Obama: Black Lawmakers Must Rally Voters Back Home

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President Obama recently gave a stirring speech before the Congressional Black Caucus charging its members to rally voters. (Photo by Steve Jurvetson)
President Obama recently gave a stirring speech before the Congressional Black Caucus charging its members to rally voters. (Photo by Steve Jurvetson)

by MARK S. SMITH

Associated Press Writer

WASHINGTON- President Barack Obama implored black voters to restoke the passion they felt for his groundbreaking campaign two years ago and turn out in force this fall to repel Republicans who are ready to "turn back the clock."

In a fiery speech to the Congressional Black Caucus, Obama warned that Republicans hoping to seize control of Congress want "to do whats right politically, instead of whats right period.

"I need everybody here to go back to your neighborhoods, to go back to your workplaces, to go to the churches, and go to the barbershops and go to the beauty shops. And tell them weve got more work to do, Obama said to cheers from a black-tie audience at the Washington Convention Center. "Tell them we cant wait to organize. Tell them that the time for action is now.

His speech acknowledged what pollsters have been warning Democrats for months that blacks are among the key Democratic groups who right now seem unlikely to turn out in large numbers in November.

"Its not surprising given the hardships that were seeing across the land that a lot of people may not be feeling very energized, very engaged right now, Obama said. "A lot of folks may be feeling like politics is something that they get involved with every four years when theres a presidential election, but they dont see why they should bother the rest of the time.

But he said hes just begun rolling back a devastating recession thats come down ``with a vengeance on African-American neighborhoods that were already suffering.

"We have to finish the plan you elected me to put inplace, Obama said.

Obama was treated to several standing ovations in the darkened cavernous Convention Center. But the hall grew quiet as Obama warned, "Remember, the other side has a plan too. Its a plan to turn back the clock on every bit of progress weve made.

With polls showing his party facing a wide "enthusiasm gap with the GOP, Obama sought to rally an important constituency in his speech.

What made the civil rights movement possible were foot soldiers like so many of you, sitting down at lunch counters and standing up for freedom. What made it possible for me to be here today are Americans throughout our history making our union more equal, making our union more just, making our union more perfect, Obama said. "Thats what we need again.

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