In a town hall discussion broadcast live on CNBC Monday, President Barack Obama said the country's economy is "moving in the right direction" -- even if it doesn't feel that way.
Responding to questions from, in addition to the host John Harwood, a student, a Wall Streeter, a small business-owner and a self-described member of the middle class, the president acknowledged that "times are tough for everybody," but pointed to his record so far as president and asked the audience to trust in his agenda. "We went through the worst recession since the Great Depression," he said. "Those programs that we put in place worked. So now you've got a financial system that is stable. ...The challenge is that the hole was so deep."
The tough questions came near the beginning. The chief financial officer for a veterans service organization, who called herself a "middle-class American," said she was "exhausted of defending you" and "deeply disappointed with where we are right now."
This is my personal plea to you Mr. President. I voted for you, I spoke out for you, I contributed to your campaign several times. But you have let me down and let down hundreds of thousands of othersthat did the same. For you to stand there and tell me that things are better PISSES ME OFF. If there is another candidate to vote for next time that is not some crooked politician that is owned by big business, my vote and money will go there. You need to make Warren the permanent head of the Consumer Protection Agency and withdraw your nomination for Jack Lew because he is CLEARLY NOT LOOKING OUT FOR ME. MY ADVICE TO YOU MR. PRESIDENT IS TO GROW SOME BALLS AND FIGHT FOR WHAT THE PEOPLE WANT AND FORGET ABOUT BIPARTISANSHIP. THAT SHIP HAS SAILED AND SUNK.