Obama aligns himself with Bennet, attacks gridlock

By BEN FELLER
Associated Press Writer

DENVER (AP) -- President Barack Obama robustly defended Colorado's junior senator on Thursday, aiming to protect every Democratic seat he can at a time when people "are fed up."

"We do not quit," Obama said in aligning himself ever closer with Democratic Sen. Michael Bennet, still new on the Senate scene and now fighting a challenge in his own party.

Obama's message was intended not just for those inside Denver's Fillmore Auditorium or throughout the state. He aimed to persuade people listening nationwide that Democrats are more interested in fixing daily problems than engaging in petty squabbling.

"Michael and I, we don't have time for that nonsense," Obama said in his latest distancing from Washington's political culture. "We're going to keep doing everything in our power to keep turning this economy around."

Obama's direct involvement - even in Democratic-vs.-Democratic primary fights - comes as the Democrats' command of the Senate grows shakier, jeopardizing the president's agenda.

Obama will try to help all year in targeted states he carried in 2008, like Colorado and Nevada, as the margins in Congress will shape his own fortunes on key legislation. But Republicans, seizing on public impatience, see huge opportunity to win back seats.


http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/U/ ... 8-18-29-44