(NECN: Lauren Collins, Manchester, NH) - “We're gonna win because the American people understand we're about promoting the private sector, they're about protecting privilege.”
Vice President Joe Biden told a crowd of 250 volunteers and art students in Manchester, N.H. the administration and all the possible republican opponents have fundamentally different plans for the middle class. From the economy, to tax policy, from women's health care to education, Biden said the GOP candidates are playing the American people for suckers.
“It's about turning to your kid knowing, knowing their need, and knowing there's not a damn thing you can do to help them. That rips people apart. It's more than just a kid not getting to school. These guys don't get that part of it. And again they're not bad guys, but I don't believe (Mitt) Romney understands it.”
Biden admitted a lot of the President’s decisions have been unpopular but they’re finally paying off and the administrations accomplishments can be summed up on a bumper sticker.
“Osama Bin Laden is dead, and General Motors is alive,” he told the crowd which cheered in response.
“Osama Bin Laden is dead, and General Motors is alive,” repeated Kay Galloway outside of the event. “Republicans, beat that.”
The Vice President will be a familiar face in New Hampshire, which is poised to be a swing state in the general election. He's a crowd pleaser in the retail politics setting.
Politics
“Just so wonderful,” swooned Alfrida Woodlock of Haverhill, Mass. “I got a kiss right here, and I'm never washing again.”
“Fair and optimistic. I like the message,” said Peter Quimby of Plaistow, New Hampshire.
College students Gabrielle Gergler walked away thinking the speech was “really inspiring and uplifting.”
But republicans aren't impressed and want to know how the administration plans to campaign on a trillion dollar budget deficit.
“President Obama and Vice President Biden should start to explain that,” said Tory Mazzola, Executive Director for New Hampshire’s Republican Party, “why they haven't been able to get the budget on track going into this election year.”
