Obama scheduled to speak at University of Michigan on Friday
President Barack Obama, flanked by former Mich. Gov. Jennifer Granholm on the left and University of Michigan President Mary Sue Coleman on the right, greets graduates and the crowd of more than 80,000 at Michigan Stadium in 2010.
- Update: Obama speaking in Ann Arbor: Free tickets distributed Thursday morning
- Related story: Instant analysis: Obama's second visit to Ann Arbor shows he's 'not taking Michigan for granted'
President Barack Obama is giving the State of the Union speech on Tuesday - but a speech he plans to give at the University of Michigan's Ann Arbor campus on Friday might be of more interest to Michiganders.
Obama will speak at the U-M Al Glick Field House on Friday, according to a White House official who spoke this afternoon to AnnArbor.com.
According to a source familiar with the plan, the speech is expected to take place at around 9:30 a.m.
The event will be Obama's second speech at the university since assuming office. Obama gave a May 2010 commencement speech at the Big House.
Like the commencement speech, Obama's upcoming trip is an official White House visit and not a campaign event, sources told AnnArbor.com.
That's two more visits than Obama's predecessor, George W. Bush, who never visited Ann Arbor. Aside from Obama, the most recent sitting president to visit U-M was George H. W. Bush in May 1991.
"We look forward to again welcoming President Obama to the University of Michigan," U-M President Mary Sue Coleman said in a statement. "As a public research university, we share his commitment to a strong future for our state and our nation. We are particularly honored that he will visit following his State of the Union address."
The Al Glick Fieldhouse at U-M, near Michigan Stadium, is where Obama is scheduled to speak.
Melanie Maxwell | AnnArbor.com
Obama's office appointed Coleman as co-chair of the National Advisory Council on Innovation and Entrepreneurship in July. That council is intended to spark economic development through technology and early-stage business ideas, AnnArbor.com reported earlier this year.
Recently, Coleman sent a letter to Obama asking him to prioritize funding for public universities.
During Obama's commencement speech at Michigan Stadium in 2010, he urged graduates to actively participate in government and respectfully disagree with opposing viewpoints.
The scheduled speech comes a week after U-M Vice President for Research Stephen Forrest warned the school's Board of Regents that federal funding for research is likely to decline next year.
Andy LaBarre, vice president of government relations for the Ann Arbor/Ypsilanti Regional Chamber of Commerce, released a statement from the chamber on Obama's visit.
"We're excited the president is coming to Washtenaw County," he said. "While we don’t know what he's going to talk about yet, we hope he follows up the State of The Union speech with more depth on transportation infrastructure development, educational investments and of course anything related to economic growth."
Mayor John Hieftje said the president's security team was in town over the weekend and has been working with the Ann Arbor Police Department on a security plan for Friday.
"Obviously it's always an honor to have the president of the United States visit your city and it's a big event," Hieftje said.
From a political standpoint, Hieftje said Obama's support for the auto industry bailouts should help his chances of carrying Michigan this year.
"It turned out to be a great thing for our state … and that money is being paid back," he said, noting the progress GM and Chrysler have made because of those loans.
"The auto industry is still incredibly significant to our state and had Chrysler and GM failed we would really be in a deep, deep hole," Hieftje said.
A representative of U.S. Rep. John Dingell's office said a plan is still being worked out for how tickets are going to be distributed, including how many will be given to the College Democrats to distribute and how many will be made available for the community at large.
Cleveland Chandler, chairman of the Washtenaw County Democratic Party, commented on the significance of the president's visit.
"I feel personally, and the Washtenaw County Democrat Party feels, that this is one of the most important elections to come around in a long time given that a lot is a stake," he said. "In our view, with the things that are happening in Michigan, the government is shifting toward rich people and not looking out for the middle class."
In addition to federal races, Chandler said the party is hoping Obama's presence in Michigan helps the Democrats as they seek to take back the state House this year.
"It's obviously very exiting to have him coming, the leader of the free world and all that, being responsible for saving the domestic auto industry and helping to get Michigan's economy back on track," said state Rep. Jeff Irwin, D-Ann Arbor. "It's an exciting opportunity for Ann Arbor and I hope to be attendance to hear what he has to say."
AnnArbor.com will be updating this report.
See coverage of Obama's 2010 visit to Ann Arbor.
AnnArbor.com political reporter Ryan J. Stanton contributed to this story. Kellie Woodhouse covers higher education for AnnArbor.com. Reach her at kelliewoodhouse@annarbor.com or 734-623-4602 and follow her on twitter.
Comments
Kai Petainen
Tue, Jan 24, 2012 : 10:33 p.m.
sometimes... when a guest politician speaks... the university will state.. 'the views expressed aren't necessarily the views of the school', or something of the like. but, sometimes when a politician speaks, i hear glowing reviews and i don't hear that disclaimer (like when snyder is in town). here's my question -- when a politician speaks, shouldn't the school always state... 'the views expressed aren't necessarily the views...."? or, if they don't state that, then are we to assume that the politician is endorsed by the school?
Saw
Tue, Jan 24, 2012 : 8:44 p.m.
all I want to know is where is Airforce 1 landing. We would really love to see this plane.
Arborcomment
Tue, Jan 24, 2012 : 11:19 p.m.
Probably Willow Run.
Chris Snyder
Tue, Jan 24, 2012 : 6:59 p.m.
Apparently though it is "free & open to the public" you have to be able to spend hours in line both Thursday morn 9am and Friday at the 9:30am speech, for the Ticket line Thursday morn at the Michigan Union is "first come first served" and "only one ticket per person in line". Maybe some of the students can pull it off, but not many working folks. So there will be two consecutive days of traffic snarls during rush hour at UMich. Not a very sustainable way to distribute tickets - why not the same rules on-line or over the phone, and don't allow the same phone number or ISP number to get through twice? Sounds like the best bet is to watch for it to be televised on the local public TV, and set a VCR to record it, if you care about the subject of affordable college ed, which sounds like a contradiction to me, these days.
SalineBob
Tue, Jan 24, 2012 : 6:01 p.m.
For the person or persons who say such things as "who cares" and "I wouldn't walk across the street to see him" my response is evidently you do care because you've taken the time to comment--and to also sit tight. President Obama would gladly walk across the street to see YOU because he cares about all Americans and doesn't duck and hide like other recent presidents have done. I think a nice conversation would be worth it and do you some good.
Michael K.
Tue, Jan 24, 2012 : 5:34 p.m.
"Prior to the Neo-Conservative takeover of the Republican Party there was not much difference between the two parties' debt philosophy. They both worked together to minimize it. However the debt has been on a steady incline ever since the Reagan presidency. The only exception to the steep increase over the last 30 years was during the Clinton presidency, when he brought spending under control and the debt growth down to almost zero. Comparing the borrowing habits of the two parties since 1981, when the Neo-Conservative movement really took hold and government spending raced out of control, it is extremely obvious that the big spenders in Washington are Republicans and their party's presidents. The only Democratic president since then, Mr. Clinton raised the national debt an average of 4.3% per year. The Republican presidents (Reagan, Bush, and Bush II) raised the debt an average of 10.8% per year. That is, for every dollar a Democratic President has raised the national debt in the past 30 years, Republican presidents have raised the debt by $2.52[6]. Any way you look at it Neo-Conservative Republican presidents cannot or will not control government spending." <a href="http://cedarcomm.com/~stevelm1/usdebt.htm" rel='nofollow'>http://cedarcomm.com/~stevelm1/usdebt.htm</a>
Arborcomment
Tue, Jan 24, 2012 : 11:17 p.m.
Debt (up/down) as percentage of GDP by President: Reagan +14.9% Bush I +7.1% Clinton -13.4% Bush II +5.6% Obama +24.6% what's also constant is that the democrats controlled Congress with the exception of during the Clinton years and in 2011. And as we start 2012, federal debt is larger than the US economy as measured by GDP for the first time since the 1940's. Amount of money the federal government owes creditors combined with IOUs for entitlement programs tops 15 trillion, roughly equal to the value of all goods and services in the US for one year. Of all the advanced economies in the world, only Greece, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Portugal, and now the US, have debts larger or equal to their economies. Obama's 2012 budget shows debt projection of $26 trillion in 10 years. Today marks the 1000th day that the Senate has not produced a budget. Really don't care who spent - it needs to stop. Data source: Washington Post "fact checker" 10/2/11 and other WP articles.
elainem
Tue, Jan 24, 2012 : 7:49 p.m.
TOUCHE'
Michael K.
Tue, Jan 24, 2012 : 5:09 p.m.
We were downgraded because we **refused to pay for what we already spent** The better analogy: You buy food at the grocery store, stop to see the doctor, get antibiotics at the pharmacy. You buy school books for the kids. Put that all on your refit cards. When the bill arrives, you say - well, gee. Yeah, I charged that. But maybe I shouldn't have bought all that. So I'm just not going to pay the bill! The US has ALWAYS lived up to its commitments. Including Bush's two "off budget, multi trillion dollar wars. Plus his giveaways to the ultra rich. The neocons under Bush SPECIFICALLY set out to bankrupt the US Government during times of prosperity. Look it up! The , oh whoops, depression - we sure could use that money to save people's lives now! SORRY!
G-Man
Tue, Jan 24, 2012 : 4:24 p.m.
Let's give Mr. Obama an economics lesson, maybe this is a language he can understand...... Why the U.S. rating was downgraded: * U.S. Tax revenue: $2,170,000,000,000 * Fed budget: $3,820,000,000,000 * New debt: $ 1,650,000,000,000 * National debt: $14,271,000,000,000 * Recent budget cuts: $ 38,500,000,000 Let's now remove 8 zeros and consider it a household budget: * Annual family income: $21,700 * Money the family spent: $38,200 * New debt on the credit card: $16,500 * Outstanding balance on the credit card: $142,710 * Total budget cuts: $385 Here's another way to look at the Debt Ceiling: Let's say, You come home from work and find there has been a sewer backup in your neighborhood....and your home has sewage all the way up to your ceilings. What do you think you should do ...... Raise the ceilings, or pump out the crap?
springgoose
Tue, Jan 24, 2012 : 4:04 p.m.
He has a fight ahead of him. Romney will appeal to a lot of people upset that Obama hasn't fixed the Bush debacle in four years. And if Gingrich gets the nomination... well remember, millions voted for a ticket the Sarah Palin on it. But I like him and welcome him to our city. The economy is slowly improving despite GOP efforts, we're out of one Bush war and should be out of the other soon, bin laden is no more, we have a national health care plan, albeit one that sucks, but at least it is an acknowledgement that the government has a responsibility to promote the general welfare.
G-Man
Tue, Jan 24, 2012 : 2:28 p.m.
Why would any conservative want to come to Ann Arbor? Hopefully we can take back the Country from the "change" that Obama has wrought on us........ Talk about someone almost single handedly ruining the Country! His intent is apparently to break us and turn us all into government dependents with his Socialist Agenda.... Maybe he'll talk about the trillions and trillions of dollars of DEBT he has brought upon us??? I hope the students of the U of M are smarter than to fall for his lure into Socialism........... And PLEASE can we say something else than the "Blame Bush" thing... That is soooo old........
dairy6
Tue, Jan 24, 2012 : 6:09 a.m.
Just a note to all you conservative posters you live in Ann Arbor. Nonetheless, I love to hear you cry. Music to my ears. Here's to four more years because nobody in your pathetic group of candidates will be able to win. Four more years of conservative haters writing long passionate posts for nothing. Keep wasting your time.
Karen
Tue, Jan 24, 2012 : 5:41 a.m.
He can come here at taxpayers expense all he wants. I won't be voting for him.
George Houchens
Tue, Jan 24, 2012 : 5:36 a.m.
O.M.G in 2012 ... Obama Must Go!
Michael K.
Tue, Jan 24, 2012 : 4:58 a.m.
"Worst President Ever"? That would be W. Unless you are excluding him because he was appointed by the Supreme Court, and not really elected? "Is this the vacation/campaign president?" Sorry, no - that is W again! He took 3 times as much vacation as Obama. Though I know Fox and the Tea Party aren't too big on facts, science, or that numbers stuff: "So far, President Obama has taken 61 vacation days after 31 months in office. At this point in their presidencies, George W. Bush had spent 180 days at his ranch where his staff often joined him for meetings. And Ronald Reagan had taken 112 vacation days at his ranch."
joe.blow
Tue, Jan 24, 2012 : 2:52 a.m.
<a href="http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2012/01/23/abortion-protesters-march-on-roe-v-wade-anniversary/?test=latestnews" rel='nofollow'>http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2012/01/23/abortion-protesters-march-on-roe-v-wade-anniversary/?test=latestnews</a> Thanks you aa.com for talking about this important issues. Obama is pro dead baby, so you must be also.
Usual Suspect
Tue, Jan 24, 2012 : 2:50 a.m.
After he blasted the auto company execs for flying from here to DC instead of driving, I'm assuming he's going to drive from DC to here. After all, that's what a real leader would do, right? Or will it be more of the same liberal, "Do as I say, not as I do" routine?
Mike
Tue, Jan 24, 2012 : 1:48 a.m.
Doesn't Ann Arbor have enough illegal aliens?
Arborcomment
Tue, Jan 24, 2012 : 12:40 a.m.
Welcome to the "B" list Ann Arbor. Presidential visits need at least a month to be vetted and logistics arranged. After his "I'm TR" speech" between Occupy folks (far left) pointing out his Wall Street funding, and steady opposition from the right - - let's just say the plan for the class warfare kickoff went on the ready shelf for the time being (it will return). So, it's back to base, or the "B" list; in the hope that loyal minions will provide a good crowd and some press coverage. There's a truly offensive bumper sticker in buck-eye land referring to Ann Arbor as a woman of ill repute. Obviously, Obama campaign staff have seen it.
thinker
Tue, Jan 24, 2012 : 12:31 a.m.
Every time I think of Obama I am reminded of the Emperor in the children's story, The Emperor's New Clothes. Not familiar with it? Read it!
Peregrine
Tue, Jan 24, 2012 : 5:48 a.m.
I love the irony of your A2.com handle!
Ron Granger
Tue, Jan 24, 2012 : 12:54 a.m.
Is that the book George Bush was reading when he ignored news that "America is under attack" on 9/11? It must be pretty good, because he kept reading for over five minutes.
roadsidedinerlover
Tue, Jan 24, 2012 : 12:30 a.m.
I am going! I love our president! Michigan for Obama!
thinker
Tue, Jan 24, 2012 : 3:21 a.m.
Michigan for Newt, or Mitt, or Santorum, or Ron!
krissyj
Tue, Jan 24, 2012 : 12:08 a.m.
Yes!!
Usual Suspect
Mon, Jan 23, 2012 : 11:25 p.m.
I wonder how many of the 57 states he has done speeches in now?
Pickforddick
Mon, Jan 23, 2012 : 11:29 p.m.
56 1/2 according to his financial manager...that's his other 1/2
LarryJ
Mon, Jan 23, 2012 : 11:16 p.m.
For those who talk about him not getting the work done, my response: 1. His stimulus plan deserves the credit for at least putting the brakes on the downhill course of the economy he inherited from GWB. Nearly all of those dollars have been pumped back into our economy and spent many times over by citizens. 2. He has many good ideas including Cap & Trade, next stimulus plan, ACA, but he faces unpatriotic opposition whose attitude is to block anything that comes from his administration, regardless of its benefit for the country.
Angry Moderate
Tue, Jan 24, 2012 : 12:26 a.m.
LOL. How out of touch do you have to be to think cap & trade is a winner. That couldn't pass the House or the Senate.
Pickforddick
Mon, Jan 23, 2012 : 10:55 p.m.
Is this the vacation/campaign president? The leader of the entitlement party? Gee, I wonder how much he will be asking us to contribute to his re-election this time? I think I would rather mow the grass than listen to his teleprompter reading.
The Black Stallion3
Mon, Jan 23, 2012 : 11:03 p.m.
That's him
Kai Petainen
Mon, Jan 23, 2012 : 10:28 p.m.
regardless of what political views i might have -- i think it's neat that the President is coming to Ann Arbor. I believe in showing respect to the one who is elected into that position. I may agree or disagree, but I have respect for it. As such... Welcome to Ann Arbor President Obama.
Kai Petainen
Mon, Jan 23, 2012 : 11:20 p.m.
if the leader of the opposing party were to show up... (whoever that will be)... then I would also wish them a 'welcome to Ann Arbor'
Pickforddick
Mon, Jan 23, 2012 : 11:02 p.m.
Are you kidding me?
Kai Petainen
Mon, Jan 23, 2012 : 10:44 p.m.
i like this statement.. "he urged graduates to actively participate in government and respectfully disagree with opposing viewpoints" it's about thought, discussion, even disagreeing... but also showing respect.
jeanarrett
Mon, Jan 23, 2012 : 10:16 p.m.
HAIL TO THE CHIEF PRESIDENT OBAMA! "Aside from Obama, the most recent sitting president to visit U-M was George H. W. Bush in May 1991. " Wrong. I'm pretty sure Bill Clinton gave the commencement speech a few years back.
Wystan Stevens
Mon, Jan 23, 2012 : 11:01 p.m.
Bill Clinton delivered the University of Michigan commencement address in the spring of 2007. At that time, he was no longer the sitting President of the US of A.
bobr
Mon, Jan 23, 2012 : 10:08 p.m.
Like to see this. Not sure about parking. I assume the Crisler lot will be open. Any chance of annarbor.com telling us the nearby open lots?
West of Main
Mon, Jan 23, 2012 : 10:44 p.m.
Clever.
The Black Stallion3
Mon, Jan 23, 2012 : 10:29 p.m.
Detroit, Kalamazoo and Flint........I hope this helps.
G. Orwell
Mon, Jan 23, 2012 : 9:52 p.m.
It's funny how when Bush was engaged in illegal wars, it was war crimes. All the democrats and progressives were screaming bloody murder. Now that Obama is involved in the same crimes, its somehow okay or cool. The HYPOCRISY! "War is peace. Freedom is slavery. Ignorance is strength."
bedrog
Tue, Jan 24, 2012 : 8:47 p.m.
"one of "them"???...no...im quite well insured, but thanks for your concern.
Pickforddick
Mon, Jan 23, 2012 : 10:56 p.m.
He is one of them, for sure.
The Black Stallion3
Mon, Jan 23, 2012 : 10:37 p.m.
bedrog....are you one of them?
bedrog
Mon, Jan 23, 2012 : 10:27 p.m.
Ron Paul is no hypocrite, true. But he's consistently suicidal in his ignoring of the complex and messy realities of international affairs in his version of ideological purity. He's also domestically cruel ( to gays and the unisnsured ) from the same wellspring of personal rectitude. Enjoy each others deserved marginalization.
Tom Jefferson
Mon, Jan 23, 2012 : 9:36 p.m.
This was an interesting article. I was especially taken by the reporter's comment "That's two more visits than ...Bush, who never visited Ann Arbor." Why is that even in the story? Is Ann Arbor so important that the failure of a standing president to visit the place a sin?
hank
Mon, Jan 23, 2012 : 9:27 p.m.
When I read disparaging remarks about President Obama coming from the provincial communities I know he's on the right track. Four more years President Obama. .
lisam
Tue, Jan 24, 2012 : 3:56 a.m.
No vote here.
The Black Stallion3
Mon, Jan 23, 2012 : 10:28 p.m.
@bedrog...........so sorry to see you are so misled by the entitlement party, there is still time for you to see the light but it will take a little, not much, of an effort on your part. Are you willing to try or not.
bedrog
Mon, Jan 23, 2012 : 10:23 p.m.
g.orwell....re wars. It takes two to tango and two to have a war. The jihadists we and the rest of the world face seem have zero desire to stop their lethal tangoing. Obama is not ignoring that fact and is pursuing a proper policy of " hold open the possibility of dialogue/ but drone or sanction if not riciprocated'.. This is to his great credit and to the utter discredit of those i presume you'd prefer , like Ron 'ostrichboy, let em die if uninsured' Paul.
bedrog
Mon, Jan 23, 2012 : 9:47 p.m.
Right! Even if the accusations/ libels leveled at Obama by his teaparty foes were true ( which almost all are not), he'd still be head and shoulders over the utter clownshow that the Republican Party has become. At least he has shown a willingness to pragmatically and compassionately address realities ( instead of the 'faith based' , bigoted know-nothingism of his foes, both here..... and abroad). A pox on all of them ( who are happily self-destructing without much need for intervention/ pushback by the saner, smarter Democrats).
G. Orwell
Mon, Jan 23, 2012 : 9:34 p.m.
Four more years of wars. Great!!!!!
The Black Stallion3
Mon, Jan 23, 2012 : 9:13 p.m.
When it's all said and done he will make Jimmy Carter look like a saint.
Chris Snyder
Tue, Jan 24, 2012 : 5:43 p.m.
Jimmy C accomplished more positive good for the US and the world after he was out of office than any other president who is still living. How many homes for the poor will GWB or GHB ever build? How often do you see the B's trying to help negotiate peace between warring countries or ensure free & fair elections? No, the B's picked up where they left off, getting kickbacks from their Big Oil pals.
lisam
Tue, Jan 24, 2012 : 3:54 a.m.
When I was in my teens, on vacation with my parents, there was a HUGE handmade sign on the Georgia Highway that read...We the People of Georgia Apologize to the Farmers of America for Putting Jimmy Carter in the White House. I was too young to know why they said that, but I'm old enough now to see how horrible of a president we have. We are the laughing stock of the world right now. No jobs. Oh yes, early on Pres Obama was pushing Health Care jobs. Sure...if you can afford to go to school. What about the rest of the country with no education who were put out of work and can't support their families? My father worked for FoMoCo, starting in 1961, retiring at 55; no college degree, went back to school and got his GED. But he worked hard, every day, instilling in me that when he punched that clock, he belonged to Henry Ford. When he came home, he was our dad, never talked about his job. Anyway, going on a tangent here....Those jobs and that mentality are gone, in my opinion.
bunnyabbot
Mon, Jan 23, 2012 : 9:46 p.m.
well there is a Saint James but I doubt there would ever be a saint barack
hank
Mon, Jan 23, 2012 : 9:30 p.m.
Jimmy Carter is a saint!
Sandra
Mon, Jan 23, 2012 : 8:59 p.m.
President Obama has accomplished a lot during his 3 years in office. If you want to deride that get some facts. President Obama is a president not a king. Congress has the power. The president proposes, congress dispposes. 9th grade civics teaches that. Right from the start the republicans said that they wouldn't let anything through congress that Obama proposes. Doesn't sound like they know how to make compromises. Every relationship is based on compromise. Here is one link to some of the things Obama has accomplished. <a href="http://pleasecutthecrap.typepad.com/main/what-has-obama-done-since-january-20-2009.html" rel='nofollow'>http://pleasecutthecrap.typepad.com/main/what-has-obama-done-since-january-20-2009.html</a> One of the things I find the most surprising is all those people who said that a president deserves respect regardless (during the Bush era) now give the president no respect. That tells you what patriots these people are. Remember, there was no freedom of speech. You had to be a mile away if you wanted to march around with signs that critisized some of the things that Bush did. We are in debt because Bush start 2 wars without putting any of it in the budget. He did not pay (money) for those wars unlike any other president when there was a war. Do not cry about taxes, they are at the lowest rate they've ever been. In other times of war the taxes were at 90%. Now we have to pay the price. That is not Obama's fault, that is our fault. We are the government. "We the People." We allowed the banks the freedom to rip us off, we said that we didn't want regulation, we didnot try to stop the Iraq war. We do not write email or letters to our representatives. It is our fault for where we are now. We should not be acting like whiney cry babies.
Chris Snyder
Tue, Jan 24, 2012 : 5:33 p.m.
I've not forgotten that G.W.B. also instigated the practice of hiding the war's cost in blood that he was inflicting on others (our troops, their civilians). The closest he got to the war was his Top Gun photo op, "Mission Accomplished" in his first term of office, yet he never managed to bring US troops home - left that detail for that black guy to deal with, along with trying to clean up the mess of the economy he left behind when he retired to set up his Presidential Library.
Arborcomment
Tue, Jan 24, 2012 : 12:50 a.m.
Saving trouble. Right hand side of the link provided: republican elephant with a slash across it, below the elephant; a give to Obama campaign link. Sandra, you will quickly be identified as a campaign shrill on such postings. By the way, when did gitmo close?
The Black Stallion3
Mon, Jan 23, 2012 : 10:35 p.m.
Please don't tell sandra, she is a student and has proven to know everything.
Angry Moderate
Mon, Jan 23, 2012 : 9:34 p.m.
You're comparing marginal tax rates to effective tax rates. Totally irrelevant.
Heidi Koester
Mon, Jan 23, 2012 : 8:47 p.m.
Wow, all these negative comments about Obama, from Ann Arborites? Truly depressing. Just to balance things out a bit, I'll just note my strong support for President Obama, and what a relief it has been to have him as President after 8 years of George Bush. I really don't understand where all this hate comes from. Don't particularly like him? Fine. But worst President ever? You've got to be kidding.
Angry Moderate
Tue, Jan 24, 2012 : 12:24 a.m.
Audrey you seem confused. 0bama does not support gay marriage.
a2person
Mon, Jan 23, 2012 : 11:04 p.m.
Bobr, exactly. If you read the comments here as accurately representing Ann Arbor, you'd be completely confused as to why, when we actually vote, we consistently vote progressive values. The posters here do NOT represent our population, whoever they are.
bobr
Mon, Jan 23, 2012 : 10:32 p.m.
The ratio of right-wing comments in annarbor.com is way out of proportion to voting patterns.
bunnyabbot
Mon, Jan 23, 2012 : 9:52 p.m.
@A2anon.. Actually I am an Arborite, as are many of the posters, so you are wrong on that. @Heidi, you do realize that far left liberals "hated" President Bush and pissed and moaned for 8 years about it. It's a free country, we have the right to be unhappy with our president, don't like it? oh well, thats called diversity, something that the left as far as I can tell is for, that is unless you are unhappy with O. The left likes to paint the right as intolerable, if the right is intolerable the left is the pot calling the kettle black.
A2anon
Mon, Jan 23, 2012 : 9:41 p.m.
Heidi, don't worry. These are not Ann Arborites. The most right-wing, conservative, angry contingent of people who do not live in our city have pretty much taken over the comment section on this site. And they clearly have all the time in the world to do pretty much nothing other than post here.
Doug
Mon, Jan 23, 2012 : 9:32 p.m.
Tied for 1st with Carter!
hank
Mon, Jan 23, 2012 : 9:09 p.m.
Spot on Heidi,spot on!
Audrey Bricker
Mon, Jan 23, 2012 : 8:59 p.m.
Thank you Heidi for expressing my sentiments exactly. I am pleased with Obama's efforts to provide health care for all Americans, for his aid in bailing out the auto companies, for his support of gay marriage, for his favorable interactions with foreign countries, for his support of increasing development of our country's infrastructure, for his promotion of consumer protections, and much, much more.
G. Orwell
Mon, Jan 23, 2012 : 8:47 p.m.
Does the Nobel PEACE Prize Winning Obama still have any support? If so, I guess it will be in AA. Fawning and fooled progressives abound. Obama just sent 12,000 troops to Libya to steel their oil and for regime change. Next is Syria then Iran. "War is peace. Freedom is slavery. Ignorance is strength." Yah!
The Black Stallion3
Mon, Jan 23, 2012 : 8:45 p.m.
Who's coming to Ann Arbor?.......... What has he done for this country that would encourage me to waste any time caring?
The Black Stallion3
Mon, Jan 23, 2012 : 9:10 p.m.
I am so sorry hank but it should only take a milisecond
hank
Mon, Jan 23, 2012 : 9:01 p.m.
I was going to list them for you but your really not worth the time.
Suzanne
Mon, Jan 23, 2012 : 8:36 p.m.
What's wrong with these two sentences? The seem to contradict each other... "Like the commencement speech, Obama's upcoming trip is an official White House visit and not a campaign event, sources told AnnArbor.com." "The speech is a part of a trip to various swing states this week. According to The Detroit News" Official White House visit to a swing state...not a campaign event... ok
motorcycleminer
Mon, Jan 23, 2012 : 8:36 p.m.
Cancel this one too ...Pork fest fri in OZ ..all sheeple welcome to come see what a wolf looks like in sheepole clothing
grye
Mon, Jan 23, 2012 : 8:34 p.m.
Will his motorcade stop for pedestrians at crosswalks and if not, will he get a ticket from AAPD?
Polecat
Mon, Jan 23, 2012 : 8:24 p.m.
Worst President Ever!!
bluemax79
Mon, Jan 23, 2012 : 8:19 p.m.
they should make him drive one of those electric cars he and his so called "green energy" people are pushing on everyone. I am sure some will be glad to have the WORST president to ever "run" this country spend MORE of our tax dollars and fly he and all his peeps to visit A2 on nothing more than a campaign stop. disgusting waste of resources
Chris Snyder
Tue, Jan 24, 2012 : 5:20 p.m.
I think G.W.B. already earned himself that title, judging by his getting us into two nearly endless wars before having proof of their being justified, resulting in nearly bankrupting our economy, which crashed before his last term was up. You will notice that none of the GOP candidates is courting his endorsement or wants any association with him.
hank
Mon, Jan 23, 2012 : 8:36 p.m.
I hope he goes all over the US combating ignorance because he has his job cut out for him .
Andrew Schantz
Mon, Jan 23, 2012 : 8:07 p.m.
I really wish the President would stay in Washington and get some work done as Commander in Chief, rather than his current assumed role as "Campaigner in Chief." There's a lot of challenges our nation is facing, and Barack Obama isn't making any progress on those challenges by reassuring Americans that he'll get the job done in his next four years in office. Gearing up for the election in November through these speeches is saying two things: 1) Barack Obama needs to defend himself and his record because it doesn't defend itself on its own 2) he's more interested and concerned about getting re-elected than dealing with the problems that are facing this country right now. GO BACK TO WORK, MR. PRESIDENT!
Peregrine
Tue, Jan 24, 2012 : 5:47 a.m.
Mr. Schantz, I think you're being a bit disingenuous, given that you're a member of UofM's College Republicans. And besides, the best way to get things done is get rid of the obstructionist Republicans in Congress who'd prefer to damage the economy hoping that the public will blame it on Obama. I don't thing Americans will soon forget that it was 8 years of Republican polices that got us into this mess.
Arborcomment
Tue, Jan 24, 2012 : 12:51 a.m.
Please, let the man go out on the road - a whole lot.
Cici
Mon, Jan 23, 2012 : 8:22 p.m.
How can he stay in Washington to get the job done if he isn't re-eclected?? It's not one to be done in a day!
G. Orwell
Mon, Jan 23, 2012 : 8:07 p.m.
Does the Nobel PEACE Prize Winning Obama still have any support? If so, I guess it will be in AA. Fawning and fooled progressives abound. Obama just sent 12,000 troops to Libya to steel their oil and for regime change. Next is Syria then Iran. "War is peace. Freedom is slavery. Ignorance is strength.". Yah!
bedrog
Tue, Jan 24, 2012 : 10:04 p.m.
g. orwell: your glowing reference to cynthia mckinney of the "green party" --- an open supporter of the terrorist Hamas movement who was arrested briefly when she tried to run a U.N sanctioned blockade of Gaza...is most telling. I still think you are a " ron paulista" but he and anti-semitism have long been comfortable bedfellows ( and it was cynthia's father , bill, who blamed his defeat as a georgia congressman on the "j.e.w.s"... good company you keep ( and orwellian "newspeak" can far more validly be applied to those of your persuasion than to your opponants . ( e.g the local greens' positive adoration for all thing s jihadish as "peace-y" and "progressive-y").
G. Orwell
Tue, Jan 24, 2012 : 4:27 p.m.
@Mush So what if it is right wing? Truth is the truth. Maybe the left wing media is covering for Obama and hiding the truth from you. Here is Cynthia McKinney, a former democrat that was chased out by both Democrats and Republicans because she asked too many sensitive questions and told he truth. People rely too much on right wing vs left wing, democrat vs. republican, liberal vs conservative. Can't you see that we are being divided and conquered. Obama is a fake. Put in place to fool the progressives/democrats in order to advance his controller's agenda. It appears you have fallen for it.
Mush Room
Tue, Jan 24, 2012 : 1:54 p.m.
The story about 12,000 U.S. troops being sent to Libya shows up on several right wing websites, but no where else, not even Fox News.
bedrog
Mon, Jan 23, 2012 : 9:37 p.m.
well, good for obama and the 'steel' industry.
G. Orwell
Mon, Jan 23, 2012 : 8:55 p.m.
That is right. Both Obama and Bush and both parties serve the same master.
grye
Mon, Jan 23, 2012 : 8:43 p.m.
That would be "steal" their oil. I do believe that Bush 2 did the same thing in Iraq. Can't pin that one on any specific party. It's all about oil.
applehazar
Mon, Jan 23, 2012 : 8:04 p.m.
make sure the white house staff knows the stadium bridge is out -
bluemax79
Mon, Jan 23, 2012 : 8:20 p.m.
they won't drive in!!!!! hahahha that is for commoners, the prez doesn't DRIVE in a limo! he will take one of his many helo's and land on the football practice field like he did last visit.
Jacob Bodnar
Mon, Jan 23, 2012 : 7:43 p.m.
For Obama there's no distinction between an official White House speech and a campaign event, he never stopped campaigning, so they're one in the same.
eastsidemom
Tue, Jan 24, 2012 : 11:28 a.m.
Jacob...you just cannot get used to a president that CAN speak and does so well.
Edward R Murrow's Ghost
Mon, Jan 23, 2012 : 10:19 p.m.
Now there's a meaningless Faux Noise talking point if there ever was one. GN&GL
leaguebus
Mon, Jan 23, 2012 : 9:37 p.m.
So he is different from Rick Perry?
packman
Mon, Jan 23, 2012 : 7:39 p.m.
BO has never learned the difference between "being good" and "looking good." When he does, he will become a leader...until then he is the "campaigner in chief" and the "teleprompter" guru.
Wolf's Bane
Mon, Jan 23, 2012 : 7:36 p.m.
Welcome back to Ann Arbor, Mr. President!
Ben Connor Barrie
Mon, Jan 23, 2012 : 7:28 p.m.
Are the rumors (that I am starting) true? Will Obama visit SELMA Cafe for breakfast before his speech? <a href="http://www.damnarbor.com/2012/01/obama-in-ann-arbor-this-friday.html" rel='nofollow'>http://www.damnarbor.com/2012/01/obama-in-ann-arbor-this-friday.html</a>
Jeff Gaynor
Mon, Jan 23, 2012 : 7:55 p.m.
Good one, Ben; if a bit self-serving :)
bunnyabbot
Mon, Jan 23, 2012 : 7:25 p.m.
campaigner in chief
bunnyabbot
Mon, Jan 23, 2012 : 9:44 p.m.
why thank you Henry, I mean Hank
hank
Mon, Jan 23, 2012 : 9:36 p.m.
Your wit,your wit is something to be marveled at.
Dog Guy
Mon, Jan 23, 2012 : 7:10 p.m.
This undoubtedly is what was foretold by Zephaniah (2:7), '"For the lord their god shall visit them."
West of Main
Mon, Jan 23, 2012 : 8:34 p.m.
Skilled exegesis...
Christian Otto
Mon, Jan 23, 2012 : 7:10 p.m.
Uhm, Maybe I read something wrong.... Is the U of M seeking money from the government? This university has already gained control of the city of Ann Arbor, they populate this city with a bunch of over privileged snot nosed spoiled brats, make it near impossible to get employment at the university, make plenty of money on tuition fees and football games... I could go on here but I am sure everyone already knows the score. So what now? They want a president in their pocket too? My tax money had better not go to this school, not one penny. seriously... I absolutely despise the U of M. Obama needs to create jobs for crying out loud, not waste time with Coleman and her stuck up ways...
elainem
Tue, Jan 24, 2012 : 7:16 p.m.
If you're such an unhappy (angry) camper , why live here? I love A2!
Joe Wood
Mon, Jan 23, 2012 : 11:59 p.m.
I have to admit that those snot nosed kids that you refer to are very smart snot nosed kids and will someday be doctors or engineers. Some of the brightest kids around the world compete to get in U of M. Go Blue! More likely, more lawyers.
Chelsea
Mon, Jan 23, 2012 : 11:58 p.m.
I'm glad that, even though you've never met me, I'm an "over privileged snot nosed spoiled brat" who, because of my work study, make it "near impossible to get employment at the university." I'm also really glad that, having been a resident of this state for almost my entire life in a one-parent household that your tax money actually does end up going to this university, and therefore to me. You can move somewhere else if you don't like A2.
hank
Mon, Jan 23, 2012 : 8:44 p.m.
I have to admit that those snot nosed kids that you refer to are very smart snot nosed kids and will someday be doctors or engineers. Some of the brightest kids around the world compete to get in U of M. Go Blue!
bluemax79
Mon, Jan 23, 2012 : 8:24 p.m.
I am not for our so called "president" (more like dictator) visiting either. but you do realize the only reason there is an Ann Arbor is because of the University right???? you don't think it is because of people like you do you?
AnnArborDon
Mon, Jan 23, 2012 : 7:22 p.m.
Fortunately, we live in a country where you are free to move somewhere that you do not "absolutely despise." Don't stay on my account.
Spanky
Mon, Jan 23, 2012 : 7:08 p.m.
I hope he brings some jobs with him!
hank
Mon, Jan 23, 2012 : 7 p.m.
I'm glad he is coming here and I hope he mentions that the American auto companies are number one again due to his leadership in supporting them in a time of crisis. He has been a tremendous President given all the problems he inherited from the republicans,not to mention the 10,000 filibusters of the GOP boys and girls. I would love to meet him and shake his hand.
Mick52
Tue, Jan 24, 2012 : 6:09 p.m.
The bailout of GM and Chrysler was not a positive for the President. They paid back much less than they received. A bankruptcy could have resulted in the same results we seen now, without taxpayers having to bail out private companies. <a href="http://content.usatoday.com/communities/driveon/post/2011/11/auto-bailout-losses-expected-to-rise-by-9-billion/1" rel='nofollow'>http://content.usatoday.com/communities/driveon/post/2011/11/auto-bailout-losses-expected-to-rise-by-9-billion/1</a> <a href="http://news.investors.com/Article/592192/201111181758/taxpayers-lose-with-gm-and-chrysler-bailout.htm" rel='nofollow'>http://news.investors.com/Article/592192/201111181758/taxpayers-lose-with-gm-and-chrysler-bailout.htm</a>
Bcar
Tue, Jan 24, 2012 : 1:14 p.m.
wow hank... you should really read into what REALLY happened with the auto bailout. you have NO idea... HIS leadership, are you kidding?
Angry Moderate
Tue, Jan 24, 2012 : 12:20 a.m.
Bush made the deal for the GM bailout, not Obama. Does that change your opinion, hank?
G. Orwell
Mon, Jan 23, 2012 : 11:21 p.m.
Banks are doing even better because Obama and Bush gave them all our money. By the way, GM is owned by the Feds (60%) I believe. Canada owns around 12%. Capitalism at work. Or, is that called communism?
Michigan Man
Mon, Jan 23, 2012 : 11:20 p.m.
Hank = POTUS does not care about you - just make sure if you shake this hand to have big bills tucked in your hand ready for the handoff - POTUS really just wants your money.
cinnabar7071
Mon, Jan 23, 2012 : 9:22 p.m.
What about Ford? They didn't take any hand outs and look at them.
Floyd
Mon, Jan 23, 2012 : 8:09 p.m.
The American auto industry still exists because of President Obama. If the other guy had won, it would have been left for dead. Romney has admitted he would have let it die as well...
skigrl50
Mon, Jan 23, 2012 : 7:27 p.m.
GM is #1 because of the earthquake in Japan...
Edward R Murrow's Ghost
Mon, Jan 23, 2012 : 6:59 p.m.
So all of the people who thought it impolite to march in protest of the Governor will certainly maintain their intellectual consistency and be similarly critical of protests of the president? Didn't think so. Good Night and Good Luck
Susie Q
Tue, Jan 24, 2012 : 2:15 a.m.
also @ Dave. Gov Snyder has determined to reside in Ann Arbor, in his gated community, not in the Governor's House in Lansing......protesting at the Governor's residence in A2 was appropriate.
Brad
Tue, Jan 24, 2012 : 1:22 a.m.
@ERMG - how about we keep the discussion to things that have actually happened in reality, not some strawman hypotheticals. I'm no Snyder fan at all, I just think marching on his home lacked class. I still think that.
Gorc
Tue, Jan 24, 2012 : 12:27 a.m.
In Ann Arbor at the field house, not Geddes Road.
Gorc
Tue, Jan 24, 2012 : 12:26 a.m.
It would be impolite to stage a protest at Presidents Obama's personal Hyde Park residence in Chicago. Just like it was at the Governor's personal residence. Marching in Lansing, Washington D.C., or Ann Arbor is open game...but I would not expect you understand the difference.
Angry Moderate
Tue, Jan 24, 2012 : 12:18 a.m.
Liberal protesters are the ones that have protested at the White House, thrown smoke bombs at the White House, and even shot live bullets at the White House, all in the last 2 months. Better get your facts straight.
Edward R Murrow's Ghost
Mon, Jan 23, 2012 : 9:33 p.m.
@Brad: So were the president to have kept his residence in Chicago, you, of course, would admonish any protesters who showed up at his doorstep? Of course you would. GN&GL
Brad
Mon, Jan 23, 2012 : 9 p.m.
They thought it impolite to march TO HIS HOUSE. Speaking of intellectual consistency.
Edward R Murrow's Ghost
Mon, Jan 23, 2012 : 8:55 p.m.
@Dave: If the guv didn't want protests at his private residence, he needed to reside in the residence provided for him by the state. Members of Congress of all stripes routinely have protesters at their private residences, as do high-ranking members of presidential administrations. Snyder is no longer an entrepreneur. He is the governor of the state. This comes with the territory. So, no, the hypocrisy remains, and it is particularly pungent. GN&GL
Edward R Murrow's Ghost
Mon, Jan 23, 2012 : 8:51 p.m.
Let me be clear: I support people's First Amendment rights. But Contrary to Mr. Bodnar's assertion above, far too many of the comments in the numerous articles about the MLK day protest expressed anger at the very temerity of these people--how DARE they protest the governor. And, as expected, some of those very same people are in this discussion urging on protests of the president. Nothing like intellectual consistency. GN&GL
Dave
Mon, Jan 23, 2012 : 8:34 p.m.
Certainly consistency is something to be maintained, and hypocrisy to be avoided. That said... the criticism of protesting at a public official's private residence holds consistent: that was Snyder's private property. Any planned protests are certainly not at Obama's private property. 'Intellectual consistency' upheld.
Steve
Mon, Jan 23, 2012 : 8:25 p.m.
And vice versa. No doubt all the people who thought it was a good thing to protest the Governor will willingly put up with the inconvenience, and welcome the right of presidential protestors at the event. Funny thing about accusations of hypocrisy - they cut both ways.
Jacob Bodnar
Mon, Jan 23, 2012 : 7:48 p.m.
I don't think people thought it was impolite, just ignorant of the this issue. And the chief complaint was the shutting down of the street, and I have to imagine Obama will shut down a few roads in the process.
AnnArborDon
Mon, Jan 23, 2012 : 7:24 p.m.
Because their policies and are so similar? Didn't think so.
fisherman
Mon, Jan 23, 2012 : 6:55 p.m.
I think it is wonderful that our President will be coming by again. His actions have helped get this country to start pulling out of the deep economic ditch dug by our previous President, and have started us on the road to provide health care for all (even the poor). I applaud him for his earnest care for our great country, and am excited that he is to include Ann Arbor on his schedule.
lisam
Tue, Jan 24, 2012 : 3:46 a.m.
Ick. He only cares about himself. I will not be voting for him...didn't then and won't for 2012.
leaguebus
Mon, Jan 23, 2012 : 9:19 p.m.
A little fuzzy how Obama can be blamed for the economy as it happened on George's watch. How long did it take to come back from the 1930 depression? It took WWII to get us out of that. I think that things getting a little better in a couple of years is not all that bad. You cannot say that Obama made this mess worse. Plus Obama has been faced with the worst Congress in history, especially the "just say no Republicans" who vowed to get him out the minute he took office and would not cooperate in anything. Welcome Mr President!!
The Black Stallion3
Mon, Jan 23, 2012 : 8:38 p.m.
fisherman......I have some property in Florida that you may be interested in......let me know
bluemax79
Mon, Jan 23, 2012 : 8:27 p.m.
WOW fisherman yo umust have started hitting the sauce pretty early today HIS actions have this country on the brink of disaster once again only by replealing his FAILED policies can this country be great again. he is coming to A2 only for a campaign stop, and YOU and I are paying the bill with our tax dollars. Well I am paying anyway, most who support him are on welfare so may maybe you are not paying taxes.
Floyd
Mon, Jan 23, 2012 : 8:05 p.m.
Hear, hear!
Jacob Bodnar
Mon, Jan 23, 2012 : 7:46 p.m.
You're joking right? Start pulling out? What economy are you living in? Our economy is in incredible trouble, and let's not even include the trillions of dollars Obama has added in debt to the problem. We can just talk unemployment. Remember, we have to average 125k added per month just to stay stagnate. Even in boom months where employers hire temp employees we were only 50k over that stagnation number - and that's after three years!
shutthefrtdoor
Mon, Jan 23, 2012 : 7:04 p.m.
Agreed!!!
spikefb
Mon, Jan 23, 2012 : 6:54 p.m.
Is this open to the public? What time is all happening? Don't forget that the State Street bridges are out so that will complicate traffic-
Seasoned Cit
Mon, Jan 23, 2012 : 6:51 p.m.
Last time Stadium This time Field House Next Jan. Rackham Amphitheater ?
aareader
Tue, Jan 24, 2012 : 4:20 p.m.
Well... YOU can go to the Stadium but I will take the Field house in the winter every time. It is a lot warmer.
Cici
Mon, Jan 23, 2012 : 8:13 p.m.
Well, how would he be able to cross the stadium bridge? Helicopter?
xmo
Mon, Jan 23, 2012 : 6:47 p.m.
I wonder if the "Food Stamp" President is going to talk about the new 99 week Associate Degree in unemployment that is being offer in Michigan?
johnnya2
Tue, Jan 24, 2012 : 3:24 a.m.
@ angry moderate Well when Obama is done with his 8 years, we will gladly look at the statistics. Until then, you can not make a valid comparison because the population is different, and you are talking about president who has served just a few days over three years.
Angry Moderate
Tue, Jan 24, 2012 : 12:15 a.m.
AnnArborDon, you're comparing a president of 8 years to a president of just under 4 years so far. Divide by the time in office to get numbers you can compare.
The Black Stallion3
Mon, Jan 23, 2012 : 8:48 p.m.
So annarbordon & Julie.....you should be praising Mr Bush for taking such good care of the poor...............I understand you secretly are.
julieswhimsies
Mon, Jan 23, 2012 : 8:35 p.m.
@xmo Checkmate
AnnArborDon
Mon, Jan 23, 2012 : 7:38 p.m.
Increase in food stamp recipients under Obama: +14.2 million (of 309 million pop.). Increase in food stamp recipients under GW Bush: +14.7 million (of 302 million pop.). According to the article, the "Food Stamp President" has never been to Ann Arbor.
racerx
Mon, Jan 23, 2012 : 6:59 p.m.
And the president has something to do with this? Why not simply blame the Republican's who would just rather do away with any government assistance for those who've fallen through the cracks in society. Oh, but of course. Why blame them.
goingfast3579
Mon, Jan 23, 2012 : 6:56 p.m.
Funny xmo, I have been without for so long should have Doctors Degree.
CONCERNED CITIZEN
Mon, Jan 23, 2012 : 6:45 p.m.
Who cares!!!!!He has done such a miserable job I wouldn't walk acrosss the street to see him! He should be in Washington doing the job he was given!
johnnya2
Tue, Jan 24, 2012 : 3:21 a.m.
@ Anrgy moderate, The government forces me to buy national defense protection i do not want nor need. They also force me to pay the salary of congress which I do not need. Oh, you mean sometimes you have to pay things to be part of SOCIETY. I would also ask, where were the teabaggers when Medicare Part D was enacted? No price shopping ALLOWED for prescription drugs SUBSIDIZED by tax dollars? You and I are forced to pay for that as well. If you do not want Medicare and mandatory health insurance, you are free to move to a place where it is not required.
Angry Moderate
Mon, Jan 23, 2012 : 9:36 p.m.
Racerx- actually, no, I do not have car insurance because I do not drive a car. On the other hand, the government is going to force me to buy health insurance, just to be allowed to live and breathe in this country.
racerx
Mon, Jan 23, 2012 : 9:27 p.m.
@Angry Moderate-you have car insurance right? Something of which the government requires you to have.
Angry Moderate
Mon, Jan 23, 2012 : 8:18 p.m.
LOL, racerx, are you joking? The "national healthcare law" works by forcing everyone to buy health insurance from the private corporations that have been deemed evil and immoral. Those who can afford must pay money to those companies or face jail time. Those can't afford it-- the government gives tax money to those corporations on their behalf (insurance subsidies.)
Michigan Man
Mon, Jan 23, 2012 : 7:16 p.m.
Wonder if POTUS will comment on the new state of Michigan financial surplus generated by the new GOP leadership team of Synder, Ouimet, etc? Somehow, my guess would be that this topic is not on the agenda?
Superior Twp voter
Mon, Jan 23, 2012 : 7:12 p.m.
Exactly! Right on. The do-nothing king of food stamps visits A2.
shutthefrtdoor
Mon, Jan 23, 2012 : 7:03 p.m.
Amen RacerX... Don't forget about Sadaam, Khadfi, and "the professor"! Heck...he might of had his hand in Kim Jong El's demise. Haters are gonna hate.
racerx
Mon, Jan 23, 2012 : 6:57 p.m.
Miserable job? Saved the nation from going into a depression worst than 1930. Saved manufacturing jobs and countless small businesses by bailing out the auto industry. Capture and killed Osama Bin Laden, something of which the previous president couldn't mange to do in 8yrs times. Successfully passed a national Health Care Law. Preserved many more jobs by campaigning for the Stimulus Bill. Do I really need to go on? Oh, yea, unemployment has dropped and his administration has created more jobs than the previous president who only managed to created 11K a month in 8yrs.. Yup. He has done such a miserable job!
javajolt1
Mon, Jan 23, 2012 : 6:36 p.m.
This trip will be a bit more interesting than the last.....No Jennifer Granholm shamelessly posing for a cabinet position. He will have a tightrope to walk...if he takes credit for the start of a Michigan recovery, does he risk giving Governor Snyder credit.....or is he going to take all the credit for himself?
aareader
Tue, Jan 24, 2012 : 4:17 p.m.
When the Nerd took office there was AREADY a Surplus growing in the State Coffers. But he conveniently forgot to make note of it. The real growth in this State is the result of the a return in auto industry sales. The Nerd, like most politicians, will take credit anyway despite the fact he had almost nothing to do with it.
javajolt1
Mon, Jan 23, 2012 : 9:29 p.m.
I don't think so.... The auto industry never actually went away. So the Obama bail out maintained the status quo. You could argue the end of the auto industry - if it had happened - would have cost the State jobs but the auto industry didn't end. I think Snyder has had more success in a year than Obama has had in three....and certainly more than Granholm had in eight.
Angry Moderate
Mon, Jan 23, 2012 : 8:15 p.m.
Remember when people thought Granholm was going to be nominated to the Supreme Court? LOL!
hank
Mon, Jan 23, 2012 : 7:05 p.m.
What did Synder do, nothing. So why should he share? It was President Obama that saved the auto industry the only economic boost in Michigan.
Diane
Mon, Jan 23, 2012 : 6:31 p.m.
SO, what's the big deal?
The Black Stallion3
Mon, Jan 23, 2012 : 8:34 p.m.
Who?
West of Main
Mon, Jan 23, 2012 : 7:47 p.m.
He's the president of the United States, duh.
shutthefrtdoor
Mon, Jan 23, 2012 : 6:29 p.m.
I here the trip might be delayed due to the Secret Service tracking the Keystone Kops (Gingrich, Romney, Paul, & Santorum). They are said to be planning a "protest" against intelligence and driving an oddly shaped, brightly colored foriegn clown car...be on the look-out!!!
shutthefrtdoor
Thu, Jan 26, 2012 : 2:53 p.m.
Well...at least the negative and slanderous attacks against me were removed as well. Thank you. I tried to stay within the guidelines and honestly I think I did. They both deserved an intellectual tongue lashing in my opinion. Hopefully when I, or another poster makes an honest typo mistake, the haters will leave it be. It would be nice to have an edit option to correct these mishaps when they do occur. Thanks for being fair. I thought my response was pretty neat to be honest with you...LOL I would have liked to have read the other ones... : )
RTFM
Mon, Jan 23, 2012 : 6:19 p.m.
After being courted by the university's 1% class, will the city officials have time to show the art work that was paid for by city taxpayers while the roads in Ann Arbor fall apart?
julieswhimsies
Mon, Jan 23, 2012 : 8:32 p.m.
Oh gawd...It's all about the art work....demonizing Ann Arbor society.
Cici
Mon, Jan 23, 2012 : 8:09 p.m.
Hey! Maybe he WILL notice out rotten roads!!
racerx
Mon, Jan 23, 2012 : 6:16 p.m.
Can't wait! Keep us posted!
leezee
Mon, Jan 23, 2012 : 6:03 p.m.
It's funny. I read this and all I care about is what time that this taking place. I'd like to avoid traffic snarls.
elainem
Tue, Jan 24, 2012 : 7:07 p.m.
That sounds so very self-centered. Lucky you're not in a bigger metropolis. Perhaps you should consider an even smaller city...
johnnya2
Tue, Jan 24, 2012 : 3:14 a.m.
I think anybody who travels near the president who will not be attending the event thinks the exact same thing. I think of it the same as Art Fair, graduations and football games that I do not attend. I mark my calendar and know where not to be at certain times. I will say it is much easier on a town like Ann Arbor, than it is in a city like New York or Chicago where traffic is a cluster on GOOD days.
Halter
Mon, Jan 23, 2012 : 11:01 p.m.
I thought the same thing! Thank goodness I will be out of town this weekend!....I also managed to avoid him being here last time for graduation too --
Cici
Mon, Jan 23, 2012 : 8:08 p.m.
Ditto, MjC!!
MjC
Mon, Jan 23, 2012 : 7 p.m.
I thought the same exact thing (and I support him) - but isn't that kind of sad?