Obama is coming to Greensboro ... we think : News-Record.com : Greensboro & the Triad's most trusted source for local news and analysis

GREENSBORO — What we know: President Barack Obama is coming to North Carolina and Virginia next week as part of a three-day bus tour that will tout his efforts to jump-start the economy.

What we’re pretty sure about: Greensboro will play some part in that trip. But no, we’re not sure what might be on the agenda here.

Let us explain.

A certain pattern of chatter starts up when a presidential visit to the area is imminent, and it immediately drives us newspaper-types nuts. Such chatter has commenced, so we’re scrounging for rumors.

As is often the case, our first hint came from someone in the “law enforcement community,” who has been told the Secret Service needs extra boots on the ground.

Then we’ll go and look at reporting from elsewhere to see if it gives us any hints. Sure enough, The Associated Press reports that at some point next week Obama will be in Danville, just across the state line.

The Washington Post reports Obama will start his jobs tour in Asheville, and various Democratic functionaries have suggested places that might be stops along the way.

If one’s making one’s way from Asheville to Danville, Greensboro might not be a bad stop — perhaps an overnight at one of our fine hotels?

Next, we phoned a few usually talkative sources in town who have clammed up because they’ve gotten the hint that very unpleasant things could happen if they blab anything that compromises presidential protection.

Obama will be in the state trying to prod Congress into giving him a jobs bill.

And North Carolina is an important battleground state for the 2012 election, so he’ll be hoping to stir some excitement among his base here as well.

Last month, he gave a speech in Raleigh that seemed to serve both purposes.

But will he just stop in to use the airport? Give a speech? Stay overnight? Bypass us entirely for North Wilkesboro?

We don’t know for sure yet. We’ll let you know when we do.

Contact Mark Binker at (919) 832-5549 or mark.binker@news-record.com

JRL2

October 12, 2011 - 7:52 am EDT

Please don't come here Obama, we can't stand more of your lie's. Just go else where, please!

citywatcher

October 12, 2011 - 8:13 am EDT

I'm pretty sure HondaJet will come up in his speech

Traveler

October 12, 2011 - 8:25 am EDT

Mr Obama is a very gifted speaker.

Unfortunately, he often gets his facts wrong. Even the liberal leaning media is beginning to do fact checking and noting his mistakes.

Bottom line, the man has no experience running anything. He has surrounded himself with people who have no experience running anything. He needs to go.

I wish there was a Democrat challenge. Hillary or Senator Warner of Virginia would be much better candidates. Warner has governed a state and been a successful businessman.

A Warner vs Romney campaign would give the American people a choice between two experienced, proven leaders

Panacea

October 12, 2011 - 9:17 am EDT

Really? Just what "facts" has he gotten wrong, and what "liberal" newspaper reported on this?

Source, please.

Democrats never make a sitting President run in a primary.

October 12, 2011 - 10:00 am EDT

I guess it slipped your mind, I am sure it did, seeing how you are as intelligent as you are, that Obama just fabricated a whole story about meeting a Boston teacher, and it turn out that the President NEVER meet this guy and the guy wasn't unemployed either as the truthful President said he was. This is done on a regular bases with President Obama. He's a liar, period! End of story.

areyouserious

October 12, 2011 - 11:45 am EDT

Yeah! ANNNDDD! The HPV vaccine caused that lady's daughter to become cripple... What a shame... Oops that was Bachmann. It happens on both sides. People tell stories to relate to the audience. Get off your high horse...

October 12, 2011 - 4:57 pm EDT

The thing is, no one to date has showed that what Bachmann said isn't true. They didn't agree with what she said but no one to my knowledge has shown, where what she said wasn't true. And really that doesn't matter because she isn't the President of the United States. What matters is Obama is the President and has repeatedly been caught lying to the people trying to get them put pressure on their Senators and Congressman to pass his Country destroying plans. He can't be believed, one never knows when he's telling the truth or lying.

October 12, 2011 - 5:06 pm EDT

But really??? What politician do you believe? Bush? "We can't find the WMDs because there mo-bile..." Again... No one is good in this whole game. And before you say, Bush went on the inteligence he received, i'm sure President Obama does the same. Pick the lesser of the evils, no one and i mean NO ONE is telling you the truth, they are all telling you what you want to hear. Its politics.

October 12, 2011 - 11:39 am EDT

Politico and MSNBC, both left leaning news media.... most media are not newspapers.

Jimmy Carter was challenged in 1980 by Ted Kennedy. Lyndon Johnson was being challenged by three Democrats in 1964 before he withdrew. That makes 2 of last 3 Democrate presidents being challenged.

October 12, 2011 - 2:11 pm EDT

Correction. In 1980 Carter was challenged for re-election in Democrat primary by both Ted Kennedy and Jerry Brown.

And it was 1968 that Johnson had announced primary opponents before he withdrew and did not seek re-election.

FactCheck.org is a good site to check on "facts" submitted by both Democrats and Republicans. Yes, both Democrats and Republicans make incorrect statements. Bachmann is one of the worst...

What I'm saying is that Obama has a history of misstatements. During the 2008 election, those misstatements were largely ignored by the media. Recently, thank goodness, even the media like MSNBC, CNN, Politico, Associated Press, etc are calling him out.

Another example of his misstatements is when Obama recently claimed that "most millionaires and billionaires pay a lower tax rate than (ordinary citizens)". CNN, MSNBC, Politico, among others quoted IRS statistics that most millionaires and billionaires pay a 35% tax rate because they income is reported from earnings. Warren Buffett paid a lower tax rate because he planned to have most of his income from capital gains and dividends which have a lower tax rate, around 15%.

The president of the United States needs to have his facts straight before he uses his God given gift as a great speaker, to incite people who believe his every word. He needs a Democrat primary opponent. Hillary or Warner, or a long list of experienced, qualified Democrats whould make a better candidate.

dont tread on me

October 12, 2011 - 2:00 pm EDT

We only have to look back a few days to see an example of lies and misinformation by the media: Obama jobs bill. Obama and the media have been spouting off about repubs killing the bill in the senate. How is that possible? The dems control the senate and they don't have enough votes to pass it. True, the repubs would kill it if they could, but that's not the case.

They are all pointing fingers at the opposition, but the truth is, they can't even agree on it within their own ranks.

See, you needn't even look back over a week to find the first example. I guess you missed that one.

Sources, you ask?
“The focus right now from him [Obama] is ‘pass my whole bill, pass my whole bill,’ [and] some of the struggle with that is no Democrat in the House has even taken his bill and filed it yet. So we can’t even pass the bill because no one wants to put their name on it and say, ‘this is my bill’ and file it in the House,” said Lankford in a September 23 interview at the U.S. Capitol.

http://dailycaller.com/2011/09/26/congressman-house-democrats-wont-touch...

Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin (D-Ill.) said, at the moment, Democrats in Congress don’t have the votes to pass President Obama’s jobs bill, but Durbin added that that situation would change.

Durbin added that the president’s bill would need bipartisan support because there are senators both on the left and the right opposed to aspects of it.

http://thehill.com/blogs/blog-briefing-room/news/184713-durbin-says-demo...

Then, look no further than this lovely "news outlet" for headlines that put the spin on it.

Senate Republicans likely to kill Obama jobs bill- http://www.news-record.com/content/2011/10/11/article/senate_republicans...

General Greensboro

October 12, 2011 - 2:27 pm EDT

How is it possible? The Democrats do indeed have a majority but they don't have 60 votes to hold off a GOP filibuster.

For the record, last night's vote was 50-49 in favor. (It was 51-49 until Harry Reid changed his vote to "no" so he and the Dems can bring it up against at some later date.)

Once upon a time a simple majority could pass things in the Senate. No longer, apparently.

Alf42

October 13, 2011 - 8:04 pm EDT

Yeah that democracy thing sucks huh? How unfair it is that the liberals can't ram through bills anytime they want.

The_Doctor

October 12, 2011 - 8:38 am EDT

So the Snake Oil Salesman is coming to Greensboro. Big deal. He's just another lying politician, nothing more. The only question is whom will he blame this time for his troubles? The Republicans, the Tea Party, a conservative conspiracy, the EU, earthquakes, Japan, Wall Street, the American public, or all of the above? Sorry Obama, but I wouldn't vote for you again under any circumstances. I'd rather stay home in 2012.

ustaxpayer

October 12, 2011 - 8:47 am EDT

Yes Obama.....Please just find a rock - AND GO AWAY!!

Bosco

October 12, 2011 - 9:13 am EDT

Hello. Trip to stimulate the economy. What turnip truck did you fall off of? It's a campaign junket paid for by me. Remember that when you newspaper lemmings are skampering to get a good look.

rooster8786

October 12, 2011 - 9:26 am EDT

And yet again we get a non-story pretending to be a story. Wasn't it the "mainstream" media that refused to report on John Edwards and left it to the rumor mongering tabloids? Looks like the N&R has confirmed it has become a rumor mongering tabloid reporting "news" based on rumors...

fisher

October 12, 2011 - 9:32 am EDT

Hide your wallets.

rondab

October 12, 2011 - 11:32 am EDT

Do Greensboro a favor...keep your bought off, New World Order, Illuminati, Carbon Tax, GMO loving, Federal Reserve bought off puppet ass away from Greensboro!!!!!

October 12, 2011 - 11:36 am EDT

OBAMA! OBAMA! OBAMA!...Yes We Can! Yes We Can! Si Se Puede!

October 12, 2011 - 11:56 am EDT

That's the spirit!!! yes WE can, meaning all of us... The rich, the poor, the middle class... Unfortunately most of you felt it was yes HE can... He couldn't get much done without the "we"... Talk to your elected officials who turn down a jobs bill largely b/c they don't won't their millionaires to pay more. I must be on a forum full of well-to-do folks, b/c you really support your millionaires... "Oh come on millionaires, keep your money so you can give me a job! Oh wait... you still aren't hiring???"

October 12, 2011 - 12:27 pm EDT

According to CNBC, there are 3,200,000 jobs in the US that large employers cannot find qualified people to fill.

Truck drivers are in demand and can get a job quickly. It takes a short period of time and training to qualify to be a truck driver. I know because my first job out of college was as a truck driver. Economy was bad then, but truck drivers were in demand. Still are.

Most of the people I know who don't have a job either will not take jobs that are available or their work habits (showing up on time, able to read, able to follow instructions, etc) are lacking.

Please share an example of someone who cannot find a job. What is their work history? What is their eductational background? Have they been offerred jobs that they turned down? Do they have a salary demand? Jobs are out there.

mnstr

October 12, 2011 - 1:03 pm EDT

Amen, Traveler! As a former employee of a placement agency (admin), both temp and perm, you would not believe how many people I saw turn down a job for one reason or the other. There are jobs out there.

October 12, 2011 - 3:48 pm EDT

Alright... Loving this... 14 million unemployed vs. 3.2 million jobs .... Maybe if they take turns on those jobs we can get the unemployment rate down? You see the point of my post is you republicans talk about how Obama isn't doing anything for unemployment. Thats your gripe. Well the Bush error (thats right error...) tax cuts, as you know, were kept in place so that big business felt comfortable creating jobs. And they havent... Instead they held on to those saving they gained from not creating jobs. Soooo if there are jobs out there as you say, should we give Obama credit for having 3.2 MILLIONS jobs available???!!! Nah we shouldnt give him credit at all right?

"Whoa! Thank you Mr. President for creating 3.2 MILLION jobs, available to the citizens of this country! All we need now is some training! Oh wait a minute again... you're saying the republicans don't believe the governement should provide training to get the available jobs??? But I could go back to school to get the get training! I have alot of time on my hands, unfortunately i can afford it by myself, you know being unemployed and all. Wait just a second... you're saying, they are trying to do away with financial aid? We're screwed..."

LOL so which one is it??? Either there are jobs, thank you Mr. President! or Hey Mr. President, where are the jobs? You can't serve two masters... Its not about Obama the man, its about "We the People!" Whats the difference between Occupy Wallstreet and what the Tea Party set out to do? I'll tell ya, BS, Liberals vs. Conservatives. Just sad that conservatives don't see it that way... You got lost in your own conservatism...

October 12, 2011 - 4:23 pm EDT

I am an Independent, not Republican, not Democrat.

The 3,200,000 figure is what LARGE businesses have open where they cannot find qualified people. Small businesses have many many more.

Recently Obama has joined Republicans and business Democrats to open foreign markets, reduce some expensive regulations, among other pro business actions. These actions have helped.

If you know of anyone who cannot find a job, please tell me more: what is their education? have they turned down any job offers? do they have a salary requirement? what do they bring to the table for a prospective employer?

I do not know anyone who is unemployed who hasn't turned down a job or they do not have basic job skills (like reading, following instructions, show up for work on time, be dependable, etc).

BTW, what do you do for a living? You come accross as a student. You can't be very old to not remember that Jimmy Carter was challenged by Ted Kennedy in 1980.

October 12, 2011 - 4:41 pm EDT

So im confused still... Do we thank Obama for what he's doing? Or do we blame him for what he's not doing...
How about the fact that employers aren't calling for the jobs they claim are available. So basically i could approach this one of two ways. I could make up this hypothetical person give you all their credentials, make them really attractive to you. But I see what you're doing... Your belief is if there is a job then you take it. That works in theory, what you fail to to realize there are so many factors when you get a job.

Will the job sustain you when the mortgage is due? Will it provide for your family? Is it in you realm of expertise? Other wise you will have to go back to school... Guess how you're gonna pay for it? Thats right you said it! Financial Aid! well everyone can't be a truck driver like you sir/ma'am. you know why? b/c some people can't drive! lol

Some things aren't black and white. I work for a major corporation and i do ok for myself, I know we arent hiring. I worked hard to get where I am, including working for a contract agency and taking a paycut in the process. Guess what sustained me while i was out of work for 2 months? Yup unemployment benefits. Without that help for those 2 months i wouldnt be in the positions i'm in now. Where i can speak on been there and done that. So those trap questions you ask i get it, but they don't apply in practice for most of America.

October 12, 2011 - 5:13 pm EDT

Yes, if there is a job you take it....and work hard to move up with that employer or find a better job somewhere. I started as a truck driver. Did that for a year. Got into corporate world, oversaw about 200 people at one time.

I have a dear friend, engineer, who was laid off in 2004 because computer program did his job quicker and cheaper. He was offered several jobs in the $20,000 range, but turned them down. He said that (1) he would earn as much with unemployment and other benefits and (2) if he took a lower position, it would be hard to move back up.

Long story short, he had two other jobs that he wanted, on trial basis. Both of those he was let go because his skills were 1990 skills and obsolete.

I have another friend who offered him a job last week at $18,000 and the offer was rejected.

Now his resume shows 1990 skills, working about 8 months in 7 years, terminated 3 times in 7 years, and 54 years old.

He can't get an interview for anything above $20,000.

I believe if he had taken a job paying less, and worked to improve his skills he would be better off.

Do I believe anyone born in this county is guaranteed a middle class lifestyle? no.

Do I believe everyone in this county should have the opportunity to achieve greatness? yes

Do I believe we should help those who are trying and stuggling? yes

Do I believe we should help those who aren't trying? no

I am self employed. It's hard, but rewarding. I am responsible for my own success or failure. I tried working for a corporation years ago, but it didn't work out. I was too independent to work in a corporate system.

Obama has done some good things but overall has been a bad president, in my opinion. Bush did some good things but overall was a bad president, in my opinion. We need a good president, like Clinton or Reagan.

Good luck to you.

October 12, 2011 - 6:51 pm EDT

What "good things" has Obama done? Just curious. His entire presidency has been a disaster of epic proportions in my book.

October 12, 2011 - 5:00 pm EDT

What??? I never mentioned Ted Kennedy, nor is that relevant to any of the problems we're facing. Who cares about primary challenges? That's neither here nor there. I assure you i'm not a student, however im young enough to know you can't frame positions in absolutes. You would be surprised at what I do and how much i'm paid for doing it. LOL I appreciate the government for that help when I was in a rut, I wouldn't be where I am without it.

October 12, 2011 - 5:19 pm EDT

You said Democrats didn't challenge a sitting Democrat president. Ted Kennedy and Jerry Brown both challenged Jimmy Carter who was the sitting president in 1980. Just saying it has happen recently, and, in my opinion, should happen again now.

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