At conversation on state of the economy, president hears from disillusioned supporter.
It was billed as "Investing in America," a live televised conversation on the state of the economy featuring President Barack Obama and U.S. workers, students, business people and retirees. But it sounded at times like a therapy session for disillusioned Obama supporters.
In question after question during a one-hour meeting, which took place Monday at the Newseum in Washington, D.C., Obama was confronted by people who sounded frustrated and anxious.
"I'm one of your middle class Americans. And quite frankly, I'm exhausted. Exhausted of defending you, defending your administration, defending the mantle of change that I voted for, and deeply disappointed with where we are right now," said one woman, identified as Velma Hart, who said she was a chief financial officer, a mother and a military veteran. "I have been told that I voted for a man who said he was going to change things in a meaningful way for the middle class. I'm one of those people. And I'm waiting, sir. I'm waiting. I don't feel it yet... "
"I understand your frustration," Obama responded. "My goal is not to convince you that everything is where it ought to be. It's not."
» Bam fan is now frank-ly fed up [New York Post]
» Obama hears from recession-weary voter [CBS]
» Great recession over? Not much help to Obama on CNBC live [The Christian Science Monitor]
» Recession is officially over, but anxiety lingers [The Washington Post]
» Obama: 'A lot of people out there are still hurting' [USA Today]
