Michelle Obama Gives Grassroots Campaign Speech in Dale City
The first lady encouraged supporters to get out the vote.
More than 700 people—some of whom waited in line for hours—came to see first lady Michelle Obama at Dale City VFW 1503 on Thursday.
People began lining up as early as 9 a.m. for the noon event.
Introducing her were local representatives Del. Luke Torian (D-52) and Neabsco District Supervisor John D. Jenkins and Sen. Mark Warner’s wife, Lisa Collis.
“Grassroots is at the core of everything we do,” said Obama, who met with local volunteers before speaking at the VFW. “We are doing it for the values we believe in. “
The first lady spoke on President Barack Obama’s work in areas of equal pay for equal work, the Affordable Health Care act, the military and the future for children.
“When so many women are now breadwinners in our families,” said Obama of the need for equal pay, “women’s success in this economy is our success in this economy.”
Obama reminded the crowd that her husband “kept his promise—he brought troops home from Iraq. Brought to justice the man behind the 9/11 attacks.”
While listing off the President’s accomplishments, Obama also named gaining private-sector jobs, his work and belief on the Dream Act, which helps high school graduates who are undocumented immigrants get help with college or jobs, and the need for greater educational opportunities.
“We want to restore basic middle class security for our families,” said Obama. “You shouldn’t lose your house because someone lost a job—not in America."
Obama said that President Barack Obama wants to see education opportunities expand.
“Believe me—today, he knows as a father what it means to want something better for your kids. Those are the experiences that have made him the man and the President he is today,” said Obama.
“All of this, all these wonderful accomplishments and so much more are all at stake this November,” said Obama. "It all boils down to one question: Are we going to continue the change we’ve begun?"
Editor's Note: This article has been updated to reflect a typo. We regret the error.
Christopher
7:23 am on Friday, June 8, 2012
I just have a few things that do not sound right to me, but maybe someone can clearify:
#1 belief on the Dream Act, which helps high school graduates who are undocumented immigrants get help with college or jobs, and the need for greater educational opportunities.
(Helping illegals out? What!)
#2 “You shouldn’t lose your house because someone lost a job—not in America."
(Its a simple legal contract you must pay for your house. Period. Rent if you can not keep a mortgage.)
#3 Obama’s work in areas of equal pay for equal work
(So two people picking apples all day should make the same pay? Even if one has a college degree or can carry twice the apples?)
#4 he brought troops home from Iraq. (and sent them to another war or unemployment lines didnt he?)
#5 Brought to justice the man behind the 9/11 attacks. (How did he do this? I thought the military did it. Maybe he took the risk of sending troops in after the man?)
Lauren Jost
7:36 am on Friday, June 8, 2012
Hi Christopher,
Thanks for your comment. To help clarify a bit more, the equal pay for equal work in this context refers to the President's belief that men and women should be paid the same for the same level of work.
Thomas Capozoli
7:23 am on Friday, June 8, 2012
I hope the VFW remembered that last year our President threatened not pay active duty military.
Thomas Capozoli
7:23 am on Friday, June 8, 2012
Would not surprise me if my comment was not approved
Lauren Jost
7:37 am on Friday, June 8, 2012
Thomas,
Sorry for the delay in approving comments. I was not at my desk at the time. Thanks for your comment.
trina dobson
9:38 am on Friday, June 8, 2012
Is Obama a legal Citizen?
Jim Riley
10:52 am on Friday, June 8, 2012
PWC Fire Marshall says attendance was 475, not 745.
Lauren Jost
10:52 am on Friday, June 8, 2012
Jim,
745 was the number provided to me by the Obama press staff.
Lauren Jost
10:54 am on Friday, June 8, 2012
Which was the number they said they were provided by the Fire Marshal.
Lauren Jost
11:30 am on Friday, June 8, 2012
Just spoke with Battalion Chief Curt Brodie (PWC's Deputy Fire Marshal) who said that it was approximately 700 people at yesterday's event. Fire marshals were there to monitor the situation.
Steve Davis
1:00 pm on Monday, June 11, 2012
Thanks Lauren for clarifying the Fire Marshall number; It must be tiresome to have to deal with the obvious partisianship (Republician) in your readers comments.