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Clinton speech attracts Hillary supporters, opponents

WBFO News photo by Eileen Koteras Elibol l WNED Art Director l Photographer

Not everyone was happy to see former President Bill Clinton in Western New York. Although outnumbered by Hillary Clinton supporters, there were some protestors representing various sides.

Credit WBFO News photo by Eileen Koteras Elibol l WNED Art Director l Photographer
A woman, who would only identify herself as Mary from Depew, protested against Bill Clinton's visit and the work of his wife, Hillary Clinton when she was former Secretary of State.

Mary from Depew showed up with an orange poster sign stating "Benghazi, Police Lives Matter and Stop Common Core". She's outraged at democrats.  “Lives of Benghazi, those men over there died,” said Mary.

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Mary from Depew protested against Hillary Clinton and the Bill Clinton event outside the Grapevine on Dick Road in Depew. You can hear her fighting with Clinton supporters.

But Clinton supporters, entering the event, shouted back, “Hillary, Hillary, Hillary, Hillary,” said supporters.         

Protesters Ricky Donovan stood at the entrance to the Grapevine Banquet hall on Dick Road waving a Donald Trump sign. This Gulf War veteran told WBFO News his constitutional rights are being abused. 

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Protesters Ricky Donovan said he is supporting Donald Trump for President.

Credit WBFO News photo by Eileen Koteras Elibol l WNED Art Director l Photographer
Protesters Ricky Donovan stood at the entrance to the Grapevine Banquet hall on Dick Road waving a Donald Trump sign.

"We have a weak President who bows to Saudi Kings," said Donovan. "One of my signs says right here ‘Hillary where’s the jobs that you promised as a Senator – 250,000 jobs. We haven’t had them,” said Donovan. 

But there were about 850 Clinton supporters to see the former President.  It included some first time voter 18-year-old Gunnar Haberl.

Credit WBFO News photo by Eileen Koteras Elibol l WNED Art Director l Photographer
18-year-old Gunnar Haberl will be voting in his first Presidential Election this year.

“It’s not every day a former president is in Buffalo, New York,” remarked Haberl as he waited in line.  “I’m trying to be an informed voter, so trying to get out and make the best decision I can.”

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18-year-old Gunnar Haberl will vote in his first Presidential election this fall.

Lagayette Smith of Amherst is a retired Williamsville School teacher.  She wants to hear about the issues in this campaign.

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Lagayette Smith of Amherst said she will vote for Hillary Clinton.

Credit WBFO News photo by Eileen Koteras Elibol l WNED Art Director l Photographer
Lagayette Smith of Amherst said she is concerned about the issues in the campaign.

“But I think we need to make a stand that what we are hearing from the other side is atrocious and so I want to hear this side response to that, in some way,” noted Smith.  "I'm concerned about gender issues. I'm concerned about civil rights issues. I'm concerned about foreign policy issues because I want our young men back here at home."

Credit WBFO News photo by Eileen Koteras Elibol l WNED Art Director l Photographer
Bernie Sanders supporter peacefully holding up a sign saying "Not for Sale".

There was a Bernie Sanders supporter peacefully holding up a sign saying "Not for Sale",  a Sander's campaign statement against other politicians who get campaign cash from the wealthy.  

Credit WBFO News photo by Eileen Koteras Elibol l WNED Art Director l Photographer
Supporters and a protestors nearby as Bill Clinton leaves Western New York.

For the most part, protests were peaceful and there were no speech crashers. However, as Bill Clinton jumped into a large SUV as he left the event, one woman shouted profanities at him to 'go home' and another man stood by the street holding a "Slick Willie" sign.

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