WASHINGTON (AP) – President Barack Obama is trying to portray his party’s presidential aspirants as optimistic and civil, while accusing the GOP’s presidential candidates of being glum.
Speaking to about 500 supporters Friday, Obama says Democrats have an optimistic vision about where the country can go. He teasingly told the crowd that he’ll support whoever the party’s nominee is, but didn’t go any further before the audience’s reaction prompted him to break into a smile and add, “What are you laughing about?”
Obama also says members of Congress should not be thinking about shutting down the government over a dispute about federal funding for Planned Parenthood. He says lawmakers should be talking about investing in schools and rebuilding the nation’s infrastructure.