Trump courts conservatives; Clinton talks security
WASHINGTON (AFP) — Republican Donald Trump delivered a call to arms for US conservatives on Friday, urging them to vote en masse on Election Day to defeat White House rival Hillary Clinton.
The Democratic former secretary of state, meanwhile met in New York with a bipartisan panel of experts to discuss issues of terrorism and national security that the next president will likely face.
Both candidates are seeking to appear presidential and fire up their supporters as the November 8 election day approaches.
Trump was the star at a Washington gathering of grassroots activists, conservative stalwart lawmakers, and leaders in the anti-abortion and religious freedom movements.
He sought to lock up a commitment from the key evangelical and social conservative voting bloc, four years after millions of them stayed home instead of supporting Republican nominee Mitt Romney.
''In a Trump administration, our Christian heritage will be cherished, protected, defended like you've never seen before,'' Trump said to a rousing ovation.
''You have to get out and vote on November 8. You didn't vote four years ago,'' he admonished the crowd. ''You didn't vote.''
Trump's attendance at the Values Voter Summit highlights how conservatives want social issues like abortion discussed in the presidential campaign.
Trump is under pressure to convince these activists of his own conservative values.
Trump however largely steered clear of the sensitive issue of abortion, perhaps realizing that he also needs to court moderate and independent voters as he trails Clinton in most polls. Remembering 9/11 Clinton meanwhile held a working session on terrorism and national security with a group of experts that included ousted former CIA director David Petraeus, former commander of US forces in Afghanistan John Allen and former National Counterterrorism Center Director Matt Olsen.
''I asked them to join me for a candid conversation about some of the most challenging issues facing our country because I believe that America's national security must be the top priority for our next president,'' she said after the meeting.
''I support more special forces, enablers and trainers, as needed, intelligence gathering and reconnaissance'' in the battle against jihadists, she said.
The meeting came two days before the country marks the 15th anniversary of the September 11 terror attacks on the World Trade Center in New York and the Pentagon in Washington.
Clinton, who at the time was a US senator representing New York, will attend the ceremony Sunday at Ground Zero ''to pay her respects,'' a campaign aide said.