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| President Obama urged the crowd to back his deficit-cutting plan. (Photo by Savanna Mickens) |
“Obviously, [the debt ceiling] is dominating the news,” Obama said, during a town hall meeting at the University of Maryland. “Most people here … your No. 1 concern is the economy. That’s my No. 1 concern.”
Congress and the White House are working to formulate a plan that would increase the debt ceiling by an Aug. 2 deadline. Obama said defaulting on government loans “is not an option for us.”
“The United States of America does not run out without paying the tab,” he said.
He said the wealthiest Americans and biggest corporations will have to do their part with higher taxes. “This isn’t about punishing wealth; it’s about asking people who have benefitted the most over the past decade to share in the sacrifice,” he said.
In the question-and-answer session, he said he was willing to cut some domestic programs and defense spending.
“Some of these cuts will just eliminate wasteful spending, weapons we don’t need, fraud and abuse in our healthcare system,” Obama told a diverse crowd, which included Gov. Martin O’Malley, University President Wallace Loh, College Park Mayor Andrew Fellows and students, faculty and staff.
But, he added, "I've agreed to target programs I also think are worthwhile." Just like a family, "you've got to tighten your belt, make some tough choices," he said.
Maryland State Comptroller Peter Franchot, when stopped after the speech, said Obama's comments were fine, but added, "He needs to be stronger. He needs to have muscle."
During the meeting, the Republican National Committee's research department repeatedly tweeted rebuttals to what one audience member called "an obviously successful presidency." The posts reported that 2.5 million jobs were lost since Obama took office in 2009, and unemployment rose to 9.2 percent.
Obama said making sacrifices and concessions does not mean giving up convictions.
But, he added, "I've agreed to target programs I also think are worthwhile." Just like a family, "you've got to tighten your belt, make some tough choices," he said.
Maryland State Comptroller Peter Franchot, when stopped after the speech, said Obama's comments were fine, but added, "He needs to be stronger. He needs to have muscle."
During the meeting, the Republican National Committee's research department repeatedly tweeted rebuttals to what one audience member called "an obviously successful presidency." The posts reported that 2.5 million jobs were lost since Obama took office in 2009, and unemployment rose to 9.2 percent.
“In 2010, Americans chose a divided government,” Obama said. “But they didn’t choose a dysfunctional government.”
The president encouraged the youth in the crowd to remain positive and have confidence in the values of America.
“We’ve gone through the worst financial crisis in any of our memories,” Obama said. “I just want all of you to remember: America has gone through tougher times, and we have always come through.”
Some of those younger audience members left feeling uplifted.
Darla Bunting, 25, a third grade literacy teacher from Southeast Washington, was one of the lucky few called on to ask a question during the chat. She asked about how residents of lower-class neighborhoods can achieve their own American dream.
Afterward, she said she appreciated what Obama said about spending cuts and deficits. "There are so many unfair advantages for the wealthy," she said, "while families in the middle to lower class are left with almost nothing."
Others, though, left wanting more from Obama.
Marie Vasquez, 20, of the Dominican Republic, said she wanted to know what the president plans to do about immigration policy. An international student, Vasquez said she wants to pursue a doctoral degree and hopes for more opportunities to stay in the country.
--By Rachel McCubbin and Sonia Su, with Angelique Spencer, David Winters and Jeremiah Meyers
Some of those younger audience members left feeling uplifted.
Darla Bunting, 25, a third grade literacy teacher from Southeast Washington, was one of the lucky few called on to ask a question during the chat. She asked about how residents of lower-class neighborhoods can achieve their own American dream.
Afterward, she said she appreciated what Obama said about spending cuts and deficits. "There are so many unfair advantages for the wealthy," she said, "while families in the middle to lower class are left with almost nothing."
Others, though, left wanting more from Obama.
Marie Vasquez, 20, of the Dominican Republic, said she wanted to know what the president plans to do about immigration policy. An international student, Vasquez said she wants to pursue a doctoral degree and hopes for more opportunities to stay in the country.
--By Rachel McCubbin and Sonia Su, with Angelique Spencer, David Winters and Jeremiah Meyers
