Presidential hopefuls speak at National Urban League Conference in FL

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla.- Five presidential hopefuls including Hillary Clinton and Jeb Bush gathered in south Florida on Friday to talk about race, education and justice.

It was part of the National Urban League Conference.

The room at the Broward Convention Center was packed with people eager to hear from the candidates on the issues most important to them. The theme was ‘Save our Cities’ and it was clear who won the audience.

Hillary Clinton received a standing ovation after she told the crowd “I’m proud to be your ally. I’m committed to being your partner. I will keep fighting right alongside you.”

The Democratic candidate talked about what we can all do to counter hate in our community.

“How can I make our country a better, fairer place? Let me be clear, I think all of us need to do that kind of introspection. But those of us who have not experienced systemic racial inequities, we have an extra obligation.”

Republican candidate Dr. Ben Carson, and Democrats Bernie Sanders and Martin O’Malley also spoke to the packed house about race relations, education and wealth inequality.

Former Florida Governor Jeb Bush was last to take the stage, focusing on his record in Florida and bringing that to the White House.

“I know that there are unjust barriers to opportunity and upward mobility in this country. Some we can see, others are unseen, but just as real,” said Bush.

He also spoke about education and starting the first charter school in the state.

“Among minority children, Florida saw the greatest gains anywhere in the United States. And what does that show? It shows every child can learn, no matter their race, no matter their background, no matter where they live. I know this can be done,” said Bush.

This comes as a new Quinnapiac poll shows Donald Trump at the top of the Republican pack. Trump was invited to attend the event, but organizers say he did not respond to that invitation.