Atlanta (CNN) – President Barack Obama spoke to an excited crowd in Atlanta Tuesday, defending his Affordable Care Act on the eve of the Supreme Court's decision on the constitutionality of the law.
Speaking at a fundraising reception at the Westin Peachtree Plaza hotel, Obama told supporters "the American people understand we're not going to make progress by going backwards. We need to go forward. They understand we don't need to re-fight this battle over healthcare. It's the right thing to do."
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Repeating the "it's the right thing to do" mantra several times, the 500 attendees reacted with loud cheers. Each paid between $500 and $1000 to attend the event.
Highlighting the differences between Mitt Romney's economic plans and his own, Obama took shots at his rival's plan for top-down economics.
"We tried it, tried it recently and it doesn't work," Obama said, insisting the way to grow the economy is to "make sure every child in America has the best education possible" and to bring jobs back to the U.S.
Referencing a recent Washington Post article, Obama pointed out Romney's former firm, Bain Capital, was a pioneer in using offshore jobs. Obama stated frankly, "We need a president in the White House that will fight to bring jobs back to the U.S."
He told the group, "I am not a perfect man and I will never be a perfect president," but stressed the importance of Americans working together and acknowledged his need of the crowd's support.
"This is going to be a close election. The economy is still tough and folks are still frustrated," Obama said. He explained the messages from the Romney campaign will be, "the economy is bad and it's Obama's fault," but insisted that when he travels the country his faith is restored each day.
Laughing, he commented that in 2008 he didn't have all the gray hair he does today but promised "I believe in you. I hope you still believe in me."
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The Repubs insist that all we have to do is give more money to the wealthy, who will then invest it in their companies and hire more people.
And they will – just not here in the United States. Everyone knows this, but there are still people out there unwilling to give up their fantasy of trickle-down economics.
If, as a nation, we're too stupid to reelect President Obama and instead go with the tried-and-failed policies of Mittens and the GOP, then we get what we deserve.
I hope you still believe in me after I've failed big time these first four years.
It's starting to sound a bit like a concession speech. I wish I was there to cheer too. But as I have always said, he is not a bad guy, he is just in the wrong job at the wrong time. The things that need to be done in Washington are not to be underestimated. We need someone who has in-depth knowledge of economics and government and who does not get caught up in the partisan politics. That man is Mitt Romney.
***Obama stated frankly, "We need a president in the White House that will fight to bring jobs back to the U.S."***
For once I agree with you, Mr President. Now tell me, exactly what have you done to bring jobs back to the US in your first 3.5 years? Hmmm...........
Wouldn’t it be nice if all politicians were more like our fore fathers ... willing to risk their lives liberties and sacred honors for this country? You know if they were to write that statement today they would say … life, liberty, sacred honor, and re-election campaign. Please President Obama, stop hiding behind executive privilege, and tell us the truth.
You've earned those gray hairs through honest hard work on behalf of Americans, including the disenfranchised. Yo've stood by your promise of providing us with a national healthcare program even though you othes had backed away from doing it in order toguarantee themselves re-election. But you also knew "it was the right thing to do". And it was and is.
Hell yes we believe in your integrity , your leadership, your statesmanship, your vision and your genuine concern for ALL Americans. You are restoring our lustre around the world, and rebuilding our foundation on the solid rocks of education, innovation,hard work and investing in our infrastructure.
You are the right man and president for these turbulent times.
We continue to stand PROUDLY behind you every step of the way Mr. President.
Obama 2012. Because we believe in moving America towards it's highest good.
I just had my laugh for the day. Obama, you are something else. Wrecking our country and you want us to believe in you????? The sooner you get defeated the better for us Americans. Maybe the illegal immigrant which would include your aunt and uncle will still believe in you. Hahahahahahahahahhaha. The joke of the day!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Thank you Congress for your Middle Finger to the American public. Job bills you keep sitting on. That's not ok.
No way.! Never did believe in you.
Romney 2012 !
You have my vote against the lazy, draft dodging Mormon and I still belive you can.
Obama 2012 ALL the way.
Obama: 'I hope you still believe in me'
I never stopped believing in you. Even when you made decisions I did not agree with. I always believed in and trusted you were making the right decision to benefit this great nation of ours. I still believe in President Barack Obama.
Now believe me when I tell you this,
STOP TRYING TO WORK WITH THE GOtP and start working around and over them
I believe in you Obama!!!!!! 🙂 Obama 2012
You aren't perfect, Mr. President. But you're helping the country move forward, not backward. And for this, you have my vote.
cali girl
Thank you Congress for your Middle Finger to the American public. Job bills you keep sitting on. That's not ok.
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The "Jobs Bill" is not better than 2009's Stimulus Bill. It is pure government spending. As if we need the federal government to use new debt to pay $500,000 a job for temporary positions. That's only putting our economy deeper in the hole, just like 2009 and 2010.
We need better than that. We need private sector jobs created by growing private companies. Yes, this is more difficult, but absolutely it is the only answer and it can be done. Mitt Romney knows how to manage the government to encourage private businesses to invest and grow and hire. He is one of America's greatest experts at this. Fortunately he has significant government management experience and he is the Republican nominee. Romney 2012.
I no longer believe in you. You have wasted 3 1/2 years, you did not do your best to work with the other party to create an environment conducive to jobs. You have let your ego run your life and you have acted poorly in many situations. You stuffed Health Care down our throats when you should have been getting everyone together to make the U.S. a better place. You have put yourself and your party in front of the American people and spent way to much money.
Vote Oblamo out of office. In his own words, "Its the right thing to do".
Obama will win because Romney only represents the one percent. I wonder if Romney will retire to Nauvoo, Illinois, Salt Lake City or Kolob ? Does he have a home on Kolob ? Or does he only have homes in Switzerland and the Cayman Islands.
"Clinton Economy Good; Bush Economy Bad"–Fits on a bumper sticker too.
Living in the Netherlands there are two hero's in my lifetime. First: Nelson Mandela, second; Barack Obama.
With all the hate and obstructions in your country I have a great trust in Obama as a President who is serving his country
and who makes this world a better place. Thank you Mr. President! Hope you wil win in november.
Bain=offshore jobs.......Obama=outsourcing jobs to illegal immigrants of illegal immigrant parent in our own country. Obama doesn't know how to create jobs, notice he doesn't say how he will create jobs and unfortunately for Americans if any government or private sector jobs are created for infrastructure those jobs will be taken by the illegal immigrants with a work permit. But I give it to Obama he is still relying on that old trick of "it's the right thing to do", can't win on job performance so he'll try to win on emotion, guilt.
I still believe in you Mr President!.. & come November we, this hispanic community stand behind you! Si se puede!
It is so interesting that everyone points to the House for not getting anythign accomplished ... why isnt anyone pointing fingers at the Senate that will not even vote on the bills that the House sends to them ... Oh, I know why ... Becasue they don't want to have Mr. Obama embarressed because of his Vetos.
Yes, we do, Mr. President! As a mater of fact, in 2008, you got 2 votes from our family, this time is going to be 3, plus 2 neighboors (retired, long time republican)! With love from Michigan!
GOP all white all the time. Romney really reminds me of a guy in a Viagra commercial.
After 4 years of pure 5hit , how can anyone believe Obama?