In his first speech since the Democratic National Convention, President Barack Obama asked a sun-soaked crowd of 6,000 at Strawberry Banke Museum in Portsmouth, N.H. to help him “finish the job,” outlining three goals he said he would complete if re-elected.
In his 29 minute speech, Obama promised to export more products, control more natural energy and give Americans the chance to compete with China in the classroom as the red-faced crowd chanted, “four more years.”
Several times Obama spoke about what he has accomplished for college students in his time in office and the ways his plan will help benefit future students.
“Millions of students are paying less for college,” Obama said. “No family should have to set aside that college acceptance letter because they can’t afford it. … I don’t believe that if you can’t afford to go college, that the best we can tell you is ‘Borrow money from your parents.’ That’s not who we are.”
Several times, Obama spoke about helping the middle class and offered reasons why his plans would work better than “our opponents’.”
“They want you to vote,” Obama said of Republicans, “but they won’t tell you what their plan is.”
At the sun-soaked Friday afternoon event, Vice President Joe Biden, New Hampshire Governor John Lynch, a U. New Hampshire graduate, and former senator Jeanne Shaheen also spoke. Obama’s wife Michelle and Biden’s wife Jill also made quick appearances.
“I’m sure they liked North Carolina,” Lynch said of Obama and Biden’s recent DNC trip. “But we know they love New Hampshire.”
Shaheen opened the afternoon by introducing Biden who introduced Lynch who introduced Obama just before 1 p.m.
Biden spoke briefly about his relationship with Obama before exiting the stage.
“Ladies and gentlemen, whether it’s on education, or health care, or Medicare, ending the war in Iraq, bringing an end to the war in Afghanistan – we need a man with a steady hand and good judgment,” Biden said. “Folks, the president is going to level the playing field and get the middle class back in the game.”