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Clinton gives first speech post-illness

Elizabeth Schumacher (AP, AFP)September 15, 2016

Hillary Clinton cast aside any doubts about her health by delivering a campaign speech in North Carolina. At the same time, her rival Trump announced his aggressive economic strategy.

USA Hillary Clinton Rede in North Carolina
Image: picture-alliance/AP Photo/A. Harnik

Hillary Clinton was back in the public arena on Thursday, putting aside health concerns after she collapsed at a September 11 memorial.

The Democratic presidential candidate had been suffering the effects of pneumonia, but appeared well despite a hoarse voice.

Speaking at a rally in Greensboro, North Carolina, Clinton's speech focused heavily on women, children, the poor and minorities.

"I'm running for the LGBT teenager" she said, calling out North Carolina's now infamous House Bill 2, which stipulates that individuals must use the public restroom corresponding to the gender on their birth certificate.

Clinton back on the campaign trail

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The Democrat said this proved only that "bigotry" is bad for business, and gave a few examples of the numerous business deals, sports tournaments, and entertainment events canceled in North Carolina in the wake of the bill's passage.

Clinton went on to describe her work with for young people, and reiterate her commitment to tackling the rampant student debt that plagues many Americans under the age of 40.

She also took the opportunity to slam her opponent, Donald Trump, for suggesting that "only mothers" take care of children and that "only married people" are entitled to parental benefits like paid leave from work.

Trump unveils bold economic strategy

Also on the campaign trail, Trump announced his aggressive economic plan on Thursday. Trump called for drastically reducing taxes, slashing regulation, and boosting the energy sector. He also set an ambitious goal of creating 25 million jobs in ten years and 4 percent growth overall.

"If we lower our taxes, remove destructive regulations, unleash the vast treasure of American energy, and negotiate trade deals that put America first, then there is no limit to the number of jobs we can create and the amount of prosperity we can unleash," said Trump.

He dismissed Clinton's economic policy as simply offering everyone "a welfare check."

Clinton fired back in her speech, accusing Trump of rolling out a "half-baked plan weeks before the election."

Candidates should "say exactly what you plan to do, how you're going to do it, and how you're going to pay for it." Her last comment was likely an oblique reference to Trump's famous claim he will build a border wall and make Mexico pay for it, despite assurances from Mexican President Enrique Pena Nieto that he has no intention of doing so.

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