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Bill Clinton Stumps For Hillary In LA Campaign Stop

LOS ANGELES (CBSLA.com) — Former President Bill Clinton visited Los Angeles Saturday to campaign on behalf of his wife's bid for the Democratic presidential nomination.

The former president spoke at a public event at Los Angeles Trade-Technical College.

Clinton was scheduled to discuss "why Hillary Clinton is the best candidate to raise wages and incomes, defend workers' rights and fight to break down economic, social and racial barriers for families as president," the Clinton campaign said.

CBS2's Greg Mills said the crowd was filled with union members and supporters – at least half the crowd estimated at about 1,000.

The event was organized by labor.

Clinton spoke for about 40 minutes. He got a huge ovation – the likes of which have not been heard since Bruce Springsteen closed down the Sports Arena a few weeks ago.

He easily won over a crowd that he didn't really have to win over. They were hand-picked supporters.

"California has been uncommonly good to my family," the former president said.

"I've always liked Hillary," said UCLA student Rachel Graup.

"She is by far the best candidate," said supporter Satya Karra, "the most experienced, the most qualified."

The former president didn't have to work at being persuasive but he seemed to win people over.

"There's a lot that I didn't know about," said UCLA student Kaitlin Fong, "and now I feel a little bit more informed as a voter."

"I'm more of a Hillary supporter now than ever before," said Miguel Haro.

One supporter felt the former president ignored the economic needs of black Americans.

"Here we are, the number one group that has been supporting Democrats for years. Right?" said Charles Brister, "and not to address economics at all? That's a problem."

The democratic primary is June 7th.

Clinton  made one final pitch on behalf of his wife.

"I know that what we should do is elect the best change-maker I ever knew to be president," Clinton said.

(©2016 CBS Local Media, a division of CBS Radio Inc. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. Wire services contributed to this report.)

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