“If you love me, you’ve got to help me pass this bill,” President Barack Obama told large crowds at North Carolina State University today, upping his six day and multi-state “pass this bill” push with a more personal plea. Addressing a crowd of more than 9,000 on a 90-degree day in an air condition-less auditorium with approval ratings at an all-time low, he told students the country is in the midst of a “national emergency” and in need of immediate action from Congress on his proposed $447 billion plan. “Give me a win?” he begged of them, accusing lawmakers of dragging their feet. “Give me a break. That’s exactly why folks are fed up with Washington.”
“For those of you who did skip class today, I’ve got a homework assignment for you,” the President proposed. “Call, e-mail, tweet, fax, Facebook,” he appealed. And then laughing, he suggested: “You can write a letter. When was the last time you did that?” Just so long as you, “Tell your Congress person that the time for gridlock and games is over; the time for action is now.”
Holding a copy of the bill, he read off what the bill could do for the state of North Carolina. And then speaking directly to the collegiate crowd, he offered:
“Jobs that pay well; jobs that offer some security…I know that’s what the students are thinking about. And we can do that if we can finally get Washington to act. If we can get folks to stop worrying so much about their jobs and start worrying a little more about your jobs.”
The speech was preempted by three hours of rallying from the school’s marching band and cheerleaders, and that school spirit bled. “I love you Barack!” someone cried out, earning a surely unexpected response from the president. “I love you back,” Obama came back. “But if you love me, you’ve got to help me pass this bill!”
Watch the exchange for yourself below:
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