SIOUX CITY, Iowa (KTIV) -
147,000 votes. That sounds like a lot. But, when you break down Barack Obama's margin of victory in Iowa in 2008, it amounts to just 87 votes per precinct.
That's why the campaign continues to send surrogates across the country including first lady Michelle Obama to Sioux City on Monday.
Michelle Obama may be the first lady of the United States, but it was a lady named "Sandy" that had Mrs. Obama's attention in Sioux City. Michelle Obama, First Lady says, "Our thoughts and prayers are with everyone affected by Hurricane Sandy. because that's happening right now."
They're the same people the first lady says the president has fought for since he took office in 2009. Michelle Obama, First Lady says, "We believe in an America where no one goes broke because someone gets sick. No one loses their home because someone loses their job."
Despite the president's criticism of Republican Mitt Romney, Mrs. Obama maintained the president has avoided attacks. Michelle Obama, First Lady says "Instead of pointing fingers, instead of placing blame, fortunately he rolled up his sleeves and got to work."
Mrs. Obama never mentioned Romney by name. But, she came closest while talking about the belief that America should keep its priorities straight. Michelle Obama, First Lady says "Everyone of us in this room, and in this country, knows good and well that cutting "Sesame Street" is no way to balance our budget." A not-so-subtle nod to Romney's debate suggestion that he'd cut funding to PBS to balance the bottom line.
Mrs. Obama says manufacturers have created half-a-million new jobs under the president's leadership despite the economic crisis, and the president has also gotten the auto industry back on its feet. But, she admits, "we still have much more work to do to completely rebuild this economy," Michelle Obama said.
Mrs. Obama wrapped up her remarks by asking the crowd to ask their friends one question before election day. Michelle Obama, First Lady says "Are we gonna turn around after all of this and and go back to the policies that got us into this mess in the first place?"
