PHILADELPHIA _ Democratic vice presidential nominee Tim Kaine told supporters gathered at a South Philadelphia union hall Wednesday night that his and Hillary Clinton's campaign is one of underdogs and encouraged everyone to vote for their ticket in November.
He called the race "close" and said that anything can happen in 34 days.
"Hillary Clinton has been an underdog again and again and again throughout her life," he said to a crowd of about 300 at the Sheet Metal Workers Local 19 Union Hall. "Has anyone in this room had someone look them in the face and say, 'I don't think you will be able to do this. This isn't for you. The time isn't right for you?'"
Kaine, a Democratic senator from Virginia, took the stage at the union hall less than 24 hours after his prime-time televised debate with Republican vice presidential nominee Gov. Mike Pence of Indiana. On Wednesday night, Kaine seemed more relaxed and joked about the debate, saying that even his wife told him he interrupted too much.
"The debate was a little feisty," Kaine said with a slight laugh. "I am Irish."
During Tuesday night's debate Kaine repeatedly attacked Donald Trump, the Republican nominee for president, for not releasing his tax returns and for questioning President Barack Obama's birthplace, among other issues.
Kaine downplayed that self-described feisty character as he recapped Wednesday the debate by saying that "we talked about" immigration reform, criminal justice and women's health.
On the latter, he drew loud applause when he said: "At the end of the day, we just have to trust women."
Playing to his working-class audience and sticking on message, Kaine said a Clinton presidency would work toward increasing the federal minimum wage, equal pay for women and helping small businesses.
He said that under Clinton's plan anyone earning $200,000 or less would not see increase in their taxes.
Taxes will increase, however, for the "wealthiest" and "businesses that have done well" in order to pay for small business tax relief and a child care plan.
Kaine criticized Trump and Pence's tax plan, saying they would give "massive tax breaks to the people at the tip top."
He also used a few of the Clinton campaign signature phrases, including the comparison between Clinton and Trump when it comes to jobs.
"That is the difference between a 'You are hired' president and 'You are fired' president."
The crowd loved it.
Louise Jordan, a special education liaison at Lincoln High School and an executive board member of the Philadelphia Federation of Teachers, said she enjoyed Kaine's call, like Clinton, to bring everyone together.
"We need a president and vice president that believe in us and know we are the strength of this country," Jordan said following the rally.
Jordan was joined by several PFT members as well as other union members _ electricians, service employees and of course sheet metal workers.
Before he left the stage, Kaine reminded everyone that Oct. 11 is last day to register to vote.
"We're going to celebrate making history. 'Adelante, hasta la victoria,'" he said, the last part Spanish for, 'Forward, until victory.' "Thanks Philly, go get 'em."
