Today, President Obama came to Raleigh to discuss his new healthcare plan with the people who were lucky enough to get tickets from his lottery. The reasons he chose Raleigh over other cities in the region could be debated by many, and I’m not here to really elaborate on all that. I’m just glad he decided to swing by and discuss his new healthcare plans. Plus, he made a major plug for the local cupcake bakery, The Cupcake Shoppe on Glenwood Avenue. The owner of the Shoppe had the privilege of introducing Mr. Obama, and his first comments were addressing the fact that she brought him a Cupcake Shoppe t-shirt, but no cupcakes!

The venue was Needham B. Broughton High School – my Alma Mater – which I had not visited since I graduated from high school in 2003. The renovated Holliday Gymnasium got it’s first major guest in a standing President. Previously, John Edwards (whose son Wade, and daughter Cate attended) had used it to announce the end of one of his Presidential Campaigns.

Behind Mr. Obama, on stage, were many small business owners from the area.

President Obama started off the visit talking about the economy, and defending his actions taken in stabilizing the banks and slowing the freefall of the economy.

President Obama took then took several questions from the audience, alternating between male and female attendees.

President Obama, whether or not you agree with him or his policy, is a very well spoken and thoughtful figure who is doing well to represent our country, especially given the harsh climate we are experiencing. With issues ranging from two foreign wars, global climate change, a dragging recession, and an admittedly faultering healthcare and insurance dilemma, President Obama certainly has his plate full. While he took this visit to primarily push his healthcare reform package and rally support, the fact that he came to our city certainly was exciting and thoughtful! It’s not often that you get a chance to see a President, and i’m certainly glad I was lucky enough to experience it. Also, look who else was there:

Former Governor Jim Hunt