President Barack Obama appeared on campus this afternoon to speak about women’s health issues and his plans for the economy. His speech at the Auraria Event Center is the first of four Colorado events in the next two days.
“It is hard to grasp how much [Obama] has done for Colorado and our country,” said Sen. Michael Bennett in his opening remarks.
Both Bennett and State Sen. Morgan Carroll spoke at the event, followed by Annie Burky, Summer Organizer of Obama for America Colorado. The president was introduced by women’s rights advocate Sandra Fluke.
“This is a choice that will affect every woman in America, and that is why it’s so personal for each of us. For me, it’s been intensely personal,” said Fluke, who made news in February when Rush Limbaugh called her a “slut” after addressing members of the House of Representatives regarding contraceptives.
As Obama took the stage, the crowd erupted into cheers of “four more years.”
“If we win Colorado, we will get four more years,” Obama said over the applause.
Obama addressed his campaign focus on healthcare, especially women’s preventative care, and how his new plan has already changed the way women receive treatment.
“The decisions that affect a woman’s health – they’re not up to politicians, they’re not up to insurance companies, they’re up to you,” Obama said. “We’re not going back to the days when women were charged more than men for healthcare.”
The president also addressed the importance of voting in the upcoming election, and said that the decision between candidates is the decision between two very different ideas of economic and social progress.
“We are not going backwards, Denver, we are moving forward,” Obama said.
Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney was in Colorado last week, with stops at the Jefferson County Fairgrounds, Balsalt High School, and an exclusive fundraiser in Aspen.
Last Thursday was Romney’s first visit to Colorado in six months.
Today’s appearance marks the 10th time Obama has been to Colorado since the start of his presidency, and the 5th this year. He also appeared on campus to promote his student loan plan last October.
People: Obama
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