Brooklyn Boro

Hillary bash in NYC: Brooklyn ties & tears wrap up Democratic Primary celebrations

Statewide win for Hillary brought Cuomo & de Blasio to victory fete

April 20, 2016 By Mary Frost Brooklyn Daily Eagle
Amid a sea of chanting, sign-waving supporters, Hillary Clinton celebrated her hard-fought victory in New York at the Sheraton Times Square on Tuesday night. Photos by Mary Frost
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Brooklyn has been a “one-party town” for most of its existence, and this year was bound to have an even stronger direct connection to both national candidates.

Both Bernie Sanders and Hillary Clinton put their New York headquarters in Brooklyn. Both claimed a piece of the “Brooklyn Brawl” aspect of their nationally-televised debate. But Hillary prevailed by 20 percentage points in Brooklyn (and by 16 points statewide).

The mood at the grand ballroom of the Sheraton Times Square was electrifying late Tuesday as a chanting, sign-waving crowd of Clinton supporters heard the news that their candidate had won.

Taking the podium amid chants of “Hillary! Hillary!” Clinton, who was accompanied by husband Bill and daughter Chelsea, told the crowd, “New Yorkers, you’ve always had my back, and I’ve tried to have yours. It’s humbling that you trust me with this awesome responsibility.”

The New York victory was seen by many as a pivotal point in the race and one likely to cement Clinton’s lead. The race “is in the home stretch and victory is in sight,” Clinton said. Wednesday’s count put the statewide tally at 58 percent for Clinton vs. 42 percent for Sanders.

Tuesday’s celebration was a homecoming of sorts for Clinton. While Sanders campaigned hard in Brooklyn, he reached out mainly through large rallies. Clinton, meanwhile, cemented old friendships — visiting churches, shaking hands at restaurants on Montague Street and gazing hungrily at the cheesecake at Junior’s.

“We’ve won in every region of the country, from the East to the South to the North to the West, but this one’s personal,” she said.

Looking ahead, Clinton reached out to Sanders supporters.

“I believe there’s much more that unites us than divides us,” she told the crowd.

The Clinton family briefly took to the dais during the celebration. From left - Chelsea Clinton, her husband Marc Mezvinsky, Hillary Clinton and former President Bill Clinton.

Clinton also pushed supporters to send in cash — in small denominations, if necessary. According to CBS, Sanders has out-raised Clinton, bringing in $44 million in a single month, $15 million more than Clinton.

Gov. Andrew Cuomo, in a rousing speech, called Clinton “a real New Yorker.”

Gov. Andrew Cuomo

“In New York it’s about delivering, it’s about results,” Cuomo said. “She was senator of New York and she delivered results for New York year after year. Hillary Clinton delivered for us and tonight we delivered for Hillary Clinton.”

Mayor Bill de Blasio exalted, “New York, you did something right!”

Former Mayor David Dinkins, who has long ties with the Clintons, said that Clinton is the only candidate “with the authentic vision, ethics and training to move America forward.”

Local elected officials joined grassroots volunteers in saying the moment felt historic.

“How did it feel to be standing next to the next president of the United States? How did it feel to be a part of history? It felt amazing!” NYC Public Advocate Letitia James told the Brooklyn Eagle following the victory celebration.

City Councilmember Stephen Levin told the Eagle, “I’m overjoyed at the victory and the excitement in the room here was really palpable … I think we’re witnessing history here.”

He added, “I think that the Democratic Party is in really good shape right now. It’s all very good for the Democratic Party because we believe in stuff. We believe in our convictions, and it’s really nice to see.”

Mayor Bill de Blasio exalted, “New York, you did something right!”

Former Mayor David Dinkins.Chelsea Clinton and her father, former President Bill Clinton.

Democratic front-runner Hillary Clinton. Photos by Mary Frost

 

 

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