Obama visits Denver, waxes economic

Berlin Sylvestre is Out Front's Editor.

Under the shade of a freshly-trimmed copse, the President and his famously lean frame took the podium to a roaring of affection. He was the only member of his starchy White House entourage without a coat, and his nearly trademark rolled sleeves imparted a casual ripple into the ocean of suits. His easy grin and leisurely nod reciprocated the love before gently seating the crowd with a downward pat of the air.

Before launching into a goodnatured ribbing on Gov. Hickenlooper’s apparently poor billiards game, he warmly thanked Alex Dooley, the young woman who introduced him to the crowd this morning, and credited her for his visit to Denver. Alex had written to Obama to inform him that after hearing his State of the Union Address in January, her boss was inspired by his urging of Congress to raise the minimum wage — he bumped her pay rate up to the suggested $10.10 an hour. Alex’s letter of gratitude was a paper sailboat on the sea of hopeful White House correspondence that actually made it to Obama’s desk. Like the 10 letters chosen for him to read each day by his staff, it served to remind him why he decided to run in the first place.

“I’m here for every American who works their tail off and does everything right and who believes in the American Dream and asks for nothing but a chance at a decent life for themselves and their families,” he said in a voice that sounds curiously deeper in real life than it does on TV. “That’s why I’m here.”

Obama spoke of his discussions with locals, such as Wellington business owners Carolyn and David Reed from the Silver Mine Sub Shops, who used an SBA loan from the government to grow their business; Parker’s Leslie Gresham, an early childhood education teacher who notices a marked difference in students who’ve attended the government’s Head Start Program; and Elizabeth Cooper, a junior in college who told of the struggle middle class families have when it comes to paying for college.

“We are making progress, as bad as the news looks … if all you were doing was watching cable TV all day long.” He touted the growing automotive, manufacturing, and construction sectors, and spoke of the lowest unemployment rate since his election in 2008. He remarked that America has tripled its wind energy, and now produces ten times more solar energy than ever before — all while reducing carbon emissions more than any other country in the past five years. “By almost every measure, we’re better off than when I took office.” He paused. “I attribute that to you — the American people.”

Fed up with Congress’ refusal to cooperate with any of his proposals aimed at helping the middle class — “nay” to fair pay for women; “nay” to raising the minimum wage; “nay” to fixing our broken immigration system; “nay” to rebuilding our infrastructure; “nay” to easing the burden of student loan debt … but “yea” to corporate tax cuts, deregulation, and the host of failed trickle-down policies — Obama is in a period of action in the face of their inaction.”I gather that some of the Republicans in Congress are mad at me for going ahead and doing things,” he said. “And I don’t know which things they find most offensive. Whether it’s creating jobs, or easing student loan burdens, or raising wages … but it’s really bothering them.” He added: “They have plans to sue me for taking executive actions that are within my authority, while they do nothing.”The crowd was torn between laughing and scoffing.”I have a better idea: They should do something.” He suggested they stop worrying about folks who are fine. Just as Alex’s boss had done, the president brandished the executive pen and signed into law a new federal minimum wage of $10.10. “America needs a raise,” he said to applause. “I’m not going to stand by while partisan gridlock or political games threaten the hard work of millions of Americans.””This is not like a crazy Democratic, socialist idea,” he said. “My favorite president is a Republican … President Lincoln.” He added that other Republican presidents have given America the economic tools that work for the greater good of the country, namely Eisenhower and the interstate, and Roosevelt and our national parks.

“I guarantee you I get frustrated,” he said. “There are some things I have to mutter under my breath … but do not let them win by [making] you a cynic.” He added: “Cynicism is a popular choice these days — it passes for wisdom.”

In spite of the gristle aimed at Republicans, the president offered a word of praise toward the houses in D.C.: “They haven’t shut down Congress this year,” he said to laughter. “But it’s still early.”

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Photos by Evan Semón • evansemon.com