• Politics

Nervous Clouds Hang Over Last Days of Hillary Clinton Rallies

6 minute read

Dark prophecies are more likely to seem credible in church. So when Hillary Clinton took the stage at Mt. Airy Church of God and quoted Proverbs—”where there is no vision, the people perish”—the congregation nodded and said “amen” in solemn agreement.

“This election, in many ways, is about what kind of future our country will have,” Clinton told the members of the black church in Philadelphia on Sunday. “Will it be dark and divisive, calling up the specters of our past?”

But Clinton did not need the Bible to convince them.

In the twilight of the presidential campaign, Clinton’s supporters are terrified about the prospect of a Donald Trump presidency. Dire warnings hang heavily over the Democratic nominee’s events and rallies as election day draws near.

They fear war, nuclear destruction, mass deportation and the collapse of democratic institutions. They call Trump “Hitler” and warn of a new ascent of racism. Months of heated rhetoric from both Democrats and Republicans over the presidential campaign has raised temperature levels, and Democrats are quaking at the prospect of Trump in the Oval Office.

In cities as far flung as Cleveland, Philadelphia, Miami and Manchester, Clinton supporters expressed their fears in the hours before Election Day.

“He is not stable. I think if someone comes at him and challenges him he’s not stable enough to talk something through,” said Janet Love, a retired Cleveland resident. “The whole world will go to hell.”

“I can’t imagine an America with Trump as president,” said Danielle Sculley-Ellett, a history teacher in the Philadelphia suburbs. “He reminds me of Hitler and that scares me.”

“He lacks an understanding of diplomacy and how it works, and I think he is a threat to us and the world,” said Connie Moyers, a physical therapist from southern New Hampshire. “I think he could to a lot of harm to the country and the world for decades to become.”

It has been an emotionally confusing past few weeks. Many of Clinton’s supporters are finding a new burst of enthusiasm for her candidacy, and her crowds have seemed more enthusiastic than ever. After a rally in Manchester, New Hampshire, Clinton greeted hundreds of fans in an overflow room. “We love you!” they screamed and reached out to touch her hands. “We love you forever!”

But polls have tightened. National polling averages show Clinton’s lead over Trump fell from 7 points to within 2 points in the last couple weeks, particularly since the FBI Director James Comey announced the bureau would be investigating additional emails that may be related to Clinton’s server. (On Sunday, he circled back to say the FBI had found nothing in the emails to make it revisit its decision.)

Read More: The FBI Just Absolved Hillary Clinton. But That Doesn’t Undo the Damage

As the election appears uncertain, Clinton’s supporters are questioning Trump’s stability and his fitness for office. They are worried Trump, whose advisers have reportedly confiscated his Twitter to prevent him from starting feuds, would be willing to start an armed conflict over an offense.

Clinton is likely responsible for much of the fear. In recent weeks Clinton has chosen almost as if from a lazy Susan of attack options against Trump, depending on the day, focusing on his rhetoric about women, his unfitness to be commander-in-chief and the language that Clinton says has aroused bigotry and hate.

Her campaign has placed advertisements that warn of nuclear war and Trump’s volatility. She has criticized Trump relentlessly in speeches for months.

This is the most important election of our lifetimes, Clinton assured her audiences over and again. The stakes, she said, could not be higher. “Everything you care about, everything that I care about and I’ve worked for is at stake,” Clinton told her audience at the Philadelphia church.

In recent days Clinton has struck a noticeably more upbeat tone. She has spoken about hope, love and kindness, calling for unity and a progressive agenda where “everybody gets a chance.” Reminiscing about meeting people on the campaign trail over the last 16 months, Clinton said at a rally with basketball star LeBron James that they inspired her. “I love our country and I believe in our people,” she said.

But Clinton’s tone will not reverse months of her campaign’s messaging, nor Trump’s own words.

The 82 Most Unforgettable Photos From the Election

Donald Trump supporter at a campaign rally held in the Robarts Arena, Sarasota, Fla. Nov. 28, 2015.
Donald Trump supporter at a campaign rally held in the Robarts Arena, Sarasota, Fla. Nov. 28, 2015.Landon Nordeman for TIME
A Trump rally in Sarasota, Fla., on Nov. 28. Defying all expectations, Trump has dominated the Republican nomination contest
Donald Trump supporters parade an elephant in front of a rally in Sarasota, Fla. Nov. 28, 2015.Landon Nordeman for TIME
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Hillary Clinton takes the stage to address supporters at the Brooklyn Navy Yard in New York, on June 7, 2016.Doug Mills—The New York Times/Redux
Republican U.S. presidential candidate Trump shows off the size of his hands as rivals Rubio and Cruz look on at the start of the U.S. Republican presidential candidates debate in Detroit
Republican U.S. presidential candidate Donald Trump shows off the size of his hands as rivals Marco Rubio (L) and Ted Cruz (R) look on at the start of the U.S. Republican presidential candidates debate in Detroit, Michigan, on March 3, 2016. Jim Young—Reuters
U.S. Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton speaks about the FBI inquiry into her emails during a campaign rally in Daytona Beach
Hillary Clinton speaks about the FBI inquiry into her emails during a campaign rally in Daytona Beach, Florida, on Oct. 29, 2016. Brian Snyder—Reuters
Republican Presidential Nominee Donald Trump Holds Ohio Campaign Rally
Donald Trump speaks during a campaign event in Cincinnati, Ohio, on Oct. 13, 2016. Luke Sharrett—Bloomberg/Getty Images
A poster depicting Republican Presidential candidate Donald Trump is mounted on a lawn in West Des Moine, Iowa, on Jan. 25, 2016.
A poster depicting Republican Presidential candidate Donald Trump is mounted on a lawn in West Des Moine, Iowa, on Jan. 25, 2016.Natalie Keyssar for TIME
Nick McNamara
Nick McNamara, 31, Donald Trump I’m a college graduate. That’s an investment I made to make a good future for myself. But the playing field I’m in right now feels like, ‘What am I supposed to do?’ We’re becoming weakened in the face of the world. We’re not the global superpower that we used to be.From "Meet the First-Time Voters Who Are Changing the Presidential Election."Benjamin Rasmussen for TIME
The CPAC convention in National Harbor Maryland Feb 2015. KY Sen
Ted Cruz at CPAC in Harbor, Maryland, on Feb. 26, 2015Mark Peterson—Redux for TIME
The wall of shame featuring Republican leaders who have criticized Trump, like former presidential candidate Mitt Romney inside the campaign headquarters of Donald Trump in New York City, on May 24, 2016.
The wall of shame featuring Republican leaders who have criticized Trump, like former presidential candidate Mitt Romney inside the campaign headquarters of Donald Trump in New York City, on May 24, 2016.Landon Nordeman for TIME
Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump autographs diner mugs after speaking to reporters at the Red Arrow Diner in Manchester, New Hampshire.
Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump autographs diner mugs after speaking to reporters at the Red Arrow Diner in Manchester, New Hampshire.M. Scott Brauer
Kentucky senator and Republican presidential candidate Rand Paul speaks to the media while eating ice cream during a campaign stop at Moose Scoops Ice Cream in Warren, New Hampshire.
Kentucky senator and Republican presidential candidate Rand Paul speaks to the media while eating ice cream during a campaign stop at Moose Scoops Ice Cream in Warren, New Hampshire.M. Scott Brauer
Former Virginia governor and Republican presidential candidate Jim Gilmore (left), NH state director Anne Smith, and Gilmore's brother-in-law Lloyd Gatling, of Suffolk, Virginia, get in their car to travel to a polling location outside the Radisson Hotel in downtown Manchester, New Hampshire, on the day of primary voting, Feb. 9, 2016. Most television and radio organizations set up at the Radisson to broadcast their campaign coverage during the final days of the primary. Gilmore finished in last place among major Republican candidates still in the race with a total of 150 votes.
Former Virginia governor and Republican presidential candidate Jim Gilmore (left), NH state director Anne Smith, and Gilmore's brother-in-law Lloyd Gatling, of Suffolk, Virginia, get in their car to travel to a polling location outside the Radisson Hotel in downtown Manchester, New Hampshire, on the day of primary voting, on Feb. 9, 2016. M. Scott Brauer for TIME
NEW YORK - MAY 24: Scenes from Inside the campaign headquarters of Donald Trump on May 24, 2016, in Trump Tower in New York City. (Photo by Landon Nordeman)
John McEntee, Trump's Campaign Trip Director, rides a hoverboard at the campaign headquarters of Donald Trump in New York City, on May 24, 2016.Landon Nordeman for TIME
Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton speaks during a rally while former rival Bernie Sanders stands on stage at Portsmouth High School in Portsmouth, New Hampshire, on Tues., July 12, 2016. At the rally, Sanders officially endorsed Clinton as the Democratic nominee for president.
Hillary Clinton speaks during a rally while former rival Bernie Sanders stands on stage at Portsmouth High School in Portsmouth, New Hampshire, on July 12, 2016. At the rally, Sanders officially endorsed Clinton as the Democratic nominee for president.M. Scott Brauer
Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump and vice presidential candidate Mike Pence speak in an overflow room at a campaign event in Roanoke
Donald Trump and Mike Pence speak in an overflow room at a campaign event in Roanoke, Virginia, on July 25, 2016. Carlo Allegri—Reuters
Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton welcomes Vice President Joe Biden as he disembarks from Air Force Two for a joint campaign event in Scranton, Pennsylvania
Hillary Clinton welcomes Vice President Joe Biden as he disembarks from Air Force Two for a joint campaign event in Scranton, Pennsylvania, on Aug. 15, 2016. Charles Mistoller—Reuters
Supporters are reflected in a teleprompter as Hillary Clinton addresses a campaign rally where former congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords and her husband astronaut Mark Kelly appeared with her, in Cincinnati, on Oct. 31, 2016.
Supporters are reflected in a teleprompter as Hillary Clinton addresses a campaign rally where former congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords and her husband astronaut Mark Kelly appeared with her, in Cincinnati, on Oct. 31, 2016. Doug Mills—The New York Times/Redux
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Bernie Sanders supporters at a campaign rally at Waterfront Park in Vallejo, Calif., on May 18, 2016.From "Bernie Sanders’ Californian Dreams"Carolyn Drake—Magnum Photos for TIME
A vendor outside a Trump Rally at the Greenville Convention center on September 6, 2016.Stacy Kranitz for TIME
Donald Trump tosses his coat aside during a fly-in campaign stop at the Griffiss International Airport in Rome, N.Y., on April 12, 2016.
Donald Trump tosses his coat aside during a fly-in campaign stop at the Griffiss International Airport in Rome, N.Y., on April 12, 2016. Nathaniel Brooks—The New York Times/Redux
Donald Trump, the Republican presidential nominee, disembarks his private plane at Baltimore?Washington International Airport in Maryland.
Donald Trump disembarks his private plane at Baltimore-Washington International Airport in Maryland, on Sept. 12, 2016. Damon Winter—The New York Times/Redux
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Santa Monica High School Football Field on May 23, 2016. From "The 82 Most Unforgettable Photos From the Election"Nate Gowdy for TIME
Attendees listen as Hillary Clinton speaks during an organizing event in Baldwin, Iowa, on Aug. 26, 2015. Daniel Acker—Bloomberg/Getty Images
Supporters John Nelson and Dan Stifler cheer for U.S. Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton as she speaks at the UFCW Union Local 324 in Buena Park
Supporters John Nelson, 32, (L) and Dan Stifler, 32, cheer for Hillary Clinton as she speaks at the UFCW Union Local 324 in Buena Park, California, on May 25, 2016. Lucy Nicholson—Reuters
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A young supporter wears socks with the image of Donald Trump ahead of his press conference at the Trump International Hotel, in Washington, DC, on Sept. 16, 2016.Mandel Ngan—AFP/Getty Images
Donald Trump
Donald Trump holds Kellen Campbell(R) and Evelyn Keane during a campaign rally in Colorado Springs, on July 29, 2016.Evan Vucci—AP
Republican presidential candidate, Florida. Sen. Marco Rubio greets supporters during a campaign event at the Allard Center on Feb. 7, 2016, in Manchester, N.H.
Florida. Sen. Marco Rubio greets supporters during a campaign event at the Allard Center in Manchester, N.H. on Feb. 7, 2016.Landon Nordeman for TIME
TIMEPOL RNC
Donald Trump walks on stage after his daughter, Ivanka Trump, introduced him on the fourth day of the Republican National Convention at the Quicken Loans Arena in Cleveland, Ohio, on July 21, 2016.Ben Lowy for TIME
TIMEPOL RNC
New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie and his wife Mary Pat Christie seated at the 2016 Republican National Convention in Cleveland, on July 19, 2016.Landon Nordeman for TIME
Republican presidential candidate Rubio at the “Growth and Opportunity Party” In Des Moines Iowa. 10 GOP presidential hopefuls were in Des Moines Saturday for the “Growth and Opportunity Party”. Ted Cruz, Rand Paul, Chris Christie, Bobby Jindal, Marco Rubio, Mike Huckabee, Lindsey Graham, Jeb Bush, Rick Santorum and Carly Fiorina all received 15 minutes to address the crowd.
A Jeb display at the “Growth and Opportunity Party” In Des Moines Iowa. 10 GOP presidential hopefuls were in Des Moines Saturday for the “Growth and Opportunity Party”. Ted Cruz, Rand Paul, Chris Christie, Bobby Jindal, Marco Rubio, Mike Huckabee, Lindsey Graham, Jeb Bush, Rick Santorum and Carly Fiorina all received 15 minutes to address the crowd. Christopher Morris—VII for TIME
January 26, 2016. Des Moines Iowa. A Donald Trump Rally at Marshalltown Community School District - Roundhouse Gymnasium. As Iowa's Caucuses approach, candidates converge on the state for campaign events. On Monday evening democratic candidates Clinton, O'Malley and Sanders held a Town Hall sponsored by CCN at Drake University in Des Moines. (Natalie Keyssar)
Donald Trump waves to supporters as he leaves from a rally at Marshalltown Community School District - Roundhouse Gymnasium on Jan. 26, 2016. Natalie Keyssar for TIME
Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton talks to reporters about the explosion in Chelsea neighborhood of Manhattan, New York, as she arrives at the Westchester County airport in White Plains
Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton talks to reporters about the explosion in Chelsea neighborhood of Manhattan, New York, as she arrives at the Westchester County airport in White Plains, on Sept. 17, 2016. Carlos Baria—Reuters
Republican presidential candidate Marco Rubio appears with his family at his caucus location on Feb. 1, 2016, in Clive, Iowa.
Marco Rubio appears with his family at his caucus location in Clive, Iowa, on Feb. 1, 2016.Natalie Keyssar for TIME
TIMEPOL Ted Cruz
Ted Cruz embraces his wife before boarding the campaign bus at a stop at Greene County Community Center in Jefferson, Iowa, on Feb. 1, 2016.Natalie Keyssar for TIME
People wait for Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump to speak at a campaign event on the tarmac of the airport in Kinston
People wait for Donald Trump to speak at a campaign event on the tarmac of the airport in Kinston, North Carolina, on Oct. 26 2016. Carlo Allegri—Reuters
CLEVELAND, OH - JULY 18: Republican presidential nominee Donald
Donald Trump arrives on stage to introduce his wife Melania during the Republican National Convention in Cleveland, Ohio, on July 18, 2016. Ricky Carioti—The Washington Post/Getty Images
A delegate from Texas wears a cowboy hat with a campaign bumper sticker for Donald Trump during the Republican National Convention in Cleveland, Ohio, on July 20, 2016.
A delegate from Texas wears a cowboy hat with a campaign bumper sticker for Donald Trump during the Republican National Convention in Cleveland, Ohio, on July 20, 2016. Daniel Acker—Bloomberg/Getty Images
Melania Trump kisses her husband, Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump, to the applause of the ecstatic crowd, on July 18, 2016.
Melania Trump kisses her husband, Donald Trump in front of an ecstatic crowd, on July 18, 2016.Ben Lowy for TIME
Supporters of Republican U.S. presidential nominee Donald Trump attempt to obscure a protestor from the activist group Code Pink at the Republican National Convention in Cleveland, Ohio
Supporters of Donald Trump attempt to obscure a protestor from the activist group Code Pink, who is holding an anti-racism and anti-hate banner, as she interrupts the proceedings during the second day of the Republican National Convention in Cleveland, Ohio, on July 19, 2016. Aaron Bernstein—Reuters
Hillary Clinton joins President Barack Obama on stage after he spoke at the Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia.
Hillary Clinton joins President Barack Obama on stage after he spoke at the Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia, on July 27, 2016. In his speech, Obama praised Clinton as the most qualified person for the office, ever. "I'm asking you to join me -- to reject cynicism, reject fear, to summon what's best in us; to elect Hillary Clinton as the next president of the United States," Obama said. Doug Mills—The New York Times/Redux
Security backstage on the fourth day of the Democratic National Convention at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania July 28, 2016.Natalie Keyssar for TIME
Donald Trump delivers a speech during the evening session on the fourth day of the Republican National Convention at the Quicken Loans Arena in Cleveland, Ohio, on July 21, 2016.Landon Nordeman for TIME
A delegate wears a dress covered in photos of President Barack Obama and first lady Michelle Obama at the Wells Fargo Center on the third day of the Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia.
A delegate wears a dress covered in photos of President Barack Obama and first lady Michelle Obama at the Wells Fargo Center on the third day of the Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia, on July 27, 2016. Damon Winter—The New York Times/Redux
Donald Trump takes the stage at the 2016 Republican National Convention in Cleveland, on July 18, 2016.Landon Nordeman for TIME
Republican National Convention, Cleveland, Ohio.
Scenes from the Republican National Convention at the Quicken Loans Arena in Cleveland, on July 21, 2016.Christopher Morris—VII for TIME
Members of College Democrats of America pose for pictures in the Instagram/ Facebook lounge at the 2016 Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia on Monday, July 25, 2016.
Members of College Democrats of America pose for pictures in the Instagram/ Facebook lounge at the 2016 Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia, on July 25, 2016.Landon Nordeman for TIME
An ecstatic Hillary Clinton celebrates at the conclusion of the Democratic National Convention where she accepted the nomination in Philadelphia, on July 28, 2016.Benjamin Lowy for TIME
New Hampshire Primary Voting Election 2016
New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie speaks to attendees during a campaign event at the Great American T-Bone Diner in Derry, N.H., on Feb. 9, 2016.Landon Nordeman for TIME
Two women take pictures on stage before Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump attends a campaign event in Springfield,
Two women take pictures on stage before Donald Trump speaks at a campaign event in Springfield, Ohio, on Oct. 27, 2016. Carlo Allegri—Reuters
Remote control plane builder Otto Diefffenbach III flies his plane resembling U.S. Presidential candidate Donald Trump in Carlsbad, California
Remote control plane builder Otto Diefffenbach III flies his plane resembling U.S. Presidential candidate Donald Trump in Carlsbad, California, on Sept. 15, 2016. Mike Blake—Reuters
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From left Timothy Cardinal Dolan, Archbishop of New York, Donald Trump, Melania Trump and others listen as Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton speaks during the Alfred E. Smith Memorial Foundation Dinner at Waldorf Astoria in New York, New York, on Oct. 20, 2016.Brendan Smialowski—AFP/Getty Images
Steaks and chops described as 'Trump meat' are shown near the podium with Trump branded wines and water before U.S. Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump was scheduled to appear at a press event at his Trump National Golf Club in Jupiter
Steaks and chops described as 'Trump meat' are shown near the podium with Trump branded wines and water before Donald Trump was scheduled to appear at a press event at his Trump National Golf Club in Jupiter, Florida, on March 8, 2016. Joe Skipper—Reuters
Donald Trump comforts Shalga Hightower, center, as she hugs family spokesman Charmil Davis during a meeting in Philadelphia, on Sept. 2, 2016. Hightower's daughter, Iofemi Hightower, was murdered in a 2007 attack at a Newark schoolyard.
Donald Trump comforts Shalga Hightower, center, as she hugs family spokesman Charmil Davis during a meeting in Philadelphia, on Sept. 2, 2016. Hightower's daughter, Iofemi Hightower, was murdered in a 2007 attack at a Newark schoolyard. Evan Vucci—AP
Democratic Presidential Candidate Hillary Clinton Campaigns In Las Vegas
A U.S. Secret Service agent pulls a man's arm from the shoulder of Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton as she greets workers inside the employee dining room at Harrah's Las Vegas on Feb. 20, 2016. Justin Sullivan—Getty Images
Governor Scott Walker of Wisconsin covers his face before Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump attends a campaign roundtable with small business leaders in Altoona
WI Governor Scott Walker covers his face before Donald Trump attends a campaign roundtable with small business leaders in Altoona, Wisconsin, on Nov. 1, 2016. Carlo Allegri—Reuters
Donald Trump's star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame is seen after it was vandalized in Los Angeles
Donald Trump's star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame is seen after it was vandalized, on Oct. 26, 2016. Mario Anzuoni—Reuters
Hillary Clinton campaigning in the N.H. presidential primary at Winnacunnet High School, in Hampton, N.H., on Feb. 3, 2016.
Hillary Clinton campaigning in the N.H. presidential primary at Winnacunnet High School, in Hampton, N.H., on Feb. 3, 2016.James Nachtwey for TIME
U.S. Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump arrives at a campaign event in Manchester
Donald Trump arrives at a campaign event in Manchester, New Hampshire on Oct. 28, 2016. Carlo Allegri—Reuters
A group of people fill a seated area before U.S. Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump speaks at a campaign event in an airplane hangar in Rome, New York
A group of people fill a seated area before Donald Trump speaks at a campaign event in an airplane hangar in Rome, New York, on April 12, 2016.Carlo Allegri—Reuters
Campaign signs left on the seats before Donald Trump's campaign rally at the Fox Theatre in Atlanta.
Campaign signs left on the seats before Donald Trump's campaign rally at the Fox Theatre in Atlanta, on June 15, 2016. Damon Winter—The New York Times/Redux
Hillary Clinton poses for selfies at an Orlando, Fla., event on Sept, 21, 2016.
Hillary Clinton poses for selfies at an Orlando, Fla., event on Sept, 21, 2016.Barbara Kinney—Hillary for America
Donald Trump attends a roundtable discussion of child care issues before a campaign event in Aston, Pa.
Donald Trump attends a roundtable discussion about child care issues before a campaign event in Aston, Pa., on Sept. 13, 2016.Damon Winter—The New York Times/Redux
A paramedic's stretcher sits backstage with a Trump campaign sign on it as Trump holds a rally in Johnstown, Pennsylvania
A paramedic's stretcher sits backstage with a Trump campaign sign on it as Donald Trump holds a rally in Johnstown, Pennsylvania, on Oct. 21, 2016. Jonathan Ernst—Reuters
U.S. Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton and vice presidential nominee Senator Tim Kaine attend a campaign rally in Pittsburgh
Hillary Clinton and Tim Kaine attend a campaign rally in Pittsburgh, U.S., on Oct. 22, 2016. Carlos Barria—Reuters
Trump views a replica of the Oval Office on a tour of the Ford Presidential Museum in Grand Rapids, Michigan, U.S.
Donald Trump views a replica of the Oval Office on a tour of the Gerald Ford Presidential Museum in Grand Rapids, Michigan, on Sept. 30, 2016. Jonathan Ernst—Reuters
A fight between protestors at City Hall in Philadelphia on Tuesday afternoon to watch speaker Jill Stein and protest the Democratic National Convention at the Wells Fargo Center on July 26, 2016.
A fight between protestors at City Hall in Philadelphia to watch speaker Jill Stein and protest the Democratic National Convention at the Wells Fargo Center on July 26, 2016. Natalie Keyssar for TIME
Republican Presidential Nominee Donald Trump Holds Ohio Campaign Rally
A vendor sells an inflatable punching bag bearing a caricature of Hillary Clinton next to a man begging for money outside a campaign event for Donald Trump in Cincinnati, Ohio, on Oct. 13, 2016. Luke Sharrett—Bloomberg/Getty Images
Donald Trump
Kendra Wright, of Auburn, Wash., listens to Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump speak during a campaign rally at Xfinity Arena of Everett in Washington on Aug. 30, 2016. Evan Vucci—AP
Dominick Vaglica, age 7, looks at a home displaying signs supporting U.S. Republican Presidential candidate Donald Trump and criticizing U.S. Democratic Presidential candidate Hillary Clinton in Bellmore, NY
Dominick Vaglica, 7, looks at a home displaying signs supporting Donald Trump and criticizing Hillary Clinton in Bellmore, NY, on Oct. 29, 2016. Stephanie Keith—Reuters
Trump for President rally in Lakeland, Florida
Trump for President rally in Lakeland, Florida.Christopher Morris—VII for TIME
Chelsea Clinton and her father, former President Bill Clinton watch Hillary Clinton speak at a campaign rally at the Clark County Government Center in Las Vegas on Feb. 19, 2016.
Chelsea and Bill Clinton, watch Hillary Clinton speak at a campaign rally at the Clark County Government Center in Las Vegas on Feb. 19, 2016.David Becker—Reuters
Jeff Muller of Wilmington, N.C., salutes as Donald Trump arrives at a campaign rally in Kinston, N.C., on Oct. 26, 2016.
Jeff Muller of Wilmington, N.C., salutes as Donald Trump arrives at a campaign rally in Kinston, N.C., on Oct. 26, 2016.Evan Vucci—AP
Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump speaks to an overflow crowd during a campaign rally, Tuesday, Sept. 6, 2016, in Greenville, N.C.
Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump speaks to an overflow crowd during a campaign rally in Greenville, N.C., on Sept. 6, 2016.Evan Vucci—AP
Supporters holding "Women For Trump" signs during the national anthem before Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump spoke at a campaign rally at the WNC Agricultural Center in Fletcher, N.C.
Donald Trump supporters wait for the Republican presidential candidate's campaign rally at the WNC Agricultural Center in Fletcher, N.C., on Oct. 21, 2016.Damon Winter—The New York Times/Redux
Omarosa Manigault at an election night party for Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump, Tuesday, Nov. 8, 2016 in New York's Manhattan borough. Trump faces Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton in the contest for president of the United States.
Omarosa Manigault at an election night party for Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump, on Nov. 8, 2016 in New York's Manhattan borough. Christopher Morris—VII for TIME
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Trump arrives with his family to greet the crowd at his victory celebration in New York on Nov. 9Christopher Morris—VII for TIME
NEW YORK - NOV 8: Supporters attend an election night party for Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton on Tuesday, Nov. 8, 2016, at the Javits Center in New York’s Manhattan borough.(Photo by Landon Nordeman)
A balloon shaped like a donkey is seen at an election night party for Hillary Clinton at the Javits Center, on Nov. 8, 2016, in New York.Landon Nordeman for TIME
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Scenes from President-elect Donald Trump's Victory Party on Tuesday, Nov. 8, 2016 in New York's Manhattan borough.Dina Litovsky for TIME
TIMEPOL Election
President-elect Donald Trump speaks during his Victory Party on Tuesday, Nov. 8, 2016 in New York's Manhattan borough.Dina Litovsky for TIME
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Scenes at an election night party for Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton, Tuesday, Nov. 8, 2016 in New York's Manhattan borough. Clinton faces Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump in the contest for president of the United States.Ben Lowy for TIME
TIMEPOL Election
Scenes from President-elect Donald Trump's Victory Party on Tuesday, Nov. 8, 2016 in New York's Manhattan borough.Dina Litovsky for TIME

Trump’s apparent threat to jail Clinton during the second presidential debate still jars the Democratic nominee’s supporters. “His politics are authoritarian,” said Jack Cramer, a 21-year-old Chicago native attending school in Boston. “Threatening to jail your political opponent is not something you see in America. That is a threat to our democratic institutions and I think that’s really serious.”

Clinton supporters compared Trump to Germany’s Adolf Hitler.

“I’m also afraid of his rhetoric of putting people to work,” said David Holzman, a 61-year-old professional clown from Boston who canvassed in New Hampshire on Sunday. “Not that putting people to work is a bad thing. But you know, Hitler put people to work. In America today, that would be the easiest way to put people to work: to take America to war. I think that’s what he means.”

The last dash before election day has come for both candidates a whirlwind of visits to states. Trump planned rallies in states as far-flung as Virginia, Michigan, New Hampshire and North Carolina. He is concertedly attacking Clinton for alleged corruption, inciting many of the same feelings of dread in his own supporters if Clinton wins.

“Hillary Clinton is guilty, she knows it, the FBI knows it, the people know it, and now it is up to the American people to deliver justice at the ballot box on November 8,” Trump said in Michigan on Sunday afternoon.

To try and help send off Clinton’s campaign on a positive note, the Democratic nominee was joined in the last days of the campaign by a roster of glitterati: President Obama; musicians Beyonce, Jay-Z, Katy Perry, James Taylor, and Jon Bon Jovi; TV impresario Shonda Rhimes and actress Debra Messing. The campaign also announced that at her penultimate Monday night rally in Philadelphia, Bruce Springsteen would perform.

But even the concerts could not cheer some of her more worried fans.

Julie Perez, a 62-year-old tax accountant, attended a Katy Perry concert with her grandchildren on Saturday night in Philadelphia, where Clinton was also scheduled to speak. She and her family sat on the grass high above the city’s Mann Center stadium.

“I’m afraid he’s just going to put us straight into war, the deportation of folks—he’s trigger-minded,” Perez said.

Her young granddaughter cheerily interrupted, saying she was excited to see Katy Perry perform that evening. “This is my first time seeing anyone live,” she said from her grandmother’s lap.

Perez was still worried about politics. “He’s scary,” she said. “I think we’re doomed if Trump wins.”

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