Obama Rally at Kent State Touches on Themes of Opportunity, Success (VIDEO)
Kent campaign stop one of two on college campuses in Northeast Ohio.
Some came to hear about the president's views on Medicare, Social Security, or women's healthcare.
Some merely wished to see a sitting president in the flesh.
But all braved a steady downpour on Wednesday to see the President Barack Obama speak at Kent State University.
Obama came on stage shortly after 5:30 p.m. "Hello Kent State! Go Flashes!" he called to the roaring crowd.
His remarks began by touching on themes of opportunity and success for the middle class.
"This country succeeds when the middle class is growing, when there are ladders of opportunity for all people," he said. "We all believe that anybody is entitled to success in this country. Everybody’s got to work hard."
The president also told the audience that U.S jobs and the positioning of the U.S. economy in the global economy is at stake in the Nov. 6 election.
"I want to make sure we're providing tax breaks for companies right here in America," Obama said.
While the president campaigned in Kent — he spent the morning at Bowling Green State University — his opponent, Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney, wrapped up a third day of traveling across Ohio with a stop in Bedford Heights near Cleveland.
Traditionally a swing state, Ohio could once again play a pivotal role in the election and as a result has drawn the attention of the candidates with Election Day just 41 days away.
A Washington Post poll published Tuesday shows Obama has a lead in the Buckeye state over Romney. Obama is leading Romney in Ohio by 52 percent to 44 percent, according to the Post.
As she stood in the rain early Wednesday afternoon, Carol Valeri, a retiree from Ravenna, said she hoped to hear Obama talk about Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid.
“There has to be some changes in Social Security, but not like what Mitt Romney wants to do," she said. "I’d like him to be more specific about what he would cut and how he would do that.”
But it was all about women's health care for retiree, Marsha Schumacher, of Alliance.
"I want to hear him talk about what his policies, how they will affect women. … Women making their own decisions about their own medical needs is very important. I think President Obama will ensure women have the right to make their own decisions about their own bodies. I’d like to hear him talk about that today.”
At the other end of the spectrum was students just hoping to get a look at the president.
“I never met a president before. I’m sick, my nose is running, my throat hurts. Once I get in there, it will be worth it, but right now I just don’t feel good,”said Kent student Kendra Landfair, who waited in line in the rain.
Landfair hoped to hear what the president had to say about tuition, as did fellow Kent student Leah Kushmaul.
“I want to hear him talk about the financial aid situation because I know Romney’s big on decreasing giving financial aid," she said. "And I don’t think that’s a good idea.”
A poll published by the Plain Dealer earlier this week also showed Obama leading Romney.
The Plain Dealer's poll showed a lead of five points for Obama. Similar results were revealed in recent presidential polls done by Ohio newspapers and other media.
At Kent State's Memorial and Convocation Center -- commonly called the MACC -- the president's visit on Wednesday drew huge crowds despite lousy weather.
Speakers at the event included U.S. Rep. Tim Ryan, who represents District 17, who told the crowd that the president was counting on Kent and Portage County to win the election.
Ryan pointed to the federal investment in downtown Kent and asked the crowd, "Are you better off now than four years ago?"
He also pointed to the benefits students enjoy through federal programs. Pell Grants, federal student loans make you "the future job creators," not mooches, Ryan said.
Speaking to the audience, Kent State University USG director Evan Gildenblatt said Obama's message is one of hope, not fear. He exhorted the audience, "We have changed the world, Kent State!"
Thousands of supporters turned out Monday to get a ticket for the event. While local officials fretted over the potential cost of the presidential visit.
A liberal arts college, Kent State is the second largest public university in Ohio with a total 42,513 students enrolled for classes this fall. Kent is home to a largely Democratic voter base.
Joe Giles
7:47 pm on Wednesday, September 26, 2012
Talk is cheap from this President.
Jean Williams
8:08 pm on Wednesday, September 26, 2012
A liberal arts college lol
Myron Holley
1:01 am on Thursday, September 27, 2012
And we pay thousands to hear this creap lie. Should have said go some where else.
Linda UmBayemake
1:07 pm on Thursday, September 27, 2012
Myron, I hope you are not a college student. Your ethnocentric ignorance is showing.
Adam Douglas
8:08 pm on Thursday, September 27, 2012
"creap", huh... I guess you didn't borrow money from your parents to get that education like Mitt instructed you to do. (Yes, I know that was probably a typo, but stirring the pot can just be fun...)
Mildred Roberts
1:25 am on Thursday, September 27, 2012
How many people fainted in the audience?
Mark Kylemore
7:41 am on Thursday, September 27, 2012
Hope & change? ROTFLMAO. Why doesn't this guy run on his record? Oh wait, he has a terrible one.
Linda UmBayemake
1:09 pm on Thursday, September 27, 2012
Mark this guy is the President of the United States. Maybe you should check the records to see that he has done more than any President before him in a short amount of time. Oh wait, maybe you cannot read or do research.
Keith Best
7:46 am on Thursday, September 27, 2012
Chronic weak economy and rampant unemployment is the disease and whether you like them or not, Romney/ Ryan are the cure.
Linda UmBayemake
1:14 pm on Thursday, September 27, 2012
The economy started its down ward fall before 2006 or didn't you notice. I wonder who was in office then? That person did not receive the country in bad shape not till that President decided to put the nation in the deep red then passed it on. You cannot stop a downward spiral economy nor unemployment until it is re-vamped which cannot be done in 3.5 years. It took 8 years to create the disease. The country is headed in a new direction that should not include old school pretenders that have nothing positive to say or do for ALL AMERICANS.
Mr. T
9:19 am on Thursday, September 27, 2012
I cannot wait for the election to be over with, regardless of who wins. Everyone can go back to not caring about politics for another four years. Just look at the ridiculous posts, "talk is cheap.. no your talk is cheap", GIVE ME A BREAK!!
Donna Avis
9:24 am on Thursday, September 27, 2012
Opportunity? Success? Yeah.....what country is he talking about??? Unemployment higher than when he started? Debt that will bring us to our knees along with generations to come? Failed stimulus package? Health care the majority of individuals don't want? The only opportunity that has opened the door for so many is getting on food stamps. LIAR!!!
Mark
10:54 am on Thursday, September 27, 2012
Yes, the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 was signed by Obama. However, it was composed and passed by Congress. Further, before this, the Economic Stimulus Act of 2008 was signed by Bush. It, too, was composed and passed by Congress.
The US Treasury and the Federal Reserve don't report to the President. It is Congress that conducts oversight of these institutions and has ultimate authority over them.
Unemployment? Unemployment insurance, economic stimulus, deportations, taxation...virtually every tool the government uses to stabilize, stimulate, or otherwise address this matter is the responsibility of Congress. Fiscal policy measures are the responsibility of the U.S. Federal Congress. The other tool is monetary policy which is conducted by the Federal Reserve System....which is an independent institution (not a government agency) which reports exclusively to Congress.
Healthcare...Congress. Unemployment...Congress. Stimulus...Congress. Direct your criticisms to where they belong...to the government officials who are actually tasked with doing something about it.
Linda UmBayemake
1:20 pm on Thursday, September 27, 2012
The majority of working Americans have no access to Health care and cannot afford any. Yet to make this a better place for all, you begrudge Health coverage for everyone. That's might christian of you. The only thing that has failed in the present administration is attempting to get all parties to work together for the common good not for the one making billions. Due to increased income from somewhere people are working their way off of food stamps. The Debt was astronomical when he got into office, left by the previous administration who gave stimulus money to millions of Americans with high incomes not the working person.
Linda UmBayemake
9:38 pm on Thursday, September 27, 2012
Who said 50% I did not put a percentage on how many people do not have Health care. If you don't want to look up the info thru Census records then listen to the discussions on CNN (that's a news station, actually very good). There are places to check it. But the majority of people are not covered under health care because they cannot afford it or they have pre-existing conditions. All facts can be checked, go look it up. But do not put words in my mouth, quote what I say not what you hear.
Paul
9:51 pm on Thursday, September 27, 2012
Linda, the following is directly from Obama. 49.9 million -- The number of uninsured Americans in 2010. That's 16.3% of the total population. 16.3% is not even close to a majority.
Linda UmBayemake
10:01 pm on Thursday, September 27, 2012
Add un-insured with the under insured, how many do you. Being under insured is practically the same as un-insured. What is the stats on working americans? Do you ever look at the Census records, try it you might like it. As far as my education is concerned, I got a very good education not like some people that do not understand how to research what they are being told. The health care problem has been out here long before the President brought it up. But you are going to try and pick apart me. Learn how to read first, GO to the library there are several in Portage County. Go to government documents which is in the library, do some actual research then come talk to me before you attempt to insult me or my education and especially my professor. Young man you best check yourself before you try to argue what you obvious only heard from a sixth grade level newspaper.
Paul
10:47 pm on Thursday, September 27, 2012
Nearly half of U.S. adults, 81 million people, were either underinsured or uninsured in 2010, up from 75 million in 2007 and 61 million in 2003. Actually Linda, MBA from The Ohio State. Obamacare is unsustainable and will push the US closer to financial ruin. Just like Social Security was never meant as a main source for retirement income. It was designed to supplement what we saved ourselves.
Thea P
9:43 am on Thursday, September 27, 2012
Donna, i agree with you! Btw, make that " stimulus PACKAGES....PLURAL! This President is truly on a mission to change (destroy) our country to the end that, I believe, the MAJORITY of our LEGAL citizenry does NOT believe in! I still recommend that everyone read, "The Amateur"...despite what others have said about the author, it's hard to refute the over 200 interviews (with actual people who personally interacted with BO) & the provable referenced facts that he conveys.
Linda UmBayemake
5:05 pm on Thursday, September 27, 2012
Just how many stimulus refunds did Bush give? Where did that get us? So deep in debt he cannot talk about it. How do you know they actually interviewed 200 people which is not that many. Plus were they his cousins or friends of group. I like Harry Potter but I don't think he can really fly.
bob lang
8:09 pm on Monday, October 1, 2012
who do you consider to be part of the legal citizenry?
Robert Mihaly
10:56 am on Thursday, September 27, 2012
Mr. T, I can't wait for this election to be over either, if only in the hope that all these "nabobs of negativity" crawl back into their holes for a couple years. Guess their mothers never told them..."If you can't say anything nice, don't say anything at all." Just wondering when it became fashionable to become envious of the poor but not the rich phony heading the GOP ticket. Because I hate the thought that some are trying to buy this election or steal it, it matters greatly to me who wins. This is Exxon and Chase Bank vs. the Middle Class. I want the Middle Class to win.
Linda UmBayemake
1:23 pm on Thursday, September 27, 2012
Robert preach on. Viva le Middle Class
MZ
1:49 pm on Thursday, September 27, 2012
JP Morgan Chase donated over $800K to Obama, Goldman Sachs donated over $1,000K to Obama in 2008, Citi over $700K. Obama named a former JP Morgan Chase executive as his chief of staff. Obama has had at least 5 from Goldman in high positions in his cabinet. I won't even mention the tax cheats he surrounds himself with.
Yeah, he is a man of the middle class alright.
Stow Resident
11:04 am on Thursday, September 27, 2012
Oh yeh, let's put another Republican in the white house. The last one did such a great job that his own party told him to stay away from their convention. Yep, this time it will be different. Romney is going to get crushed in the debates and he's already down by large margins in the polls(and the repubs are trying to even claim that the polls are wrong). HAHA
joe ponikarovsky
1:14 pm on Thursday, September 27, 2012
hah! yeah i'm glad someone else is appreciating how funny his campaign team is about the polls. the whole "we don't rely on public polls" bit is hilarious. ummm...last i checked it was the public that voted!
Linda UmBayemake
1:25 pm on Thursday, September 27, 2012
I like what you are saying. But the Republicans did not tell him to stay away from their convention. He is not interested in politics, never was. His daddy pushed him in it for his own ego.
soldiermom11
11:06 am on Thursday, September 27, 2012
Sorry students. You are getting the shaft from this president. Yea, he's cool but cool doesn't get you a job. Cool doesn't pay your bills. If you think redistribution of wealth and success is a good thing, redistribute your grades with those who don't do as well as you. Give those kids that slide by on daddy's money your A's and B's. That's what obama's got planned for the adults in your life. Instead of grades he's using earned income.
mjc1801
11:19 am on Thursday, September 27, 2012
I saw both men speak yesterday, Romney was the clear winner. In my opinion he is a true leader that can turn this mess around. Obama had four years to turn this mess and he failed, so much for hope and change. We need a person that is strong and knowledgeable and that person is Mitt Romney. I hope that I will never be just a bump in the road. This is from a Recovering Democrat. “God” bless America.
Linda UmBayemake
5:49 pm on Thursday, September 27, 2012
Oh yes Romney can turn everything around like he has done in the past. Turn jobs around to overseas, turn factories from open to closed. Take from the poor and middle class and give to the rich. Last one who did this wanted to play baseball not run a country. No one can turn a mess around that took 8 years to build in 3.5 years. Take an economic course or two.
MZ
8:55 pm on Thursday, September 27, 2012
Linda, just out of curiosity, how many economics courses have you taken?
Linda UmBayemake
9:13 pm on Thursday, September 27, 2012
Mz, I have taken enough economic courses (from one of the toughest instructors KSU had) to know that the economic, unemployment and I saw the factories closing before 3.5 years ago. We were trying to prepare for the evitiable at my job 5-6 years ago. Two buildings were closed down, the present President had nothing to do with it. Times change, products and production and services must change to. New job development is producing results but it does not work over night.
Paul
9:23 pm on Thursday, September 27, 2012
Linda, Where you took your classes says it all. Kent State is a Liberal Arts University. Not known for Business Strengths. If you we're talking about fashion, pottery, or Art I would listen.
MZ
7:43 am on Friday, September 28, 2012
Linda, based on your clear understanding of economics (from the hard teacher at Kent) perhaps you can tell us how long it should take to "turn this mess around?"
In addition, what economic policies lead to the "mess" and which economic policies of the current administration will (eventually, but longer than 3.5 years) take to get us out of the mess?
Linda, based on your expertise in economics, if you had a chance to give Obama advise on the economy, is there anything you would suggest he do differently?
It is nice to have an expert to ask these tough economic questions to. I appreciate your time and look forward to your responses.
Juliet Shreve
4:21 pm on Tuesday, October 2, 2012
no way sorry we need the best for the nation Obama is it and he is more concern for us
MOLLY
12:45 pm on Thursday, September 27, 2012
We need a change. I'm not better off than I was 4 yrs ago. I'm willing to give the other guy a shot. Really? How much worse can it get?
Linda UmBayemake
5:51 pm on Thursday, September 27, 2012
If you are not maybe you should work harder. Things were spiraling out of control before 4 years ago. What is wrong with people that think 3.5 years is enough time to fix things that took twice that amount of time to mess it up.
MZ
7:03 pm on Thursday, September 27, 2012
Linda, I approve of your "work harder" comment. That is a rare comment to hear from an Obama supporter. Kudos to you!
Adam Douglas
8:43 pm on Thursday, September 27, 2012
How much worse can it get? Ask Greece... or anyone who lived through the Great Depression. Things could be much, much worse. Let's keep perspective. Here's a better question: Does it take longer to break something or fix it? Do you really think that any president, congressman, mechanic, plumber, or basket weaver can fix anything in less time that it took OTHER PEOPLE to break it? And for the record, I would ask that question REGARDLESS of who inherited the 2008 economy. I do not belong to a party and will NEVER vote on party lines.
Linda UmBayemake
9:18 pm on Thursday, September 27, 2012
Adam you make a good point and good statement. Looking at the situation logically is better than emotionally. You are right it does not compare to the depression at all
Laura
1:02 pm on Thursday, September 27, 2012
Molly -- if you don't think it could be worse then look into Romney a little better - far far worse.
Just what we need this backwards crook to take office - seriously (note I'm not saying a backwards republican - i'm voting for the man not the party)
Nick C.
1:12 pm on Thursday, September 27, 2012
I can't wait to vote for Obama on election day, I'd love to vote twice.
Juliet Shreve
4:22 pm on Tuesday, October 2, 2012
me two billion time
Damon Iskennari
5:22 pm on Thursday, September 27, 2012
These teabaggers have really ramped it up, haven't they? What are you gonna do when the president wins? Even worse, what would you do if Romney (unlikely) wins? You are in a lose-lose situation, my friends.
tom m
7:38 pm on Thursday, September 27, 2012
teabagger ???
Linda UmBayemake
5:52 pm on Thursday, September 27, 2012
Win Win situation if you vote for President Obama.
Paul
8:09 pm on Thursday, September 27, 2012
Socialism and class warfare it you vote for Obama. The middle class American will rise up and crush the entitlement class. We are no longer going to pay for able bodied people who refuse to work because Obama has made living off entitlements so attractive.
bob lang
9:16 pm on Thursday, September 27, 2012
by the time romney gets through with the country there won't be any middle class.
Paul
9:20 pm on Thursday, September 27, 2012
Bob, sure there will. What there won't be is a large group of free loading folks. Under Romney they get a job or starve to death. No, healthcare, no workout rooms in prisons. You work or get nothing!! Cut out the Obama Socialism experiment and we will have a surplus.
Keith Best
9:21 pm on Thursday, September 27, 2012
bob lang ---
if you ever want prosperity to come back to America you better hope Romney/ Ryan win.
Go see the movie "2016, Obama's America" which uses his own words to tell us the vision he has for the future....and it's NOT pretty.
Romney/ Ryan will be good for ALL classes.
Linda UmBayemake
10:03 pm on Thursday, September 27, 2012
Pottery class or fashion class, Was that your major?
Eileen Fischer
11:29 pm on Thursday, September 27, 2012
Every American no matter what party deserves being told the truth! This president and his administration has lied or covered up the Terror attack that killed four American Patriots! Then continued to lie for two weeks. They knew within 24 hours that it was a terror attack that was planed and executed with great skill. Do they think the American public are stupid? They really expected us to believe it was a spontaneous demonstration? If I were Carney, I'd quit my job before I told another lie for Obama! Obama has made Carney look like a fool along with Rice as they continued saying it was spontaneous over a movie. Anyone with common sense knew exactly what it was when it happened. Our own administration made things worse over there by insisting it was a movie clip, they only added fuel to an already burning bonfire. The familes of those killed deserve to know the truth as does every American. I would not believe another word this president or his administration says. They have proved they are liars!
Eileen Fischer
11:45 pm on Thursday, September 27, 2012
@Linda Umbayemake To answer your question:" What is wrong with people that think 3.5 years is enough time to fix things that took twice that amount of time to mess it up."
I believe it was Obama who said "I will do it in 2 years and if not, I will be a one term President." Check out his pledges and what he's done or not done.
http://jon-ewall.hubpages.com/hub/barakobamacampaignpromises
Adam Douglas
12:22 am on Friday, September 28, 2012
We can't SOLELY blame any president (Republican or Democrat) for crappy government. Let's not forget our horrible federal legislators. And our state and local "leadership". We often blame the federal government for things that are decided by people whose names and records most of us don't even know. How many of us know the voting histories and actions of our governors, state senators, county commissioners, and local school board members? Collectively, these people control far more tax money than the president. They have greater influence on our day to day lives. Look it up if you doubt me. If you really want things to get better in your community and your individual lives, get to know the candidates at EVERY level of government.
Adam C. Miller
7:35 am on Friday, September 28, 2012
Cleveland Reppin' http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tpAOwJvTOio&feature=youtu.be
jiim may
8:34 am on Sunday, September 30, 2012
Doesnt have anything to do with race. Hes scum period. I cant help he looks like curious george, he also looks like opie. Oh by the way opie is white
Linda UmBayemake
11:34 am on Sunday, September 30, 2012
YOUR SELF ESTEEM MUST BE VERY LOW TO INSULT THE PRESIDENT OF THE USA. HE IS IN THE TOP OFFICE OF THE WORLD. CAN YOU REACH THAT PLATEAU OR EVEN DREAM THAT HIGH. WHY BRING CURIOUS GEORGE IN THIS WHEN HE WAS VERY IMPORTANT IN CHILDREN'S LITERATURE OR OPIE WHO IS A CLASSIC IN AMERICA'S TELEVISION PROGRAMMING. THERE IS A PLACE YOU CAN GET A LITTLE HELP GO TO COLEMAN PROFESSIONAL SERVICES ON RHODES ROAD OR THERE IS AN OFFICE IN RAVENNA IF THAT IS CLOSER TO YOU.
Watts
2:43 pm on Sunday, September 30, 2012
Sorry, you are not getting off the hook for making racist comments. There is nobody who could be that ignorant to be posting that stuff and not recognize their racist history.
Own up to it. It isn't as if you were afraid to say them in the first place. It isn't as if anybody reading them doesn't recognize that they were racist comments. Are you now suddenly going to try back peddle and not proudly own up to your racist beliefs?
Watts
6:59 pm on Sunday, September 30, 2012
Or how did I miss this thinly veiled reference to the imprisonment rate of African Americans in the US:
http://stow.patch.com/articles/reports-obama-coming-to-kent#comments
"He'll stop and visit his relatives in jail"
So, is there anybody on here, with a history of conservative posts, who is going to step in here and comment on your ideological brethren's racist comments? Here is your chance to not be the racist party.
Realize that not being racist is more than just not posting stuff like this or sitting silently by while people who represent your cause say things like this. It is coming out and being public that you do not personally accept this type of racist objectification of anybody.
jiim may
7:45 pm on Sunday, September 30, 2012
Linda and watt, god told me to be the better person and forgive your comments. I forgot, religion is for weak minded people who cant think for themselves.
Watts
7:58 pm on Sunday, September 30, 2012
You are obviously a lost cause. Trust me when I say that anybody who personally knows who you actually are, who also reads your comments, is embarrassed for you.
Watts
7:07 pm on Monday, October 1, 2012
Again, are there any conservative contributors who are willing to condemn jiim may's racist posts? Here is your chance not to be labeled the racist party, by showing that you can at least do this. This couldn't be any easier. All that you need to do is come out against somebody who continuously uses racial objectification in their posts on here.
Paul
7:32 pm on Monday, October 1, 2012
On behalf of all Republicans we do not Jiiim's viewpoints. Republicans are better educated than that. He is obviously a Democratic Party plant to try and make the Republican Party look bad. Epic fail !!!!!!
Paul
7:34 pm on Monday, October 1, 2012
My Grandma used to say to me "grandson do you know what a Republican is? I said no Grandma, she said a Republican is just an educated Democrat"
jiim may
8:22 pm on Monday, October 1, 2012
Spelling?? Let go back three message ago. Tell me whats wrong with your message????
Paul
9:06 pm on Monday, October 1, 2012
Watts, this is 1 point I would differ on opinion with. President Obama is in fact Bi-Racial. There is a distinct difference. Even today there is significant prejudice from both the African American community and the White community. To be truthful President Obama is in fact our 1st Bi-Racial President. We to date have not had an African American President. I would say the word "black" was most certainly used to wins votes at some point.
Watts
1:19 am on Tuesday, October 2, 2012
@Paul
I agree that Obama is bi-racial, but just as one of my best friend's who is bi-racial (Israeli mother and Vietnamese father), chooses to self identify as Asian on forms, Obama self identifies as Black. And because of his physical attributes and this self identification, we have all had to endure years of everything from racially intolerant innuendo to white supremacist racially based hate toward the President.
You may have noticed that until the last couple of years (well after Obama was elected president) there was no "bi-racial" option on forms like the US census. This forced people to make the decision of which race to identify as. So it had nothing to do with winning votes, as much as Barak Obama has self identified as black for his whole life.
The notion that Barack Obama is not black, but is something other, goes down another slipery slope. If Michelle Obama is black and Barack Obama is not allowed to be black because of mixed race parents, then by default that logic would imply that his children could not claim to be black, because their father was something other than black. Now it becomes more apparent why this falls apart, because from white owners having raped black slaves, to all sorts of generational mixing over the centuries, using this logic would mean that millions of people could never claim any race because of some biracial mix in the family tree. Then you would get into racial purity tests and I am sure that you know who was a fan of that.
Kaye Spector
11:08 pm on Monday, October 1, 2012
Folks, comments have been deleted here and a user suspended because of attacks on others in this thread.