At a campaign stop in Council Bluffs, Iowa, President Barack Obama hammered newly minted Republican vice presidential nominee Paul Ryan for "blocking" a farm bill that Obama says would "provide relief and certainty to U.S. farmers and ranchers" during the worst drought in more than 50 years. (more spending)
The drought is a new line of attack from Obama on the campaign trail on a day when both he and Ryan are campaigning in the crucial Midwest battleground state.
And it comes just two days after Ryan was introduced as Mitt Romney's running mate.
Here are some excerpts from Obama's speech, per his campaign:
“Right now folks here in Iowa and across the heartland are suffering from one of the worst droughts in 50 years. Farmers and ranchers depend on good crop season to pay the bills and put a roof over their heads, and I know that things are tough right now.
“The best way to help these states is for leaders in Congress to pass a farm bill that not only helps farmers and ranchers respond to natural disasters, but also makes necessary reforms and gives them some long-term certainty. But right now, too many members of Congress are blocking that bill from becoming law. Now, I’m told Governor Romney’s new running mate might be around Iowa these next few days. And he’s one of those leaders of Congress standing in the way. So if you happen to see Congressman Ryan, tell him how important this farm bill is to Iowa and our rural communities. It’s time to put politics aside and pass it right away."
During a press gaggle on Air Force One, campaign spokeswoman Jen Psaki also hit Ryan for not moving the farm bill forward. She put some of the blame directly on Ryan when asked directly.
(Excerpt) Read more at businessinsider.com ...
