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Thousands rally in support of Bernie Sanders at GVSU

Posted at 11:09 PM, Mar 04, 2016
and last updated 2016-03-04 23:09:55-05

ALLENDALE, Mich. -- Presidential candidate Bernie Sanders had a busy Friday in Michigan.

After making a stop in Traverse City, he was greeted by thousands at Grand Valley State University Friday evening.

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"We need to think outside of the box," Sanders said to thunderous applause, noting that his three main goals are to change current campaign finance laws, improve the criminal justice system, and make college tuition free for Americans.

Sanders reached out to the middle class, saying the U.S. is losing trillions of dollars to current U.S. trade policies. He repeatedly hit on his biggest campaign stump: he's the candidate for all Americans, not just Wall Street and the billionaires.

"This campaign is listening to women, those with little kids and the brothers and sisters from the African-American community," he said.

Of particular interest to Michiganders, Sanders talked about rebuilding Flint's water infrastructure. Other items on his agenda included raising the minimum wage to $15 an hour and healthcare reform.

Not only was the night filled with promises, Sanders also took a few jabs at Republican front-runner, Donald Trump.

"We will defeat Trump because the American people do not want a president that insults Mexicans, who insults Muslims, one of the largest religions in the world and who insults women," Sanders said. "We will defeat Donald Trump because the American people understand that coming together and supporting each other trumps divisiveness."

Sanders is visiting Ohio on Saturday, but will return to Michigan for another rally at Macomb Community College in Warren at 7 p.m.