Remarks by the President at Anthony Brown for Governor Rally

Dr. Henry A. Wise Junior High School

Upper Marlboro, Maryland

5:20 P.M. EDT

THE PRESIDENT:  Hello!  (Applause.)  How’s it going, Prince George’s County?  (Applause.)  Thank you.  (Applause.)  Give it up for Anthony Brown, your next governor.  (Applause.) 

It is good to be here at Henry Wise Junior High.  (Applause.)  I know it's tough to be at school on a Sunday.  (Laughter.)  But it’s great to be with one of the best governors in America, Martin O’Malley -- (applause) -- your next Lieutenant Governor, Ken Ulman -- (applause) -- one of the best congressional delegations around -- Steny Hoyer is in the house. (Applause.)  Donna Edwards is here.  (Applause.)  Elijah Cummings; John Sarbanes; Chris Van Hollen; your Attorney General, Doug Gansler; P.G. County Executive, Rushern Baker.  (Applause.) And it’s good to be with all of you.  (Applause.) 

Michelle says hello.  (Applause.)  Sasha, Malia, Bo, Sunny  -- they all say hi.  (Laughter.) 

AUDIENCE MEMBER:  I love you!

THE PRESIDENT:  I love you back.  (Applause.) 

We are here for one reason.  You just heard from him.  As a first-generation American, Anthony was blessed with parents who taught him the value of service at a young age.  After college, he served in the Army.  After law school, he chose to reenlist in the Army Reserves.  He led men and women on a tour of duty in Iraq.  He earned a Bronze Star.  As a public servant right here in Maryland, he’s worked to create jobs and open the doors of Pre-K to more of our kids.  (Applause.)  He’s drawn on his own family’s experience to battle domestic violence, working tirelessly to drive down the rate of domestic violence here in Maryland.

Anthony Brown has not just devoted his career to fighting for you, he’s devoted his entire life to fighting for you.  And that’s what this election is all about -- who is going to fight for you.  (Applause.) 

Now, this country has made real progress since the worst economic crisis of our lifetimes.  Over the past four and a half years, our businesses have created more than 10 million new jobs. (Applause.)  For the first time in six years, unemployment is below 6 percent.  (Applause.)  A housing market that was reeling is now rebounding.  An auto industry that was wheezing is now roaring, going forward.  A manufacturing sector that was shedding jobs for more than a decade is now growing at nearly twice as fast as the rest of the economy.  We are less dependent on foreign oil than at any time in nearly three decades.  (Applause.)  Six years ago, only two states allowed everybody to marry whoever they love; now it’s more than 30.  (Applause.)   About 10 million Americans have gained the peace of mind of health insurance just in one year alone.  (Applause.)   

So, Maryland, we have made progress.  Don't let other folks say otherwise.  But tonight we’re here because we know we’ve got more work to do.  We are not finished.  As long as there’s a worker out there still looks for that new job or better job; as long as a family still looking for a job or a better job, as long that a family that has two folks working is still having to struggle making ends meet, as long as a child finds the door of opportunity locked, our fight will continue.  We are fighting to make sure that every child in America, no matter what you look like, no matter where you come from, no matter who you love, no matter what your last name is, no matter how you worship, you can make it here in America if you try.  (Applause.) 

And we face a lot of challenges -- from stopping the spread of disease to combating violent extremism, to tackling climate change that threatens the world that we leave to our children.  But the defining issue of our time, the defining challenge is making sure this economy works for every single American -- (applause) -- every single person inside of Maryland, all across this country.  We've got to make sure that everybody has got a fair shot. 

So when you cast that vote, you’ve got a choice to make.  And it's a choice that’s more than just between two political parties or even between two candidates.  It’s a choice about two very different visions for America.  Who’s going to fight for you -- that's what it boils down to.  Who’s going to fight for your future?

Now, look I believe that Republicans are patriots.  I think they love their country.  They love their family.  But they are a broken record -- (applause) -- they keep on offering the same, tired, worn-out theories.  Time and again, they offer the same economic theories that have undermined the middle class in this country.  (Applause.)  You ask them, what are you going to do to make the lives of Americans better, they’ll say, well, we're going to give tax breaks to folks at the top.  We're going to make fewer investments in things like education.  We're going to loosen up rules on big banks, and credit card companies, and polluters and insurers.  They want to skinny down the safety net for folks who have invested and put money into those safety nets.

We have tried all those things.  We tried them before I cam into office.  We know they did not work.  And they’re not changing their tune.  Every time the Republican Party leaders in Washington have had to take a stand on an issue that would help the middle class, what did they say?

AUDIENCE:  No!

THE PRESIDENT:  They said no.  They said no to the minimum wage.  They said no to fair pay.  Think about that.  How are you going to say no to fair pay?  Why would you say no to women getting paid the same as men for doing the same jobs?  (Applause.)  Not only did they say no to helping young people refinance their student loans, they voted to change the rules so that students would pay more on their loans.

AUDIENCE:  Booo --

THE PRESIDENT:  The only thing they said yes to was another massive tax cut for millionaires.  I know that's surprising, but that's what happened.  So you know who they’re fighting for, and it ain’t you.  It's not you.  They’re not -- (laughter.)  The same Washington Republicans who blocked a $2.85-an-hour raise for some of the hardest-working folks in America -- the folks who clean out the bedpans and folks who make the rooms and -- they made it clear, if they win, one of the first things they’ll do is change the rules so they can jam tax cuts for the wealthy through Congress one more time.  Their leadership even said that tax cuts for those at the top are -- I'm quoting here -- are “even more pressing now” -- that's what they said -- tax cuts for the rich are even more pressing now than they were 30 years ago.  (Laughter.) 

Now, keep in mind, we're at a time when nearly all the gains of the recovery go to the top.  So it's pretty hard to say now is the time to cut taxes for those folks more.  That's the wrong vision for the future.

The good news is Anthony Brown has a different vision.  (Applause.)  Ken Ulman has a different vision.  (Applause.)  They’ve got a vision rooted deeply in the American Dream.  A vision that says prosperity doesn’t trickle up -- or doesn’t trickle down from the top, it grows from a rising and thriving middle class, with more ladders of opportunity for folks who are willing to work hard to get into the middle class.

The wealthiest Americans don’t need another champion.  Well-banked corporations don’t -- they’ve got lobbyists.  They don't need another champion.  You do.  (Applause.)  Opportunity for a few Americans is not what America is all about.  Opportunity for every American is what America is about.  (Applause.)  And that's what Anthony Brown understands. 

So we believe in an economy that grows for the many, not just the few.  Anthony Brown’s not running around promising carve-out giveaways for folks at the top, he’s running to make investments in things that benefit everybody -- infrastructure that creates good jobs, education that helps more young people get ahead -- (applause) -- job training that helps workers earn new skills.

We believe in this country every child should enter school ready to learn.  (Applause.)  And if you elect Anthony Brown, he’s going to open high-quality Pre-K to every family who wants it.  (Applause.)  And I want to be a partner with Anthony Brown in this effort, and we'll make that happen if you vote.  (Applause.)  

We think in this country, some higher education is the surest path to the middle class.  So Anthony is not running to cut education.  Under Anthony and Martin O’Malley’s watch, more Maryland students are graduating from high school, more students are enrolling in college.  (Applause.)  They are completing their degrees more than ever before.  They’ve done more in this state to hold down the growth of public tuition than any state in America.  (Applause.)  And if you elect Anthony Brown, he’s pledged to keep on that path.

We believe that in America, nobody who works full-time should ever have to raise their families in poverty.  (Applause.) Now, just so you understand, we had one Republican governor say just a while back that the minimum wage doesn’t serve any purpose.  Well, tell that to millions of Americans who desperately need a raise.  (Applause.)  Anthony Brown understands it serves a purpose.  And because he and Governor O’Malley have  already got the job done, some of Maryland’s hardest workers are going to get a raise to $10.10 an hour.  (Applause.)  You know who Anthony is fighting for.

Right here and across the country, Republicans are running for office, taking their cues from party leadership in Washington.  Just recently, they had the brass to call the minimum wage nothing but “an election-year stunt.”  If you are working full-time at a hard job, and a dirty job, and you're making $14,000 and $500 a year, you can't make it.  Twenty-eight million Americans would benefit from an increase to $10.10 an hour.  That is not a stunt.  That is looking out for folks who need some help, who are working hard and are trying to do right by their family.  (Applause.)  Let’s follow the lead of Anthony Brown.  Let’s get more folks in there that are going to fight for working-class families.

We believe America is stronger when women are full and equal partners in this economy.  (Applause.)  Earlier this year, Republicans said no to a fair pay law.  One of the candidates they’re running right now says, “You could argue that money is more important for men.”  That's what he said.

AUDIENCE:  Booo --

THE PRESIDENT:  Now, I don't know what women he was talking to.  (Laughter.)  He wasn’t talking to you, was he? 

AUDIENCE:  No!

THE PRESIDENT:  Say no.  (Laughter.)

Look, if we’re going to strengthen the middle class in this century -- we're not talking about the 17th century -- we need leaders who belong to the 21st century.  (Applause.)  Let’s make sure women get paid fairly.  (Applause.)  Let’s make sure women can take time off for a loved one who’s sick, for a child who’s sick without losing their job.  (Applause.)  Let’s make sure every woman can make and control her own health care choices -- (applause) -- not her boss, not an insurer, not a politician.  (Applause.)  We don't need policies and we don't need politicians that belong in the ‘50s. 

Because the fact is women -- she said “rule.”  (Applause.)  That's true in my house.  (Laughter.)  The fact is that women are now increasingly the main breadwinners in the family.  (Applause.)  So this isn't just a women’s issue.  When women succeed, America succeeds.  (Applause.)  And Anthony Brown understands that.   

We believe that in America -- (audience interruption.) 

AUDIENCE:  Booo -- (Applause.) 

THE PRESIDENT:  Everybody, it's okay.  It's okay.  (Applause.) 

AUDIENCE:  Booo --

THE PRESIDENT:  No, no, no.  Hold on a second.  Hold on.  Hold on a second.  Hold on, hold on.  Hold on.  Hold on.  Hold on a minute.  Hold on a minute.  First of all, I couldn't quite here the young man.  But -- hold on.  But I think actually he was concerned about immigration reform.  And the problem is I'm actually for immigration reform -- (applause) -- and the reason we haven't done immigration reform is because Congress -- congressional Republicans in the House of Representatives have been blocking immigration reform.

AUDIENCE:  Booo --

THE PRESIDENT:  So the reason I say that is because we have to have compassion.  If you have a family member who, because we have not fixed a broken system, is worried about being deported, then you're going to be worried, too.  Of course, he should be protesting the folks who are blocking it.  (Applause.)  But that's okay.        

Look, we believe in an America where everybody gets a chance.  (Applause.)  That includes making sure that we've got an immigration system that continues to be true to our traditions, which is that we're a nation of immigrants.  (Applause.)  Some came by choice; some just came.  (Applause.)  But we have made a life for ourselves here.  And we can't then close the door behind us.

We also believe in an America where nobody should go broke just because you get sick -- (applause) -- where everybody should have access to quality, affordable health care.  And thanks to Obamacare -- (applause) -- the share of Americans with health care is up.  (Applause.)  The growth of health care costs is down.  (Applause.)  No American can ever again be dropped or denied coverage because you’ve got a preexisting condition.  (Applause.)  No woman can ever again be charged more just for being a woman.  (Applause.)   

So Republicans can keep pledging to repeal this law and deny its protections and the peace of mind that millions of Americans have.  But Anthony Brown and I are going to work together to make sure this law works even better.  (Applause.)  We’re going to get more folks in Maryland covered, more Americans getting the economic security and peace of mind that quality, affordable health care provides.

AUDIENCE MEMBER:  Thank you!

THE PRESIDENT:  So, look, the bottom line is this:  The Republican Party can keep telling you what they’re against.  They’re against -- I mean, you know they’re against me.  (Laughter.)  We know that.  I mean, you all know if I propose something they’re against it.  (Laughter.)  If I said, apple pie is a great pie, they’d say, no, it's not.  (Laughter.)  We don't like apple pie.  (Laughter.)  So we know they’re against me.  They’re against affordable health care.  They’re against the minimum wage.  They’re against equal pay laws.  They’re against immigration reform.  They deny climate change exists at all.  But the good news is Democrats keep telling you what we're for, and the things we're for, and the things that will help working families.  (Applause.)  You deserve leaders who don't root for failure; don't try to refight the old battles; don't try to peddle fear.  You deserve action that’s focused on your lives, on your hopes, on your aspirations for your kids.  (Applause.) 

And that’s why you have to vote.  (Applause.)  That's why you’ve got to vote here in Maryland.  (Applause.)  You know, sometimes I hear folks say, oh, you know, the system is fixed, and these folks are trying to make it harder to vote, and this and that, and there’s always a reason.  But you know what, there are no excuses.  The future is up to us.  If you want better policies out of Washington, then you’ve got to vote for it.  (Applause.)  If you want good policies to continue in Maryland, you’ve got to vote for it.  (Applause.) 

If you don't think we need more tax loopholes for companies shipping jobs overseas, and instead think we should give tax breaks to companies that are investing here in Maryland, here in America, you’ve got to vote.  (Applause.)  If you think we don't need more tax breaks for millionaires but we do need tax breaks to help working families pay for college for their kids, you’ve got to vote.  (Applause.) 

If you believe we shouldn’t saddle students with even bigger loan payments, should make it easier for them to pay back student loans, you’ve got to vote.  (Applause.)  If you think Congress should stop trying to deport striving young dreamers and pass immigration reform that they’ve blocked for a year, you’ve got to vote.  (Applause.) 

If you believe we shouldn’t be cutting workers’ wages, but guaranteeing hardworking Americans that they get an honest day’s pay for an honest day’s work, you’ve got to have your voice heard and you’ve got to vote.  (Applause.)

On every one of these issues there is a clear choice.  On every one of these issues, Anthony Brown is on your side.  (Applause.)  And you know this.  I mean, I'm just telling you what you already know.  In state after state, the Republicans on the ballot are not for what will help you and what you believe.  But you know what?  They vote.  The only plan they’ve got right now is to try to make you so afraid, so discouraged, to tell you -- to remind you everything that's not working right -- that's their plan, is to just make people feel like government can't work.  They don't offer new ideas to address it.  They want to get you cynical so you don't think you can make a difference; so you won't get involved; so you won't organize; so you won't go out and vote. 

Well, you know what, I'm banking that that strategy is not going to work.  (Applause.)  I think it underestimates the American people.  (Applause.)  We know folks are still struggling.  That’s why we’re here.  They’re exactly why we’re still in this fight.  But don’t buy what they’re selling.  Because despite the cynics, America is making progress.  Despite unyielding opposition, there are workers who didn’t have jobs when I came into office who’ve got a job now.  (Applause.)  Despite the cynicism, there are folks who’ve got health insurance right now who didn’t have it before.  (Applause.)  There are kids who’ve got Pre-K who didn’t have it before.  (Applause.)  There are college students who are going to college who couldn’t go before.  (Applause.)  There are troops who were serving tour after tour who are now home with their families today.  (Applause.)   

Don’t let them sell that kind of just constant cynicism.  You have a right to feel proud and optimistic about this country’s future.  Being optimistic, even when times are hard -- especially when times are hard -- that is the birthright of America. 

You know, cynicism and fear didn’t put a man on the moon.  Cynicism and fear never won a war.  It never cured a disease.  It never built a business.  It never fed a young mind.  Cynicism didn’t lead folks to march for civil rights and women’s rights and worker’s rights.  (Applause.)

Cynicism is a choice.  And hope is a better choice.  And we're selling hope.  (Applause.)  That's what Anthony Brown is about, is hope.  (Applause.)  That's what Ken Ulman is about, is hope.  (Applause.)

Hope gives young soldiers the courage to storm a beach.  Hope gives people the strength to march for their rights -- (applause) -- for workers’ rights, and civil rights, and gay rights, and immigration rights.  (Applause.)  The belief that there are better days ahead, the belief that together, we can build up our middle class and hand down something to our kids.  (Applause.)

I am profoundly optimistic about this country’s future.  And I need all of you to be, as well.  (Applause.)  And that means getting involved.  Anthony Brown has devoted his life to fighting for you.  You now need to fight for him.  (Applause.)  You need to knock on doors, make some phone calls, talk to your friends, talk to your neighbors.  Go to AnthonyBrown.com, volunteer.  Find your polling place.  And I don't just need you to vote -- go find your friends and vote.  (Applause.)  Get your cousin to vote.  Get your uncle to vote.  And right here in Maryland, you can start voting this Thursday. 

Because if we elect more governors like Anthony Brown, if we fill more statehouses and Congress with leaders who reflect the values and hard work and common decency of the American people -- we're not just going to win an election, we're going to keep rebuilding this economy so it works for everybody.  (Applause.)  We’re going to keep advancing the American Dream for everybody.  We're going to make sure America is for everybody and that America’s best days are still ahead.  That’s what we're fighting for.

God bless you.  God bless America.  (Applause.) 

                         END            5:45 P.M. EDT

Remarks by the First Lady at Grassroots Campaign Event with Democratic Candidate for Governor Charlie Crist

Betty Ferguson Recreational Complex

Miami, Florida

5:06 P.M. EDT

MRS. OBAMA: I am so happy to be here to support Charlie Crist, the next Governor of Florida! (Applause.) Now, let me -- before I go way in, I just want to tell you why I’m here for Charlie.

There’s a reason why Charlie Crist was known as “The People’s Governor” here in Florida. It’s because Charlie gets it. He actually understands what’s going on in people’s lives. And as Governor, every decision he made and every policy he fought for were about making life better for families and for seniors all across this state.

Charlie understands that we all want good schools for our kids. (Applause.) That’s why, as Governor, he helped save 20,000 teachers’ jobs. (Applause.) He invested more money per student in education than any Governor in the history of the state.

So when Charlie is back in charge -- which we’re going to make sure happens -- he’s going to restore funding for our schools so that all our kids can fulfill their God-given potential; so that no matter where they live or how much money their parents have, they get a good education. (Applause.) Charlie also understands what it’s like for families and seniors who are worried about making ends meet. And that’s why, as Governor, he cut property taxes, and worked to lower the cost of living here in Florida.

And today, Charlie has a plan: He’s going to do the work to support small businesses and create good jobs. He’s going to fight to raise the minimum wage. He’s going to ensure that women get equal pay for their hard work. (Applause.) And when it comes to women’s health, see, Charlie knows that women don’t want anyone interfering in our most private decisions. He trusts us to make our own choices about our bodies and our health care. (Applause.)

So listen, Miami, in this election, you have a simple choice: If you want a leader who shares your values and your priorities, a leader who is going to help middle-class families get ahead here in Florida, then you have got to get out and you’ve got to vote for Charlie Crist, all right? (Applause.) Charlie Crist for Governor. That’s why I’m here. This is important.

Now, I also want to recognize a couple of your outstanding Florida leaders, one of my favorite Congresswomen, Frederica Wilson. (Applause.) Mayor Oliver Gilbert is here. (Applause.) And I’m thrilled that they’re both here, and so many of the leaders throughout this city. Thank you so much for taking the time.

But most of all, I really want to thank all of you for so much, really. I really do. I see so many old friends here in the crowd, folks who were with us back from the very beginning -- (applause) -- back when we were working every day, getting folks all fired up and ready to go, talking about hope and change. You remember that? (Applause.)

And then so many of you were with us when Barack first took office; when he first got sworn in and we walked down that -- to the White House and walked into that house. And then Barack, he took a good look at the mess he’d been handed, and wondered what he had gotten himself into.

See, but I want to just take a moment to take us back, because I don’t know how many people remember how bad things were back then. See, because when things are bad, everybody is worried, but then they forget when things start getting better.

But when Barack first took office, this country, we were in full-blown crisis mode. Our economy was literally on the brink of collapse. Wall Street banks were folding -- you hear me? Folding. Businesses were losing 800,000 jobs every single month. Folks on TV were panicking about whether we were headed for another Great Depression -- and that wasn’t just talk, that was a real possibility. This is just some of what Barack walked into on day one as President of the United States.

Now, let’s come forward to the future and look today, less than six years later. Because by almost every economic measure, we are better off today than when Barack Obama took office -- by every economic measure. (Applause.)

Now, I just want to give you some facts, because I know there are folks who think, well, that’s his wife, she loves him -- and I do -- of course she’s going to think he’s been an outstanding President -- and I do. (Applause.) And here is why: Our businesses have created more than 10 million new jobs since 2010. This is the longest uninterrupted run of private sector job growth in our nation’s history -- in our nation’s history. (Applause.) The unemployment rate has dropped from a peak of 10 percent back in 2009 to 5.9 percent today. (Applause.)

Your President has cut taxes for tens of millions of working families across this country. Last year, the number of children living in poverty decreased by 1.4 million -- this is the largest drop since 1966. (Applause.) Our high school graduation rate is at a record high. More of our young people are graduating from college than ever before. And because of the Affordable Care Act, millions of Americans finally have health insurance. (Applause.) And we’ve extended the life of Medicare by 13 years.

And just think about how different our country looks to children growing up today. Think about how our kids take for granted that a black person, a woman -- anyone -- can be President of the United States of America. (Applause.) They take for granted that their President will end hurtful policies like “don’t ask, don’t tell,” and speak out for equality for every American. So while we still have plenty of work to do, we have truly made so much of that change we were talking about. Thank you all, because you helped us do that. (Applause.)

But here’s why this race is important: Barack didn’t do all this just by sitting alone in the Oval Office. He did it with the help of outstanding leaders in states across this country -- leaders like Charlie Crist, who stand up for our jobs and our kids’ schools. Leaders who will fight for the minimum wage, ensure that our seniors retire with some dignity and respect.

So let’s be very clear: If we want to finish what we started, then we need to elect Charlie Crist as Governor of Florida. We’ve got to do this. (Applause.)

And I know it’s not going to be easy. Because you’ve seen there is too much money in politics. You’ve seen special interests who have way too much influence. But here’s what you’ve got to remember -- they had plenty of money and plenty of influence back in 2008 and 2012, and we still won those elections. (Applause.) You want to know why we won? Because we showed up and we voted. (Applause.)

And at the end of the day, the folks running those special interest groups, the folks pouring millions of dollars into those elections, look, they each just have one vote -- and so do each of us. And ultimately, the only thing that counts are those votes. That’s what decides elections in this country. And that’s why Barack Obama is President right now. He’s President because a whole bunch of folks who never voted before showed up and voted in 2008 and 2012. That’s why he’s President.

And you know a lot of people were shocked when Barack won -- many of them are still shocked -- because they were counting on folks like us to stay home. But we proved them wrong. Barack won because record numbers of women and minorities and young people showed up to vote. That’s it. (Applause.)

But see, here’s the pattern that happens. See, when the midterms come along, too many of our people just tuned out. And that’s what folks on the other side are counting on this year -- because, as Charlie Crist said, when we stay home, they win. So they’re assuming that we won’t care. They’re hoping that we won’t be organized and energized. And only we can prove them wrong.

And make no mistake about it, this race is going to be tight. We know that races like this can be won or lost by just a few thousand, even a few hundred votes. Just look at what happened in the Governor’s race in Florida back in 2010. The outcome of that race was decided by about 31,000 votes. And that may sound like a lot, but when you break it down, that’s about five votes per precinct. Just take that in for a moment. That’s just five votes per precinct.

And everybody here knows five people that didn’t vote; five people that thought their vote didn’t matter, couldn’t be bothered, couldn’t get up, couldn’t early vote. Maybe it was raining; maybe the line was too long. We all know five people in the midterm elections who didn’t vote. And I know that every single one of you all, you can find that five. You know five people you can get to vote for Charlie Crist this election, right? That’s how I want you to think. (Applause.)

So let’s be clear: This is on us. It’s all on us. And we can’t wait around for anyone else to do this for us. If we want change here in Florida, then we need to take responsibility and work to make it happen. And you all know how to do that.

You see, we all know that the real problem isn’t that people don’t care. Of course folks care. People care deeply about what’s happening in our communities. They care deeply about justice and equality. They care deeply about giving our kids opportunities that we never dreamed of for ourselves.

But the truth is, folks get busy. They’re juggling too much stuff -- their jobs, the needs of their family, so much else. And sometimes people just aren’t informed about what’s at stake. Sometimes they just don’t know how to make their voices heard on Election Day.

So that’s why you all are so important. It’s up to all of you, all of us, to educate folks and make sure they know how to cast their votes in this election. That’s your job. And it’s up to us to get out and vote ourselves, which I know everybody here is going to do, right? (Applause.)

And as Charlie Crist said -- and I heard somebody already voted. But I want to -- over again, because you can’t emphasize it too much, that it starts with voting by mail or voting early. So again, if you vote by mail, be sure to send your ballot early so that it arrives by 7:00 p.m. on Election Day, which is November the 4th. And early voting, as you know, starts Monday, October the 20th, and it goes until Election Day. And again, I hope that all of you will vote early; I know that many of you have. But the goal here is for everybody here to vote early.

And that’s really my key message: to vote as soon as you can, and get everyone you know to vote with you -- everyone. I mean everyone. You know what everyone means. I mean if you see folks standing on the street, you pull them in, your friends -- young people, you all know your friends who aren’t voting. You find them. You shake them. You bring them. You bring your five. We all have family members who are sitting on the sofa -- shake them. Bring them to the polls.

And we all got church members, don’t we? (Applause.) We can find our church members, get a bus, drive them, kick it -- pick them up. Do whatever you can, but don’t leave anyone behind, all right? (Applause.) You can vote at any of the early-voting locations in your county. Just go to CharlieCrist.com to find the location nearest you.

And for us who may be technologically challenged, find a young person to help you get to the site. I do that with my kids all the time. It’s like, fix it for me. (Laughter.) And remember to bring an ID that has a picture and a signature. You can use your Florida driver’s license. Or if you’re a student -- do we have any students in the house? (Applause.) It’s my students! For the students, you can use your student ID with a picture, plus a credit card with a signature, okay? Those two things together will serve as your ID if you’re a student, okay? Because everybody’s got a credit card, too, right? (Laughter.)

But I also want you all to volunteer. I really do. Over these next few weeks, volunteer. It’s that ground work that’s going to make a difference. I want you to make calls, knock on doors. You can go to CharlieCrist.com to sign up to volunteer, or you can find one of the organizers who are here today with clipboards and sign up right now to volunteer.

And don’t wait another minute to get started, because we’ve got less than three weeks until Election Day. And we all need to be as passionate and as hungry for this election as we were back in 2008 and 2012. In fact, we need to be even more passionate and more hungry, because a lot of these midterm races will be even harder and even closer than the presidential elections -- and they’re just as important.

The stakes this year simply could not be higher. Because if we don’t elect leaders like Charlie Crist who will put our families first instead of just fighting for special interests, then we know exactly what will happen. We will see more folks interfering in women’s private decisions about our health care. We’ll see more opposition to immigration reform, to raising the minimum wage for hard-working folks.

So I want to be clear: If you think people who work 40 or 50 hours a week shouldn’t have to live in poverty in the wealthiest nation on the planet, if you don’t want women’s bosses making decisions about their birth control, if you think women should get equal pay for equal work -- (applause) -- if you want your kids to have quality preschool and the college education they need to fulfill their boundless potential, then we you need to step up and get everyone you know to step up and vote for Charlie Crist for Governor. (Applause.)

Because that’s what’s at stake –- the kind of country we want to leave for our kids and our grandkids. And I saw some beautiful little girls -- I know they’re listening, they were in the overflow room -- who were just in tears when I came in, because I look at them and I know how much they’re counting on us to stand up for them. Our kids are counting on us. And we each know some kid out there that’s doing their best.

I tell the story as I travel around -- these last months of a young man I met earlier this year named Lawrence Lawson. Lawrence’s father died when he was just eight years old. Then at the age of nine, Lawrence, he suffered a major seizure, this young boy, and had to learn how to read again, and walk again, and speak again. Then when he was 12, his mother died. This young man was passed from an aunt in Atlanta to his sister in Baltimore.

See, but the beauty of this young man was that no matter where he was, what he was going through, he found a way to do his best in school. He joined the marching band, got an internship at Johns Hopkins Hospital. He graduated as the valedictorian of his high school class. (Applause.)

And as I travel across this country, I meet so many kids just like Lawrence. He’s not unusual. We have so many kids like that -- kids who wake up early and take the long route to school to avoid the gangs. We know these kids -- kids who juggle afterschool jobs to support their families, then they stay up late to get their homework done. These are our kids -- kids who don’t speak a word of English, but who are fighting every day to realize their dream of a better life. These are our children. (Applause.)

These kids have every reason to give up, but they’re so hungry to succeed. They are so desperate to lift themselves up. And that’s why we’re here. That’s why we’re here today. That’s why Barack and I do what we do every day -- because those kids never give up, so neither can we. (Applause.)

So between now and November, we need to be energized for our children. We need to be inspired for them. We need to pour everything we have into this election so that they can have the opportunities they need to build the futures they deserve.

See, and here’s what I’ve learned over the years of being First Lady -- if we all keep stepping up and bringing others along -- I’ve seen it. I’ve seen it here in Florida. You all know what to do. You know how to get people out to vote, how to have those lines -- people waiting -- you all know how to do it. I’ve seen you do it. (Applause.) I know that we can keep on making that change we believe in.

Miami, you can do it here in this city. You have the potential to do it all. Are we going to do this? (Applause.) I know we can elect Charlie Crist as Governor of Florida, and I know that together, we can build a future worthy of all our children.

Let’s get it done. God bless you all. Let’s get it done. Thank you. (Applause.)

END 5:28 P.M. EDT

###

Weekly Address: What You Need To Know About Ebola

WASHINGTON, DC — In this week’s address, the President discussed what the United States is doing to respond to Ebola, both here at home and abroad, and the key facts Americans need to know.  There is no country better prepared to confront the challenge Ebola poses than the U.S. and although even one case here at home is too many, the country is not facing an outbreak of the disease.  Our medical professionals tell us Ebola is difficult to catch, and is only transmitted through direct contact with the bodily fluids of someone who is showing symptoms.  The President made clear that he and his entire administration will continue to do everything possible to prevent further transmission of the disease domestically, and to contain and end the Ebola epidemic at its source in West Africa.

The audio of the address and video of the address will be available online at www.whitehouse.gov at 6:00 a.m. ET, October 18, 2014.

Remarks of President Barack Obama
Weekly Address
The White House
October 18, 2014

Today, I want to take a few minutes to speak with you-directly and clearly-about Ebola: what we're doing about it, and what you need to know.  Because meeting a public health challenge like this isn't just a job for government.  All of us-citizens, leaders, the media-have a responsibility and a role to play.  This is a serious disease, but we can't give in to hysteria or fear-because that only makes it harder to get people the accurate information they need.  We have to be guided by the science.  We have to remember the basic facts.

First, what we're seeing now is not an "outbreak" or an "epidemic" of Ebola in America.  We're a nation of more than 300 million people.  To date, we've seen three cases of Ebola diagnosed here-the man who contracted the disease in Liberia, came here and sadly died; the two courageous nurses who were infected while they were treating him.  Our thoughts and our prayers are with them, and we're doing everything we can to give them the best care possible.  Now, even one infection is too many.  At the same time, we have to keep this in perspective.  As our public health experts point out, every year thousands of Americans die from the flu.

Second, Ebola is actually a difficult disease to catch.  It's not transmitted through the air like the flu.  You cannot get it from just riding on a plane or a bus.  The only way that a person can contract the disease is by coming into direct contact with the bodily fluids of somebody who is already showing symptoms.  I've met and hugged some of the doctors and nurses who've treated Ebola patients.  I've met with an Ebola patient who recovered, right in the Oval Office.  And I'm fine.

Third, we know how to fight this disease.  We know the protocols.  And we know that when they're followed, they work.  So far, five Americans who got infected with Ebola in West Africa have been brought back to the United States-and all five have been treated safely, without infecting healthcare workers. 

And this week, at my direction, we're stepping up our efforts.  Additional CDC personnel are on the scene in Dallas and Cleveland.  We're working quickly to track and monitor anyone who may have been in close contact with someone showing symptoms.  We're sharing lessons learned so other hospitals don't repeat the mistakes that happened in Dallas.  The CDC's new Ebola rapid response teams will deploy quickly to help hospitals implement the right protocols.  New screening measures are now in place at airports that receive nearly all passengers arriving from Liberia, Guinea and Sierra Leone.  And we'll continue to constantly review our measures, and update them as needed, to make sure we're doing everything we can to keep Americans safe.

Finally, we can't just cut ourselves off from West Africa, where this disease is raging.  Our medical experts tell us that the best way to stop this disease is to stop it at its source-before it spreads even wider and becomes even more difficult to contain.  Trying to seal off an entire region of the world-if that were even possible-could actually make the situation worse.  It would make it harder to move health workers and supplies back and forth.  Experience shows that it could also cause people in the affected region to change their travel, to evade screening, and make the disease even harder to track.

So the United States will continue to help lead the global response in West Africa.  Because if we want to protect Americans from Ebola here at home, we have to end it over there.  And as our civilian and military personnel serve in the region, their safety and health will remain a top priority.

As I've said before, fighting this disease will take time.  Before this is over, we may see more isolated cases here in America.  But we know how to wage this fight.  And if we take the steps that are necessary, if we're guided by the science-the facts, not fear-then I am absolutely confident that we can prevent a serious outbreak here in the United States, and we can continue to lead the world in this urgent effort.

Remarks by the President After Meeting on the Government's Response to Ebola | October 16, 2014

Oval Office

7:12 P.M. EDT

THE PRESIDENT:  I wanted to give the American people an update on what’s happened today.  Obviously everybody remains deeply concerned about the Ebola situation.  I’ve been working with my team to address a number of issues that have been raised both publicly as well as at the state and local levels.

So, number one, obviously our heartfelt concern goes out to the two nurses who have been affected.  They courageously treated Mr. Duncan when he was in Dallas.  It is typical of what nurses do each and every day, caring for us.  And one has now been transferred to NIH, the National Institutes of Health facilities.  The other has now been transferred to Emory University.  They are getting the best possible care.  Our thoughts and prayers are with them and their families.  And we’re continuing to monitor their condition.

Number two, the second nurse to be diagnosed, as all of you are aware, traveled from Dallas to Cleveland and back.  As a consequence, it’s very important for us to make sure that we are monitoring and tracking anyone who was in close proximity to this second nurse to make sure that their temperatures are being taken, and we know that they are receiving the kind of attention that they need to ensure that there’s not additional spread of the disease.

I spoke to Governor Kasich in Ohio today, who is on top of it, and we have deployed CDC personnel there to make sure that they are getting all the support that they need.  And we will continue to work both with them, as well as the airlines, getting the manifests and assuring that we are keeping track of anybody who was in close proximity to the second nurse.

Number three, we remain focused on the situation at Texas Presbyterian in Dallas.  As I’ve said before, when we have tight protocols with respect to the treatment of patients, then our health care workers are safe.  But because of these two incidents, we know now that there may have been problems in terms of how protective gear is worn or removed, or some of these additional treatment procedures may have impacted potential exposure.  We don’t know yet exactly what happened.

But in the meantime, we have a number of health care workers at Texas Presbyterian who did provide care to Mr. Duncan.  And we are instituting a constant monitoring process with them, giving them the information that they need in order to keep themselves and their families as safe as possible, as the period in which they potentially could get the disease remains in place.

And I also spoke to Governor Perry about making sure that Dallas and the state of Texas had the resources that it needed in order to respond effectively if additional workers at Texas Presbyterian are determined, in fact, to have been exposed and have contracted Ebola.  And Governor Perry, as well as Mayor Rawlings, in Dallas obviously have been extraordinarily cooperative, working with the CDC, working with Health and Human Services.

They have legitimate concerns in terms of making sure that the federal government is surging the kinds of resources that they need in order to handle any eventuality there to make sure that their folks, not just at Texas Presbyterian, but potentially at other health care facilities have the training and the equipment that they need.  And so we’re going to be working very closely with them over the course of the next several days and weeks in order to assure that they have exactly what they need to get the job done.

Throughout this process I’ve been focused on making sure that we are dealing with this problem at the source.  The most important thing, in addition to treating and monitoring anybody who even has a hint of potential exposure here in this country, the most important thing that I can do for keeping the American people safe is for us to be able to deal with Ebola at the source, where you got a huge outbreak in West Africa.

And the United States is obviously leading the way in terms of providing resources, equipment, and mobilizing the world community.  So over the last several days I continued to call other world leaders to get them to up their pledges of equipment, of personnel, of logistical capabilities to make sure that we’re getting our workers on the ground there.  We’ve seen some progress in Liberia, Sierra Leone and Guinea, but we haven't seen enough.  We’ve got more work to do.

And the good news is, is that increasingly when I talk to these world leaders, what you’re seeing is a recognition that the sooner we control this outbreak at the source in West Africa, the less our people are going to be at risk.  And I think more and more of them are stepping up.  Although it’s, I think, taken a little longer than it should, and that’s something that all of us should recognize.

One issue that I want to address, because I know this has been a topic consistently in the news, is the issue of a travel ban.  And I know that you’ve heard from some public health experts about this, but I want to make sure that everybody is clear about the issue.

I don’t have a philosophical objection necessarily to a travel ban if that is the thing that is going to keep the American people safe.  The problem is, is that in all the discussions I’ve had thus far with experts in the field, experts in infectious disease, is that a travel ban is less effective than the measures that we are currently instituting that involve screening passengers who are coming from West Africa -- first of all, screening them before they get on the plane there to see whether they’re showing signs of the disease -- and screening them again when they get here, taking their temperature.

And now what the CDC is doing is gathering all their information, assuming that they’re not showing any signs of illness -- because if they are showing signs of illness, obviously we want to make sure that they are directed to a well-equipped and well-prepared facility.  But if they’re not showing any signs, we still want to have their information of where they live, where they’re staying -- multiple contact information that not only the federal government keeps, but that will also be forwarded to the state where they reside.

If we institute a travel ban instead of the protocols that we’ve put in place now, history shows that there is a likelihood of increased avoidance.  People do not readily disclose their information.  They may engage in something called broken travel, essentially breaking up their trip so that they can hide the fact that they have been to one of these countries where there is a disease in place.  And as a result, we may end up getting less information about who has the disease.  They’re less likely to get treated properly, screened properly, quarantined properly.  And as a consequence, we could end up having more cases rather than less.

Now, I continue to push and ask our experts whether, in fact, we are doing what’s adequate in order to protect the American people.  If they come back to me and they say that there are some additional things that we need to do, I assure you we will do it.  But it is important in these circumstances for us to look at the history of how these infectious diseases are best dealt with, and it is currently the judgment of all those who have been involved that a flat-out travel ban is not the best way to go.

But we will continue to monitor this.  I am asking these questions.  And if, in fact, it turns out that I’m getting different answers, then I will share that with the American people, and we will not hesitate to do what’s necessary in order to maximize the chances that we avoid an outbreak here in the United States.

Which brings me to my last point.  I understand that people are worried.  This is a disease that is new to our shores, although it is something that has cropped up periodically in other countries.  Because of the virulence of the disease and the ways it’s transmitted, and the symptoms that occur, I understand that people are scared.  But what I want to emphasize once again is that right now we’ve had one individual who came in with the disease.  We have two nurses who have been diagnosed with the disease as a consequence of in some fashion being exposed during treatment.  And what remains true is that this is not an airborne disease.  It is not easy to catch.  You can only catch it through being in contact with the bodily fluids of an individual who not only has the disease but also is showing symptoms of the disease.

And so it’s important, I think, for all of us to keep perspective in terms of how we handle this.  We are taking this very seriously, at the highest levels, starting with me.  And my entire team has been essentially deputized to work with Health and Human Services and CDC, and that includes, by the way, the Department of Defense and our national security teams.  We understand why it’s important for us to provide assurances to the public that folks are taking this very seriously, and they are.  And obviously because of the two nurses getting sick, that has made people that much more concerned.  So all that is understood.

But I do want everybody to understand it remains a very difficult disease to catch.  And if we continue to take the steps that we need to, then this will be contained.  And the main thing that everybody needs to focus on is that the risks involved remain relatively low, extremely low for ordinary folks.  The biggest thing we have to do is make sure that health workers have more confidence, because they are on the front lines, and we’re entering into flu season, which means that there are a lot of people who may be coming in with symptoms and there may be false alarms and concerns.  And so we’re going to spend a lot of time working with our public health workers to make sure that they feel safe and adequately protected.

But I want to assure the American people:  We’re taking this seriously, but this is something that’s really hard to catch.  And if we do what we need to do and we stay focused, then this is going to be something that is contained here.  The work that we have to do overseas is going to be a lot tougher because, frankly, they don’t have a public health infrastructure, they’re not well organized, they’re poor countries, and the epidemic is already raging there.  So that’s going to take several months for us to be able to start seeing the kinds of progress that we need to see.  But in the meantime, I want everybody to know that everybody here is on the case.

All right?  Thank you very much, everybody.

Q    Will you appoint an Ebola czar?

THE PRESIDENT:  I will answer this one question about an Ebola czar.  The truth is, is that up until this point, the individuals here have been running point and doing an outstanding job in dealing with what is a very complicated and fluid situation.

Those of you who don’t know, Lisa Monaco, who does a lot of my counterterrorism work as well as national security work, has been working with our Secretary of Health and Human Services, and Tom Frieden at the CDC.  It may be appropriate for me to appoint an additional person, not because the three of these folks have not been doing an outstanding job -- I should mention, and Susan Rice, my National Security Advisor.  It’s not that they haven't been doing an outstanding job really working hard on this issue, but they also are responsible for a whole bunch of other stuff.

So Lisa is also dealing, as Susan is, with ISIL.  And we’re going into flu season, which means, by the way, that people should be looking to get their flu shots.  We know that every year tens of thousands of people potentially die of the flu, and a hundred-thousand or more may be actually going to the emergency room and hospitalized because of the flu.  So that’s something that Tom also is responsible for.

So it may make sense for us to have one person, in part just so that after this initial surge of activity we can have a more regular process just to make sure that we’re crossing all the T’s and dotting all the I’s going forward.

Q    Do you know who that will be?

Q    Will that be soon?

THE PRESIDENT:  If I appoint somebody, I’ll let you know.  Thank you so much, everybody.

END
7:27 P.M. EDT