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Neither heavy rain nor tornado watches dampened President Barack Obama's spirits Thursday night at a Stamford fundraiser for Richard Blumenthal. Obama spoke in a light-hearted way through much of the event but acknowledged the country's economic distress and the fact recovery will not be easy.
"Now, Connecticut, let's face it. The decision in this election should be a no-brainer," said Obama.
"Public service is not a game," he said. "At this moment we are facing challenges we haven't seen since the Great Depression. And facing serious challenges requires serious leaders who are willing to take on the status quo [and] special interests, who are willing to fight for our people and our future."
The event at the Stamford Marriott was attended by about 300 Democratic supporters, while across the street some 150 Tea Party members protested with signs. Greenwich Selectman Drew Marzullo, who attended the affair, noted that there were a few Republicans scattered inside.
Attorney General Blumenthal's Republican challenger for the Senate seat being vacated by Chris Dodd, Linda McMahon, has pledged to spend as much as $50 million on her campaign. She has been aggressively attacking Blumenthal, who has seen his once commanding 40 point lead in the Quinnipiac University Poll faded to a mere six points.
Marzullo described the atmosphere at the fundraiser as intimate and inspirational. "I left the event happy and on a high. I am lucky to have gone tonight. It was amazing to think that you were 200 feet away from Barack Obama. He was interacting with the crowd and making them crack up laughing. As a medic, it was a once in a lifetime opportunity," said Marzullo, who works as a Greenwich EMS supervisor.
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