Text of Obama’s Remarks on the Economy

[mike r]

Source: Wall Street Journal

Here is the text of President Barack Obama’s remarks on the economy as prepared for delivery at 2:10 p.m. EDT in Cleveland. It was released by the White House.

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... And so people are frustrated and angry and anxious about the future. I understand that. I also understand that in a political campaign, the easiest thing for the other side to do is ride this fear and anger all the way to Election Day.

That’s what’s happening right now. A few weeks ago, the Republican leader of the House came here to Cleveland and offered his party’s answer to our economic challenges. Now, it would be one thing if he admitted his party’s mistakes during the eight years they were in power, and was offering a credible new approach to solving our country’s problems.

But that’s not what happened. There were no new policies from Mr. Boehner. There were no new ideas. There was just the same philosophy we already tried for the last decade – the same philosophy that led to this mess in the first place: cut more taxes for millionaires and cut more rules for corporations. Instead of coming together like past generations did to build a better country for our children and grandchildren, their argument is that we should let insurance companies go back to denying care to folks who are sick, and let credit card companies go back to raising rates without any reason. Instead of setting our sights higher, they’re asking us to settle for a status quo of stagnant growth, eroding competitiveness, and a shrinking middle class....

Read more: http://blogs.wsj.com/washwire/2010/09/08/text-of-obamas-remarks-on-the-economy/

[JuniperLea]

1. That the WSJ actually printed this...

Is fairly huge, IMHO.

[DFLforever]

6. They don't expect their readers to approve economic

populism. In fact they believe (know?) their readers despise it.

[mother earth]

2. Wow, I'm happy to see and hear this side of Obama once again.

I have criticised and I'm here to applaud right now. This is exactly what we need from this president and I hope that fire in his belly and kick-ass attitude remains. It's time to be the Democrats for real, let's rock this boat straight into lasting change and alternative energy, jobs that stay in America and tax cuts for the middle class.

The GOP's funeral march has been sounded.

I'm behind Obama once again because I like what I heard and we will hold him to his word on these issues.:kick: :fistbump:

All I have left to say, is it's about damned time.

[JDPriestly]

10. Problem is, this speech (which is excellent) is inconsistent with

what Obama has stated (remember looking forward not back) and done (no public option, continuing violations of human rights).

I wish that Obama would read this speech over to himself first thing when he wakes up in the morning and last thing at night before he turns out the light -- every single day until the election. Maybe it would inspire him to either fire the members of his staff who have pulled him too far in the direction of conciliation or inspire them to move toward strength with him.

It does not good to have hope unless you back it with a strong willingness to face reality and moral strength. The Obama administration has been unrealistic about the ability of Republicans to compromise and weak in the face of the Republican obstructionists.

I really hope that is changing.


Obama should have come out with full criticism of the Republicans from day one. I hope that it isn't too late now. I wish him luck, but I need to see some results that I can brag about to my neighbors before I get out there and campaign.

Trade, Social Security and jobs are the top issues. And Obama has not done anything about the first tow and very little about the third thus far.

The health insurance reform could have been a big bragging point except that it is too timid -- too compromised.

Average voters will not understand the talk about changing the tax code. Sorry, but that is not something that I can talk about with my neighbors while standing at their doors handing out brochures. I wish Obama would spend an afternoon campaigning door to door -- or have an aide do that. If he did, he would understand why his usual supporters are not enthusiastic this year. Not a single thing he has done is really important to my neighbors or could be talked about in a couple of minutes with someone who stops to talk at the Democratic table at the local Farmer's Market. That's where votes are won. Sorry, Obama, but you just aren't hitting the right issues in the right way.

[CaliforniaPeggy]

3. That was a pivotal speech.

Recommended.

[mike_c]

4. thanks for posting-- I turned off the speech early...

...because I was underwhelmed, but others have since suggested that it got better after the first few minutes. Thanks for the transcript!

[AndyA]

5. I read Obama's speech at the WSJ. It's very motivating.

The comments below the speech were all negative, I only read the first few though. Excuses, excuses, excuses, for why Obama is wrong.

Idiots. We shouldn't have to share the planet with people so dumb.

[GOTV]

7. No promise to protect Social Security from cuts

[truthisfreedom]

8. I'm glad he's finally speaking out against the pukes.

A sound for sore ears.

[No Elephants]

9. Pres. Obama sounding less Third Way.

And Mayor Daley, whose job Rahm once said he'd like is retiring. Hmmm. Wonder if those two things are somehow connected. In any event, I've enjoyed the news today!