum/fairground complex has played somewhat of a kingmaker role in the recent years - the last three U.S. presidents campaigned here on their way to the White House. With both Clinton and Trump making stops here this year, that streak is on track to continue.

Donald Trump also appeared in North Carolina, speaking to a large crowd in Charlotte. Polls show Clinton with a small lead over Donald Trump here, and two other GOP candidates are playing defense to keep their seats: Republican U.S. Senator Richard Burr is also in a tight race with Ross, and Gov. Pat McCrory is head-to-head with challenger Roy Cooper.