President Obama Urges Voters to Turn Out

“So one week, Wisconsin. One week and you get to choose a new governor,” said President Barack Obama at Tuesday’s Milwaukee rally in support of Democratic candidate for governor, Mary Burke.

President Obama began by explaining to the audience that the United States has created more than 10 million new jobs in the last four years. However, the president further explained this was not the case for those sitting in the seats of the North Division High School.

“Wisconsin lags the rest of the country when it comes to job growth. So the country as a whole is doing better, but Wisconsin is not doing so good,” said Obama.

Burke’s campaign highlights Wisconsin job growth, a raise in minimum wage and support for women’s rights. Issues in these categories can be improved, Obama says, by voting for Mary Burke.

Yet the president was quick to point out the problem with voting. The president was in Wisconsin against the backdrop of Mary Burke’s gubernatorial race. Polls have consistently show the candidates neck-in-neck. Since voter opinions seem strong, campaigns have moved toward turning out their base voters in the final days of the election.

“One of the biggest challenges that we have in this country… is that folks feel cynical about their ability to affect things.”

Obama asks Wisconsin to place hope in Burke for Wisconsin’s future by making it a point to get out and vote.

“Cynicism is a choice. And hope is a better choice.”

Those in attendance of the rally agreed that voting will make the difference in the upcoming election.

“If you have a strong opinion about something, you need to get out there and voice your opinion,” said Desiree Woods.

Tyrone Palmer shared his reason to mark a ballot, “I’m looking for a change in Wisconsin. (Let’s) get rid of Scott Walker,”

And attendant Frances Ross says it’s almost impossible for her to ignore voting on Nov. 4,

“(The polling place) is right around the corner from my house. It’s convenient.”

President Obama’s support for Mary Burke in the gubernatorial election is now turned to the hands of the voters.

“Maybe we can listen to him because he’s the president, right?” Woods laughed.