At local fundraisers, President Obama calls GOP an ‘impediment’
Nov 25, 2013, 5:50 AM | Updated: 10:02 am
In Seattle Sunday, President Barack Obama sounded a nostalgic personal note and offered a rare self-assessment while criticizing congressional Republicans as an “impediment” to governing.
The president was in town speaking at two fundraisers, one in North Seattle, and the other a fundraising dinner in Medina.
Obama told donors at one event that the sight of Mt. Rainier illuminated by a setting sun was particularly special because it reminded him of his mother, who attended high school in the Seattle area. “I feel the spirit of my mom,” he said.
He also attempted to contrast himself with Republicans who control the House of Representatives, saying they are “more focused on positioning themselves for the next election.”
Joined by House Democratic leader Nancy Pelosi, Obama insisted he was not looking to defeat the other party, but then said the country needs Pelosi to be speaker again _ a result only achieved by defeating House Republicans.
“I’m not a particularly ideological person,” he said, adding that he still is passionate about giving people a fair shake, about the environment, and about working for peace and national security. “But I’m pretty pragmatic about how we get there.”
After the evening of fundraisers in Seattle Sunday, Obama was scheduled to appear at four fundraisers Monday in San Francisco and Los Angeles for the Democratic National Committee and for House and Senate Democrats. One event will be held at the home of Earvin “Magic” Johnson, the former NBA star and now co-owner of the Dodgers of Major League Baseball.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
