Just hours away from the biggest night yet this political season, Hillary Clinton’s running mate, Senator Tim Kaine, talked about tonight’s big showdown to a room full of supporters in Lakeland.
Kaine, in his laid-back, informal style, talked for about 45 minutes to about 200 people in a small ballroom at the Lakeland Center.
He touched on why the democratic ticket will be victorious this November before getting to the elephant in the room: the first presidential debate.
“I’m really interested in this debate. I’m going to be on the very edge of my seat taking notes because I’ve got to prep for a debate next week,” he said.
Kaine said the 90-minute showdown tonight should be about getting answers for voters, and touching on specific plans instead of broad ideas.
He hopes it also provides clues, like what is really in Donald Trump’s tax returns that he will not release?
“You wouldn’t hire someone for a summer job who wouldn’t answer a basic question. This is a basic question. Donald trump thinks he can get this over on you. He thinks he can blow it by you,” he said. “We are not going to be tricked by Donald Trump. He has got to answer some questions.”
Kaine’s visit in central Florida will be one of many stops by both candidates in the next six weeks leading up to the election.
Florida, and the I-4 coordidor, routinely play a crucial role in determining the outcome of close races.
“You guys are the difference maker,” Kaine said to a big applause. “This is close and we really need you.”
The first presidential debate starts tonight at 9pm. The first vice presidential debate is a little more than a week away.
Kaine is scheduled to travel to Orlando on Monday afternoon to participate in a Roundtable with Latino Faith Leaders at the Iglesias El Calvario (invitation only). He is also scheduled to participate in an LGBT Debate Watch Party at Church Street Station at 8 p.m.
