Michelle Obama addresses weight of student vote
Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama has focused on the youth vote during his campaign, and his wife, Michelle, is doing the same.
Michelle Obama talked to college journalists Monday via a conference call about issues that concern young voters, such as health care, the economy and energy.
On student debt and jobs:
The average college student is weighed down by almost $22,000 in student loans. That’s on average. Barack and I have experienced that as well because we just paid down our student loans. We were in debt to that tune even greater. Our country is facing high unemployment rates on top of it. And the bad news on the economy keeps coming. It’s getting harder for recent graduates to find jobs that pay a good enough wage to help cover the debt that they’re all coming out with.
On young voter impact:
No matter who your readers support, I said in this race we need folks to register to vote, to make their voices heard. Young people have already made a huge difference in this election and they can determine the outcome on Nov. 4, but only if they speak out, only if they get involved, only if they register to vote.
On the middle class:
As many of you know, if you’ve been following the campaign, that Barack’s stance really focused on the middle class. People need money in their pockets because of home foreclosures and health care and education costs going up. You’ve got folks who can’t put gas in their tanks. Seniors are also in that position as well so we’ve got to get the economic structure so that it’s balanced toward the folks that are hurting most.
On health care:
Even families who are getting up and going to work every day often find that they are uninsured or underinsured. In the midst of being sick and finding that they can’t get insurance because they have diabetes or diagnosed with cancer or the insurance can’t cover you because you had a pre-existing condition. We have to fix this health care system because it’s costing this nation millions of dollars for people who are fighting diseases and they let it get out of control because they don’t have access.
On the nation’s future:
The next president can lead us in a different direction. Or the next president could not. So this is a crucial moment in our nation’s history. The consequences of this election will play out for years to come.
The next president is going to have a mess to deal with on so many fronts, and I think that’s something young people have to understand. The next president is going to be dealing with crises here and abroad that’s going to impact the way they think about this job, and what they can get done.
Published on Monday, September 22, 2008
Comments
Michelle Obama is an idiot
09/23/08 @ 7:30am
Did she remember to say how much she hates America?
andy
09/23/08 @ 8:53am
The change in “direction” she is referring to has been made crystal clear by her husband and running mate Biden: they will literally “take money” from some citizens and “give” it to others. They are not hiding that fact at all, but are shouting it loud and clear in their speeches. If you want to go further in the direction of pure socialism, if you want a government that will, under penalty of jail, “take” the money you earn from your own hard work, sacrifices, and creativity and “give” it to others who have done nothing to earn it…then vote for Socialist Obama.
SoCal Spartan
09/23/08 @ 10:04am
Did she ever say she hates America? If so please provide a reference. Socialism is not evil, by the way. Additionally, would you rather have your tax money go to somebody who is having hard times OR a big company which screwed a LOT OF PEOPLE OVER, and make sure their people are paid. Thereby taking on more responsibilities for the government, wait…isn’t that socialistic/communistic?
My money is for my brothers and sisters called Americans, not the companies which seek to profit off us in the first place. Really, would you rather have the banks/firms get bailed out and face NO REPERCUSSIONS for their actions?
I’m happy that I stick to truths and knowledge attained by my life and it’s agenda!
JP
09/23/08 @ 10:50am
to the first post:
first off, the quote revolved around a comment saying she was proud of this country for the first time in her adult life.. which George W. Bush, Laura Bush, John McCain, and Cindy McCain all dismissed and said was blown out of proportion and the media needed to let it be because of the ridiculous media coverage on the clip. as always, people changed the words around to make it sound worse.. sound familiar? maybe instead of using slander and fear tactics, you could discuss the issues. don’t tell me why other people are wrong when your party has failed to explain actual plans for change.
Freaking out!
09/23/08 @ 12:20pm
I am deeply concerned that a deceitful prune and an ignorant dolt will hold the highest chairs of our political system. McCain has been called out more than a few times to have flip-flopped and has blatantly lied on so many issues ranging from the war in Iraq, to drilling, to his stance on health-care. And Palin, well. . . she’s just a special case ain’t she now? That ignorant dolt couldn’t tell you what she’s running for more than she could tell you what 2+2 equals.
Yay, American bipartisan politics. . . have we not learned our lessons yet?
Last time it was the president “I could have a beer with.” Now it’s the “shaker upper woman from Alaska” and a prune who tells you he likes pancakes for breakfast one day and sausages the next. WAKE UP! And stop these ignorant NEO-CONS
Dan
09/23/08 @ 12:26pm
To SoCal Spartan:
Socialism is absolutely EVIL! Would I rather have my tax dollars go to someone on “hard times” or a big evil corporation? Neither! I want my tax money to stay in my pocket where it belongs. And I’m not falling for the line about my tax money going to people who have fallen on “hard times.” The majority of those people have just made poor decisions with their lives and are using the government as a crutch. I don’t need to pay for their idiocy.
SoCal Spartan
09/23/08 @ 12:45pm
Dan,
I agree there is DRASTIC reform needed to the way we coddle idiots out there, undoubtedly. I think a socialist/capitalist economy is one that’s good. We all live in a nation that needs upkeep, such as roads and more things. This should just get delapidated? Additionally, providing assurance of our bucks coming back in elder years, that’s a nice savings program. If you make more, should your taxation be lower because you have more money? It’s like the people with bad credit get far higher rates on loans and credit cards. That’s bass ackwards because it’s preferential treatment. I think if you’ve got more, pay more in a holistic sense. I miss that % as it leaves my paycheck, especially when welfare exists, but I know that it goes at least partially to good causes/needs. America is America partially due to taxing of the citizens.
Welfare should be cut up and redesigned so that it is beneficial not just a way for people to scam money. My girl works for a welfare monitoring company and there are people on welfare driving nicer cars then her, how the F does that work! Welfare is a culture like prisons, once you’re in…you’re in! OMG WTF is all I can say!
Joe
09/23/08 @ 1:21pm
The thought of America becoming socialist is truly terrifying!
Imagine an America with guaranteed pensions for the elderly! With subsidized loans for college students! Where the government buys enormous shares of the private financial market in times of crisis!
Vote conservative so this nightmare MAY NEVER COME TO PASS !
SoCal Spartan
09/23/08 @ 1:25pm
Joe,
Everything but the last one sounds good to me! I hope you’re joking about that one! I don’t understand how some elders retire, but have to work at BS jobs to take care of rising costs. It is simply sad that the American dream is impossible to accomplish for a HUGE percentage of Americans.
Go Red!
Go White!
Go Blue
Go America!
Freaking out!
09/23/08 @ 3:40pm
Did she happen to say how much she hates America?
Did she happen to say how mean we are as a country?
Did she happen to say that the 1st time she was proud of her country was when her empty-suit rabble rousing, racist husband was stole the Dem nomination?
Did she happen to say that she really never paid attention to the black-separatist, racist Rev Wright while she attended his church for twenty years, or that she had him perform her marriage to Barak Hussein Obama, or how she had him baptize her children?
Did she evr mention how much she admired self-admitted and non-repentant terrosists William Ayers and Bernadine Dohrn?
Did she happen to mention that she PW’d her street agitator husband into voting for infacticide and supports with all her might the righteousness of partial-birth abortion?
Did she …? Michelle is evil.
Did she …? Michelle is Angela
Did she …? Why do only “folks” need to register? Does she think she’s till in ultra-liberal Illinois, where in Chicago, thugs politics rules and everyone votes at least twice (even if they’re dead)? Is she saying that only “folks” can vote? What about the other 87% of America? Why is it racist if 30% of DEMOCRAT whites will not vote for a black man, but its ok if 97% of blacks across the board will vote for Barak Hussein Obama?
Michelle is a phony and a force for evil in America.
Barak Hussein Obama is a phony and a force for evil in America.
Dan
09/23/08 @ 3:56pm
To SoCal Spartan:
No, I don’t think we should punish people who are successful and redistribute the wealth. Currently the upper 1% of wage earners are paying 70% of the taxes. That is just not fair at all. How about we all pay an equal percentage? Isn’t that fair? As it is now, the more successful you are the greater percentage of your income you pay. Lets say everyone pays 20% of their income. That means if you make $100,000 a year, you pay $20,000 in taxes, but if you only make $30,000 a year, you pay $6,000. The rich are still paying more, but the percentages are fair. As it is now, if you are rich, you have over HALF your income stolen by the government. Flat tax all the way. You shouldn’t punish success because one day, even you SoCal, could get out of McDonalds and make something of yourself.
Dan is wise
09/23/08 @ 4:11pm
Dan;
Well said … EXCEPT your last line. You’ve read this ultra-left wing, tree-hugging, environmental-whacko drool on about his love of socialism for a long time now. What makes you think he can improve himself? He is convinced of the constant pap he posts here & nothing can change the outlook of a liberal. They don’t even believe the ARE liberal, they’ll claim to be “independents” every time. Read Travel & Leisure’s rating this month that puts Southern California DEAD LAST in rank for both friendly people and intelligent people and you may begin to appreciate where this guy gets his tripe.
grant
09/23/08 @ 4:16pm
JP:
does that stand for just pathetic? Do you call SoCal before you write a post? What a complete idiot!
Be very afraid!
09/23/08 @ 4:18pm
Patty Hearst
Angela Davis
Squeky Fromm
Bernadine Dohrn
Michelle Obama
die Valkyrie
Be very afraid!
09/23/08 @ 4:18pm
Patty Hearst
Angela Davis
Squeaky Fromm
Bernadine Dohrn
Michelle Obama
die Valkyrie
SoCal Spartan
09/23/08 @ 5:02pm
Hey now,
The birth of the conservative movement and mega-churches began in SoCal. Orange County (OC) to be exact, and that’s where I live. Right by where Nixon was born. Out here to work at McDonalds you have to be latino, no crackers like me allowed.
Graduated taxation makes sense to me, the flat rate would devastate people. Getting $24,000 as opposed to $27,000 is significant when you’re pulling in $30,000. Making $80,000 vs $100,000 is not as big a hit. I grew up in money and have money, and I don’t mind. I find shelters and such and lower my wages so that I get taxed less, and prepare for the future. The rich whine and whine and whine about it, plus the ultra rich fully get out of taxation by schemes and tax breaks. If you’ve got it, share it…no need to flaunt it!
Go to Finland, or Sweden and talk to them about taxes. It bugs them, sure…nothing is ever perfect. But they appreciate it, maybe that’s due to them not be full-time whiners, who are self-centered, masters at justification and kings of rationalization. I am SO happy to be from America, but quite disgraced but what we have become. I am NOT a *LIBERAL I’m staunchly CONSERVATIVE on MANY things. But this mind control mumbo jumbo that has you guys being immature pathetic people, that Jesus would lay the smack down on…that bugs me.
Culture has changed, Liberal=Moderate and Neo-Conservative=Mildly Conservative.
Remember that when Obama starts working it good, that you were opposed. I didn’t like Clinton, but he swayed the way I think. Then he and Hill backtracked that feeling, but they’re okay.
Once you hit it big, and you have no philanthropy about you…you don’t even have a grasp on true happiness and service. Also, to those of you that are racist, remember that you will repent for your sins. Did Jesus say that it’s only okay to be caucasian? I don’t know much, but I know he did not say that!
Sigh
09/23/08 @ 5:49pm
Why does it seem like “conservatives” can’t seem to talk about Obama without constantly mentioning his middle name to try to spark negative thoughts, calling him a Muslim (which isn’t true, but if it was, so what?), or otherwise resorting to unintelligent, ignorant ad hominem attacks?
The Champ
09/23/08 @ 6:52pm
Sigh: we have a saying in this country, if it looks like a duck, if it walks like a duck, if it sounds like a duck, then it’s probably a duck.
Sigh
09/23/08 @ 7:06pm
Referring to…?
SoCal Spartan
09/23/08 @ 10:30pm
Sigh: I think the champ is talking about ignorant idiots, that’s what the Champ is sound like to me.
Mike
09/24/08 @ 6:49am
SoCal:“I grew up in money and have money, and I don’t mind.” You fit the mold of a limousine liberal so nicely. I have a lot of money so I should force others to give it to the poor, right? Charity should be a choice, not forced by the government.
grant
09/24/08 @ 8:45am
Mike:
You can dress ‘em up, but you can’t take ‘em out!
Didn’t I tell you So(viet)Cal Spartan would deny it?! the flaming liberals as so used to lying that it comes natural -they can’t even admit that Hussein IS Barak Hussein Obama’s middle name. They still maintain, though Obama admitted to and referenced his “Muslim Faith” in a TV interview with George Stephanopoulos in St. Louis as recently as two weeks ago. I know dems … it never happened. Bush was never elected president either …
SoCal Spartan
09/24/08 @ 11:21am
Mike: The point is my colleagues here say that Republicans are rich. This is coming from dedicated Republicans. How about all the money going into faulty national defense contracts to the VPs old company, etc. Barack’s middle name is Hussein, but what’s McCain’s, George’s, Sarah’s? Who CARES about the damn middle name.
Additionally, since when is it bad to have faith in Allah? At some point he did, fell away, and found Jesus and God. What the hell is the difference. For those that question the faith of others, I feel bad for you. Infallibility in people is IMPOSSIBLE!
I’m not liberal, I’m moderate, and I’m simply open minded. Not a fearful little biatch who doesn’t understand the world! Stay in your head, it’ll take you far!
SoCal Spartan
09/24/08 @ 11:34am
Plus, I think we should legalize 100% of drugs and tax them well. The deficit would disappear quickly! Also, I’m 100% sober so it’s not for my interest, just knowledgeable taxing methods.
grant
09/24/08 @ 2:22pm
Mike:
He’s like the Energizer Bunny, he just keeps going and going and going … Here is So(cialist)Cal’s quote of the year! “I’m not liberal, I’m moderate” followed up by “I think we should legalize 100% of drugs”. So(viet)CAL, I care about the middle name you dolt! Barak Hussein Obama is not a terrorist, and you are not a liberal. RRRRIGHTTT!!!!
santa claus
09/24/08 @ 2:34pm
So(stupid)Cal-
It was said yesterday. If it looks like a duck, and walks like a duck & quacks like a duck … chances are its a duck! Liberal fags always have to bring up their sexual orientation. “Fearful little biatch”? As opposed to a beaner’s b*tch? You didn’t read grant’s post. The story of Barak Hussein Obama isn’t …“he did, fell away, and found Jesus”… He admitted his muslim faith in a national television interview with George Stephanopoulos in St. Louis two weeks ago. Watch the video! That in itself is very, very scary. But to have your minions continually lie about it and deny it on your behalf is scary to a whole new magnitude. Your posts prove to me, in spades, every day that you are not a liberal. And I’m Santa Claus!
Rev Wright
09/24/08 @ 2:36pm
He DID fine Jesus! I hepped him! God D**m America!
Oh yeah!
09/24/08 @ 3:13pm
Karl Marx, 1848; “I’m not liberal, I’m moderate”
Friedrich Nietzsche, 1888; “I’m not liberal, I’m moderate”
Vladimir Ulyanov (Lenin,) 1895; “I’m not liberal, I’m moderate”
Iosif Dzhugashvili (Stalin), 1924; “I’m not liberal, I’m moderate”
Kim Il Sung, 1946; “I’m not liberal, I’m moderate”
Kim Jong Il, 1994; “I’m not liberal, I’m moderate”
Hugo Rafael Chavez Frisas (Chavez), 2006; “I’m not liberal, I’m moderate”
SoCal Spartan, 2008; “I’m not liberal, I’m moderate”
with their unqualified capacity for falsehood, and their fighting comrades, the Marxists, to impute responsibility for the downfall
Sigh
09/25/08 @ 11:59am
Santa Claus is racist…who knew?
SoCal Spartan
09/25/08 @ 7:51pm
Supreme idiocy it is, kind of like sitting out a debate for a reason such as the person has to FAT an ego. Oh the joys, oh the joys!
santa claus
09/26/08 @ 4:22pm
Sigh:
Ho, Ho, ho! … oh yeah, we can’t say that anymore
LIsa
09/27/08 @ 11:00pm
Just so you know….All diplomacy aside…..Everyone is tired of ‘crackers’….I am black and….I HATE AMERICA (with good reason;are you crazy?!?)…but, I could love it and be proud of it when you do the RIGHT thing..Remember, you have to answer to GOD (by the way, neither he or I have a respect for persons)..You’re not so special as you think that you are…..
Tigger
09/29/08 @ 9:29am
Let’s not get ahead of ourselves. Whether or not you like either candidate, there are checks and balances. The president can’t just make the kind of policy you’re talking about without having it approved by congress. Yes, the new president will have lots to deal with, but he has to work with congress to get things done.
santa claus
09/29/08 @ 10:07am
Lisa:
Then get out. Isn’t it clear that we don’t need your here anymore?!