Obama to Dems: “It’s Going to be a Tough Election”
President Obama appeared at the House Democratic retreat Friday after it first appeared he might not attend. He also did a very loooong rope line visit of photos and handshakes, which he usually does not do. He told House Democrats he “had their back.” What a difference an election year makes. A very special photographer using superior technology and skill took the above photo.
Interesting tweet by Washington Post reporter Sonmez: Felicia Sonmez @2chambers: Obama says House Ds gave him a CD in which they all performed a rendition of Al Green’s “I’m So In Love With You.”
The really good White House pooler for today – Laura Meckler or the Wall Street Journal – filed this on the President’s visit with House Dems:
Two interesting quotes: On politics, he said: “I just think we’re in an election season. When the other side decides who they want to be their standard bearer, then we’ll have a robust debate…It’s going to be a tough election because a lot of people are still hurting out there and a lot of people are losing faith about the capacity for Washington to get anything done.”
And he said there are things that Congress can do right now to deal with the economy, and in those situations, “we’ve got to be right there. On the other hand, where they (Republicans) obstruct, where they are unwilling to act, where they are more interested in party than in country… we’ve got to call them out on it.”
Potus was introduced with enthusiasm by Rep. John Larson (D., Ct.), chairman of the House Democratic Caucus. He gave Obama credit for having “reignited and re-energized this caucus.” In introducing him, he said, “Our leader, our champion, the commander in chief of our forces, the 44th president of the United States, Barack Obama.”
Obama began by indicating he had just received a CD in which the House Democrats all participated in a rendition of Al Green. He then said he didn’t realize that Larson could preach like Al Green.
He thanked a variety of people, including the “soon to be once again Speaker of the House, Nancy Pelosi.” He said he knows “each and every one of you personally” and understands “how much your heart bleeds when you see constituents going through tough times.”
From there, he gave a version of his State of the Union, as refined from three days on the road. He hit all the notes: believing in “an America where everyone gets a fair shot and everyone does their fair share,” where people play by the “same set of rules.”
“That’s the vision that we’re fighting for—this year and in years to come.” He discussed the need to restore a sense of the American promise where if you work hard, etc. you can succeed.
“Here’s the good news—we are moving in the right direction. Thanks to your efforts, thanks to some tough votes that you took….We righted the ship. We did not tip into a great depression.” He mentioned the auto industry and other successes in the economy.
“I just came from Michigan and there are very few states that have been harder hit by these long term trends than Michigan,” he said. “But you can feel sense of renewed purpose and renewed hope.”
“People understand the job’s not done, not even close to being done.” He then discussed the promise of manufacturing, homegrown energy, education and training for workers, and need to work on college affordability—points familiar to those paying attention to the State of the Union and his travels this week.
He talked about the Buffett rule, taking care of veterans, creating opportunity for everyone.
1 Comment
Hello Again Lauren:
I for one do not want to hear any more yakking and political B.S. — from The President, Members of the Senate, or members of the House of Representatives and the News Media.
I do not put any faith in man, But I do expect a functional goverment. And this United States Government is NO LONGER FUNCTIONAL.
When People of this country have been Denied an Opportunity to work and provide for themselves and live a life of dignity — It is Broken.
REALITY: We no longer live in the 18th, 19th or 20th Century — This is the 21st Century. That is to say THINGS HAVE CHANGED!!!
This Country cannot afford to solve Other Countries Ecomonic and Political Problems — Because We Do Not Have the Resouces to Solve Our Own Economic Problems!!
It is NOT FAIR for All these POOR COUNTRIES/and Governments Such As: Mexico, Central America, South America, Former Soviet Union Countries, The Carribean countries, Asia, And Africa, Arab countries, ETC — To put their Economic burdens on us. They solve their problems by sending their people over here. We have LIMITED RESOURCES ALSO.
COMMON SENSE SAYS: (1)This Country needs to put a FREEZE on LEGAL IMMIGRATION at this time until it resolves it’s OWN Economic problems. Resolution Means Each and Every CITIZEN who is able to work — has full employment . (2) IMMEDIATE DEPORTATION OF ALL ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS! (3)Cancelation of All Work Visas. (4)replace all government officials after one term (by voting them out — not necessary to change the constitution–just vote their ass out after they serve one term) Let them know who is in charge. KEEP IT SIMPLE!
What People need to understand is — The United States in not a fairy tale land. Millions of American Citizens are wasting away on the street due to lack of opportunity in this country. They are homeless and living in poverty. It’s nothing admirable or godly — when you feed and take care of everyone else — and neglect tens of millions of People in your own country.
No, to those who say we need immigrants for this country to grow and thrive. I SAY: Their Country need them MORE than we do! When the talented Tenth (brightest and best) from these poor countries run over here they deprive their country and its citizens of the talent they need to grow into A United States of America. If they are so “Smart” and “Hardworking” let them stay in their own country and be great. Everyone can’t live in just one small portion of the world.
If there is an American Dream — then it belongs to the American People who have been here for generations making it possible!
(just as a footnote: I like the example set by the Senior Barack Obama — after recieving his education/degree — he went back to Kenya to work for his country and gov’t — he could have stayed here like so many others, but he chose to go home).
Thank You,
Ms Joy Haddocks James