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President Barack Obama: 'Real Change is Hard,' But Worth the Fight

During campaign stop with singer Katy Perry in Milwaukee Saturday that drew an estimated 20,000 people, Obama says: "I am here today because there is more work to do."

With just days to go before what will likely be a close election both in Wisconsin and nationally, thousands of people filled the Delta Center in Milwaukee Saturday afternoon to hear President Barack Obama promise to keep fighting for the middle class.

As soon as he took the podium before a crowd estimated at 20,000, Obama promised to get help to the victims of Hurricane Sandy and asked those in attendance to pray and donate to the Red Cross, if they were able to do so.

His speech then turned to his campaign theme of “Forward." His primary message was about continuing the policies of his administration to provide a voice for the middle class while also growing and supporting a strong middle class.

Photo Gallery: Images from Obama's visit

Live Blog Replay: A look back at our real-time coverage

Obama also touched on the strength of the American spirit, but his remarks made the most impact with the crowd when he acknowledged that a lot of his supporters in 2008 got caught up in the idea of change without really recognizing how difficult it would be.

“Back in 2008, a lot of of folks got swept up in the excitement of change,” he said. “Sometimes we get frustrated by speed of change, but real change is hard. Change we believe in is a change in the system.”

Before Obama took the stage, several other prominent Democrats — including Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett, U.S. Sen. Herb Kohl and U.S. Rep. Tammy Baldwin — delivered remarks centered around the theme of moving the country forward instead of returning to what they said were the failed policies of the past.

Pop singer Katie Perry entertained before the president took the stage, where a tight red, white and blue dress with the Obama campaign logo and the word "Forward" on it.

Among the those in the crowd was Leslie Peterson of Brookfield, who agreed Obama needs another term to continue moving the country out of the recession.

“The president needs another four years to recover from the policies of the previous administration and the Republicans who supported him,” she said.

Obama asked the crowd to continue fighting because without a strong middle class, the country cannot succeed.

“We’ve worked hard these last four years, and I am here today because there is more work to do,” he said. "Our work is not yet done because this nation cannot succeed without a vibrant middle class where everybody does their fair share; where everybody is playing by same rules. That’s why you elected me in 2008  and why I’m running for second term.”

Watts November 4, 2012 at 09:50 pm
@steve
Please enlighten us as to what you see as the better way. I am sure that you hold a level of intelligence that far surpasses all of the smartest statisticians in the country, so please share how you calculate things. Or are you just kind of going with your gut and that is what we should all be listening to?
oak creek resident November 4, 2012 at 10:13 pm
I I I ME ME ME. Obama is the culmination of AA.
Daniel S. November 4, 2012 at 10:29 pm
Young kids are now covered under parents healthcare plans . . . . why? Why don't they get jobs and pay for there own healthcare, I have since I was 18. Is it because there are very few jobs available, especially full-time that provide healthcare? Something is really wrong in the USA, Obama hasn't fixed anything except for his retirement fund and helped out those who are too lazy to take an available job to put food on the table.
Adam Wienieski November 4, 2012 at 11:11 pm
Here's a fun fact that demonstrates the effectiveness of Obama's economic policies:
Since January, 2009 for every net new job created the country added 75 people to the food stamp rolls.
The Anti-Alinsky November 4, 2012 at 11:17 pm
Comrade Wilson has been reading the DailyKOS again.
Did your "research" tell you that those were line item vetos (intending to save tax-payers money by eliminating waste)?
Fred van der Wal November 4, 2012 at 11:20 pm
@Daniel S. I have no problem have my kids under my healthcare coverage;They go to collage and I get a better paying career then working at age 18 and get no where.
Getting their own healthcare is secondary and a privilege for parents to help their kids into the world.
John Wilson November 4, 2012 at 11:26 pm
oak creek resident -
Patch's TOS: You are solely responsible for the Content that you post on the Service or transmit to other users. Without limitation, you agree that you will not post or transmit to other users anything that contains Content that: • is defamatory, abusive, obscene, profane or offensive; • infringes or violates another party's intellectual property rights (such as music, videos, photos or other materials for which you do not have written authority from the owner of such materials to post on the Service); • violates any party’s right of publicity or right of privacy; • is threatening, harassing or that promotes racism, bigotry, hatred or physical harm of any kind against any group or individual; • promotes or encourages violence; • is inaccurate, false or misleading in any way; • is illegal or promotes any illegal activities; • promotes illegal or unauthorized copying of another person's copyrighted work or links to them or providing information to circumvent security measures; • contains “masked” profanity (e.g., F@&#) • contains software viruses or any other computer code, files or programs designed to interrupt, destroy or limit the functionality of any computer software or hardware or telecommunications equipment; or • contains any advertising, promotional materials, "junk mail," "spam," "chain letters," "pyramid schemes," or any other form of solicitation. You have broken at least half of these, just today... BYE!
Daniel S. November 4, 2012 at 11:29 pm
And look how much better the world is today than it was 40, 20 or 10 years ago, thanks to college educations . . . . oh, it isn't . . . oh well : (
Sharpie November 4, 2012 at 11:32 pm
We now have with Mr. Romney even more torture tactics for interrogations, and both Obama and Romney approve of drone strikes that kill innocent civilians, military commissions, the NDAA 2012 indefinite detention of American citizens w/o charges or trials, assassinations of American citizens w/o charge or trial by Presidential executive order, and the anti-civil liberties Patriot Act all approved by both Obama and Romney. Frankly, why would anyone be cheering for this anti-American slashing of civil liberties? Becoming more barbarian is not something most Americans would condone. Humanity should be seeking something better of itself. Gary Johnson of the Libertarian ticket has a financial plan for America, will restore civil liberties, and bring the world some much-needed peace to our violent-driven world. It is more than enough time on our planet for sanity to be reigning.
http://www.nytimes.com/2012/09/28/us/politics/election-will-decide-future-of-interrogation-methods-for-terrorism-suspects.html?_r=0 Former wildly successful Gov of New Mexico, Gary Johnson, will be debating the very articulate and thoughtful Dr. Jill Stein (Green party) in the final Presidential debate scheduled for Tues. evening, Oct. 30th at 9:00 Eastern time. Tune in Tuesday night next week in to hear what you are missing - a different vision on how to get out of the mess we're in. http://freeandequal.org/?v=1 http://www.garyjohnson2012.com
John Wilson November 4, 2012 at 11:37 pm
Daniel S. -
That is very clever... whenever you don't really have anything intelligent to say - and you never do - just invoke Hitler... Hey, it works for the rest of the Republican "Wishful Thinking" trolls...
John Wilson November 4, 2012 at 11:49 pm
AWD -
Yes, it was so good 4-years ago... banks were failing, no one could get financing for anything, the automobile industry was falling apart, Wall Street was going through its death spiral and we were losing 800,000 jobs a month... ALL brought to you by the Republican Party's geniuses, King George - now in the Cayman Islands watching Willard's money - and Cheney, whose money bought him a real person's heart to replace his robotic one. I am sure America is just lusting after those good old days...
Luke November 5, 2012 at 12:00 am
http://youtu.be/OPdTSnmzdb4
The Anti-Alinsky November 5, 2012 at 12:10 am
Troll Joe Bobby from Alemeda, California wrote:
“Thank you, President Obama for your many achievements, despite strong Republican obstructions:” “+ Led the killing of Osama Bin Laden.” Navy Seal Team 6 did that while Obama did NOTHING in the situation room “+ Improved US relationships with most allies.” By starting his Presidency with an apology tour “+ Directed killing of several leaders of Al Qaida.” As was done under Bush-43 “+ Implemented harsh sanctions on Iran.” Yet they are still proceeding with Uranium enrichment “+ Brought together coalition to remove dictator Gaddhafi from power in Libya.” All he did was jump on a Revolution well under way and send up a few drones. “+ Implemented Obamacare to provide healthcare for millions of people who previously did not have health coverage, and to mandate several health cost-cutting measures.” Which is now costing an average $3,000 per family (and more to come) “+ Ended the discriminatory Don’t Ask Don’t Tell policy in the military. + Supports same-sex marriage. + Supports the equal pay act to provide equal pay for women and men.” With the economy as sucky as it is, are these really issues? “+ Led the nation out of worst recession (gotten into by Bush) in many decades.” Then why is our economic outlook so bleak, and REAL unemployment around 12%
The Anti-Alinsky November 5, 2012 at 12:10 am
continued:
“+ Implemented stimulus act to revive economy.” Which only cost us $110,000 to create each job. Which could explain why our economic outlook is so bleak. “+ Ended war in Iraq, an unnecessary and unbudgeted war started by George W Bush. + Began drawdown of war in Afghanistan.” Saddam Hussein was a threat with WMDs, so it was necessary to get rid of him. The wars against Saddam Hussein and the Taliban only lasted a few weeks. We are fighting against the next brutal dictator in each of those countries. “+ Passed necessary Wall Street reform to prevent future financial collapse. All he did was add more stifling regulation “+ Helped turn around auto industry.” All B.O. did was prop up the unions. GM and Chrysler would have been better off to follow Ford’s example “+ And, much, much more!” like Benghazi (wait, I thought we were now loved in the Middle East) Increasing the national debt by 6 TRILLION dollars Increasing annual spending by 27% Increasing annual deficit instead of halving it AS PROMISED! “Let's go FORWARD!, not back to the Bush years!” Yup, just keep charging forward to the Lenin/Stalin years, they will be so wonderful!
Adam Wienieski November 5, 2012 at 12:25 am
"If Romney were in power today, our fellow Americans along the East coast would be left completely on their own: the Randian self-centered way."
(I think the Kool-Aid may have turned, old Nick is starting to see Randian Objectivists under the bed.) In direct contradiction of its stated policy FEMA failed to have even minimum quantities of bottled water or any other supplies in nearby storage facilities despite a week's warning of the impending storm. They have had to solicit bids from (gasp) the immoral private sector for basic supplies. That's big government in action Nick, they're not happy until you're not happy. Heckuva job FEMA. When Obama boards the ship of state at least it has a propeller head. http://www.breitbart.com/Big-Government/2012/11/02/FEMA-Still-Doesn-t-Have-Bottled-Water-to-Distribute-Finally-Places-Large-Order-Today-for-Delivery-Monday
Sharpie November 5, 2012 at 12:34 am
"Consider Gary Johnson
This is not an election of Romney vs. Obama. This is anti-Obama vs. anti-Romney. No one really likes either candidate. No one is inspired by either of them. As a Republican, clearly Obama is not on your team, but neither is Romney. Certainly not our team leader." Both Romney and Obama will drive full speed towards the cliff. The only difference is Obama will drive a little faster, but it's a negligible difference, and certainly not one worth spending energy on. Our only hope to prevent a bleak dystopian scenario from unfolding is to send a powerful NO!! in the face of the forces that are pushing us there." Read more: http://garyjohnsongrassrootsblog.blogspot.com/2012/11/washington-times-opinion-suggestion-for.html
Michael McClusky November 5, 2012 at 12:35 am
You are on the right track!
Michael McClusky November 5, 2012 at 12:36 am
@Sharpie I could not have said it better.
Adam Wienieski November 5, 2012 at 12:50 am
The candidate who wins Ohio has won the last 11 presidential races. Early voting in Ohio has self-identified democrats down 154,911 from 2008 and self-identified republicans up 108,345 from 2008 for a swing of 263,256. Obama's total margin of victory against McCain that year was only 262,224. Way to go O-H-I-O.
NObama 2012 November 5, 2012 at 12:51 am
Where are these Gary Johnson trolls coming from? I can't remember ever seeing Gary Johnson's name appear on these comment boards all year. I think we have some Progressives trying to stir the 3rd Party pot. Won't work...Gary Johnson is a nutcase who hates Jews and has hardly any support in America. I know a guy who voted for Gary Johnson, he hates Jews as well. I've never met a Gary Johnson, Ron Paul type that doesn't hate Jewish people.
John Wilson November 5, 2012 at 12:55 am
Sharpie -
You really are not the brightest bulb on any block are you?
Michael McClusky November 5, 2012 at 12:59 am
NObama 2012 I am a Gary Johnson supporter and I don't hate Jews. What I do hate is the fact that the Republicans and Democrats are both so financially irresponsible. I also can't stand the fact that both of those parties have been bought out by dark money. Am I clear?
DICK STEINBERG November 5, 2012 at 01:20 am
from these post there are guys who just hate.
John Wilson November 5, 2012 at 01:29 am
The Anti-Alinsky –
Willard never knew or wanted to know how government worked, he only wanted to play CEO BOSS... "The reality of his time as Governor was quite different. Mitt Romney had the dubious distinction of vetoing over 800 measures passed by that Democrat-controlled legislature. According to the Boston Globe , in a television ad for his 2008 presidential campaign, Romney even gloated about it. ''I know how to veto,” he said in the ad. “I like vetoes. I've vetoed hundreds of spending appropriations as governor.'' This endeared him to neither Democrats nor Republicans, according to the Globe. What he doesn't say is the Legislature overrode those vetoes almost at will. When the House decided to challenge him, Romney was overridden 99.6 percent of the time: 775 to 3, according to the House minority leader's office. In the Senate, Romney was overridden every time, often unanimously. Frustrated by not being able to manage the state like he did Bain Capital, Romney spent most of his final year outside Massachusetts, laying the groundwork for a national campaign. According to Think Progress , “Romney spent 212 days out of state — more than four days each week, on average” in 2006. He then left office with a 34 percent approval rating." http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/10/30/mitt-romney-flooding_n_2042886.html http://www.alternet.org/election-2012/democracy-danger-signs-mitt-romneys-800-vetoes-mass-governor
Adam Wienieski November 5, 2012 at 02:17 am
A nice takedown of Nate Silver's methodology:
http://www.realclearpolitics.com/2012/11/01/don039t_be_surprised_when_obama_loses_294919.html
John Wilson November 5, 2012 at 02:20 am
Adam Wienieski -
Only in your "Wishful Thinking" mind... EARLY VOTING: [8 hours ago…] "So far, Democratic voters outnumber Republicans in Florida, Iowa, Nevada, North Carolina and Ohio. Republicans have the edge in Colorado." http://www.wfmj.com/story/19994154/obama-seems-to-have-early-voter-lead-in-key-states [20 hours ago…] "So far, Democratic voters outnumber Republicans in Florida, Iowa, Nevada, North Carolina and Ohio - five states that could decide the election, if they voted the same way. Republicans have the edge in Colorado, which Obama won in 2008." http://seattletimes.com/html/politics/2019593399_apusearlyvoting.html
Veryvila November 5, 2012 at 02:21 am
There are so many reasons not to elect Mitt Romney. The main one being his pathological lying and refusal to do anything but lie. Facts don't agree with you republicans, but facts they are that Romney was not the least bit bipartisan in MA and is now claiming that he was and would be. Romney is a one percenter for the one percent and he will return the country to the extremely failed policies of the Bush administration and has hired many of those Bush advisers. President Obama came into office with the economy in the tank. Banks were in meltdown. People were losing jobs and the country was in a serious recession. President Obama got to work with the Recovery Act to help every state to keep their employees in jobs and working to create jobs. Two million jobs were created. Saving the American car industry was a risky move but one that President Obama took for all the workers and people whose jobs are connected to the car industry. Thousands of jobs were saved and the auto industry is back. Romney is lying about Jeep moving jobs to China which is a lot of nerve since China is one of Romney's favorite places to ship jobs leaving Americans without jobs or hope. Jeep is doing great in America and will be hiring more workers to keep up with their production. We are not going to allow republicans to allow the Grover Norquist fealty pledgers against taxes to be in charge with their agenda to end all the programs that Americans need to live as senior citizens.
John Wilson November 5, 2012 at 02:30 am
Adam Wienieski -
The only problem with the Plethora of "Wishful Thinkers" attacking Nate Silver's methodology or statistical model or Nate himself, is… no one else even comes close to his accuracy in predicting Political Election RESULTS! Sour grapes, hope and “Wishful Thinking” just doesn’t change the FACTS…
JW November 5, 2012 at 03:57 am
Obama is a talker. But we need someone to walk the walk, rather than talk the talk. No matter what he inherited... he did not do nearly enough with it... and his biggest accomplishment, Obamacare, is one where he inserted his pet cause (redistribution of wealth) to muck it up. Rather than focusing on policies to reduce costs for all classes, he focused on policies to assist the lower class via not passing savings on to other classes. There was a time article on this, regarding when Obamacare goes into effect it is projected to have no positive impact on middle class families. They expect no negative impact either... but that still leaves it a non-solution. In the past week, I talked to someone who had a toenail drilled into to relieve pressure... and it was a $1000 bill. Another person had a digestive exam where they were put under and had a camera inserted to check things out. For a one hour exam, that bill was $14,000. THAT is all at the heart of what is wrong with healthcare... both services were billed at a rate that I tend to think is a good 10 times what it should be. One was a 5 minute procedure at $1000... the other was an hour procedure that could have paid 100 people $100 for that hour AND still had $4000 left over for any equipment rental or drug costs. THAT stuff is what is wrong and Obamacare is not focused on that.
Anyway, Obama is a big talker... I hope on Nov 6th we release his obligations as president and free him up for the talk circuit!
Daniel S. November 5, 2012 at 04:16 am
Thanx JW, from the beginning I was thinking similarly; Healthcare costs are out of control. Who cares if you can afford insurance, if you cannot afford the balance after the insurance paid their share? The cost of care is what needs to be made affordable!

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Hello!
Denise Lockwood (Editor) June 4, 2013 at 11:14 am
Hi Anthony, The proposed WalMart site is on the southeast corner of 4 Mile and North Green BayRead More Road, just south of the Mosquito Inn.
a quiet conservative June 6, 2013 at 01:57 pm
There are not too many areas that can be easily accessed by the main roads. If a corner parcel wasRead More bought somewhere (perhaps Hwy 31 & Six mile) not a suggestion nor is it large enough. There would still be complaints. Who there be as much complaining if the Industrial building expanded onto the same parcel of land?
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This place is great! I take the babies there and the run around and play and love it. So peacefulRead More too Recommend for everyone!
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Beautiful stuff Scott... Thanks for posting these.
Frances Martin May 31, 2013 at 02:20 pm
I can't tell, seriously, whether this is intended as a factual article or an advertisement forRead More United Healthcare, which i think is a health insurer. can that status be clarified?