Former Presidents Obama, Clinton urge Fil-Ams in Nevada to vote early

Former President Bill Clinton with Filipino Americans at Red Ribbon Bakeshop in Las Vegas. Photo from Rozita Lee/Facebook (Photo credit: Robert Bobby Macabagdal and Corin E Ramos)

LAS VEGAS – Former Presidents Barack Obama and Bill Clinton were in Las Vegas, Nevada, this week to rally Filipino Americans and other Asian American and Native Hawaiian Pacific Islanders (AANHPIs), urging them to vote early for Vice President Kamala Harris and Gov. Tim Walz.

The Filipino Americans for Harris-Walz (FAFHW) West Region led a massive “weekend of action” in collaboration with over 15 partner organizations, mobilizing volunteers from across California to travel to Nevada for canvassing.

Volunteers knocked on more than 2,330 doors, reaching voters in key areas across Las Vegas.

The highlight of the weekend was an electrifying rally headlined by former President Barack Obama and where FAFHW members were featured on stage.

Former President Barack Obama addresses the Fil-Am and AANHPI campaign volunteers in Las Vegas. CONTRIBUTED

His presence was a profound acknowledgment of the importance of the AANHPI vote.

“Right now, we’re in a really polarized, tough political moment. So, in order for us to win, we gotta go above and beyond the call of duty,” Obama told the volunteers, underscoring the stakes of the 2024 election and Nevada’s crucial role.

Meanwhile, former President Bill Clinton visited Red Ribbon Bakeshop inside Seafood City on Wednesday praising initiatives that support the AANHPI business community and urging Fil-Ams to vote early.

One of those who welcomed Clinton was Rozita Lee, a longtime Filipino American community leader based in Las Vegas.

Former President Bill Clinton with Fil-Amm community leader Rozita Lee. Photo from Rozita Lee/Facebook (Photo credit: Robert Bobby Macabagdal and Corin E Ramos)

“Kamala Harris is for all people,” Rozita told Inquirer.net USA. “Her experiences in the various roles she has held have prepared her to lead our country. She is tough and ready. She will protect health care and ensure access to the ballot box for free and fair elections. Kamala is intelligent, nurturing, and strong—someone we can trust. She has the best interests of the people and the country and will lead accordingly.”

Maya Harris, sister of Vice President Kamala Harris, was also at Seafood City in Las Vegas to connect with Filipino American shoppers.

In addition to Obama’s keynote rally, notable national-level officials participated in the California to Nevada AANHPI Weekend of Action, including Honorable Nani Coloretti, Hawaii Senator Mazie Hirono, California Congresswoman Judy Chu, California Congressman Mark Takano, California State Assemblymembers Al Muratsuchi, Mike Fong and Phil Ting demonstrating the strong support from AANHPI leadership at every level.

“With over 250,000 AANHPIs in Nevada—half of them are Filipino—the impact of our community can’t be overstated. We are the margin of victory in this state,” said FAFHW National Co-Chair and Artesia Councilmember Melissa Ramoso, lead organizer for the California to Nevada AANHPI Weekend of Action.

“This weekend wasn’t just about knocking on doors—it was about showing our power. The Filipino American vote, together with the broader AANHPI community, will be crucial in securing Nevada for Kamala Harris, and this Weekend of Action proved that we can make a real difference.”

On Sunday, FAFHW also hosted, “Filipino Breakfast” in honor of Filipino American History Month at Truffles N Bacon.

Organizers said it was a “thank-you and history lesson of how much organizing has gone into Nevada” the last several decades, led by trailblazer Filipinas such as Gloria Caoile, Luisa Blue and Vida Benavides. who were all in attendance.

“There is now a history of generations of Filipinas leading the fight in and for Nevada. We will continue to honor their legacy of keeping Nevada blue,” said Ramoso