This is it, Jason. In a handful of hours, I'll join other candidates on stage in Miami for the very first presidential debate of the cycle.
There's a lot riding on tonight, and I hope I'll make you proud. I want to make sure that tonight, it's not just me up on that stage. It's all of us. The people who have come out to our town halls and shared their stories with me. All of you who volunteer for our campaign, knocking doors or hosting debate watch parties. Everyone who's given a donation no matter how big or small. Tonight, I hope to represent your voice, your ideas, and your strength on stage.
Before the lights go up and we take our place, I am excited to draw inspiration, courage, and wisdom from some of the incredible people we've met along the way who will be joining us here in Miami.
First, we're joined by Marta, one of our incredible volunteers in Miami. Marta was born in Cuba and moved to Puerto Rico, where she became a citizen. She's a mother of three and a composer of the song, "Now We Are The Citizens." Marta's story of coming here to be part of our American community will be on my mind tonight as we discuss how we can remake a broken immigration system in our own image, consistent with our values.
We're also joined by my good friend Marcel, a 17-year old activist who is organizing against gun violence. We met during our Senate campaign. I know Marcel is going to be counting on all of the candidates tonight to spell out their plans to end gun violence.
Sarah and her husband Barry are here from San Francisco. When my team emailed out a chance to donate to join us at the debates, Sarah was the one who answered the call. As we talk about how broken our campaign finance system is, I'll be thinking of all of you including Sarah who have stepped up to make this campaign a success by donating online — ALL people, no PACs.
We're also joined by the Caballero family who I've known for such a long time in El Paso. Justin Nelson, who ran for attorney general in Texas. Monica Rodriguez, the first woman elected to serve the Seventh District and the third Latina to serve on the Los Angeles City Council. Gina Hinojosa, who serves in the 49th district in the Texas House. And Marvin Pendarvis, from North Charleston who, at 28 years old, won a seat in the South Carolina House of Representatives.
Every ounce of inspiration that has gone into this campaign has come from the people we've met along the way in states across the country. Tonight, my foremost concern is making sure I give their stories and perspectives the time and voice they deserve.
From the beginning, I've said that no one candidate or president, no matter how talented or experienced, can meet the challenges we face on their own. The only way is if we do it together.
Beto
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