Two of biggest names in Democratic politics did their first ever event together on Friday.
Stephan Savoia / AP
Stephan Savoia / AP
BOSTON — They did not appear on stage at the same time. They delivered their remarks one speaking slot apart. One did not introduce the other. And there were no photo-ops to speak of on Friday for Hillary Clinton and Elizabeth Warren.
At their first joint campaign showing, the two Democrats kept a notable distance.
Clinton, the former secretary of state, and Warren, the U.S. senator from Massachusetts, didn't cross paths in public view at the rally for Martha Coakley, the flagging candidate for governor in this state. But the scene and speeches at Boston's Park Plaza Hotel, where hundreds came to support Coakley, afforded a rare glimpse at the personal and political shades of the Clinton-Warren relationship.
They are two of the party's biggest names, often cast as adversaries in a presidential race to which neither has committed. But before the Coakley event on Friday, the two leading Democrats had never appeared at a public political event together.
The dynamic at the rally would best be described as one-sided.
Light on Clinton, heavy on Warren.
From the beginning of her prepared speech — a 25-minute outline of Coakley's record and a personal appeal for higher wages, better support for working families, and equal pay legislation for women — Clinton went out of her way to praise Warren.
In a series of nods to other officials headlining the rally, including Sen. Ed Markey and Gov. Deval Patrick, Clinton gave a line or two to each person. The last attendee she mentioned was Warren. "And I am so pleased to be here with your senior senator," Clinton said, her voice louder, hitting every word almost too hard, "the passionate champion for working people and middle-class families…"
"Elizabeth Warren!" she said, sounding out the syllable of the name. The crowd roared below. Clinton waited for quiet and then went on. "I love watching Elizabeth, you know, give it to those who deserve to get it — standing up not only for you but for people with the same needs and the same wants across the country."
Warren did not talk about Clinton in her speech.
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