TPM - Hey, Back Off Our Turf!

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"White House blog liveblogging Obama event in Florida"

http://www.talkingpointsmemo.com/archives/2009/02/hey_back_off_our_turf.php

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1. From the White House Blog...

snip...

"Tuesday, February 10th, 2009 at 1:12 pm
Liveblog: Ft. Myers, FL townhall

1:12 p.m.: Wrapping up. President is shaking some hands and greeting the crowd.

1:10 p.m.: Question from an enthusiastic young man named Julio who says he has worked for McDonald's for four years but hasn't seen his benefits improve. Answer: Tax cuts will help you keep more money, and the ARRA will make health care coverage and college tuition more affordable. "For young people like Julio who have so much enthusiasm and energy, we have to make sure we are giving them opportunities."

1:07 p.m.: Question: How can you help with infrastructure and transportation? Answer: We've got a lot of work to do. Nods to American Society of Civil Engineer's recently released 2009 Report Card for American Infrastructure, which gives the country's roads, bridges, and ports a national grade of D. Makes a case for high-speed rail and mass tranit -- says the days of sprawl are over. "Everyone recognizes that's not a good way to design communities."

1:00 p.m.: Question: You said we have to be patient. What's the plan? Answer: "We didn't get in to this fix overnight and we're not going to get out of it overnight." Says the staff is working as hard as possible, is open to ideas, and has its focus on working people. "I ask myself every day, did I work as hard as I could?" Moment of candor: "I expect to be judged by results."

12:58 p.m.: A woman in the crowd asks for assistance, President embraces her.

12:57 p.m.: Question from a local contractor -- what's the plan for school construction? Answer: Get the money to school districts ASAP. "Hopefully you'll be able to get some work and keep your folks on payroll, and that'll make the difference for the economy."

12:55 p.m.: President pauses the Q&A to announce some breaking news: the Senate has passed the ARRA. And there was much rejoicing...."