Speaking in Detroit, Michigan, on Monday, President Obama sought to build support ahead of a key jobs speech before a joint session of Congress later this week.
Rallying support on Monday, Mr. Obama told the crowd that his administration would continue to support collective bargaining rights for workers across the country.
“When I hear they’re trying to take collective bargaining away, trying to pass right to work laws, I know it’s not about economics it’s about politics,” Mr. Obama said.
Mr. Obama again defend his administration’ decision to bailout General Motors, saying the decision saved millions of jobs and kept the nation from plunging even deeper into recession.
“We stood by the auto industry and we made some tough choices that were necessary to succeed,” he said. “And now the Big Three is turning a profit and hiring workers and building the best cars, right here in Detroit, right here in the Midwest, right here in the United States of America.”
Proving a preview of what he will focus on in his upcoming speech before Congress, Mr. Obama again called on Congress to pass a key transportation funding bill.
“We’ve got roads and bridges across this country that need rebuilding,” Mr. Obama said. “There is work to be done and there are workers to do it.”
“We’ve got private companies with equipment and manpower. We’ve got more than 1 million unemployed construction workers ready to get dirty. There is work to be done and workers to do it. We just need Congress to get on board,” Mr. Obama added.
Mr. Obama’s latest campaign stop was not without criticism. Republican National Committee Chairman Reince Priebus slammed Mr. Obama, saying the president remains focused on the 2012 campaign rather than creating jobs.
“Instead of focusing on jobs, focusing in on the economy, he’s in love with giving speeches and campaigning,” Mr. Priebus said.
Taking a shot at Republican lawmakers, Mr. Obama challenged them to reduce the tax burden on middle class families.
“Prove you’ll fight just as hard for tax cuts to middle class families as you do for oil companies.”
