A NEW YORK DAY WITH PRESIDENT OBAMA
By: Â Hope Wilkos, Writer/Blogger Photographer: Â George Whylie Videographer: Â Maxine Nolan ÂPresident Obama took on New York City with a fervor on June 14th. Â He got down to business and the day progressed into glory, glitz and glamour.
The morning started in Cleveland with a campaign speech on the economy and then on to JFK Airport where the President continued to try and win over voters in preparation for the upcoming November election. Â The day was filled with exciting events.
One of the most moving parts of  his day was the visit to the new World Trade Center with First Lady Michelle Obama.  The building is in the construction stage but is blossoming into a massive symbol of glory for the United States.  The President was touched as he took in the memorial from a huge glass window on the 22nd floor with the First Lady.  He then went to ground level feeling at one with the deep-rooted memories that this memorial and waterfalls hold for many.  He commented on how beautiful this memorial was.  In what could be considered a patriotic measure, he signed one of the final steel beams to be installed in the building.  Standing with the First Lady and New York Governor, Andrew Cuomo, New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg and New Jersey Governor Chris Christie by his side, he directly addressed the American people with his message, “We remember.  We rebuild.  We come back stronger! Barack Obama”, he wrote.
This structure is symbolic of the strength and resilience of the American people and gave the President a deep sense of pride for the country that he represents.
Next up on the agenda was a visit to the home of New York’s own stylish Sarah Jessica Parker for a campaign dinner appropriately named “A New York Night”. Â The list of guests not only included celebrities such as Meryl Streep, Aretha Franklin, Michael Kors, Bravo’s Andy Cohen and dedicated co-host and fashion editor Anna Wintour, but also gave two lucky voters an opportunity to attend as well after winning their tickets. Â The price of a ticket to the campaign event topped $40,000 per person. Â Trombone Shorty provided the entertainment for the evening.
Upon introduction, President Obama made mention of his accomplishments in health care, the creation of jobs over his existing term and he paid tribute to the American workers. Â He is committed to investing in science and research and his job is not done. Â There is still a long way to go with immigration and a lagging economy in the wings and the responsibility to gain respect for America by countries across the world. Â He can only finish this job by being elected for a second term. Â His supporters were excited and full of enthusiasm.
From there it was on to the last stop of the evening, a campaign event at the very chic and exclusive Plaza Hotel which went on into the evening hours.
As the Presidential motorcade pulled back up to JFK Airport after a long and fruitful day, the stars in the night sky held a sparkling promise of a brighter future for all.
