Back on stump after Sandy, Obama says Romney's 'bet is on cynicism'
Green Bay, Wisconsin (CNN) – President Obama kicked off the final push towards Election Day with what sounded like a closing argument meant to reassure voters that by voting for him, they know what they're getting.
After four days away from the campaign trail spent overseeing the federal government's response to Hurricane Sandy, the president began his remarks here at Austin Straubel Airport on Thursday morning with a small taste of the nonpartisan tone that has dominated the week. First he thanked one of his introducers, Green Bay Packers safety Charles Woodson, for announcing a $100,000 donation to the American Red Cross.
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"When disaster strikes we see America at its best," the president said. "All the petty differences that consume us in normal times all seem to melt away. There are no Democrats or Republicans during a storm. There are just fellow Americans, leaders of different parties working to fix what's broken. Neighbors helping neighbors cope with tragedy."
But the campaign rhetoric was soon back in full force, as Obama sought to convince Wisconsin voters that while he continues to fight for the change he promised in 2008, his opponent would reverse it. Calling Mitt Romney a talented "salesman," the president said that Romney is trying to "dress up" the policies of the Bush administration and is "offering them up as change."
"He is saying he is the candidate of change," Obama said of Romney. "Well, let me tell you Wisconsin – we know what change looks like and what the governor is offering sure ain't change."
In an attempt to portray Romney as a risky bet for voters looking for something different, Obama reassured the crowd of 2,600 gathered in the Wisconsin cold that he was the real safe choice in this election.
"After four years as president you know me by now," Obama said. "You may not agree with every decision I have made. You may be frustrated at the pace of change, but you know what I believe. You know where I stand. You know I am willing to make tough decisions even when they are not politically convenient, and you know I will fight for you and your families every single day as hard as I know how. You know that."
While his opponents' "bet is on cynicism," the president said, his bet "is on the decency and good sense of the American people because despite all the resistance, despite all the setbacks we have won some great fights."
From here, Obama goes onto to Nevada and Colorado, beginning a whirlwind tour of swing states with at least 17 stops in the final five days before polls close on Tuesday. More than half of those stops will be in states often considered part of the Obama campaign's Midwestern firewall, and more than one third will be in the crucial state of Ohio.
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Romney is betting on the patriots in this country, and NOT the subversives.
Voted for you Mr. President 2 weeks ago. Never even thought about voting for the snake oil salesman.
Are we blind? Some of us think that this election is a soap opera. The past four years have left us with 10 million more unemployed includinf 500,000 more women than when Obama took office. 40% more = 13 million more on welfare and food stamps. Obama has given out children huge debt $16 trillion, more than double than what he inherited and a pitch for socialized medicine. We need a business man not a politician I am voting for Romney.
Obama will win becos romney is not truthful about his plans
I find his comment (name calling) odd as he is the most cynical of all. I don't trust him one twit's bit. My money and vote are on Romney/Ryan!!
Already voted for you, Mr. President. Looking FORWARD to four more years of progress!
OBAMA/BIDEN '12
@js007 You are so right but apparently some folks just never learn. Of course some of them are so racist they would rather vote for the devil than a black man. That is the real sorrow in this nation.
I have already voted for President Obama. He is the best choice at this point. I do not trust Romney away and his demeanor during that second debate exposed a truly nasty man. If he manages to trick enough people into voting for him, I feel for America. Hah! You THINK the past four years were bad. I am guessing we will all know what real pain feels like.
GET OUT AND VOTE EARLY !!! , we need to support our president , he has shown to be a great leader with much wisdom , we need four more years of Obama/Biden . ON 2016 Biden is running for President with Obama has vice~president for two terms . WE NEED A TOTAL OF 16 YEARS OF Obama/Biden leadership to get where we need to be . Period !
Say there Mets Fan, we already tried a businessman in the oval office......his name was George Bush.......you might remember him. How did that work for you?