Las Vegas Sun

March 28, 2024

Obama heads to Bellagio after rally to address workers

Obama Speaks at Doolittle Park

President Barack Obama speaks during a campaign event Wednesday, Oct. 24, 2012 at Doolittle Park. An estimated 13,000 turned out for his ninth visit to Nevada this year. Launch slideshow »

After Wednesday’s rally at Doolittle Park, President Barack Obama made a detour to the Bellagio, where he urged throngs of cheering workers in an employee diner to get out and vote early.

Obama, who arrived at the Strip casino about 10:40 p.m., stood with Geoconda Arguello-Kline, president of Culinary Union Local 226. The union represents about 60,000 workers at resorts on the Strip and in downtown Las Vegas.

Obama, who spoke for about five minutes, praised the workers.

“You are what makes Las Vegas run. You are what makes the Strip run,” he said. “And all of you represent the dignity of work. I am so proud of all of you. I want you to know we are fighting for you every single day.”

He also encouraged them to vote early to make sure they don’t miss the opportunity to cast their ballots.

“Don’t wait to vote,” Obama said. “If you don’t vote, then I can’t work in Washington to make sure that all of you are getting the kind of support you need, making sure that we are making our economy stronger, creating jobs, creating more tourists for Vegas, making sure your kids are getting a great education and they can afford to go to college.”

Earlier in the night, Obama addressed a crowd estimated at 13,000 at Doolittle Park for a rally featuring pop star Katy Perry. The campaign stop was park of a tour of swing states that began in Iowa and will include stops in Colorado, Florida, Virginia and Ohio.

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