President Clinton to 1,000 McNerney supporters: "The sun will be shining on Tuesday!" (w/ photos)

By all press accounts, President Bill Clinton hit a grand slam at last night's endorsement rally for Jerry McNerney, giving McNerney supporters a thrilling kick-off to our Get Out The Vote (GOTV) push over the final five days of the campaign.

Organized and promoted on extremely short notice, the 9 p.m. rally drew an astounding 1,725 pre-registrations via our web site only 12 hours after the original email invitation was released Wednesday morning.

Although November's first rainstorm dampened the final turnout to an estimated 1,000 McNerney supporters, the rain didn't dampen their spirits, as Hank Shaw reported in the Stockton Record:

Nearly 1,000 people waited in a drizzle that became a downpour to see Clinton cheer them on to help McNerney unseat the seven-term incumbent.

They used umbrellas. They used McNerney's signs - even cardboard boxes and plastic sheeting - anything to keep dry.

But none seemed to mind. They could feel victory within their grasp.

"I waited for two hours, and I don't mind waiting two more hours," said Joseph Garcia of Manteca.

"I just want to see Bill, and I want to see Jerry win."

The former president, who remains wildly popular with Democrats, whipped the soggy crowd on the tarmac into a froth, even though he was 90 minutes late for his 9 p.m. scheduled arrival.

"Thank you for waiting," Clinton said to the roaring crowd. "It may be raining tonight, but the sun will be shining on Tuesday."

According to Laura Kurtzman of the Associated Press:   

Clinton said late Wednesday night that voters should send Jerry McNerney to Congress because, as a wind engineer, he understands the technological innovations that could create a new wave of good jobs in alternative energy.

"We ought to have one person in the House who actually knows about it, who actually knows how to do it," Clinton said.

Lisa Vorderbrueggen's article in the Contra Costa Times highlighted Clinton's call to elect Jerry's "new energy" to Congress:

Clinton, wearing a dark suit jacket, blue shirt and red tie topped by his trademark shock of white hair, said it was time to elect an energy expert to Congress who will help wean the nation off its oil addiction.

McNerney, who has a doctoral degree in mathematics, has been a wind energy consultant.

"The thing I like best about sending Jerry McNerney to Congress is that he has the expertise to help us build a clean energy economy," Clinton said.

President Clinton understands that it's time to bring a new direction to Congress and to bring in experts who understand how to change the status quo in Washington on energy policy and other pivotal issues to America's future.

After President Clinton's exhilirating endorsement, are you as excited as we are about the potential to elect Jerry McNerney to Congress on Tuesday? Well, then it's time to clear your calendar this weekend and GOTV for Jerry! We've only got five days left to Get Out The Vote and return honesty and integrity to Washington.

To make sure McNerney voters turn in their ballots and get to the polls on November 7, we need you to knock on doors, distribute door-hangers and call voters right up to when the polls close at 8 p.m. on Tuesday! From Manteca to Morgan Hill and Stockton to Pleasanton, there are multiple opportunities to GOTV for Jerry from now to Election Day.

Please click here to sign up!

http://www.jerrymcnerney.org/GOTV

Eden w/ McNerney for Congress

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[UPDATE]  Our web team spent a sleepless last 48 hours working to provide video highlights for those folks who couldn't be at this incredible event with President Clinton.

You can watch a 5-minute reel of clips from Wednesday night's inspiring rally right now by clicking here.

Comments

[Jim Ware]

Cindy and I were there along with a couple of other EB4D stalwarts. It was wet but not too cold, and the crowd was hot and fired up!

While waiting for the Big Dog we were treated to rousing GOTV speeches by Art Torres, John Garamendi, Deborah Bowen, and other local candidates. Good folks all. Garamendi was especially impressive - as was Deborah. She's really, really good!

Bill Clinton is absolutely one of a kind! His best line was that while the Republicans accuse Dems of wanting to "cut and run," our preference is to "stop and think."

I wish I had recorded it -- the ideas and emotions were almost overwhelming. What a great reminder of why we're progressives!

We drove home in the rain but it was worth every minute.

It's time to take our country back. Every one of us should remember Howard Dean's mantra: "Voting only gets you a D."

We've all got to get out there, walk the precincts, call our friends, and do whatever we can to deliver those votes to Jerry.

[Andy Mathers]

I have not heard a politician, current or ex president or another human being put so compellingly the reason we need change and the difference between the current administration and where our country needs to be.

President Clinton touched on almost every area of concern with thoughts and ideas that I have have been wondering about, why are the Republicans doing these things and why aren't we as a nation doing these other things that we desperately need to be doing?

Jerry McNerney's position and knowledge make him a compelling candidate to represent our district. We need to foster a revolution in energy production and conservation. Who better than Jerry McNerney to understand and promote this challenge.

[Suzanne Rawlins]

I was unable to attend last night but my good friend, Patti Wallace was there. She let me listen to the whole thing by cell phone. It was super!! When people stand in the rain to support their candidate....that is real energy and commitment. It was great to hear all the excitment and intelligent encouragement, even if I couldn't be present.

[John Casey]

It was inspiring and entertaining.

President Clinton reminded us that we are all in this together, progressives and conservatives, and Jerry is just the man to represent us and bring back honesty and integrity to the 11th district.

[Suzanne Thompson]

Truly inspiring!! My friend and I were there and the huge turnout was so uplifting to see. I cannot begin to tell you how this positive feeling from everyone increased my optimism that we can actually do something to help change the direction of this state and nation. This passionate rally helped me feel that my small contribution in this community mattered because there are so many others out there who recognize and also believe in the new direction we need to take in this country.

President Clinton, Jerry McNerney, John Garamendi, Debra Bowen and all the others who spoke were outstanding and articulated the primary issues of concern beautifully.

Go Jerry!!! I'll be phone banking and continue to talk to others, encouraging their vote and discussing the positive changes we can make together to take back our country!!!

[Steven Tabin]

The GOTV Rally with the Big Dog last night was amazing! President Clinton's resounding words and captivating charisma roused our spirits while further uniting and strengthening our grass roots campaign for Jerry.

The speeches by John Garamendi, Deb Bowen and Art Torres were uplifting and had us all fired up! President Clinton's words were inspiring, emotional, and invoked a multitude of emotions and much excitement across the crowd. His words hit home and as the rain continued to fall we continued to cheer and applause united in the commitment and desire for change!

As part of Progressive Democrats of America & College Students for McNerney I am ready to commit my time and efforts to help Jerry take back the House. Change is needed and as Dems, quoting President Clinton, "We're not the cut-and-run crowd, we're the stop-and-think crowd."

If you're ready for change and want true accountabilty, honesty, and integrity Jerry's the man. Please join me and fellow McNerney supporters in committing ANY time possible to walk the precincts or phone bank to Get Out The Vote! The volunteering of our time and efforts in these remaining days is CRITICAL. As Jerry stated last night each and every one of our vote counts and he needs us!

[Dianne England]

President Clinton hit the nail on the head last night when he talked about the very small group of very wealthy monied interests that are really running this country. If we want to take our country back we will need to elect Jerry McNerney and as many other progressives that are willing to run over the next twenty years.

It's time to stop the fear and intimidation that we have allowed to happen. It's time to reregulate big corporations that pollute in the name of profit. It's time to demand health care coverage that all people can afford. It's time to end racial bigotry that is in the guise of school vouchers or any other schooling alternative for those who can afford it. It's time to treat our grandparents and parents with the respect they deserve by making sure they have affordable prescription medication. The list goes on and on. It's time to make the people first in our country. It's time for Lincoln's words "that government of the people, by the people and for the people shall not perish." It won't perish if we take it back, one vote at a time.

Thank you Bill Clinton and Jerry McNerney for articulating it so well. I was inspired again and hopeful for the first time in years!

[Kelly Hardy]

What an inspiring night! You could feel it in the air...the momentum is with Jerry.

[Terry Williams]

Thanks to President Clinton for an outstanding presentation of Congressperson McNerney's superior resume. It was worth the wait!

[RM 'Auros' Harman]

I was there! Great event!

Now, if I can just persuade my moderate-Republican friends to leap off that diving board...

[Bill McDonald]

I needed this! It's a sign of the times. Presidents just don't stop here (in Stockton) for coffee. There is a real reason. The reason this year is change. Both President Bush and President Clinton know what you know -- a change in congress is about to happen. Thank you Bill. Thank you Jerry.

[Chris Finnie]

Clinton was really funny. Jerry was standing there cracking up--as we all were. I loved his comments about Republican economics, "They tried to fight arithmetic, but arithmetic won." And his summary of why Republicans say you shouldn't vote for Democrats, "While you're walking to the poor house after they raise your taxes, you'll see a terrorist on every corner, and trip over illegal aliens while you're trying to run away." The crowd was loud and proud, and pretty damp. But, as John Garamendi said as he was working the crowd, "Even the rain couldn't dampen the enthusiasm of this group."

[Ernest Tufft]

I hadn't seen McNerney in person, so I was very impressed to see how thoughtful a man he really is.

The elected state officials ran the rally like an old fashioned party event with mostly the usual reminders of why I'm a Democrat, so when Clinton finally stepped foot on stage, I wasn't sure if he would provide substance or cheer.

What a master politician! Clinton remains the most true to life genius, crafting his remarks with statistical fact and substance, unlike the fear mongering leadership that we have had to endure in the white house for the past six years.

What a contrast of talent we have between Bush and Clinton. As part of the House, Jerry McNerney has a great deal of expertise to contribute and he will work hard to craft meaningful legislation, hopefully restoring decency and public minded service to the District #11 representative.

[Linda Brooks]

I attended the rally last night and it was really unbelievable!!!! We all got drenched but it was well worth it and a night I will never forget. It was wonderful to see President Clinton out here for Jerry. That is a sign that Jerry will win next Tuesday. Now we all need to get out and tell as many people as we know to vote for Jerry on Tues. It's too bad we can't change the constitution and have Clinton back in 2008 ! :)

[Linda Brooks]

I attended the rally last night and it was really unbelievable!!!! We all got drenched but it was well worth it and a night I will never forget. It was wonderful to see President Clinton out here for Jerry. That is a sign that Jerry will win next Tuesday. Now we all need to get out and tell as many people as we know to vote for Jerry on Tues. It's too bad we can't change the constitution and have Clinton back in 2008 ! :)

[CYNTHIA LA CROIX]

Just waiting for Bill and Jerry to hit the stage I had many opportunities to talk to committed supporters from Brentwood, Manteca, Tracy and Lodi. There's excitement in the air. Let's push the votes WAY over the top on Tuesday. Great event!

[Michelle Kammen]

It was very exciting!! I have already met and spoke with Jerry several times,and have supported him at other events. He is a decent,kind,honest and wonderful person. Although I tried to get close to Bill and hopefully get a chance to shake his hand,I only got a few feet from him. But it was a really GREAT experience to hear him live. I will never forget it.

[Tillman Jeffrey]

I'm a registered Republican and I am proud that I attended the rally at Stockton Airport last night. I'm more convinced than ever that people like Jerry McNerney offer the best hope for getting this country back on track. Jerry McNerney will receive my vote on election day because he will represent ALL of the people in the 11th District and not just the special interests who have lots of cash to spread around. It was truly an honor to listen to President Clinton speak last night. He has that rare gift for humor while cutting through the b.s. like a razor and telling it like it really is. I say give Bill "four more years!"

[Suzanne Thompson]

I would like to add something because I believe Jerry is reading these posts. Thanks Jerry for responding to me on Daily Kos! It must have been 5 or 6 months ago. That, to me meant more to me than you know. It meant you were really listening and reaching out. I was actually questioning you that night and you took the time to respond to me individually. I have witnessed over the last few months how you are and what you believe in. It will be great to meet you some day.
Thanks so much!!
Truth and Peace =)

[Eric Soldahl]

William Jefferson in the Pouring Rain...

Tonight I received a call from a the office of Jerry McNerney, a Congressional Candidate, (he used to teach with my Dad at Cal State in the East Bay). (A Big Democrat). I met with McNerney and my Mom in Lodi at the Farmers Market Fair this Spring when he requested support. I always liked Jerry because he is a Scientist, Philosopher and Businessman who first brought Windmills and Solar Energy to CA --- a Visionary type....

Anyway, his office said, "Please come to the Spanos Executive Airport Building at 10:00 p.m. for a "Special Surprise" I almost did not go, but then at Church tonight, I was asked to teach the teenagers class (both of my Sons attend) and we started talking about how our children are the hope for the future. We discussed "New Life" and their ideas for safe alternative forms of energy. Some brilliant kids...(cold fusion, zero point of field, solar, hydrogen, exploding pumpkins, lasers, tazers, and fission...)
The Church was close to the airport and the timing perfect. On the way down Highway 99, it started the "first rain" of the Season.

So tonight, guess who was standing there talking to us for over an hour on the tarmac, in the pouring rain, through the jet exhaust?

Telling us that Jerry McNerney is going to be the new idea man...
in Washington for a long time to come...

It was former President, Bill Clinton.

Talking about:
You guessed it: renewable energy sources and what we need to do to make it all happen...woke me right up! He was on his way from a big dinner in S.F. (raised 2.5M tonight)...and they said he needed a "lay over," pretty funny guy. Later Clinton said we need to honor the Golden rule The Lord taught us, so when the Democrats win now...they should be kind and loving to the Republicans so we can all pull together, because it is the only way out of this mess!...he actually started to tear up at one point while talking about losing a family member in Afghanistan.
I remembered back to a night in 1968 while coming home after passing out flyers for Robert Kennedy. I was all of 13 years old. (Dressed in my Boy Scout uniform)... My whole family was Voting for McGovern...

Arriving home late, Dad took me aside and said "Robert Kennedy was shot tonight...Son" a statement that changed my perception of this world...

Irrespective of the past, Clinton started in politics because he admired John F. Kennedy and met him once as an Eagle Scout. Bill is one captivating fellow, ...a survivor with a big brain, a Politically purposeful life and an even bigger smile...Did pretty well for himself growing up in the South, while never knowing a Father.

and a wife in New York...who wants to move back into a big white house they once shared...

Bill said he is a Millionaire now with tax cuts that help only those with his wallet...and that should change.
Bill said he used 2+2=4 arithmetic to once balance the budget and now we have mortgaged our kids futures a couple of generations (3 Trillion and growing deficit)...and that should change...

Bill said if you believe the opposition, "There will be a terrorist on every corner, and when you are running away you will trip over an illegal alien who voted for a Democrat that wants to tax you into the poorhouse!" He is a pretty funny guy...

I say the tax credits should go to those who build "Smart Homes and buildings...build smart cars and smart kids (hello College)...and farm with renew ables...that would be very smart...and to those who figure out new safe resources. And of course health care for all kids...

McNerney's opponent, Pombo, introduced legislation to
Congress to sell off the National Parks!!!

Life is sure getting interesting for all of us right now...don't ever forget those who died for us,,,it is because of those we have the God Given right to Vote...

Eric

[LaJuana Bivens]

I am very proud of the many Stocktonians including myself who waited in the rain to support our newest member of Congress Jerry McNerney.

It was an honor to stand with President Clinton and Jerry on stage to remind us all what we know, "it's time for a change". Jerry is very refreshing and it's time that we had a person who shows compassion about the environment.

Thank-you Jerry and I look forward to seeing you finish 1st in this race as we begin "A NEW DAY" with you leading the way.

LaJuana Bivens

[Eden w/ McNerney for Congress]

Mary McNerney was reading all of your comments last night and showed them to Jerry right before he went to bed. He was thrilled with your wonderful responses!

Jerry is on the campaign trail right now so he's short on time. However, I asked Mary to send a comment for the blog and here's what she wrote:

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Clinton is how everyone imagines him to be and more. President Clinton, when he was leaving, turned to Jerry and told him that the people loved him out there and it was because they are tired of slick talking politicians.

He spent quite a bit of time talking to Jerry about Iraq, etc. He is a brilliant man, tireless, with a sharp sense of humor. (Actually that describes Jerry, too!) President Clinton clearly loves being with people.

I wish that each and every person that has been a part of this historic campaign could have been in our shoes Wednesday night. Seeing Jerry and President Clinton together was a magical moment that was created because of the hard work and strength of our people power. Seeing so many people patiently waiting in line, in the rain, on a work night, on such short notice.. was part of that magic. Thank you all so much for being a part of this passionate journey.

Mary

[Randy Bayne]

I was there. It was a great evening and I have some pictures posted at my blog, The Bayne of Blog: California Notes.

[Jerry McNerney]

Hi everyone -

This has been an incredible experience, starting from the day in 2004 I announced that I was going to give Pombo his walking papers. I've met so many wonderful people and have experienced things I never would have dreamed possible.

Perhaps the greatest experience was the honor of having President Clinton come to town on my behalf. Bill Clinton is one of our great presidents, and he has been followed by a man that many consider to be the worst.

President Clinton epitomizes one of the great human qualities, empathizing with other humans, and it's genuine. We need more people like this in our world.

And yes, he is brilliant. He talked to me about North Korea and Iraq, and his perspective was very strategic and insightful. He would be a great coach.

I'm proud and honored to have so much passionate support. This race is about the people, and the people have really stepped up. I feel like my back is fully protected. You make it all worthwhile. I just hope that I can live up to all the heart that you have given me.

Jerry