Seeking to appease city officials, Obama declares ‘I love Vegas’
By APFriday, February 19, 2010
Obama sets record straight: ‘I love Vegas’
LAS VEGAS — President Barack Obama is setting the record straight — he loves Las Vegas.
Obama has irked officials in Nevada with his references to Las Vegas while explaining how people need to make tough choices on spending during difficult economic times. During a speech to the city’s Chamber of Commerce Friday, Obama made it clear that he meant Las Vegas no harm.
Still, he defended his recent comments, in which he said that people who are saving for college shouldn’t blow a bunch of cash in Vegas. He says that remains true — college savings should be spent on college — but he still loves the town.
But some officials still have hard feelings. Las Vegas Mayor Oscar Goodman declined invitations to greet Obama and attend his public events there Friday.
