Vermont got its first presidential visit in 17 years Friday. President Obama noted that no other state has gone
so long without a presidential appearance. The president spent a little more than four hours in the state to headline two
fund-raisers, and drew $750,000.
While the crowds
inside the field house at the University of Vermont were cheering President Obama’s very presence,
outside, some people were protesting what they say are promises the President
has failed to live up to since taking office.
President Barack Obama told 100 supporters at a private fundraising lunch that he believes this fall’s election is more important for the country than the one that resulted in his election in 2008,
President
Barack Obama arrived at Burlington International Airport in late morning on Friday for several campaign events. His visit Friday is the first in Vermont by an incumbent president in 17 years.
The
last time a sitting President came to the state was in 1995, when
then-President Bill Clinton paid a visit-also to Burlington. Someone
who remembers that event quite well is Kate O’Connor, who helped organize the Clinton visit in her capacity as an aide to
then-Governor Howard Dean.
President Barack Obama is campaigning in Vermont Friday. He’s projected to carry the state comfortably, but his level of support in the
fall will depend heavily on how the economy is faring in those regions of the
state that are still experiencing tepid economic growth and high unemployment.