In Denver, Obama Rips GOP for Blocking Economic Measures - East Idaho News
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In Denver, Obama Rips GOP for Blocking Economic Measures

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GETTY 7914 ObamaSpeech?  SQUARESPACE CACHEVERSION=1404931273673Joe Raedle/Getty Images(DENVER) — Speaking to a hand-picked crowd in Denver Wednesday, President Obama defended his record and slammed Republicans for blocking his efforts to boost the economy.

“We are making progress, as bad as the news looks if all you were doing was watching cable TV all day long,” the president told a crowd of 600 gathered outside at Chessman Park. “Thanks to the hard work of you, and some actually pretty smart policies by us, we have come farther and recovered faster than almost any other advanced nation on earth.”

Echoing familiar themes in a campaign-style speech, the president went on to tout his “opportunity agenda” to spur economic growth and lift up the middle class.

Obama expressed frustration that his “basic common-sense ideas” are being obstructed by Congress and blasted Republicans for saying “no” to a wide array of his proposals.

“Congress just said no to fixing our broken immigration system in a way that strengthens our borders and our businesses, despite the fact that everybody from law enforcement to corporations to evangelical — there’s a coalition around immigration reform that’s unprecedented. These guys still can’t get their act together,” he said.

“I mean, the best thing you can say for them this year is they haven’t shut down the government so far or threatened to go deadbeat on America’s obligation,” he quipped, “but it is still early.”

Obama vowed to continue to take executive actions to circumvent congressional gridlock, despite House Republican plans to sue him.

“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. They have a plan to sue me. They have a plan to sue me for taking executive actions that are within my authority while they do nothing. I have a better idea. They should do something!” he said. “Rather than engage in political stunts that waste time and taxpayer money, join me. Let’s do some things together.”

The president will attend an off-camera Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee fundraiser in downtown Denver before heading to Dallas.


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