June 16th: National Competitiveness Strategy
Delivering a major address at Kettering University in Flint, Michigan, Obama outlined his Competitiveness Agenda, his most detailed economic plan to date. In a nutshell, Obama would have us embrace the inevitability of globalization and be proactive. The main thrust in his proposal is a $150-billion-dollar investment in alternative fuel sources. In this way, he proposes, jobs will be created and Michigan’s auto industry will remain competitive and in Michigan. Part of the Competitiveness Agenda also involves taxing emissions of greenhouse fuel, improving education, making “smart” trade policies and providing bigger tax relief to the middle and lower classes.
Sources:June 16th: Al Gore Endorsement
His next visit was to Detroit, where he addressed the Mich"i"anders present and continued his practice of rolling out prominent democratic endorsements in the state –- Senator Edwards endorsed Obama from Grand Rapids in May –- by having Al Gore introduce him at a rally in Joe Louis Arena.
Sources:- Editor & Publisher
- Transcript: Former Vice President Al Gore Endorses Sen. Obama / The Washington Post
June 17th: Grass-Root Efforts and Voter Registration
On Tuesday, he met with local African American leaders in Detroit. The focus was on stimulating grass-roots efforts to create change through early childhood education, improved energy policies and voter registration. Notably absent from the meeting was Detroit Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick, who also failed to appear at the rally at Joe Louis Arena on June 16th.
Sources:June 17th: Community Colleges and Education Costs
During a meeting at a branch of Wayne County Community College in Taylor, Obama spoke with students about college expenses. During the talk, he made a statement about the importance of community colleges and a proposed $4,000 tax credit for both community college and/or university expenses.
Sources:- WoodTV.com
- Obama comforts student in Taylor, promises college aid by Gordon Trowbridge / Detroit News Washington Bureau (6/17/08)
September 1st: Not a Day for Politics
The specter of Hurricane Gustav changed and significantly shortened Obama’s planned speeches in Detroit and Monroe on Labor Day. Instead of his planned speeches 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 and urging those present to donate to the Red Cross for the hurricane’s victims.
Sources:
- 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)
September 8th: Approach to Ailing Michigan Economy
Obama spoke in front of hybrid cars in Flint and at a Farmington high school. He characterized McCain as not recognizing the depth of the problem with the economy and for having former lobbyists as campaign managers. He also reiterated his stance about cutting taxes for the middle class and making education and health care affordable. In Farmington, he spoke about how wages/income dropped during the years of the Bush Administration and praised Governor Granholm for her attempts to retool the auto industry to meet future demands.Sources:
- Obama assails McCain on economy in Michigan visits by David Eggert / The Associated Press / Mlive.com (9/8/08)
September 28th: Main Street Needs Help, Too
Obama and Biden spoke at a rally on Woodward Avenue by the Detroit Public Library. Obama criticized McCain for the failure of deregulation. He acknowledged that Detroit has lost a lot of jobs and has a high foreclosure rate. He supports the $700 Billion bailout plan for Wall Street because the crisis would otherwise spill onto Main Street. He would, however, work to help out Main Street, too. He spoke out against the rumored 18-month delay in the loan guarantees to the auto industry. He also called for more volunteers and voter registration.Source:
- In economic crisis, Obama offers Detroit a message of hope by Kathleen Gray, Free Press Staff Writer / TV20Detroit.com (9/29/08)
October 2nd: Rebuild the Economy's Infrastructure
Obama spoke at Calder Plaza in Grand Rapids. He said the current crisis demonstrates the failure of trickle-down economics and deregulation. He supports the bail-out package with protections for taxpayers; otherwise, the credit crisis will affect car sales. Long term, he would work to retool existing resources to serve new industry. Specifically, he will invest $15 billion a year in developing green energies; eliminate capital gains taxes for small businesses; and cut taxes for 95% of working families. In Michigan, he would work to help the auto industry to build green cars and create a green-energy sector.Source:
- Obama Urges Passage of Bailout Bill at Grand Rapids Speech / MediaMouse.org (10/2/08)
