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Clinton asks why she isn’t beating Trump by 50 points

September 21, 2016 at 6:12 p.m. EDT
Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton spoke about foe Donald Trump during a video conference of the Laborers' International Union of North America, saying, "Why aren’t I 50 points ahead?" (Video: Hillary Clinton)

ORLANDO — Hillary Clinton gave voice Wednesday to a question on the minds of many of her fiercest advocates in her race against the controversy-prone Donald Trump: Why isn’t she way, way ahead?

The Democratic nominee raised the issue here during an address via video conference to a gathering in Las Vegas of the Laborers' International Union of North America.

The former secretary of state ticked off her pro-union positions, including investing in infrastructure, raising the minimum wage and supporting collective bargaining.

“Having said all this, ‘Why aren’t I 50 points ahead?’ you might ask?” Clinton said. “Well, the choice for working families has never been clearer. I need your help to get Donald Trump’s record out to everybody. Nobody should be fooled.”

As Trump rises in battleground states, Clinton moves to block his path to 270

Trump has sought to appeal to working-class voters through promises of job creation and the renegotiation of trade deals, among other things.

But Clinton noted some of Trump’s anti-union positions and accused the real estate magnate of building his wealth by “stiffing small businesses and contractors.”

“If you do know somebody who might be voting for Trump, stage an intervention,” Clinton pleaded with her remote audience. “Try to talk some sense into them. Lay out the facts. The facts are on our side, about what I’ve done versus what he’s done. Remember, friends don’t let friends vote for Trump.”

Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton seeks to allay concerns of voters who still have questions about her saying, "I get that." (Video: Reuters)