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"We've Got to Move Forward"                                        ..1 of 10 >
President Obama Holds First Official Campaign Rallies in Ohio and Virginia
May 5, 2012—Six months before Election Day 2012, President Barack Obama held his first official campaign rallies in the key states of Ohio and Virginia.  Obama spoke to crowds of about 14,000 supporters in Columbus, OH and 8,000 in Richmond, VA.  At Virginia Commonwealth University's Stuart C. Siegel Center Obama declared, "This isn’t just another election.  This is a make-or-break moment for America's middle class."  Obama stated, "We’ve got to move forward to that future where everyone gets a fair shot, and everyone does their fair share, and everyone plays by the same rules."  Obama portrayed the presumptive Republican nominee, former Gov. Mitt Romney, as someone who has drawn the wrong lessons from his experiences.  "He sincerely believes that if CEOs and wealthy investors like him make money, the rest of us will automatically prosper as well," said Obama. 

Obama concluded, "So if you’re willing to stick with me, and fight with me, and press on with me; if you’re willing to work even harder in this election than in the last election, I guarantee you, we will move this country forward.  We will finish what we started.  We're still fired up.  We’re still ready to go.  And we’re going to remind the world once more why it is that the United States of America is the greatest nation on Earth."  [transcript

The Romney campaign responded with a statement from Virginia Lt. Gov. Bill Bolling: “In 2008, candidate Barack Obama came to Virginia and promised to create jobs and fix the economy.  Three and a half years later, the President has more than just rhetoric to offer – he has a record.  Virginians – and all Americans – will hold President Obama accountable for his inability to create jobs, rein in spending, or offer a coherent energy policy.  Mitt Romney knows that we need new ideas and a new approach to get America back on track.  He has the experience and the record of achievement we need to grow our economy and strengthen America at home and abroad.  That's why I'm proud to support his candidacy for president."  Additionally, after Obama's speech Republican Party of Virginia Victory chair Pete Snyder responded outside Siegel Center.  (See also RNC email).
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