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Obama-Corzine Open Thread

by: Rosi Efthim

Thu Jul 16, 2009 at 03:33:49 PM EDT



Well, we're here. Helicopters above and massive traffic and lines below. We must be at the PNC Arts Center, for the first visit by a new President, Barack Obama, to stand beside Governor Jon Corzine.

Jason and I - and a horde of other press folks all carrying equipment - have been here for hours. And we're a little late getting to our seats behind the television camera risers, because we had Jason go down from the heat after almost two hours standing in the press line, which was in full sun, close quarters, and no movement. EMS and the state police came running, with blood pressure cuffs, ice for the back of his neck and water for me to pour over his head. I'll try to post pix later of the occasion. And I thought I was the gimpy one. He's fine now, and we're in the press section, behind rafters full of television cameras, setting up and listening to a wild crowd.

Michael Jackson on the sound system. Blue-and-white Obama-Corzine signs everywhere. An astonishing number of women teetering in very high strappy shoes. Good cheer. And a vast American flag hanging from the rafters.

Dana Redd, thanking everybody. Star-Spangled banner. The rest of it, in live-blog, below.  
Rosi Efthim :: Obama-Corzine Open Thread
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Obama-Corzine Open Thread | 50 comments
Amazing Grace (0.00 / 0)
Press still wandering around making sure they're properly connected - plugging in. The audience is still streaming in, seats and lawn.  

It's not a particularly snappy signature, but here's what I think we need in the next NJ Democratic State Chair.  
Have no fear (4.00 / 1)
Rosi made sure to get pictures of the EMS and police making sure I was all good and will be posting them.
And I thought (0.00 / 0)
The obama fainters were plants

Glad you're ok

Frank LoBiondo Record and Jon Runyan Watch

[ Parent ]
heh heh heh n/t (0.00 / 0)


It's not a particularly snappy signature, but here's what I think we need in the next NJ Democratic State Chair.  
[ Parent ]
wuss.....nt (4.00 / 1)
[ Parent ]
not disagreeing at all (4.00 / 2)
and i bet thats easy to type from your air conditioned keyboard
[ Parent ]
air conditioned office (0.00 / 0)
if I had an air conditioned keyboard, that would be totally awesome

:-)


Scott Garrett - on the wrong side of, well, everything.

[ Parent ]
Who's here and twittering? (0.00 / 0)
Want to use this hashtag?

#ObamaNJ

It's not a particularly snappy signature, but here's what I think we need in the next NJ Democratic State Chair.  

The stage is filling (0.00 / 0)
with people who will be behind the President and Governor speaking.  Crowd is pretty excited.  Lots of Obama/Corzine signs.  We'll get pics up as quickly as possible.  
Corzine is on stage (0.00 / 0)
Obama's traveling press is in their seats.  The governor is thanking all the electeds who are here today.
any hot LG rumors? n/t (0.00 / 0)

Yeah, it's me (4.00 / 4)
Don't tell anyone.  

It's not a particularly snappy signature, but here's what I think we need in the next NJ Democratic State Chair.  
[ Parent ]
havent' heard much (4.00 / 1)
talk about the LG today.  
[ Parent ]
Too many people here to thank individually (0.00 / 0)
17,500 in the crowd, yes I'd say so.

Corzine now talking about meeting Obama when he was a young, impressive upstart. Having a meal with him in his beloved Chicago when he was a "state senator with a funny name."

And he was - Corzine got quickly - like no one he had ever met. A once in a generation leader.  

It's not a particularly snappy signature, but here's what I think we need in the next NJ Democratic State Chair.  

Twitter shout-out! (4.00 / 2)
Shout out to

@jerrylore
@JeffPGardner
@Jason_Springer
@leafygreeninfo
@PeterCammarano

all using our hashtag #ObamaNJ

Shout out to New Jersey's Tweeter-in-Chief Mayor Cory Booker. I know you're here, and we just messaged you. How's the view from where you are?  

It's not a particularly snappy signature, but here's what I think we need in the next NJ Democratic State Chair.  

Corzine introduces Obama (0.00 / 0)
the place is going absolutely crazy.  its deafening in here
Corzine introduces Obama (0.00 / 0)
the place is going absolutely crazy.  its deafening in here
Red meat speech, and now Obama (4.00 / 4)
Crowd on its feed. Deafening roar. New Jersey waited a very long time to be represented by a bright, and capable Democrat in the White House.  

It's not a particularly snappy signature, but here's what I think we need in the next NJ Democratic State Chair.  
Ovation for Cory Booker (4.00 / 1)
Massive, when the president mentions his name.

Obama  - Begins his speech talking about the cop shot in the line of duty this morning in Jersey City. A reminder to all of us of what they risk for all of us every day.

Obama:m It's a little warm in here (understatement). I'm going to take off my jacket ...

It's not a particularly snappy signature, but here's what I think we need in the next NJ Democratic State Chair.  

Obama says it's (4.00 / 1)
hot in here.  Takes off his jacket.  Now he's going over the work that Corzine has done.  Says Corzine stood up and protected funding for nj schools, reformed them and now students rank in the top of the country.

Now talking about expansion of SCHIP.  80K more kids have health insurance than before.

Jon Corzine on Clean Energy, was an ally w Obama Admin to help develop a national recovery plan.

Obama on Corzine (4.00 / 2)
First governor in 60 years to reduce the size of government.

Stood up and protected education, stood for higher standards. And now NJ students at the top of the country.

80,000 kids have health insurance than had before.

First gov to pass a state economic stimulus plan.  

It's not a particularly snappy signature, but here's what I think we need in the next NJ Democratic State Chair.  

Talking about people's concerns (0.00 / 0)
says he knows people are worried about losing homes and putting food on table.  Says he'll be honest, some of the jobs that are gone won't come back.

He says we didnt have an economy that was built to compete in the 21st century.

Talks about lagging graduation rates and how we're now in the middle of the pack, at a time when colllege has never been more important to economic success.

Mentions the deficit and financial regulation problems.

Twitter shout-out #2 (0.00 / 0)
@joeynovick

#ObamaNJ

It's not a particularly snappy signature, but here's what I think we need in the next NJ Democratic State Chair.  

No shout out for.... (4.00 / 2)
@40thDistrict !?!?!?!?!
[ Parent ]
Nice, Matt (0.00 / 0)
Ever loyal.  

It's not a particularly snappy signature, but here's what I think we need in the next NJ Democratic State Chair.  
[ Parent ]
nj.com has posted video (4.00 / 1)
Thanks, Dennis (0.00 / 0)
Great tip. How's it look to you? Because from here, it's rocking.

People in the back, trying to get off the ground a chorus of YES WE CAN to answer Obama's viewpoint on our economic challenges and the need to get all our people insured.  

It's not a particularly snappy signature, but here's what I think we need in the next NJ Democratic State Chair.  

[ Parent ]
NAACP (0.00 / 0)
From here, Barack Obama goes to the reception in NYC celebrating the 100th Anniversary of NAACP. The oldest civil rights organization in the country.  

It's not a particularly snappy signature, but here's what I think we need in the next NJ Democratic State Chair.  
We did not come this far as a country (4.00 / 1)
to look backward. We are a forward-looking country. With hope.

There's that word again.

I am absolutely confident that we will weather this particular storm. Huge applause.

The real question, what will we build in its place.  

It's not a particularly snappy signature, but here's what I think we need in the next NJ Democratic State Chair.  

Obama says (0.00 / 0)
we are moving in a new direction. Says we did not come this far because we looked backwards or stood still in the face of great challenges.

We didn't arrive by lowering our sites and diminishing our dreams.

With determination, not doubt, but hope, we've always been willing to take great chances and reach for new horizons.

Obama says he's absolutely confident we will weather the economic storm to a round of applause.  But once we clear away the wreckage, what will we build in its place.  We have to reubild the economy so that it was better than it was before and lay a new foundation to allow us to thrive and compete in the global economy so that every young person a chance to succeed.

Talking healthcare (4.00 / 2)
says it's an issue Corzine has fought for.  The reason we have to fight is not just the fact that we spend 50% more than any other country and don't have better outcomes.  Healthcare effects the financial well being of everyone, even those who have health insurance.

It effects the security of every family and the stability of the entire economy.

If you've ever faced premiums or copays rising faster than your salaries.

Now telling stories about who we have to reform healthcare for.  Mentions woman in Colorado with breast cancer who was denied coverage for treatment and had to pay with retirement fund.

It's about the the small business owner in Jackson NJ.  He employees 8 people, but his insurance policies go up 20% every year.  It's his highets business expense besides employees.  Already let 2 go, may be forced to get rid of health insurance altogether.  That's who healthcare reform is about.

We have talked about fixing healthcare for decades and have reached a point where inaction is no longer an option.  Says he will not defend the status quo.

Here is what I think Barack Obama should do (0.00 / 0)
right this moment, as he's telling stories about people who are struggling to manage with no health care:

Ask everybody in this audience who is living without health care to stand up.

I would be standing.  

It's not a particularly snappy signature, but here's what I think we need in the next NJ Democratic State Chair.  

Says healthcare (0.00 / 0)
and the price of doing nothing is a price that every family and every business will have to pay.  That's unacceptable, unsustainable and we're going to change that in 2009.
Says it won't be easy (0.00 / 0)
to get healthcare reform.  Prepares people for scare tactics and nonsense.  Says let me be clear, I know some people are satisfied.

If you have insurance and like your Dr or plan, you can keep that plan.  No one is talking about taking that away from you.

But, it will mean lower cost and more choices and coverage you can count on.  Reform will save you and your family money.

If you lose your job, change your job or start a business, you'll have healthcare.

If you don't have insurance, you can get it.  They can't deny you for preexisting conditions.  You won't have to worry about heathcare leading your family in financial ruin.  Americans who don't have insurance will have quality, affordable options.

Talks about healthcare marketplace and exchange to pick the plan that best suits your needs.  Insurance companies will have to compete for your business and one choice would be a public health insurance option.  An affordable plan to keep the insurance companies honest.

Says reform will be paid for and a big part of how to do it is to cut out waste and unnecessary subsidies driving up costs for everyone.

[ Parent ]
When Obama talks about how (0.00 / 0)
it's unacceptable that we don't have all our people covered with health care, I want to know if Rahm Emanuel hears him several hundred miles down Interstate 95.  

It's not a particularly snappy signature, but here's what I think we need in the next NJ Democratic State Chair.  
Lower costs, more choices (0.00 / 0)
If we have health care reform as he proposes it. And if you like your insurance, you can keep it.

And if you have a pre-existing condition - - huge applause on that line - you won't be turned away.

That is what reform means. We will create a marketplace where you can compare side by side and make your choice. And one of those choices would be a public health care option.

Fair warning, Mr. President: I'm going to hold you to that.  

It's not a particularly snappy signature, but here's what I think we need in the next NJ Democratic State Chair.  

Says to ask critics of healthcare (0.00 / 0)
what's your plan?  What do you plan to do for families that have bills driving them into bankruptcy?


To critics of his health care reform plan (0.00 / 0)
He says: What's your plan?  

It's not a particularly snappy signature, but here's what I think we need in the next NJ Democratic State Chair.  
Pictures (4.00 / 1)
We've got some, and we'll upload later, when we get home.

It's not a particularly snappy signature, but here's what I think we need in the next NJ Democratic State Chair.  
There is nothing (0.00 / 0)
that is going to stop off.  Obama rattles off a litany of issues he says we will get done.  Closes with thank you and god bless you.    
oops. (0.00 / 0)
he said there is nothing that is going to stop us, not off.  typing fast while out here.
[ Parent ]
Fireworks, it's like a fireworks finale (0.00 / 0)
We're going to get health care ...
We're going to get economic reform ...

And it's going to start in NJ

President's ending is hotter even than his opening. And he just walked into the crowd, right in front of us

It's not a particularly snappy signature, but here's what I think we need in the next NJ Democratic State Chair.  

Obama walking into the crowd (0.00 / 0)
Then back on stage, to a huge ovation when he was back where everybody could see him.

And now, it's over. Sousa on the speaker system, everybody still rushing the side aisles trying to get a glimpse. Flag waving from rafters. Press packing up.

And he's back, waving goodbye to New Jersey, and walking off the stage.

It's not a particularly snappy signature, but here's what I think we need in the next NJ Democratic State Chair.  

Corzine Rally or Health Care Speech? (4.00 / 2)
Corzine seemed to be relegated to being a cheerleader. The majority of the speech was about the President getting health care reform passed.

Corzine seemed an afterthought.

I don't see how this rally will help the Governor.

ThePresident gave  a great speech but I think he came up small for Corzine.

That sentiment (4.00 / 1)
was not lost on some of the reporters in the press section we were sitting.
[ Parent ]
Yeah, that was definitely the buzz near us (0.00 / 0)
But I'm not sure that buzz extended into that crowd at PNC.  

It's not a particularly snappy signature, but here's what I think we need in the next NJ Democratic State Chair.  
[ Parent ]
Not Quite So... (0.00 / 0)
Obama made a strong case for re-electing Corzine at the beginning of his speech and in some detail.

Lots of nice spots can be made from the facts as told by the president.

Obama gave Jon Corzine a resounding endorsement.    We happen to be in a national struggle to reform health care so that then became a focal point at the end and that's great because the way Obam wound up.....with  a CHALLENGE to the opponennts to propose something better than the biullshit status quo.

WTF is Chris Christie's proposal on health care???

I can find fault with Obama and with Corzine in other areas, but today Barack Obama stood tall and with great and substantial enthusiasm for Jon Corzine!

My sense is that Obama will have to come back in October and give a more dedicatedly (is that a word ;-) campaign oriented speech...maybe Giants stadium?

The only shortcoming today for me was that there was no LG....then again, it could have been worse.  He could have chosen Pinkett.

I'm still rooting for Weinberg (who I saw there!!!) first and Buono second.

[ Parent ]
I'm not saying (0.00 / 0)
he didn't make a case for corzine or that there won't be info that can be cut up into good clips.  Just pointing out that firstamend wasn't the only person who had that observation.  
[ Parent ]
For good reason (0.00 / 0)
Easier to talk about national politics, where public opinion is skewed towards the Dems, than about NJ politics, where public opinions is skewed against them (or at least against Gov. Corzine).  
[ Parent ]
A 110 in the sun and Loving it!!! (0.00 / 0)
 All I can say is Wow and it seems like Obama is committed to passing Health Care Reform.

BTW I came away more committed to getting Corzine reelected and so did my wife.

Obama-Corzine Open Thread | 50 comments
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