Obama Headlines Patrick Rally In Boston
U.S. President Barack Obama admits that the country's economic situation is not where he, nor the average American, wants it to be. But, at an event in Boston Saturday to endorse Gov. Deval Patrick in his re-election bid, Obama pleaded with voters to give him and fellow Democrats more time.
Click here to read the WBJ's live tweets from Saturday's rally.
Obama and musician James Taylor headlined the rally for Patrick and economic issues were a strong undertone of the president's 30-minute speech.
"I understand sometimes hope may have faded," Obama said.
"I know it can be discouraging. But don't let them tell you the fight isn't worth it, that it isn't making a difference."
Obama said the upcoming Nov. 2 election, in which Patrick is facing Republican challenger Charlie Baker, Independent Tim Cahill and Green Rainbow Party candidate Jill Stein, will have implications far beyond just the next two years. Republicans are also threatening to overtake control of both chambers of the U.S. Congress.
"This election is not about where we are right now, it's about where we want to be two years from now," Obama said.
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Meanwhile Patrick, who is in a tight race for re-election, emphasized his achievements during the last four years as governor. Specifically, he said Massachusetts is leading the nation out of the recession and creating jobs faster than any other state. And, during a raucous speech delivered to a sea of "Deval Patrick/Tim Murray" campaign signs, Patrick lambasted Republicans.
"Are we going to be satisfied (with our accomplishments) or are we going to finish what we started?" Patrick asked the crowd. "Four years ago we worked hard together to change the guard. Now we need to work hard to guard the change."
Other speakers at the event included U.S. Sen. John Kerry, U.S. Rep. Edward Markey, Boston Mayor Thomas Menino and former U.S. Sen. Edward Kennedy's widow, Victoria Kennedy.
The message from the panel of Democratic speakers resonated with the supportive crowd.
Jonathan Golden grew up in Worcester and now is a teacher living in Brookline. He said he supports Patrick and Lt. Gov. Timothy Murray, in part, because of Murray's strong connections to Worcester. Murray is the former mayor of the city.
"It's nice to have that Worcester voice in the State House," Golden said.
As for how Democrats will overcome the still weak economic situation in the election, Golden said people should look at the big picture.
"I think overall we're moving in the right direction, and that's all you can ask for," he said. "I'm very optimistic but these are some close races."
Other people attending the rally were drawn to the event to see the president.
Amber Carpenter lives in Worcester and brought her family to see Obama. She said people need to give Obama and the Democrats more time.
"Nobody's giving him a chance," she said. "Let him prove himself to us."
Her daughter, Crystal, seemed mesmerized by the president. The family stayed after the rally attempting to shake the president's hand, but there were too many people looking to do the same. Like her mother, Crystal Carpenter said Americans should give Obama more time, especially on the economic situation.
"It's hard, but it's going to take time," she said. "Even (Obama) said when he was elected that it's going to take some time to turn this around."
Meanwhile Baker, Patrick's main challenger in the gubernatorial race, hosted his own event on Saturday with former Republican Gov. William Weld in Cambridge.
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