At a grassroots rally in Mentor, Ohio earlier today, President Obama told supporters that we are in this together, that we rise and fall as one nation. As the President praised leaders from different parties working together, the Romney camp is threatening Chris Christie for working with Obama at a time when doing so might help the President.
Watch the President’s remarks here:
TRANSCRIPT OF THE PRESIDENT’S REMARKS:
OBAMA: You see heroes running into buildings, wading into the water to help their fellow citizens; neighbors helping neighbors cope with tragedy; leaders of different political parties working together to fix what’s broken; it’s a spirit that says no matter how bad a storm is, no matter how tough the times are, we’re all in this together – that we rise or fall as one nation, as one people.
And that spirit has guided this country along its improbable journey for more than two centuries. It has carried us through the trials and tribulations of the last four years. Remember in 2008, we were in the middle of two wars and the worst economic crisis since the Great Depression. Today, our businesses have created nearly five and a half million new jobs. The American auto industry is back on top. Home values are on the rise. We’re less dependent on foreign oil than at any time in 20 years. Because of the service and sacrifice of our brave men and women in uniform, the war in Iraq is over. The war in Afghanistan is winding down. Al Qaeda is on the run and Osama bin Laden is dead.
So we’ve made real progress these past four years. But Ohio, we’re here today because we all know we’ve got more work to do.
SUPPORTER: We love you!
OBAMA: I love you back and we’ve got more work to do. As long as there’s a single American who wants a job and still can’t find work; as long as there are families who are working harder and harder but are still falling behind; as long as there’s a child anywhere in this country who’s languishing in poverty, or barred from opportunity, we got more work to do. Our fight goes on.
End transcript
The President has always talked about our being one nation, even when it irritated his base. He knows he is the president of all Americans, not just his supporters. That’s the kind of leadership we need in the White House. Not petty partisanship and grudge holding. Republicans have given this President every reason to withhold help from them, but he continues to put emotions aside and do what’s best for the country.
Ironically, last night Mitt Romney sent out an email telling us that he will be the President of “one nation”. Coming from the guy who holds half the nation in contempt, this was nothing more than empty rhetoric. But what makes Romney more dangerous is that he not only refused to work with Democrats in the past, he refused to work with his own party members.
The Romney campaign is now suggesting that if Romney wins, Chris Christie better look out. “If Romney wins, it (Christie’s embrace of Obama) won’t be forgotten,” the adviser told Politico. Petty and dark much?
What did Christie do other than put the people of his state first and work with the Democratic president? For this, he will be punished by King Romney, the same Romney who is promising that he will be bi-partisan and lead “one nation”. He forgot to add he will lead one nation — but only of those who are willing to service his agenda.
Character matters. But then so does competence. Barack Obama is has more character in his pinkie than Romney has in his entire campaign and when it comes to competence as President, Obama has wiped the floor with Republican ineptness.
If you don’t believe in government and don’t like it, and you think it’s there to harvest for profit for you and your rich friends, you probably shouldn’t be given the reins. If you are so petty as to hold a grudge against a governor for working with the current president when his state was destroyed by a storm, you probably shouldn’t be chosen to lead this country.
We need to stand together as one nation, and that means having leaders who can put aside their own pettiness and campaigning during a national crisis.
The real problem here is that Mitt Romney is running for President for his own ego, not because he feels a calling to help the people. Everything is about him, even when folks have lost their loved ones to a devastating storm — all he can think about is how to punish Christie for daring to accept help and praise the President. Mitt Romney is a small man with a huge and yet fragile ego.
Correction: Reins for reigns in 3rd to last paragraph. Apologize for the delay. I’m having internet access troubles due to storm repair.




nomad
Nov. 3rd, 2012 at 3:28 pm
Don’t they realize by threatening Christie they are exposing their own lies about bipartisanship and how they want to work with the president? And who and what exactly are they punishing? Helping the American people when they need it most? Putting aside the party differences for the sake of the people that Christie is responsible for? Their reaction is both predictable and shameful.
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D. Lowrey
Nov. 3rd, 2012 at 11:26 pm
Funny that they are threatening a possible future leader of the nation. Are they so stupid to believe that Christie won’t forget the ones who are threatening him and will make sure they will never serve in any Christie administration? As I’ve always been told…you never burn your bridges…but it seems like Willard’s people are not only willing to burn any bridge…but screw themselves for the future.
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Anne
Nov. 4th, 2012 at 1:27 am
The GOP and their standard-bearer, Willard Romney, are so morally bankrupt on so many levels that we could write a book on their hyperpartisanship. That, and their inhumanity in failing to even publicly acknowledge that the victims of Hurricane Sandy are Democrats and Republicans alike, should keep them from political power for years. In threatening Chris Christie, they are making a formidable enemy and doing even more to alienate a number of Americans who might otherwise vote for them. Willard’s behavior during a huge crisis in which he could have shown leadership qualities shows that he is incapable of rising above petty partisanship to be truly bi-partisan. The very man he accused of not being bi-partisan is showing it in spades. That is President Obama.
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ahem
Nov. 4th, 2012 at 2:52 am
You all know that this storm that just past over 17 states, missed hitting the other 33 states! I really think if more people running for an office could had really imagined that the loss to so many, could had been in their shoes, then they wouldn’t be shot quick to judge another! Romney only cares about himself! There are enough stories to prove that! He is no longer the Governor of Mass., cdause if he was there this past Sunday night, Monday, he would had done the same thing Governor Christie did! If you want the Army, call the President!
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Nvandyke
Nov. 3rd, 2012 at 3:36 pm
shame on republicons being so selfish
christy by far better than what’s his nameused to be mayor of nyc. photo opt mayor rudy.
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Brandt Hardin
Nov. 3rd, 2012 at 3:42 pm
If Obama loses this election, you can blame/thank the Right for bamboozling him. How is it ethical that an entire news network questions the President’s citizenship for four years to create doubt in voters while a fringe element of the far right demonizes and degrades him? Most of this is financed by the rich who want to keep their stranglehold on the flow of wealth in our country. Watch the white hands apply the Blackface to our first African-American President at http://dregstudiosart.blogspot.com/2012/10/bamboozling-obama.html
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Reynardine
Nov. 3rd, 2012 at 4:24 pm
Listen, Gato: At my age, I’ve seen plenty of men in underwear, and plenty in nothing at all. But I NEVER, EVER want to see even a CARTOON of Mitt in his MAGIC SNUGGIES! ¡¡That was GROSS!!
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A Walkaway
Nov. 3rd, 2012 at 4:28 pm
Think about this… if they’re willing to threaten one of their own who worked with President Obama because the people he was responsible for had been through a tragedy, what does that say about the people who openly oppose them?
Think about it.
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Colleen
Nov. 3rd, 2012 at 4:57 pm
Governor Christie is taking care of the people that he was elected to take care of. This is his first priority, Not Romney, the Republican party or threats from Rupert Murdock. I don’t especially like him but he is doing his job.
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Kelli
Nov. 3rd, 2012 at 5:38 pm
I’m not sure you’d disagree with me if I shared that Romney exhibits every single characteristic of a VERY dangerous psychopath.
I’m not sure what there is to say except that a psychopath’s entire life is spent pursuing the harm of others, under the guise of goodwill. Romney is unable to do even that. He will do much harm to many. He is not in this for the people, but for the ultimate in power and control: The Presidency.
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buckeyewill
Nov. 3rd, 2012 at 5:39 pm
GOOD GRIEF…..Obama goes RIGHT into Tea Party territory here in Northeastern Ohio.
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Jackie chaet
Nov. 3rd, 2012 at 6:03 pm
Would someone please tell little Miit Romney that it isn’t his turn at bat and to be a big boy and stop threatening his teammates. You certainly can tell he was born with a silver spoon in his mouth. He really is just looking for the photo op not the responsibility. Tsk tsk I’m sure his parents would be so proud of their little boy
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D. Lowrey
Nov. 3rd, 2012 at 11:30 pm
I’m pretty sure you have the wrong metal and orifice for whatever that is. It’s certainly not a spoon.
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Reynardine
Nov. 4th, 2012 at 1:43 pm
It was gold, and a baby thermometer. Further I say not.
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Gina LLenza
Nov. 3rd, 2012 at 6:17 pm
In times of crisis we are all people of the human race and it doesn’t matter where we come from. Romney sounds like if he saw someone drowning or dying he would ask them, Do you have money? A-re you republican? he would look at the color of their skin And then he might think about saving them. Romney is everything America is not. He would set back everything that was gained for womens rights and minorities. alot of people will vote for him only beacause he’s white. please think about your ote and don’t vote because your prejudice. Vote for a person not a political party. Sometimes a political party has the wrong person as presidential candidate who doesn’t deserve his position so you can vote for members of your party with a different president until the right candidate comes along.
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Patrick
Nov. 3rd, 2012 at 6:27 pm
If Christie didn’t see much stronger contenders for Pres coming from the Dems in 2016 (e.g. Hillary), I’m sure he’d convert — and no one would blame him.
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Nan
Nov. 4th, 2012 at 9:23 pm
You might be right……good thought.
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Michael
Nov. 3rd, 2012 at 6:28 pm
How can anyone seriously vote for Romney he’s prove to be a swindler a lire a spoil brat I don’t see how the election can be close just take a good look at him he looks very sneaky I absolutely hate the man I know a lot of people with money so that dosent impress me I believe he got a lot of his money bye cheating the American people He is not better then us but he believes he is I’ve called him the anti Christ but I do believe he could be the devil himself be careful America be very careful if elected this will be the start of the end and remember when Barrack was elected he said it will get worst before it gets better its getting better know because of him and if Barrack is reelected it will be a lot better Romney were doomed
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Kenneth Morgan
Nov. 3rd, 2012 at 6:33 pm
romney is a vindictive little man who needs to be sent packing before he gets a chance to destroy this country. He will do it to make a profit for himself and all his silent donors. We know who most of them are. I’d hate to see lunch boxes hiding behind trees on any of their gated estates. This election is going to be the most vicious one in history. thanks, romney, see what you have done even before you are in office? When Christie runs in 2016, the GOP will use the friendship shown between he and Obama as an example of how bi-partisan the GOP is. Which is, in and of itself, a total lie.
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Deborah_
Nov. 3rd, 2012 at 6:57 pm
While President Obama praises American unity, romney threatens Americans. In West Chester Ohio he threatened that if he is not elected president, republicans in congress will again refuse to work with President Obama, with dire consequences to our American economy. We are Americans first, and the republican party runs the risk of alienating their base when they make threats to harm us as a nation.
Romney threw down the gauntlet, and we need to pick it up and clean out OUR congress of all republicans who would dare to threaten us instead of doing the job we sent them to Washington to do.
Voting a straight Democratic is vitally necessary this November 6th. The American People need to remind these republicans who the boss is, and that it’s We the People.
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Heidi A Wilkinson
Nov. 3rd, 2012 at 7:36 pm
If people were on the fence. I think when you meet tradge head on and with a cool, calm caring demeaner. you can tell who we need to re-elect and that is Pres Obama
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Liora
Nov. 3rd, 2012 at 7:44 pm
I don’t consider myself one party designation. I vote with my heart and conscience. I can not vote for Romney and will not. I will vote for Obama, and still feel pretty good about it. There are a few things I don’t care for. I am hopeful about Wednesday – the day after this torturous election.
I have to say that Chris Christie, who I have always thought “called he liked it saw it”, has really become an example of real American Heroism this week. I have watched mature women and mean sob on his shoulder while he held them. You see his heartache in his face.
It occurred to me if he were smaller, there would be absolutely no way he could carry around a heart so huge. What a beautiful demeanor of love and service of his people.
And how lucky is New Jersey to have Corey Booker for the mayor of Newark, right there with Christie the delivering diapers, water, and hope.
It’s very hard here in New York right now, people are scared and you can’t imagine how important for the hope and salvation of our cities to see Democrats and Republicans working together for the good of each other.
I hardly think Chris Christie gives a thought to what Romney thinks. If you are hated by Romney and his cohorts, it must be a nod to your good character.
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Felix Bermudez
Nov. 3rd, 2012 at 8:21 pm
I have my respect Gov. Christie.
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Gail Heinsohn
Nov. 3rd, 2012 at 10:17 pm
Liora, a beautiful comment from someone who sounds like a beautiful person!
VOTE!
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Valerie
Nov. 3rd, 2012 at 10:38 pm
If Romney threatens retaliation against Chris Christie for doing
The right thing…
If this is an example of Romney’s DOMESTIC
Policy…..intimidate Republican leaders who work
With the Democratic president in the time of a
Devastating crisis…
IMAGINE HOW ROMNEY WILL BE ON THE
GLOBAL STAGE!
Romney is weaker than water….
This is proof!!!
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cindy edgington
Nov. 3rd, 2012 at 10:52 pm
Mitt Romney is bored of playing games in big business. There is nothing to get him excited anymore(bet his wife feels the same way) But how do you excite a robot? He’s a mindless buffoon, who wants to play with our money and lives. If he’s not programed he wouldn’t be able to tell you his own name. I am scared to death that he’s gonna be elected. If he is we better start stockpile food and ammunition, there won’t be anymore elections. King Romney will be in control.
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Sammy
Nov. 4th, 2012 at 12:20 am
I wonder how all of the people who lost everything in huricane Sandy, who vote republican, will vote after all of the right-wingers have attacked Christie for working withe Pres Obama to get help to them?
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D.Hunnel
Nov. 4th, 2012 at 1:04 am
Interesting you should mention ‘King Romney’. According to Mormon “prophesy” (cough) there was supposed to be a time of great hardship and financial turmoil, followed by a righteous man taking power and becoming King of the world, while all other Mormons “become as Gods” — and nothing much is mentioned about the rest of us peasants.
If we don’t LEARN from History, History repeats itself. In this case, the operative word is “Carpetbagger”. Look it up. Contemplate it. Then grin, vote, and let’s move on.
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kristinbf
Nov. 4th, 2012 at 1:16 am
I am very proud of how the President has handled everything thrown his way. I am not the least bit surprised by his response to Hurricane Sandy. Gov Christie has indeed shown where his concern & loyalties lie & that is w/each & every person in the state of NJ.
I think a part of Rmoneys attitude, aside from being a narcissist w/a personality disorder, is that Christie very bluntly let it be known, on Faux “news” no less, that he didn’t give a damn whether Romney came to NJ or not. The fact that he is smart enough to wisely & graciously work w/the President merely shows how much more character that he has than Rmoney & his puppets.
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D.Hunnel
Nov. 4th, 2012 at 1:32 am
What is happening to our country, when the conspiracy theorists are the ones most closely tracking on true reality??
From Out In Left Field:
Amusingly enough, under the category “Truth is Stranger than Fiction”, there is reason to suspect the recently reported ILLEGAL “emergency software patches” applied to voting machines in 39 Ohio counties MAY have been in order to REMOVE the code which was otherwise all set, waiting, and ready to “manipulate the vote” on November 6th — in front of the unexpectedly vigilant eyes of hundreds of people, almost guaranteed to get CAUGHT, and irrecoverably drag down the credibility of the GOP.
Darn. Can’t decide whether “Sweating Bullets” or “DODGED a Bullet” would make the better title for THAT story.
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Scott Amundsen
Nov. 4th, 2012 at 1:22 pm
I am not exactly a fan of Governor Christie; political views aside I find him rude, crude, and a bully. That being said, what he did both during and in the immediate aftermath of Sandy, and what he continues to do, is THE JOB TO WHICH HE WAS ELECTED. His state has suffered a major natural disaster, and he was right there out front. And when the President came calling with help, the man would have had to be a FOOL not to accept. And as for his words of praise and thanks to the President, he may be known for rudeness but he is not an idiot; failure to thank the President for his help would have been a fatal mistake; besides, Christie usually says what he means and means what he says, for better or worse, so the thank yous were genuine.
I doubt very much that the threats from his own party bother Christie much. Being from New Jersey, he’ll probably just give them the one finger salute, and for once I would agree with him.
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Spoiled Yapping Dog
Nov. 6th, 2012 at 10:35 am
Christie is doing what he was elected to do, get NJ moving and he is using what’s available and that happens to be the current potus. Whether by altruism or expediency the results will be the same. And believe you me neither Christie or Obama are going to forget those who came to their aid and those who gave them grief. Do not be surprised in the last 6 months of Obama’s term a lot of these mega buck Rmoney backers
1: commit to some serious brown nosing to Obama
2: decide to retire from public/political life and/or leave the US
3: find themselves audited to obvivion
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A Walkaway
Nov. 6th, 2012 at 12:13 pm
I hope for #3, and I hope that Romney is at the head of the list!
(First, we’ve got to win.)
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