President Obama gave a rousing middle class speech to the middle class at Centreville High School right outsdie of Clifton. An Annandale High School teacher welcomed the President along with elected officials. According to the Centreville Patch:
“Hello Wildcats!”
On Saturday afternoon, President Barack Obama ended two days of campaigning across Virginia at Centreville High School, where he spoke about the need to renew the American middle class and the economy.
Central to his theme was his call to Congress to extend a Bush-era tax cut to families that make less than $250,000. Republicans want to see that cut applied to all, including families making more than $250,000. Obama has said previously that he would veto anything that includes tax cuts for all.
Photo gallery of today’s campaign stop at Centreville High
“What I’ve said is, look, middle-class families, folks who are making $250,000 or less, 98 percent of Americans, you shouldn’t see your taxes go up one dime,” Obama said in a 37-minute speech that began at 4:14 p.m. “You don’t need to. Your income taxes should stay constant. And I’ve said to Congress let’s go ahead and get that done now. Let’s give 98 percent of folks certainty right now.”
‘Your Kids Are Turning Out Outstanding’
While the president’s message was primarily one for a national audience, there were still some local touches. Centreville’s Rev. Jerry Foltz, the founding pastor of Wellspring United Church of Christ, led the opening prayer. Rep. Gerry Connolly, who represents the nearby 11th district, gave a speech before the event. Also present was Sen. Dave Marsden (D-37th district), and Kristin Cabral, who is vying to replace longtime incumbent Rep. Frank Wolf in the newly redrawn 10th district, which Centreville High is within.
The president also gave a shout-out to the students at the school and newly-installed Centreville High School principal Martin Grimm.
“I just talked to Martin and I asked him, how long you been principal? He said, ‘five days,'” Obama said, to laughter from the audience. “So I said, good luck. I’m sure he is going to do a great job.
And I had a chance to meet some of the student body council here at Centreville, and they could not be more impressive. So, parents, you should know your kids are turning out outstanding. We are proud of them.”
I am all for throwing the rich under the bus. I have been doing a Robin Hood marathon all week–the Brit version that lasted 3 seasons. It is sinking in. Somehow a tax of x% hurts the middle class a lot more than it does those making over $250,000. A percent is a percent. Please spare me all the rubbish about the job creators. That one is getting old and I haven’t seen job creators. That is an easy fix…those who create jobs get a tax credit.
Its’ good to finally see Virginia in the headlines. For many years the state that is the mother of presidents was pretty much off the radar. In recent years Virginia has become more of a concern in national elections. It makes me think my vote finally counts.
One question to ask is, who pays for the extra security and police when a presidential enterage comes to town? Last election cycle PWC was thrice blessed. It doesn’t come without a price, however. Overtime can run into the hundred thousands. Maybe Rainbow riding and the War Museum can just pull their hand back this year.
Great to see Tilly Blanding sang the National Anthem for the President at the rally in Centreville on July 14. She’s one of the driving forces behind the Virginia State Neighborhood Conference and is always asked to sing, along with her other duties. Can’t wait to see her at this year’s conference in Charlottesville.
What about all the money that goes into a community as a result of a campaign — money to local TV, radio, newspaper, hyperlocal news, sign and billboard companies, printers, etc. How about meals and hotel rooms for those entourages, gas for their cars and planes? Event planners, chair rentals, audio equipment, video production, etc.
Obama’s going to kick Romney’s butt here in Virginia.