Quad Citians packed Davenport's East Village Wednesday afternoon to see and hear President Barack Obama and the First Lady. And local families tell us the couple did not disappoint.
The President kicked off his nearly 30 minute speech on a high note, saying, "It is good to be back in the Quads. I see a lot of familiar faces, a lot of good friends." A crowd of supporters sent back all the energy the President was putting out. This, the last stop of his three day tour across Iowa. And many tell us they wouldn't miss it. Myrna Weller says, "We want to support Barack Obama."
Police estimate three thousand supporter packed the Village, holding signs, cheering and listening as the current President laid out his case for a second term. Most tell us they had made up their minds before the event started. Judy Schaaf says, "I think he's honest and cares about the common people. And we're the common people."
She's not alone. Roland McCorkle brought his 7-year old granddaughter Aniya. "He shook my hand and her hand, and so did Mrs. Obama. It was fantastic." Aniya agreed, telling us, "I'm never gonna was this hand again."
Some told TV6 they still had questions they wanted answered, about jobs and the economy. And the President did touch on those topics, along with education, wind energy and a timetable for bringing home troops. He also spent time talking about health care, responding to criticism from Republicans about Medicare.
Mitt Romney and Paul Ryan have accused Mr. Obama of raiding more than 700 billion dollars from the Medicare Trust Fund to help pay for his health care overhaul. The President says that is "dishonest". He says he has strengthened Medicare. He doesn't want to spend the next three years arguing about health care, he wants to move forward.
His message seemed to resonate with area families. Roland McCorkle says, "To me, his message is one of hope."
