Obama Campaigns In Friendly Texas Territory
AUSTIN (CBSDFW.COM) - When the President touched down in Austin Tuesday afternoon, he did so in friendly territory. Travis County typically votes democratic.
Inside the Moody Theater in downtown Austin, President Obama was welcomed by more than 600 of his supporters.
"I love Texas and I especially love Austin," the President said as the crowd cheered.
The visit was touted as the official Texas kickoff for Obama's 2012 presidential campaign and it sounded every bit like he was back on the trail.
"Over the last three months, we added about-three-quarter of million jobs in the private sector. Over the last 14 months, we've added over 2,000,000 private sector jobs to our economy."
President Obama attempted to strike a chord with Arlington and its GM plant when he recalled the bail out of the auto industry.
"Our intervention into the auto industry, when a whole bunch of folks said 'let it go' by GM is now hiring back all of its workers. All of the three auto makers are expecting to make a profit again."
It's been rough going for Obama in Texas, who lost the state in 2008 by 11 percentage points. His Austin supporters say it's unlikely he'll win Texas in 2012, but that won't stop them from donating to his campaign.
"It would take a miracle for him to carry Texas. Maybe in 12 years or so," laughed supporter Sandy Levinson.
President Obama may not win Texas in 2012, but he knows there's big money here. The fundraiser at the Moody Theater cost $1,000 a person. The President later went to a high-end fundraiser at a private home, where donors paid $35,000 a person.
