Clinton: 'We can't afford to make a mistake'

Hillary Clinton wrapped up her Iowa campaign Sunday night by warning voters to think about how important it is to keep Republicans from winning the White House.

“We can’t afford to make a mistake,” she declared to an estimated 2,600 people gathered in the gym at Des Moines’ Lincoln High School. “I want you to think for a minute about what the Republican candidates are talking about as they make their final appeals. They want to rip away the progress we’ve made. They want to rip back rights that have been extended. They want to go back to trickle-down economics that wrecked our economy.”

The former secretary of state, senator and first lady is locked in a tight race with U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders of Vermont, who is a favorite of young liberals. Clinton is pitching herself as the candidate with broader experience and more feasible solutions.

“I don’t think America can wait. I don’t think we can wait for ideas that sound good on paper but can’t get through the gridlock,” she said.

Clinton noted wryly that critics have made light of the way she presents detailed policy proposals. “Well, this is a job interview. I’m supposed to tell you what I want to do,” she said, as the audience cheered. “And I expect you to hold me accountable for getting them done and producing results!”

The candidate was introduced Sunday evening by her husband, former President Bill Clinton, who told the crowd that the job is complicated.

“A president has to do more than have good positions and good experience,” he said. “You have to be able to make change happen. You have to be able to stick and stand your ground without ever closing the door to common ground. And of all the people I have ever been around in my public life, Hillary’s the best at that.”

Bill Clinton thanked Iowa for “giving her a fair hearing.” Now, the Clintons, and everyone else, will have to wait until Monday night to find out Iowa Democrats’ verdict.

At the event

SETTING: “The Roundhouse” gym at Des Moines’ Lincoln High School

CROWD: An estimated 2,600

REACTION: The crowd applauded at numerous points during Hillary Clinton’s emphatic presentation of her stump speech, including her vows to fight for economic fairness and the rights of women, gays and workers. Most audience members had to stand throughout the event, which started nearly an hour late. Several dozen trickled out during Clinton’s speech. Some were flush-faced from the crowd’s heat.

OTHER STOPS: Clinton drew an estimated 550 in Council Bluffs, and 540 in Sioux City earlier Sunday.

WHAT'S NEXT: Clinton has scheduled a caucus-night party at Drake University on Monday.