Dave Berman and Caroline Glenn

Florida Today

ORLANDO — President Obama told Hillary Clinton supporters Friday that they must be sure to "run through the tape" and assure that Clinton defeats Donald Trump on Nov. 8.

Obama used his 40-minute speech at the University of Central Florida's CFE Federal Credit Union Arena to tout the attributes of Clinton and the faults of Trump.

"The stakes could not be higher," Obama told the capacity crowd of about 9,000 at the arena. Others who could not get inside were listening to the event outside the arena.

The Clinton campaign estimated 7,000 people were outside.

"You have a chance to shape history," Obama said. "Hillary needs your help. I need your help. America needs your help. Let's get to work" and elect Clinton.

In a plea for votes, Obama said: "If you want hope instead of fear," then Clinton is the candidate.

Other speakers at the event included Democratic Rep. Patrick Murphy, who is running against incumbent GOP Sen. Mario Rubio in the November election.

The rally was disrupted briefly when a protester wearing a Bill Clinton shirt began screaming "rapist" repeatedly. He was quickly escorted out of the arena by police.

In the hours leading up to Obama's visit, a nearly milelong line wrapped around campus. A few Trump supporters and protesters of the Trans-Pacific Partnership trade deal were scattered among the thousands of Hillary supporters.

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UCF students waiting to get inside pointed to tuition and education policy as top priorities, but also noted gun reform, given the campus' close proximity to the Pulse nightclub, where Omar Mateen killed 49 people and wounded 53 others in June.

For many students, this was the first presidential election they've been able to vote in. A few said they were disappointed to see the bulk of the campaign season focused on personal swipes rather issues.

Both Clinton and Trump have been campaigning heavily in Florida, seeking to win the state's 29 electoral votes.

An analysis by the Real Clear Politics website shows Clinton with an average lead over Trump of 1.6 percentage points in Florida in the most recent polls.