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Bill Clinton Seeks 'Black Vote' For Hillary At Private Meeting In Detroit

DETROIT (WWJ) - He's asking for the black vote.

Former President Bill Clinton made an unannounced stop in Detroit, Wednesday evening, meeting with local political and religious leaders in private at Fellowship Chapel on Outer Drive.

"Election's coming. We want a good turnout," Bill Clinton said, according to a report by the Detroit News, before entering the church.

City Councilman Scott Benson said he was about 50 or so people allowed admittance to the exclusive, unpublicized event, just days before the Nov. 8 election.

"The message was we've gotta get Hillary elected, and we have to be sure that we're mobilizing our troops," Benson said, in an interview with WWJ's Vickie Thomas Thursday morning. "In addition, Rev. Jesse Jackson was there also, hoping to get that message out."

Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan, a Democrat, was also there — telling reporters outside that the 42nd president had invited him at the last minute.

As Michigan remains a swing state, the Detroiters' votes could mean a lot when the tight race between Hillary Clinton and her Republican opponent Donald Trump comes to a head on Tuesday.

"So you had the former president talking about Hillary's message and where the confusions may lie with some of the latest developments in the election and the need to get the vote out," Benson said. "And specifically to make sure that we're getting the black vote out."

Trump last visited metro Detroit on Monday, followed by campaign stops Wednesday by his son and daughter in Detroit and Troy respectfully.

Results of Michigan State University State of the State Survey released this week predicted Clinton would win Michigan easily, while the latest numbers show she and her opponent are still neck-and-neck nationally.

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