Obama's Labor Day in Michigan

The specter of Hurricane Gustav changed and significantly shortened Obama’s planned speeches in Michigan on Labor Day:

• Obama spoke at the end of Detroit’s Labor Day Parade in Hart Plaza, drawing the event’s largest crowd in years.
• Obama attended a Labor Day barbecue at the Plumbers and Pipefitters Local 671 hall in Monroe.

Instead of his planned speeches, originally aimed at blue-collar workers, Obama explained it was not a time for politics. He did, however, salute the labor movement and acknowledge its many achievements, including the creation of America’s middleclass. He also identified himself as a “labor guy” before turning his attention to Hurricane Gustav. In addition to urging those present to donate to the Red Cross for the hurricane’s victims, he sang a few refrains from Aretha Franklin’s Chain of Fools – garnering good reviews – and led the respective crowds in a silent prayer.

More Information:

• Barack Obama's Detroit Area Speeches
• John McCain's Detroit Area Speeches
• Obama adds 'soul' to plea for victims by Tom Troy / ToledoBlade.com (9/2/08)
• Obama speaks at end of Detroit Labor Day parade by Corey Williams / MLive.com (9/2/08)