Trying to push Democratic Governor Ted Strickland past a GOP challenger backed by a restless electorate in a race with political implications beyond the Statehouse, President Barack Obama returned to Cleveland on Sunday to close out his midterm campaigning.

By JAMES W. WADE III
Staff Reporter

Trying to push Democratic Governor Ted Strickland past a GOP challenger backed by a restless electorate in a race with political implications beyond the Statehouse, President Barack Obama returned to Cleveland on Sunday to close out his midterm campaigning.

East Cleveland’s Shaw High School Band kicked off the event with a few musical selections before the Rev. Dr. Otis Moss Jr. prayed. Then, Hip-Hop legend Common brought his positive message about voting which rocked the Wolstein Center.

Many democratic candidates came up and spoke before Lt. Governor Candidate Yvette McGee Brown spoke about the need for everyone to vote. Brown has really worked hard to spread the word about going to the polls.

Strickland talked about his opponent and all the commercials of negativity then introduced Biden, who pumped up the room with his remarks. Biden shared how important turn out is going to be in Cuyahoga County for any statewide victory.

“Ted and I were raised the same way a simple proposition, real easy… You stick with them that [brought] you to the dance. And, Ted and Lee, they brought us to this dance – the President and I. And, Ted and Lee, we're here for both of you,” said Biden.

After a few brief remarks Biden introduced Obama who talked about the journey of getting to this day. “Cleveland, the journey we began two years ago was not about putting a president in the White House. It was about building a movement for change," he said. "Cleveland, I need you to keep on fighting.”

Obama hit on topics used a speech he has made familiar on the campaign trail that Republicans want to return to the same agenda they had under former President George W. Bush and that they support tax breaks to the wealthiest 2 percent of the American people.

Urging people to vote, the president noted that the Cuyahoga County Board of Elections office is just a short distance away on Euclid Avenue.

“We see an America where corporations are thriving and profitable but where they’re also living up to their responsibilities to treat consumers fairly, to play by the same rules as everybody else. That's why we made sure insurance companies couldn’t jack up your premiums for no reason or deny you coverage just because you’re sick. That’s why we made sure credit companies can't hit you with hidden fees or penalties. That’s why we made sure taxpayers are never again on the hook for the irresponsibility of Wall Street banks,” Obama said.

Obama's appearance in Cleveland was part of an effort to drum up enthusiasm for two more years of Democratic control. Ohio was the final stop in a four-state weekend effort to hold back the Republican wave that many observers are forecasting.

The President also talked about the importance of voting.

“Unless Democratic voters turn out in big numbers,” Obama said, all the progress made in the past two years "can be rolled back."

The President heard everyone start chanting “Yes We Can” during his speech. “But, look, Cleveland, I want you to remember this. Don’t let anybody tell you this fight isn’t worth it.  Don’t let anybody tell you you’re not making a difference. Because of you, there’s a woman somewhere in Ohio who no longer has to choose between losing her home and treating her cancer,” President Obama said.