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Jessica Ebelhar / Pool, AP Photo
First lady Michelle Obama speaks during a stop in Las Vegas on Tuesday, May 1, 2012. The first lady’s visit to Las Vegas was part of a four-state campaign push across the West. Nevada is among several key battleground states in the West that could determine whether President Barack Obama wins a second term in the White House. The first lady also visited Colorado and Arizona on Monday and was scheduled to stop in New Mexico after leaving Nevada.
Tuesday, May 1, 2012 | 3:40 p.m.
Sun coverage
First Lady Michelle Obama energized campaign workers in Las Vegas on Tuesday with a pep rally appearance for the president that hearkened to the grass-roots efforts that got him elected in 2008.
Addressing about 300 workers at the Springs Preserve, near where she spoke earlier at a private fundraiser, she thanked volunteers for their efforts but reminded them that they needed to continue their work if they’re going to be successful in returning her husband to the White House.
The first lady’s appearance was the third stop on a four-state campaign swing of key battleground states.
In a 20-minute speech frequently interrupted by enthusiastic cheers and chants, she reminded workers of her husband’s accomplishments, emphasizing what she called “the values we believe in” and “the vision of this country that we all share.”
“It’s that fundamental promise that no matter who you are or how you started out, if you work hard you can build a decent life for yourself and an even better life for your kids,” Obama told supporters. “That’s what we need you to tell people.”
She talked about the president’s accomplishments battling unemployment, saving Detroit’s auto industry, implementing health care reform and appointing two women to the Supreme Court. Everything on the list tied back to an effort to create a better life for the underprivileged.
“Barack knows what it means when a family struggles,” the first lady said. “He knows what it means when someone doesn’t have a chance to fulfill their potential. And today, as a father, he knows what it means to want something better for your kids. Those are the experiences that made him the man and the president that he is today.”
On health care, she noted that adult children up to 26 years old and senior citizens have benefited from the president’s reform policies, which are under review by the Supreme Court.
“Insurance companies will have to cover preventive care because of this reform, and millions of our seniors have saved an average of more than $600 a year on their prescription drugs,” she said.
One thing she didn’t mention was the military mission that led to the death of Osama Bin Laden — an event a number of politicians, including Sen. Harry Reid, noted today on the one-year anniversary.
She made a passing reference to homeland security, saying Democratic values include the desire to have “clean air, safe streets and we want (children) to grow up in a world that is peaceful and secure.”
Most of her remarks emphasized volunteer efforts and how important their continued support is.
“It all boils down to one simple question: Will we continue the change and the progress we made or will we allow everything we fought for to just slip away?” she said. “In the end, this could all come down to just that last few thousand people we register to vote. It could all come down to those last few thousand people we help get to the polls on Nov. 6. We need to treat every call and every interaction like it’s the one that could make the difference.”
The first lady’s appearance was preceded by remarks from several key campaign volunteers and by State Sen. Ruben Kihuen. State Sens. Steven Horsford and Mo Denis also were in the crowd, which supporters listed at 400, but appeared closer to 300.
There were no chairs and minimal ventilation, leading to one supporter collapsing near the end of Obama’s presentation. Paramedics tended to the supporter and it appeared Obama did not see the commotion.
After her presentation, she greeted supporters in an area reserved for the disabled before leaving for an appearance in Albuquerque, N.M.
Prior to her stop in Las Vegas, Obama opened a six-day sports competition for wounded soldiers and veterans in Colorado Springs, Colo., and made an appearance in Tucson, Ariz., on Monday.
Political commentator Jon Ralston reported that she spent the night at Caesars Palace Monday before attending the fundraiser early Tuesday.
"It all boils down to one simple question:..." Do you believe in the slogans we fed you the last election? Do you believe Harry Reid has been a good President?
This house will NOT be voting for more of the same. And 'ya can take that to the bank and cash it!
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Bin Laden would be dead no matter who was President as orders were carried out signed by President Bush. GM is still dead, shame it was not put through the normal bankruptcy/clean out phases every the troubled company goes thru, now it is still weak and sucking taxpayer money.
http://abcnews.go.com/blogs/politics/201...
http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2012-02-13...
What a waste of our money. I am looking forward to their demise; we've spent enough on them.
She stayed at Caesars? Well, no more of my dollars will ever be spent at Caesars properties.
Also, Springs Preserve hosted the "private" event? Springs Preserve will never get another penny of my money.
If you lay down with the Obamas, you get nothing from me. And I have a long memory.
DISCLAIMER: At no time have I ever given my consent for Barack Hussein Obama to speak or act on my behalf in any matter, foreign or domestic. He is not to be accepted or regarded as my emissary or representative in any fashion.
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wow, you people are amazing. just OUT THERE. i'm not a big fan of her husband, but there is no way he loses to the other yahoo in november.
unless, of course, a HUGE personal scandal brings him down. otherwise, ya'll got 4 more year of whining to do. enjoy it.
One has to wonder where the hate comes from. Certainly not common sense.
Obama got us out of Iraq, got Bin Laden, oversaw 2 years of private sector job growth, reformed Wall Street, rebuilt GM, and more.
Excellent job.
"One has to wonder where the hate comes from. Certainly not common sense.
Obama got us out of Iraq, got Bin Laden, oversaw 2 years of private sector job growth, reformed Wall Street, rebuilt GM, and more.
Excellent job."
Is that you Barrack...?
@70aarcuda. No, just a Libertarian that would prefer something other than a two party system. But while we have one, and while the choices are Obama or Romney, there really is only one way to go. If you are truly objective in the candidates abilities and what they stand for, you may come to the same conclusion.
Michelle.....GREAT JOB!!!
You're the best and your husband is the best
President in my lifetime.
FOUR MORE YEARS FOR PRESIDENT OBAMA!!!
Under the Obama administration our military readiness is way down. Our local economy is suffering terribly and the real unemployment is around 20% or higher. The man lacks leadership qualities and is way over his head. I do not blame his wife for all these canned speeches. She and her husband have travelled the world on vacations at the taxpayer's expense.
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Wow, stop the presses! A wife actually lauding her husband? Now that's breaking news! Gimme a break! What else would one expect? The bigger news is that no one elected her to any federal office! Why is she gallivanting around the country & the world on taxpayer dimes? Stay home, take care of your little rug-rats and leave us to our own devices, Michelle!
If her or her husband really believed in what they preach to their mindless trolls, they'd go to North Las Vegas and all the other repugnant liberal communities and spend most of their time with their trolls and do it for free.
The middle class has continued to deteriorate under Obama. This was a major campaign theme for him in 2008, blaming Bush policies. We can't afford to give him another four years.
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another election with two losers to choose from---not an accident.
Michelle's visit closed I-95 southbound for 20 min. I did not appreciate the wait.
Jealousy
Barrack is the best, the country is in great shape! 4 more years, and then emperor for life, f-the constitution! Print some more money and then more foodstamps for all! Borrow some more money to, borrowing is a sign of strength and intelligence, other respect you when you have a weak currency and are in debt up to your eyeballs, barrack rocks!
Obama still does not have clue.His wife loves to travel and live in the lap of luxury paid for by the US taxpayers. The economy is falling apart due to his garbage policies and she parades around as if everything is fine. Next year she will actually have to get a real job and learn how fine McDonalds food really is.
hey Dennis doen't GM still owe the American taxpayers $38 Billion? If so you consider this alive? You must not know much about business do you?
WOW! It's stunning how many people don't realize we are beginning a new election season? Or, that the 2008 election was nearly 4 years ago? Or, these people who haven't gotten over the passing of the 18 year old vote, ERA, Civil Rights or that the Confederacy LOST the Civil War!?!
Every politician's wife stumps for her husband - there's noting new about that! Anyone that doesn't know this obviously has not been paying much attention - LOL!
And to the people who think "Bin Laden would be dead no matter who was President..." you have go to be kidding - right? Bush gave up on even looking for him after just 3 Months!
Thankfully some of us live in the fact-based world of science and, sadly, so many live in the fantasy world of fiction! But, hey, everyone has a right to their opinion - though the quality of opinions vary widely - LOL!