Carly Fiorina in Rock Hill: ‘I’ve been tested’

A fiery Carly Fiorina brought her outsider campaign to Rock Hill Wednesday night, blasting what she called “the professional political class,” including fellow Republicans on Capitol Hill.

She asked more than 600 people at Winthrop University’s McBryde Hall how much has changed since Republicans took control of Congress.

“The professional political class has let you down,” she said. “… Leaders do not accept the status quo. Leaders challenge the status quo.”

Fiorina’s appearance came a week after her performance in the Republican presidential debate boosted her standing in the GOP field. A Public Policy Polling survey this week of Iowa voters showed her in fourth place behind Donald Trump, Ben Carson and U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz.

At Winthrop, Fiorina touted her own rise from secretary for a small real estate firm to become CEO of Hewlett-Packard. She talked about a bout with cancer and the death of her daughter. “I’ve been tested,” she said. “I will not falter.”

She spoke with passion and confidence, portraying herself as a leader ready to deal with tough problems.

The California Republican talked tough on Iran: “The word will go out to the world loud and clear – the United States of America is back in the leadership business.” She promised to repeal the Affordable Care Act: “This is how socialism starts.”

“Leadership is not about your title. Leadership is not about your position … or the size of your airplane or the size of your ego,” she said. “Leadership is about service. A leader produces results.”

Fiorina was interrupted repeatedly by applause and several times by standing ovations.

“The crowd spent more time applauding and more time on their feet than she did talking,” said Wes Climer, the York County GOP chairman. “And that’s not something you see at every event.”

Climer said Fiorina’s crowd was at least twice that of any other Republican who has come to Rock Hill.

The audience included a lot of people from the Charlotte area, who drove down to see the candidate. One was Charlotte City Council member Kenny Smith, who wore a “Carly” sticker on his jacket.

“I like her outsider persona, but she brings it with confidence,” he said. “You feel like she’ll actually do what she says she’s going do.”

This story was originally published September 23, 2015 at 8:33 PM with the headline "Carly Fiorina in Rock Hill: ‘I’ve been tested’."