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Sam Morris / Las Vegas Sun
President Barack Obama waves to supporters at the conclusion of his campaign speech Sunday, Sept. 30, 2012, at Desert Pines High School.
Published Sunday, Sept. 30, 2012 | 5:26 p.m.
Updated Sunday, Sept. 30, 2012 | 8:10 p.m.
It was the most star-studded event billing of what has been a busy presidential campaign season in Southern Nevada, and the crowd revealed as much.
About 11,200 people stood for hours in 90-degree heat Sunday for a chance to see a campaign rally for President Barack Obama that also featured world-famous rock band Maná at Desert Pines High School.
It was Obama’s eighth trip to the Silver State this year, according to the campaign, and the crowd far surpassed the 8,000 the president drew to Cashman Center in September.
Sounding familiar themes from his campaign, Obama promised to ensure opportunity for all, reduce the federal debt “without sticking it to the middle class” and boost manufacturing jobs.
“Now, what I want to promote is a new economic patriotism rooted in the belief we can grow the economy best when everybody’s got a shot,” he said. “I won’t pretend it will be easy to get there. It took us a bunch of years to get us in this mess.
“But I want everybody to know our challenges can be solved and our problems can be met.”
Obama also promised never to turn “Medicare into a voucher program” and said he would continue to work to help underwater homeowners refinance.
He took a couple of shots at his Republican rival Mitt Romney’s campaign, arguing Romney espouses policies responsible for the economic collapse.
“In fairness, my opponent’s got a plan, too,” Obama said. “They think that somehow you can lower our deficits by spending another $5 trillion on tax cuts for the wealthy. No matter how many times they try to reboot their campaign and try to explain it, they can’t.”
Obama also chastised Romney for remarks Romney made that he doesn’t have to worry about winning over the 47 percent of Americans already supporting Obama.
“Four years ago, 47 percent of the people didn’t vote for me,” Obama said. “They voted for John McCain. That’s the way Democracy works. But on election night, I said, ‘I may not have won your vote, but I heard your voice.’”
Obama closed his 25-minute speech with a plea for help from his supporters.
“If you stand with me and work with me, we will win Clark County again,” he said. “We will win Nevada again. We will win this election again. We will finish what we started.”
Obama’s rally was the start of a three-day stay in Southern Nevada.
He arrived in Las Vegas at 12:40 p.m., traveling immediately to the Westin Lake Las Vegas to begin preparing for the first debate of the presidential campaign Wednesday.
“You may have a heard in a few days my opponent and I are going to have a debate. I’m looking forward to it,” Obama said at the start of his rally speech. “I don’t know who is going to put the most points on the board. … Gov. Romney, he’s a good debater, I’m just OK. But what I’m most concerned about is having a serious discussion about what we need to do to keep the country going.”
While standing in line before the event, Las Vegas resident Lucy Bonilla said that she has been a Maná fan since she was 12 years old, but she was more excited to see Obama.
“If I had to give Obama a grade for his first term, it would be a B+,” Bonilla said. “It hasn’t been 100 percent perfect, but I know he can accomplish more. He needs to focus on the economy, schools and immigration.”
Before Obama’s speech, Maná played a handful of their biggest hits, including “Mariposa Traicionera” and “Corazon Espinado.”
After the first song, lead singer Fernando Olvera said in Spanish that they chose to play an Obama event because they believe he is “the best option for all Latinos,” and then he urged everyone to “get out and vote.”
In the latest ImpreMedia/Latin Decisions poll of Hispanic voters, 71 percent said they had a “very favorable” or “somewhat favorable” impression of the president, while 26 percent said the same of Romney.
The temperature was well over 90 degrees today, but that did not deter Obama's supporters from lining up as early as 10 a.m. for the rally. The high temperatures led some to seek medical attention for heat exhaustion.
Husband and wife Denny and Lisa Tessmer got in line at 10 a.m. for their first Obama rally of the year. They have a 28-year-old son who is in Afghanistan with the Marines. One of their top concerns is ending the war.
"I'm a little worried about how close the election is, but I think Obama will pull it out in the end," Lisa Tessmer said before the event. "He deserves a second term. People expected so much from him right away, and it was a big mess that he started with."
In addition to Obama's supporters, protesters gathered outside the event. The Romney campaign also circulated a mobile billboard at the Obama event that read "12.1 percent Unemployment — Highest in the Nation / You Built This."
Political action committee Tea Party Express was in Las Vegas for a rally on Sunday as well.
"President Obama and the Democrats are grossly out of touch with Americans and the economic struggles of our nation. However, we have a chance to correct our path in November. This bus tour will focus on states and districts we need in order to gain control of Congress and the White House. We want to engage and educate voters on the conservative solutions that will return our nation to a path towards prosperity,” Tea Party Express Chairman Amy Kremer said in a statement announcing the group’s bus tour stop in Southern Nevada.
Ann Romney will host a campaign rally Monday at the Henderson Convention Center, 200 S. Water St. The doors open at 1 p.m., and the event is expected to start at 3:40 p.m.
On Friday, Craig Romney, son of the GOP nominee, was in Las Vegas to cut the ribbon on a new campaign office at 235 N. Eastern Ave, Suite 112. The office, just east of downtown Las Vegas, was billed by the campaign as a new outpost for Romney to reach out to Hispanic voters.
Although the campaign rally is the only public event on Obama's schedule, he's expected to make some unannounced local stops during his stay in Henderson.
Campaign advisers David Axelrod and Joe Benenson traveled with Obama on Air Force One to Las Vegas. Sen. John Kerry, who stands in as Republican Mitt Romney during mock debates, also will help Obama with his debate preparation this week.
Lets see if he lies in the debates
simplysaid Sept. 30, 2012 5:54 p.m.
Lets see if he lies in the debates
***************
No Dear,
I think you are mistaken!
The real question is "Can Williiard Debate?"
My vote is Obama all the way!!!!!
OBAMA/BIDEN 2012
Highest Unemployment, highest foreclosures in the nation, has put the country deeply in debt, and asking for more . . . what's wrong with these people?
They must have brought in the homeless in by bus...
How many more jive slogans can real Americans take before they start to puke.
Just hope he had Harry Reid's approval on all theses statements he's making.
The Emperor doesn't like being usurped by a mere President since he has outlasted so many of them.
I'm VERY sure we will be voting different this time than last since we've heard all this stuff so many times it's meaningless.
Did they pass out Obama phones to everyone and their friends and relatives??
U repeat a lie often enough people believe it. Goebells!
Bravo Obama!
The Etch A Sketch experiment is almost over and it will not end well for the unhinged rightwing.
Though President Obama probably won't match his huge electoral vote total of 2008 (he should win the exact same states with the exception of Indiana), he'll leave another empty suit republican wondering what just hit him over across his empty noggin.
Time for the republicans to start looking ahead to 2016. Maybe put Chris Christie on a four-year diet and get his weight down to 300-325 lbs by 2016.
Or tutor Rick Perry until he can recite three things without getting confused.
Or reprogram the Romneybot to make him seem almost human and lifelike.
Screwed up the economy and wants four more years without restrictions?? How dumb are the voters of this state? Rhetorical question, we keep electing Reid... Kind of answers the question
You can purchase "Obama 2016" on DVD on October 16th.
Even though the President has repeated this speech many times, the content of the speech tells us the President is working to include all Americans to have opportunity. Education is the key, and a big part of the President's agenda for his next term.
Eleven thousand people coming out on a Sunday evening to listen to the President of the United States here in Las Vegas, Nevada. You can be sure that Democrats and Republicans, especially independents were in attendance.
President Obama will win Nevada by 6 to 8 points.
Thank you PRESIDENT OBAMA!
Easily one of the best presidents in our lifetime.
FOUR MORE YEARS FOR PRESIDENT OBAMA!!!
How many had their government paid phones
You say,"how dumb are the voters of this state"? Well, I simply didn't forget that the economy of US was on a 'freefall' when Obama took over. He was able to turn it around and slowly but surely pushed it back up again.
Is it too simple to comprehend?
<<Time for the republicans to start looking ahead to 2016. Maybe put Chris Christie on a four-year diet and get his weight down to 300-325 lbs by 2016>>
They already are!!! All were speakers at the RNC!!
Does Sandoval have anything to do with the high unemployment? or the other Republican governors we had for the last 14 years? Where is Sandoval, taxpayer funded trip to China.
Obama and Romney are both borrow and spenders. Neither has a plan to balance the budget. Both support the NDAA, the Patriot Act, the war without end in Eurasia, the War on Drugs, and subsidies for coal and tobacco companies. Banks, oil, drug, and medical insurance companies, have done great under Obama, just like they will if Romney gets elected. Other than social issues, how much difference is there between these two?
Well he can't run on his record and he can't read from a teleprompter during the debate..
Four more years should fix it where my grandson will never be out of debt...
I went to the rally yesterday. Never saw the mobile billboard the Romney campaign had out which makes me wonder where they had it...not anywhere near when the rally attendees were.
As to claims that people were bused in, if they were, there weren't any buses around, except for those from the Air Force being used to block a road.
Looks like the sufferers of ODS are out in force this morning. You guys should get some psychiatric help for that.
Obamacare will kick in next year and businesses can ponder the twenty pages defining a "full time" employee.
Thats the Obumma 'plan'. What a joke.
Go Obama! You have my vote.
"Obama promised to ensure opportunity for all" unlike the Las Vegas Sun who deleted comments and pulled all comments yesterday for "While visiting Southern Nevada, Mr. President, why not try this?"
This is a U.S. Presidential election and Las Vegas Sun's attempt to control free speech is shameful!
Las Vegas Sun erred in trying to be politically correct denying factual comments that are a direct consequence from President Obamas "Electric Drive Vehicle Battery and Component Manufacturing Initiative" that affects the health and safety of Nevadan's here in Nevada and is the very definition and practice of Hazardous Negligence ...Paul Rupp B125 SP NV 89047
Wow, that's a lot of cool aid drinkers!! I realize he gives out a LOT of taxpayer money to people in the form of intitlements, but America will soon be owned by China. What's wrong with these people!!
Best candid photos EVER!!! Great work.
The Sun denying factual comments: The Sun is doing Americans a disservice. Our forefathers wanted a "free press" to keep politicians honest. Unfortunately, it's gotten corrupt.
Here on planet Earth President Obama is headed for reelection. But in a rightwing galaxy far, far away Romney is crushing it and leads in all swing state polling. At least, that's what Fixed News pundit Dick Morris says.
Obama may not carry Nevada by 12% as he did in 2008 but he win by a wide margin. Maybe a convincing victory for the president will prompt the right to rethink and question their flawed dogma, but that's doubtful.
"Free Press? No such thing, It costs lots of money to own and operate a business, especially a media outlet because they produce nothing! They rely solely on the sale of advertising, advertising to a base that tunes in to hear or read exactly what they want to hear. It has nothing to do with the truth. The same thing the Chameleons are doing.
Last week I saw Romney and Ryan speak to a crowd of a couple hundred in Ohio.
Swedehart Sept. 30, 2012 9:07 p.m.
You can purchase "Obama 2016" on DVD on October 16th.
***************
You can also view how Williiard feels about the majority of the American People:
WATCH: Full Secret Video of Private Romney Fundraiser
http://www.motherjones.com/politics/2012...
Charts: You Might Be the 47 Percent If"
http://www.motherjones.com/politics/2012...
Comment removed by moderator. Same (or similar) comment posted on multiple stories.
REPUBLICAN RULE #1: Accuse the other guy of exactly what you are doing!
That takes BRASS!! :)
The Republiican Party, has been replaced and directed by an ultra-conservative Tea Party. Understandably, they earned names like the "Obstructionist Party" or the "Party of No".
From the beginning, The Republicaan Party turned their backs on the American People when we needed them the most. President Obama continually tried to forge alliances and reach a compromise with the Obstructionist Party, but was hailed with NO!. It is difficult to compromise and reach an agreement with any group when the entire group says, "NO".
Gotta love this
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pq4eeyVr_...
The Republican Party plan did not focus on jobs, jobs, jobs as they promised the American People. The Republicaan Party plan did not address and/or establish plans to improve the economy as they promised the American People. They had their chance and they failed the American People! They did not live up to their promises!
Sadly to this day, the Republicaan Party still has not demonstrated that they care about the American People. The Republicaan Party has broken their promises to the American People. So, why would we believe the Promises they are making today?
Remember people, the recession started in 2007.
The Republicaan Party did focus on women's healthcare issues, women's preventative care, and light bulbs, but no jobs, jobs, jobs as they promised the American People. The Republican Party has proven beyond a shadow of a doubt that they know how to say NO, NO, NO, and No to the American People who were depending on them to create jobs and improve the economy.
The American People were crying out for help from their elected officials and all they could say is NO! During our time of need, they turned their back on us, they did not help the American People when we needed them. The Republicaan Party has shown us that they can come together and obstruct like no one else, but that is the extent of what they are willing to do ~ Obstruct any initiative to help the American People.
When the president presented his Jobs Bill(s), what did the Republican Party say? NO! you guessed it; they blocked the Jobs bill(s). While obstructing the president and his attempts to improve the economy and help the Middle Class, the veterans, the senior citizens and the poor, the Republicaan Party continued their focus on obstructionism. What did they say to any bill that could help the American People? NO! you guessed it.
They did not do what they were elected to do or what they promised to do, which was to create jobs, jobs, jobs and improve the economy. What did they say to the American People? NO! you guessed it.
The Republican Party equals empty promises.
OBAMA/BIDEN 2012
"Obama promised to ensure opportunity for all"
This article should cut every American to the quick.
http://watchdog.org/55187/va-military-ab...
Obama is my shepherd; I shall not work.
He keepth jobs out of the hands of the people,
Which leadeth the country to class warfare and polarization.
He encourageth sloth; he leadeth the government to new heights in deficit spending.
Yea, though I walk in the shadow of Economic collapse,
I shall fear no depression: for Obama is with me.
His handouts and monetary indiscretion supplement my income.
He maintainest spending increases in the presence of insurmountable debt;
He punisheth businesses with excessive regulations;
And giveth the hard-earned fruits of labor to the unproductive.
Surely, handouts and stimulus payments shall follow all the days of his administration;
And I will stay unemployed forever.
REPUBLICAN RULE #1: Accuse the other guy of exactly what you are doing!
That takes BRASS!! :)
The Conservatives with their constant hateful, mean-spirited, degrading, belittling rants do not accomplish anything. They look foolish and the American People are sick and tired of the hate and mean-spirited bombastic orators. We read their posts every day. There are a few Conservatives that can articulate their positions without name-calling, demeaning and condescending comments toward the opposition. Sad to say, but it appears as if the right wing is filled with hate and rage. It is very unfortunate that people feel empowered in blogs to spew such hate and vitriol.
So many of the problems can be placed at the feet of the wealthy, their PACS, and their personal political party called the Republiican Party. What is the justification for taking money from the poor, elderly, disabled, and the Middle Class and handing it over to the uber-wealthy and corporations? No one can come up with a legitimate argument to support that premise.
We are on a long slippery slope and we are running out of road "to kick the can down". We are running out of tomorrows to fix the problems. One day it will be too late. And all of the conservatives who are filled with such hate, rage, and anger will have to explain to your grandchildren or perhaps children that YOU contributed to this problem.
Who will suffer:
1) Senior Citizens;
2) Working Poor;
3) Veterans;
4) Unemployed;
5) College Students;
6) 55 Million who need healthcare;
7) Minorities;
8) Women;
9) Disabled;
10) Elderly;
11) Environment;
12) Middle Class.
Just to name a few.
To everyone reading this comment, please make sure you do your homework; know your candidate; know everything there is to know about what your candidate stands for; believes in; look into previous positions on issues that are important to you. Make the decision your own. Please do not base our decision on opinions from your friends, relatives, church members, newspaper, television, or this blog. Take in all of the information and then begin your research for the truth based on the areas that are important to you. Know the facts. Know the difference between fact and fiction. This election is critical to everyone, especially your children and grandchildren. Be a responsible voter and please make sure you vote. Every vote really does count. Your vote does matter. Make sure you are registered to vote! Please do not regret your decision because you did not take the time to research the candidate.
OBAMA/BIDEN 2012
A. Highest unemployment in the USA
B. Housing prices at the Bottom of the Barrel
C. Government run PUBLIC SCHOOLS AT THE BOTTOM
D. Country is 16 TRILLION IN THE HOLE.
but yet you see morons clapping, and sycophants yelling. WHAT the ....
By the time O'bummer leaves office if he wins we will be 21 TRILLION IN THE HOLE, DO PEOPLE KNOW HOW MUCH PER DAY INTEREST WE WILL BE PAYING...FOR THE 5TH GRADER..IT'S AROUND 7 BILLION. WE WON'T BE ABLE TO MAKE IT...
AM I LIVING IN A PARALLEL UNIVERSE.
rusty57 Oct. 1, 2012 9:41 a.m.
Obama is my shepherd; I shall not work.
`````````````````````````````
Rusty,
I suggest you try and get a JOB. Come on! Go out and get yourself a little job. That may just be the key to a happier life; what do you think? You may be happier if you had a little job. Who knows? Give it a try! That is just my opinion; nothing more; nothing less!
mred Oct. 1, 2012 4:29 a.m.
Does Sandoval have anything to do with the high unemployment? or the other Republican governors we had for the last 14 years? Where is Sandoval, taxpayer funded trip to China.
```````````````````
Excellent comment.
Our great President framed by a magic rainbow, truly a great victory of HOPE over HATE FORWARD! (not backward = Romney)
Kepi said, "Remember people, the recession started in 2007."....
Yes, I do remember, that's when Democrat Chameleons Harry and Nancy took over the so called leadership of Congress. Followed by two straight years of campaign rhetoric, bank bailouts and TARP, which incidentally, brought down the US economy. By the way Kepi, The Commander in Chief of the most powerful military in the world can't even guarantee his military personnel their constitutional right to vote. It tells me all I need to know.
Where is President Obama, who promised that on his accession "the rise of the oceans will start to slow and the planet begin to heal?" - surely the most fatuous declaration in the history of politics?
Getting his ego massaged again I see.
Only thing I know for a fact is that he said don't spend your money in Vegas almost 4 years ago. I guess is okay that he spends taxpayer dollars coming here what seems like once a month. How do you know when politicians are lying (regardless of party affiliation), their mouths are moving. And to have the gall to ask the citizens for a sawbuck to support him, NOT HARDLY. We are a nation, divided, and that is the problem. We only have strength when united (hence these United States). Again, we are faced with choosing the best of the worst. The current president has not done the country any good, but the slogging emergence from the 'Great Recession' was a function of time, and nothing else.
Romney is not gonna be President, everyone knows that.
:-)
Mr. Dunton,
It appears you have selective memory. Your fact is missing the rest of the sentence.
He said "If you are saving to put the kids through college don't blow the college fund in Vegas."
He also told companies that were bailed out with Tax Payer funds to not be blowing "That Money" in Vegas.
Now to most people with common sense that would make perfectly good sense but the problem in America today is most don't plan ahead or use common sense.
It is easy to lay blame when you only use part of anyones comments.
Vote for who works for you but when doing so try to use facts instead of B.S. talking points that are not FACTS.
Sorry, GOP, your white christian values no longer represent the majority of US citizens. To survive, you will have to adapt by incorporating the values of others. I believe it is called "assimilation". You know, the term that your party has been pushing for decades.
It's over, Tea/Republicans.
Very hard to make a case for your candidate when one comes here to campaign and talk to the voters out here (President Obama), while the other one comes here to fund raise and sit down with Mr. Adelson and amass money, money, money, moh money, moh money, MOH MONEY ONLY (Romney).
Clearly shows the priorities. It's an issue of transparency, truthfulness and openess. And Romney ain't got any of those qualities.
Obama/Biden 2012!
Romney/Ryan 1040s please! Everything my Senator (Reid) has been accusing you of all these months has STILL never been proven false. Cough 'em up, Romney. You're hidin' something. Something so devastating it will turn your whole campaign into a joke and render you unelectable.
Wake up Nevada! We need Romney in the White House, not Obama who is only speaking to our innocent High School kids and they actually believe his lies. We have heard them all - Obama has covered up one mess after another and more comes out every day.
We need leadership and we need Romney. Do your home work, Obama lies.
Do the people that hold up Obama "Forward" sign know where it came from? "The name "Forward" carries a special meaning in socialist political terminology. It has been frequently used as a name for socialist, communist and other left-wing newspapers and publications," the online encyclopedia explains.
The slogan "Forward!" reflected the conviction of European Marxists and radicals that their movements reflected the march of history, which would move forward past capitalism and into socialism and communism.
Obama's New Campaign Slogan's Historical Ties to Marxism, Socialism
Obama Campaign Slogan 'Forward' a Hitler Youth Marching Tune -
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HjRPk5UCy...
It is too bad our Presidente Obama does not keep his promises to the people. I guess I'll have to vote for the other guy. Obama has lied to us for just about 4 years. I am sad.
Obamas campaign promise: FREE STUFF FOR EVERYBODY, WE'LL MAKE THE RICH PAY!!
The morons that will vote for this clown don't even realize it's THEM (if you have a job) that will end up paying!!!
Freaking idiots.
If vulture capitalist Willard Romney became president where would he keep his tax deductable dancing horses? Would he expect taxpayers to build a barn on White House property or would he withdraw some cash from his $100M IRA retirement account to pay for it?
And what about his country club membership? Would taxpayers be on the hook for that too?
Just wondering how much care and attention the pampered, privileged momma's boy would require should he be elected president (which of course he won't).
REPUBLICAN RULE #1: Accuse the other guy of exactly what you are doing!
That takes BRASS!! :)
And.....
Who was responsible for the content of that advertising? Who paid for the advertising? Who are these people anyway?
Here is one, why not check out Americans for Prosperity?
Go online and search for Americans for Prosperity. Learn everything you can about them and what they stand for and what they stand against. While you are at it, why not learn everything you can about the Koch Brothers.
It is critical that we know all about who is paying for and/or responsible for the advertisements on television and/or the literature you receive in the mail.
So when you see an advertisement on television, write down the name at the bottom of the screen on a piece of paper and begin searching for them on the internet. See what they stand for or stand against. Do the same thing when you receive literature in the mail.
These small steps will help you make an informed decision in November. This will be the most critical election of our lifetime and please learn everything you can about the candidate you like and learn everything you can about the organizations that support your candidate. This will make a difference in the lives of your children and grandchildren.
Here are a couple ideas to Search:
Tea Party
Tea Party Express
Tea Party Nation
Tea Party Patriots
The Koch Brothers
Americans for Prosperity
Koch Industries
Americans for Tax Reform
This will get you started in your research.
These are my opinions and I hope this will help you form your opinion.
To everyone reading this comment, please make sure you do your homework; know your candidate; know everything there is to know about what your candidate stands for; believes in; look into previous positions on issues that are important to you. Make the decision your own. Please do not base our decision on opinions from your friends, relatives, church members, newspaper, television, or this blog. Take in all of the information and then begin your research for the truth based on the areas that are important to you. Know the facts. Know the difference between fact and fiction. This election is critical to everyone, especially your children and grandchildren. Be a responsible voter and please make sure you vote. Every vote really does count. Your vote does matter. Make sure you are registered to vote! Please do not regret your decision because you did not take the time to research the candidate.
OBAMA/BIDEN 2012
Comment removed by moderator. Inappropriate
Lastthroes: "Just wondering how much care and attention the pampered, privileged momma's boy would require should he be elected president"
How about seperate air force one trips for hawaiian vacations, just like the Obummas!
REPUBLICAN RULE #1: Accuse the other guy of exactly what you are doing!
That takes BRASS!! :)
The following movie is Simply the best. It stars Romney being Romney and only costs about $50,000 a plate.
To hear how Romney feels about the majority of the American People:
WATCH: Full Secret Video of Private Romney Fundraiser
http://www.motherjones.com/politics/2012...
@vegaslee:
"He also told companies that were bailed out with Tax Payer funds to not be blowing "That Money" in Vegas"
Some of those companies pulled out of Vegas for thier conventions and moved to San Francisco where they paid a huge amount of money more than what they would have here.
So please get the FACTS straight.