Some in the crowd took a pragmatic approach.

“I have a ‘Feel the Bern’ T-shirt,” for Clinton’s rival, Sen. Bernie Sanders of Vermont, “but it comes down to electability,” said Katie Odell, who came from the Fan District in Richmond with her husband, Sam.

Clinton “has to convince people she is honest and trustworthy,” said Sam Odell. “She has the best resume, she’s the most qualified candidate in the field — on both sides.”

Asked how Clinton makes the case, Sam Odell said: “I really don’t know. There are people who really won’t vote for a Clinton, but once they have a choice between her and a Donald Trump ... ”

“She’s going to look a lot better,” said Katie Odell, who said Ohio Gov. John Kasich, one of the five remaining GOP hopefuls, “is the least crazy of the bunch.”

Jones said the turnout on a rainy, nasty Wednesday night was proof of support for putting another Clinton in the White House.

“You wouldn’t be here if you were not supporting the candidacy of Hillary Clinton,” the mayor said, praising Clinton as a “problem solver” who has “the vision and the strength” to help cities like Richmond.