COMMENTARY | First lady Michelle Obama might want to rethink her inspirational campaign comments. While visiting the all-important swing state of Ohio today, Obama strongly encouraged Democratic volunteers to "remind people about the efforts of her husband," according to the Cleveland Plain Dealer. President Barack Obama's efforts have rarely turned into successes and perhaps his crack campaign staff should not remind voters of his many failed attempts to improve the American economy.
Mrs. Obama spent approximately 20 minutes with the Ohio campaign volunteers she deemed such an important part of the campaign before venturing off for another expensive fundraiser. If Obama truly valued the misguided grass-roots organizations that profess their devotion for his far-left ideals, the traveling fundraiser brigade would offer reasonably priced events that volunteers could attend. A $25 per plate fundraiser picnic would attract thousands of the "blue collar" voters Mrs. Obama proclaimed a connection to while visiting Ohio, according to the Cleveland Plain Dealer.
Perhaps the Obamas suffer from an allergic reaction that occurs when actually mingling with the low- and middle-class Americans they claim to care for so deeply. Liberals often consider themselves the champions of the poor but rarely descend from their elitist towers to rub elbows with the masses. Spending time with working-class voters would likely offer liberal politicians true insight into the mindset of hard-working taxpayers for the very first time. A walk through a low-income housing project may offer too much proof that 30 years of taxpayer funded assistance programs are an abysmal failure.
Running on his record will be a very difficult task for President Obama. Glad-handing impressionable volunteers and spewing more rhetoric about fairness may not bring voters out in droves either. According to Mrs. Obama's statements, she believes this election will be "closer than ever" and a lot "closer than the last one." Reality appears to be setting in for the current White House occupants.
The quest for Ohio's 18 electoral votes will likely bring the Obama campaign to the Buckeye States many more times before November. Michelle Obama's focus on her husband's support of gay marriage, the repeal of the military's "don't ask don't tell" policy and the "Dream Act" may have gotten cheers from the crowd gathered to greet her in Cleveland, but the economy is the main topic of concern for all voters.
