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President Obama embraced a general election fight versus Mitt Romney on the core issue of the economy, casting the fall campaign as a chance to break a "stalemate" between warring political factions in Washington.
In a highly-anticipated speech in the swing state of Ohio, the president sought to re-frame the 2012 campaign after weathering a series of setbacks mostly connected to voters' concern that the economic recovery has begun to sputter.
Speaking in Cleveland, Ohio, President Obama says "this election presents a choice between two fundamentally different visions of how to create strong, sustained growth; how to pay down our long-term debt; and most of all, how to generate good, middle-class jobs."
"There is one place where I stand in complete agreement with my opponent: this election is about our economic future," Obama said at Cuyahoga Community College in Cleveland.
Jewel Samad / AFP - Getty Images
President Barack Obama speaks on the economy during a campaign event at the Cuyahoga Community College in Cleveland, Ohio, on June 14.
The speech was intended to offer a sharp contrast versus Romney, the presumptive Republican presidential nominee, who delivered a stinging rebuke of the president’s economic stewardship in a speech moments earlier in Cincinnati. The Obama campaign said it was the first in a series of actions by Obama meant to frame the general election.
“What's holding us back is a stalemate in Washington between two fundamentally different views of which direction America should take. And this election is your chance to break that stalemate,” Obama said. “At stake is not simply a choice between two candidates or two political parties, but between two paths for our country.”
For Obama, the GOP path – which, he said, Romney would advance along with unpopular congressional Republicans, hand-in-hand – represented a retread of the policies during the Bush administration. A Romney administration, the president warned, would award expensive tax cuts mostly to the wealthy and let corporations run amok of regulations, all while gutting support for education and infrastructure.
The speech was firmly ensconced in a kind of “Blame Bush” strategy that Republicans frequently decry as a political red herring, and Romney tried to keep the focus on the past three years.
“He’s going to be saying today that he wants four more years. He may have forgotten he talked about a one term proposition if he couldn’t get the economy turned around in three years. But we’re going to hold him to his word,” Romney said in Cincinnati, referring to an interview given by Obama in which he said he’d be voted out if his administration failed to improve the economy.
“I know that he will have all sorts of excuses and he’ll have all sorts of ideas he’ll describe about how he’ll make things better,” Romney said. “And so if people want to know how his economic policies have worked and how they perform, why they can talk to their neighbor and ask if things are better.”
The president’s speech was billed as a major one by both the White House and Obama’s re-election team. It follows a bruising couple of weeks politically for Obama, coming after May’s lackluster jobs report, Gov. Scott Walker’s victory in the Wisconsin recall election and the president’s gaffe last Friday, in which he suggested the private sector was doing “fine.”
(Obama made light of those comments at the top of his speech: "Over the next five months, this election will take many twists and many turns, polls will go up and polls will go down, there will be no shortage of gaffes and controversies that keep both campaigns busy and give the press something to write about. You may have heard I recently made my own unique contribution to that process.")
Obama’s message on Thursday ironically mirrored much of the rhetoric he used at his last speech at Cuyahoga Community College in September of 2010. Then, when Republicans were on the cusp of a swarming victory in that year’s midterm elections, Obama also warned in that speech about the perils of electing Republicans who would return to Bush policies.
“That’s the choice, Ohio. Do we return to the same failed policies that ran our economy into a ditch, or do we keep moving forward with policies that are slowly pulling us out? “ Obama asked in the 2010 speech. “Do we settle for a slow decline, or do we reach for an America with a growing economy and a thriving middle class? That’s the America that I see. We may not be there yet, but we know where this country needs to go.”
Obama paired his criticism of Romney with what he said was an alternative vision that made up the choice in front of voters this autumn.
"The debate in this election is not about whether we need to grow faster, or whether we need to create more jobs, or whether we need to pay down our debt," Obama said. "The debate in this election is about how we grow faster, and how we create more jobs, and how we pay down our debt. That's the question facing the American voter."
The crowd of about 1,500 cheered throughout most of the speech, which extended toward almost an hour in length. The president spent a considerable amount of time delving into his hopes for what investments in energy, technology, infrastructure and other priorities could do for rebuilding the middle class.
The dueling speeches, though, offered a glimpse of the general election battle that’s set to dominate the next five months. Romney will return to the Buckeye State as soon as Sunday, during a stop on a bus tour that will take him through six swing states.
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More bull sh it from the man who brought you the blame Bush tour. Blah blah blah blah Barack you sound like a broken record. You are done as president time to call it a day you loser.
I am just kind of curious. If it is OK for the republicans to keep pointing back at Reagan and point out all of his "great" accomplishments, then why is it that they cry foul when some one points out the failed policies of GWB?
Its been three years pal going on four when does this become his fault when does this become his policies his economy. How much longer are you going to except the response its GW Bush's fault. Real leaders dont do that real leaders lead. Obama is not qualified to run this country he doesnt even understand basic of economics.
So rather than blame Bush you want to blame Obama, sounds like that same blame game. When does Reagans policies no longer effect todays policies.
I can't wait till Willard and Obama debate and actual cause and effect truths are tabled ....Obama is going to hand Willard and the GOP their asses. OBAMA/BIDEN 2012
How is that going to happen Obama has to run on his record and he doesnt have one. If you think Obama is going to win those debates good luck with that ignorant thought pattern, Obama is toast.
Mitt better have his teleprompter ready! Mitt will actually have to answer questions now and not run off? He's done...
Yeah Obama needs to answer some questions too. Obama has gotten a pass too many times.
No, According to the liberals, Obama needs no accountability.
Oh no accountablility is coming I cant wait till the debates because Obama has some serious questions to answer the liberal media has given this POS a pass far too mant times.
You can rest assured that Obama will run on his GOP sabotaged record and the facts of what he inherited from Dubya and the GOP. Along with what the things he attempted to right America , things that would have worked hadn't the GOP blocked them. America has been was watching the whole time that's why the DEMS are taking control of both Houses and the White house in November
.
I agree with the below post.
Jeff, You are saying blah blah again. Just so you know...
I don't think anyone feels that much better about today as opposed to four years ago, regardless of what Libs try to convince themselves. Why would we be arguing about who's to blame? That said, Obama's the one holding the bag. He preached Hope and Change and did nor deliver. And people have had enough of his passing the buck strategy. He's gonna embarrass himself in these debates. Mitt just has to give him enough rope.
Mitt to Obama, "Whats R.O.I."?
Obama, "Roll Over Inferior".
Mitt to Obama, "Whats Sunk Cost Fallacy"?
Obama, "That's where it costs alot to sink your phallic symbol".
Mitt To Obama. "Whats a Federal Budget?".
Obama, "I don't know I haven't seen one in Four Years."
Mitt to Obama, "Whats a Federal Deficit?"
Obama, "What Deficit?".
Mitt to Obama, "How do you prepare a Payroll?"
Obama, "Whats a Payroll?"
Mitt to Obama, "How do you balance a budget?"
Obama, "Well first you have to have one, then print it out, then you put it on a scale, then you put enough weight on the other end to make it balance?"
Mitt to Obama, "What do you consider a successful Government Program?"
Obama, "That's when we loan G.M. $119 Billion dollars, they still owe the U.S. $34 Billion dollars, and we pronounce what a great success story bailing out G.M. is."
Mitt to Obama, "What do you consider "paying your fair share?"
Obama, "Thats when we run around the country screaming about how the Rich aren't paying there fair share of taxes but its ok that 36 of my executive staff are delinquent for $833,970.00 dollars in back taxes.
Obama will need to bring his teleprompter with him. Without it, he's like a lost ball in high weeds...
I wonder if they'll discuss the similarities of Romney-Care and Obama-Care , BTW I wonder why Willard doesn't mention or run on his Romney-Care Record ?
Jeff--
I'm sure they will, and hopefully they'll use small words so even you can understand the significant differences between the two.
Mitt is about as real as a “Plastic Banana”.
Is it Mitt ______________Romney.
“Country Club”
“Profits Over People”
“Not To Much…Out of Touch”
“Corporations are People Too”.
“F” da Poor
"Let Detroit Go Bankrupt"
“Pray da Gay Away”
Mitt “Profit Over People” Romney Solution to all Problems…….Prayer and a Moment of Silence
And Obama is what the liar in chief.
Ask Osama bin Laden, Al...
No ask the Navy Seals Obama is nothing.
So why didn't Bush order the Seals to go after bin Laden? Because it wasn't important to him.
Isn’t it Amazing, you always hear the Republicans and TeaBilly Politicians Threatening to Reduce or Stop Payment on Unemployment, Social Security, Medicare, Food Stamps, Military Pay and Benefits , Etc. But have you ever heard of them Threatening to Reduce or Stop any of Their Pay, Healthcare and all the other Special Perks they receive (Paid for by our Tax $$$$$$$).
Lets break this down in simple terms. Republican TeaBilly Conservative = Self Righteous Hypocrite.
Please change your title to I don't know the facts because I believe what NBC tells me!!
Don’t worry Folks, the Republicans Tea Billy Conservatives are going to Focus on the Economy and Job Issues, just as soon as they solve those really Important Social Issues like Gay Marriage, Babies, and Gawd . You Bet Cha….Fer Sure
Whats Obama going to solve all right he hasnt solved anything has he now.
Last time I checked, Barry is the one who dragged the gay marriage red herring across the campaign trail. Can't blame him, though. Even that's better for him than talking real issues.
SUCK IT BARRY 2012
All Politicians are nothing more than Political Puppets. Every move they make is controlled by the Lobbyist, Special Interest, and the Self Righteous.
Half of all money raised by Politicians (Including Super PAC’S) should go towards the National Debt and Charity. Why don't we "Tax" the Millions of dollars that they collect for their Campaigns?
They should also pay for their own Security out of these Campaign Funds.
Attention all Politicians: It's the Economy and Jobs Stupid. Time to get your feet off the desk, put the coffee and paper down, lean forward, throw the Lobbyist out of the office and focus!
Here is a start. Let's eliminate the Greed, Corruption, Waste, Mismanagement in the Government and quit giving away Billions of $$$$$$$$$ to Foreign Countries just to be our "Little Friend". “Pakistan”…Did they ever Apologize for Hiding out Bin Laden?
The Simple Solution to Social Security and Health Insurance. You make every Politician have what we have to go thru. Not the Separate Special Perks they have strictly for themselves. They would solve those issues immediately.
Those that can afford not to live on Social Security should “Opt Out” and get a “Tax Deduction”.
Half of all money raised by Politicians should go towards the National Debt and Charity. Why don't we "Tax" the Millions of dollars that they collect for their Campaigns? (Including Super PAC’S).
Republican TeaBilly Conservatives are willing to ruin the Country and Sacrifice the Economy until they can get back in Power. Why do you think they have been the Party of No for so long.
Here is their Plan. First ya get da Money…..from da Lobbyist, Special Interest, and the Self Righteous and then ya get da Power. You Bet Cha……..Fer Sure.
jstdafacts, that "plan" works for politicians of every persuasion. If you believe anything else, you've been in that cardboard box too long.
You know what would save our nation? Something that I hope people from both sides could agree on? Get the money out of politics! Government should set aside $1,000,000,000 for Presidential elections. No more lobbying to "tweak" the tax code giving favors to the highest bidder. Demand all TV channels give 30 minutes per week of free advertising to each Presidential campaign. No more Super Pacs! No more government for only those who can afford to pay for it. Get $$ out of politics for a better country!!!!
Many corporations in this country are owned by foreign entities. Thanks to Citizens United, I wonder if some country like China could funnel money, under the radar, through a China-owned corporation here into the election. By manipulating the election with billions of dollars, perhaps, the Chinese could do a kind of soft hostile takeover of the US government. This may seem extreme but is it really out of the realm of possibility. Thanks SCOTUS for Citizens United - truly a brilliant and patriotic decision.
Art, the Marxist/Socialists are funnelling money through big labor unions. Where's YOUR Outrage?
Thank you SCOTUS for upholding FREE SPEECH for ALL!
Whining and repeating faux noise talking points, and just calling people names, is the big plan for the right.
GOP/baggers have one plan, split this country, blame the poor, working poor, illegal immigrants, unions, that means teachers,firefighters,police,truck drivers,auto workers etc.
Spread the lies that all democrats/Liberals are on the dole, that is funny, but also sad because we see it on these vines all the time!
Like the Ryan plan, the GOP/baggers have nothing new to offer, except don't talk about Bush, they can bring up Clinton, Carter etc, and lay blame there, but don't bring up Bush and two unfunded wars, and tax cut's etc.
Move along these are not the droids your looking for! LOL
Obama/Biden 2012 forward not back!
What a difference 4 years of a FAILED presidency can make.
Obama's speech today sounded more like "desperation & despair" rather than "hope & change".
The "blame Bush" rhetoric was worn thin 2 tears ago, now it just seems out of touch.
Rep. Ryan came up with a budget that was not perfect but is a starting place. In his budget he acknowledged that the retirement age for S.S. should be raised for those not yet 55 and that we should start means testing Medicare. Normally the Democratic party would propose an alternative budget that gets passed in the Senate. After that they meet in committee and come up with a bi-partisan plan.
In this case the Democratic plan was to run ads that the Republicans want to throw Grandma off a cliff.
On your mention of teachers, firefighters, police, etc. please note that those are supposed to be paid at the state level not the Federal level. Why should I as a Florida resident have to pay teachers salaries and benefits for a teacher in the Northeast. I am not blaming anybody but if a state awards a pay package shouldn't it be that states responsibility to pay for it through their taxes.
I will admit that when President Bush left the economy was in trouble but President Obama ran on a platform of having the solutions which have not been evident yet.
September 15th will be the fourth anniversary of the Lehman bankruptcy. On that date Bush and Romney should lead the country in a National Day of Remembrance. This will be to honor those right wingers who think that period of 2009 was the "good ole days" as well as those idiots who think we are worse off now than four years ago. Mark that date on your calendar.
NOBAMA2012, we sent a "community organizer" to do a CEO's job...... NEVER AGAIN!
Obummer's right about one thing. It IS about where this country is headed. And anyone who DOESN'T want a huge federal government watching over your shoulder, stealing your hard-earned money and doling it out third generation welfare recipients should be voting for ANYBODY BUT OBAMA this fall.
Obama says: 'This election is about our economic future'
And THAT is why the "community organizer" will be DEFEATED by the CEO!
All I heard from the Idiot in the white house was spend, spend, and spend more borrow from China nice speech Obummer!!
Funny, the libtards on this thread don't say anything positive about Obummer except something along the lines of "ask Osama bin Laden" as if that were an accomplishment that Odumbo did all by himself. Even if it were (but certainly was NOT), if that's the best he can do in four years of economic misery, why the HELL would anyone want four more years of that same misery?
Best they can do is call names and post witty slogans like "forward, not back!" Sounds like someone's in deep peanut butter.
Yep, people are working paycheck to paycheck but what really matters is gay marriage and OBL killed.
Paul: if GWB had captured bin Laden, the right wing would be trumpeting how successful they were in national security blah blah blah... Bush said it wasn't important to him. Face it. You talk about calling names and then come out with the "libtards" gem. Anything else you want to add...
And if bin Laden were still around, the right wing would complain about how we are not safe under this Administration, etc. As for gay marriage, it's the House GoP and Republicans who have taken up that fight. You'd think that they would have more pressing things to work on like jobs and the economy instead of abortion, gay marriage, and Planned Parenthood. Its the economy stupid...
There's little a President can do if he or she doesn't have people who will work with him.
Marlene, Go have some more peach pie and ponder why carrots are orange.
Clearly this president has no clue, why would anyone want to advance his bad ideas?
The GoP are more concerned with abortion, gay marriage and Planned Parenthood, Marlene. They are not interested in jobs or the economy. Yet, they complain about it everytime they can. It's the economy stupid.
There are 4 things the Republican TeaBilly Conservatives can’t stand: Anyone who disagrees with them, Da Middle Class, Da Facts, and Da Truth. You Bet Cha…Fer Sure.
Marlene,
Do you think President Obama has a tougher time than President Clinton did with Newt Gingrich, or President Bush with Nancy Pelosi, or President Reagan with Tip O'Neill? Of course he doesn't and even if he does it is his job to find the solution
Speaking of Sacrifice. Why don’t Sarah Palin, Michelle Bachmann , and Ann Romney Pose for Playboy and donate the money to the National Debt and Charity? I am sure all of their Self Righteous; Conservative Sheep would buy a copy and run to the closet with it! You Bet Cha...Fer Sure.
jstdafacts = Idiots for Obama...... Dimocrats , be PROUD! LMAO
INCOMING RANT!
What's Romney's plan?
Do you like the fact he's just going to be Grover Norquist's puppet (a warm body that can hold a pen?)
Are you really sure that ball-less wonder is exactly what you want in a President?
Why would a guy like him with all those millions want to become President?
For the good of the country?
BULLSHlT.
Seriously, think about it.
He's a puppet, nothing more, and in his own egotistical zeal to put the Presidential notch in his bedpost, he's almost too eager to let someone else guide his every move, write every speech, and do the thinking for him, because I can't honestly believe this guy wants to do anything for this country.
It's all about him.
He's willing to bankrupt us and sell us to China so he can say he was President.
And you're going to vote for him.
Just remember, you reap what you sow.
Things SUCK right now, it's not good, I'll admit that much. I still have a job, I still can pay the bills. I'm going to work my butt off and pay my taxes, try to stay healthy, and hope we'll get out of this mess.
I blame the Congress, Democrats and Republicans. Those are the guys you should be concentrating on, those are the ones who are selling us down the damn river. They are fat dumb and happy, being fat dumb and happy, and you're willing to let them stay that way.
Your vehemence towards one man is misguided.
Look at the the real do nothings, look at how the media spins it against the President at every turn, then look at yourself and ask if you're going to help, or bitch about it on a blog nobody of consequence reads.
Tell your representatives to get off their asses and get back to work, (I did) let them know you are watching what they are doing and will make them know who is really in charge at election time.
Quit towing the party lines, they don't work, they never will, and you're fools to believe them.
Thanks.
ZETA: He's not merely Norquest's puppet, he's his downright bitch.
Did you know that when he was Governor of Massachussetts he REFUSED to sign the Norquest tax pledge? Back in them days, he labeled himself a....... wait for it, a PROGRESSIVE!!!
He was Pro Gun Control, Pro Gay Marriage, vowed to be "further to the Left than Teddy Kennedy.
This guy would promise anything at anytime to anybody. He's gutless, souless creep who has no inner core whatsoever.
Did you say the same about John Kerry who has assets of $232 million, actually do you remember his wealth ever being brought up?
7 out of 10 of the richest members of Congress are Democrats so by your logic why would they want to serve?
http://www.rollcall.com/50richest/the-50-richest-members-of-congress-112th.html
Isn't Obummer Soros puppet I mean bitch?? You bet he is.
Jerry,
I voted for Bush that election.
See, I'm not a party lap dog, I vote for whom I wish.
We're the dangerous ones.
The ones who vote for the guy we believe in, not because a party says so.
The Republican party is so far to the right now, they are bordering on elementary FASCISM.
So If there's a candidate out there (and they are still around) who is moderate enough and has the balls enough to not cowtow to the TP extreme fringe or to the far left of uber PC ville, I'll consider the options, and vote MY WAY.
My candidate may well lose, but I have a clear conscience.
Zeta,
There are people in the Republican party very right as their are very left people in the Democratic party but if you look at who the party nominates it is not the extremist. In 2008 Sen. McCain won the nomination over the protests of Rush, Hannity, etc. and we all know that Gov. Romney was not the choice of them either.
I would not vote for a Gingrich, Santorum, Cain, or any of the other candidates because of their views and it seems that most members of the Republican party did not either.
And the Republicans are now nominating a total puppet, a man with no backbone and only out for his ego, not the country.
It's too bad, there were many others (Huntsman, Roemer, for example) classic, so called "RINOs" that could have done much better, but they didn't get far because of what the Republicans are turning into.
What's scary is their guy just might get elected, because the masses choose to stay uninformed, and follow the party will.
Mitt does have a plan: blame Obama and then go back to the policies of Bush.
Sounds like a better plan than the "community organizer's"..... Spend our way into Oblivion!
SMITH: Concerned about the deficit, eh??? Then I guess you were outraged when Dubya had the bright idea to start 2 shooting wars, one of them totally unnecessary and not BOTHER TO FUND THEM. Latest estimate for his little junket in Iraq? Somewhere close to TWO TRILLION DOLLARS not to mention 4500 dead Americans and tens of thousands hideously maimed.
Or perhaps his Medicare drug plan also UNFUNDED
And to top it all off, huge tax cuts, particularly for the rich. When was the last time you heard of cutting taxes during wartime??? Every other war we ever fought we RAISED TAXES. If you believe in your country and you believe in the mission then you ask people to sacrafice, you don't give them goodies.
And now you want to pin this mess on Obama? Name me a president since FDR who was handed another mess that the GOP created, the Great Depression, who was dealt a worse hand? I defy you.
IGNORANT 1: It took over 200 years for our government to put us $10 TRILLION Dollar$ in DEBT.. In a short 3.5 years, Barak Obama has increased our DEBT by 50% to OVER $15 TRILLION Dollar$.
And QUIT whining about the "hand" the Half White Howdy Doody was delt, Reagan inherited MUCH WORSE from the Peanut Farmer.
NOBAMA2012, we sent a "community organizer" to do a CEO's job.... NEVER AGAIN!
Republican TeaBilly Conservativ’s…. The Party of “No” unless it’s part of the New Republican “Lemon Pledge”!
Let’s see the Republicans Old “ Pledge” : Anti Gay, Babies, Gawd, Tax cuts and Special Perks for the Wealthy, Support Big Business( Meaning Anti-Union , Against Workers Rights) , Always an Evil Agenda against the Middle Class, and on and on …….
Let’s see Republicans new “Lemon Pledge” : Anti Gay, Babies, Gawd, Tax cuts and Special Perks for the Wealthy Support Big Business( Meaning Anti-Union , Against Workers Rights) , Always an Evil Agenda against the Middle Class, and on and on………
Words to Describe Republicans and Tea Billy’s…..Greedy, Corrupt, Self Righteous, Hypocrites, Evil, Denial.
Aren’t all Republicans and their Stepchild “The Evil Violent Tea Billy ” Candidates “One Night Stands”? Name me one that does not bend over and grab their ankles when the Lobbyist, and Special Interest walk thru the door with a brief case full of $$$$$$$ and an Evil Agenda against the Middle Class.
Folks just Remember,
Anything Boehner, Cantor, or McConnell Do will have an Evil, Hidden Agenda against the “Middle Class”.
Republicans and TeaBilly’s only Believe in “Middle Class Warfare’ and Protecting da Wealthy and Corporations.
It won’t be long till they show their True Colors.
You BetCha…..Fer Sure.
Isn’t it Amazing, you always hear the Republicans and TeaBilly Politicians Threatening to Reduce or Stop Payment on Unemployment, Social Security, Medicare, Food Stamps, Military Pay and Benefits , Etc. But have you ever heard of them Threatening to Reduce or Stop any of Their Pay, Healthcare and all the other Special Perks they receive (Paid for by our Tax $$$$$$$).
Lets break this down in simple terms. Republican TeaBilly Conservative = Self Righteous Hypocrite.
FACTS: Oh no, those GOP Congresspeople that rail against "Big Government", the "Nanny State", "Socialism", etc, etc. sure seem to love their Socialized health care and all those other perks that go with being part of Big Government. They love to claim that "Government never created a single job" which is such a crock. What are they doing then??? If they ain't working at a real job then why the hell should these dirtbags be paid and paid quite handsomely at that???
jstdafacts, poster boy for IDIOTS FOR OBAMA...... Dimocrats , be PROUD! LMAO
All I heard from Obummer was spend,spend,spend and lets borrow more money from China and let our kids and grandchildren pay for it. Nice speech commander in lost ideas!!
As predicted Obama said the same old-same old BS. The amateur has had his 3.5 years...time to get someone who is not beholden to the unions.