Elizabeth Warren offered an impassioned endorsement of Hillary Clinton on Monday morning, symbolically unifying the Democratic Party behind the presumptive nominee and giving voters a rousing preview of what could be a historic joint ticket.
Throwing clasped hands high in the air, the two women promised to “go big” and “go bold” to level the playing field for frustrated and angry workers.
“I’m here today because of her,” said Warren, a champion of the party’s liberal base, before 2,600 cheering supporters at the Cincinnati Museum Center at Union Terminal. “We’re here to fight side by side with Hillary Clinton.”
And with the Massachusetts senator under consideration to be Clinton’s running mate, it may also be a harbinger of the party’s future.
Warren showed how she could play the role as an attacker-in-chief against Republican Donald Trump, calling him a “small, insecure money-grubber,” “a nasty man” and “goofy.”
An unprecedented two-woman ticket would electrify the party’s liberal wing, boosting enthusiasm for Clinton’s campaign as she continues to face high unfavorable ratings.
Warren could also help Clinton combat the perception that the multimillionaire former first lady is disconnected from the struggles of working Americans – an image encouraged by Sanders during his campaign.
Her arm over Warren’s shoulder, Clinton lavished praise on the progressive icon, whom she called a “friend” and a “great leader.”
The two women have never been close, according to aides, who note they didn’t overlap in the Senate and worked in different corners of the Obama administration. Clinton served as Secretary of State, while Warren helped establish the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau.
At times, their relationship has seemed almost frosty. Warren wrote in a 2004 book that as a senator from New York, Clinton “could not afford such a principled position” on legislation that would make it harder for consumers to relieve their debt through bankruptcy laws. She also implied that Clinton was short-tempered and impatient with her staff.
There was little of that distance yesterday. They repeatedly hugged, smiled and threw their fists in the air.
Together, they slammed Trump, casting him as a small-minded, self-interested billionaire who would destroy the country’s economy.
“Donald Trump is the guy who wants it all for himself,” said Warren. “And watch out. Because he will crush you into the dirt to get whatever he wants.”
She’s taken his hits in return: He blasted her as “Pocahontas,” Republicans claim that Warren fabricated Native American ancestry to help boost her legal career.
Former Republican Senator Scott Brown, who lost his Senate seat to Warren in 2012, said Clinton “is considering making someone vice president who has very serious character flaws when it comes to honesty and credibility” in dealing with her heritage.
Warren’s tough assault on Trump is valued by Clinton, who aides say particularly appreciates surrogates that don’t mince words in their attacks.
Clinton remains weeks away from making her pick, according to aides.
But there was plenty of wishful thinking at her rally.