What could be more alluring for Democratic presidential candidates three weeks ahead of the Pennsylvania primary than a gathering of the Keystone States AFL-CIO unions? While many have endorsed Clinton (Obama has the backing of the Change to Win unions that broke away from the AFL-CIO after the last presidential cycle) both candidates are expected to address this crowd in Philly over the next two days.
Clinton was up first, promising to create three million new jobs and hitting Obama for being “tired” of the race dragging on. “His supporters say they want it to end,” Clinton told the cheering crowd. “Well, could you imagine if Rocky Balboa had gotten half way up those Art Museum steps and said, “Well, I guess that’s about far enough?” Let me tell you something, when it comes to finishing the fight, Rocky and I have a lot in common. I never quit. I never give up. And neither do the American people.”
Before the words were even out of her mouth the Republican National Committee’s quick draw Alex Conant pointed out that Rocky’s already endorsed McCain.
Speaking of McCain, Clinton also targeted the Arizona senator, repeating a line she rolled out yesterday. “John McCain admits he doesn’t understand the economy – and unfortunately he’s proving it in this campaign. He looked at the housing crisis, and he blamed consumers. And his plan for the economy is to extend George Bush’s tax cuts for billionaires and give a new $100 billion corporate tax cut. The Bush/McCain philosophy could not be clearer – the “ownership society” really means “you’re on your own,”” Clinton said. “You know, sometimes when that phone rings at 3am in the White House it’s an economic crisis. It seems like John McCain would just let it ring and ring and ring.”
The crowd was very receptive to her remarks, or maybe it was the odd clown music (played by a live band!) that accompanied her in and out. I’ll bring you Obama’s remarks and how he’s received tomorrow.