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With Minnehaha Falls as the backdrop, President Barack Obama launched a two-day trip to the Twin Cities on Thursday with an hour-long town hall meeting in Minneapolis, designed to boost the spirits of people frustrated with nation's still sluggish economy -- and of Democrats uncertain about their prospects in the midterm elections.


"You guys are the reason I ran," he told a crowd at Minnehaha Park. "You are who I am thinking about every single day. Just because it's not reported in the news, I don't want you to think that I'm not fighting for you."

If you had five minutes with President Obama, what would you say?


The White House says Obama's trip to the Twin Cities was inspired by a letter written by Rebekah Erler of St. Anthony. Erler, a 36-year-old working mother of two, who described her struggle to make ends meet. Prior to the town hall, Obama had a private lunch with Erler at Matt's Bar in Minneapolis. After the speech, Erler briefly discussed her meeting with the president before being whisked away by White House staffers.


"He was amazing and very personable and open to talking to me," she said. "I just felt like I had a really incredible opportunity to share what's important to me and my friends and my family and what we go through every day."


An audience of about 350 people who were selected by the White House listened to Obama at Minnehaha Park. He fielded a wide variety of questions on issues including education, climate change, gun control and equal pay for women. Time and again, he said his policies were stymied by Congress. He told the audience that the Republican Party seems determined to oppose whatever he does. Obama said the news coming out of Washington is all about "fabricated, phony scandals geared toward the next election."


"Despite all of that, we can make life a little better for American families who are doing their best, working hard and meeting their responsibilities. And I don't want you to ever forget that. I don't want you to be cyncical. Cynicism is popular these days, but hope is better," he said.


Several in attendance said they were inspired by hearing Obama's talk. Bruce Thao, with Hmong American Partnership in St. Paul, said he was pleased to see that the president's modest upbringing is shaping his thinking.


"Just him remembering where he came from, which is so similar to many of our backgrounds and my personal experience. The fact that he has pushed so many issues through for us. There's always room for improvement, but I've been really happy with what he's done already for the country," Thao said.


Republicans who aren't happy with Obama's track record are hoping voters see something different.


Prior to the president's appearance, Minnesota Republican Party Chair Keith Downey said Obama's sinking poll numbers could mean trouble for DFL Sen. Al Franken and Gov. Mark Dayton, who are both seeking re-election.


"This lack of confidence going on under Democratic leadership in Washington DC, I think at least has to impact the congressional races," he said. "Just in terms of the general mood of voters, it can't be good for Democrats here in Minnesota either."


The president is hoping to counter that notion by holding events like his town hall. 

He also took a stroll down St. Paul's Grand Avenue in the evening

 before a $10,000-a-plate fundraiser Thursday night. On Friday, he's scheduled to deliver a speech at the Lake Harriet bandshell in Minneapolis.

Politics and Government News

Tom Scheck

Author

With Minnehaha Falls as the backdrop, President Barack Obama launched a two-day trip to the Twin Cities on Thursday with an hour-long town hall meeting in Minneapolis, designed to boost the spirits of people frustrated with nation's still sluggish economy -- and of Democrats uncertain about their prospects in the midterm elections.


In Minneapolis, President Obama puts focus on middle class worries

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