Obama highlights economy in Nevada speech

Sunday, Aug. 17, 2008 | 2:57 p.m.

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Sen. Barack Obama spoke to a crowd of 250 labor leaders and union members in Reno this morning, arguing he has the best plan for the economy and swiping at Sen. John McCain over the likely Republican nominee's economic plan.

Obama walked amid picnic benches as he took questions from the audience in a high school courtyard. He spoke to the crowd for about an hour. Obama repeatedly mentioned "George W. Bush" as he sought to tie McCain to the unpopular president.

One audience member, an elderly man who said he was a veteran, criticized McCain and questioned the Arizona senator's time spent as a Vietnamese prisoner of war.

Obama said he disagreed with the questioner's assertions about McCain's service.

"His policy is terrible," Obama said. "His service is honorable."

To the labor audience, he threw out a number of red meat issues, saying he supported making it easier for workers to form unions and opposed efforts to broadly privatize federal jobs.

"This is one of the most anti-union presidents in our history," Obama said.

Discussion: 4 comments so far…

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By drtiff

Aug. 17, 2008

6:53 p.m.

Suggest removal

YES SEN. OBAMA WANTS TO RAISE TAXES...BUT ONLY ON THOSE MAKING OVER $250.000.00. IF THE COMMENTER ABOVE (GPCTV02) IS MAKING OVER $250,000.00 MY HEART GOES OUT TO YOU. YOU ALSO USE THE ADVERB "DRAMATICALLY" TO DESCRIBE THE RAISE WHICH IT IS NOT AND ACTUALLY IT IS NOT A RAISE BUT A REINSTATEMENT OF A BUSH GIFT TO THE HIGHER INCOME PAYERS. STOP PLAYING THE "SWIFT BOAT" TUNE!!!
By jfnance32

Aug. 17, 2008

7:44 p.m.

Suggest removal

Not one word from Obama on the fact that high gas prices are hurting the tourist industry in Nevada.

Either he is clueless or does not care.

People are losing their jobs while Reid and Pelosi take a vacation.