Obama stirs AFL-CIO convention with message of hope

http://www.workdayminnesota.org/index.php?news_6_4166

By Barb Kucera, Workday editor
15 September 2009

PITTSBURGH - In a speech frequently interrupted by standing ovations and loud applause, President Barack Obama called on unions to work with him to reform health care, rebuild the economy and “make real the promise of the United States of America.”
The president was clearly relaxed as he addressed some 3,000 union members and guests to the convention, including workers from all 50 states and many different occupations. After a warm introduction by AFL-CIO President John Sweeney and prolonged applause, Obama noted, “You guys are making me blush.”

He went on to thank unions for their support of his candidacy and his presidency. “You know, the White House is pretty nice, but there’s nothing like being back in the House of Labor.”

When a woman shouted out, “We love you!” Obama responded, “I love you, too, sister,” and he addressed the crowd much like a labor leader, referring to delegates as “Brothers and Sisters.”


President Obama addresses the convention as union presidents look on.

Photo by Steve Share


The meat of the speech focused on three areas of chief concern to organized labor: the economy, health care reform and the Employee Free Choice Act. Obama said stimulus legislation enacted earlier this year is creating jobs, but it would take time to overcome the economic devastation inflicted during George W. Bush’s administration.

Earlier Tuesday, he visited a General Motors plant in Youngstown, Ohio, that is rehiring about 1,000 workers “to make the cars of tomorrow.” Americans are going back to work building roads and bridges and millions more will find work in the new “clean energy economy,” Obama said.

FULL story at link.

http://www.whitehouse.gov/the_press_office/Remarks-by-the-President-at-the-AFL-CIO-convention-in-Pittsburg/



How 'bout standing out in front of it?

:hide:

Just sayin'.