Not long ago, most Americans grew up believing that the future was full of possibility. We felt the joyful optimism that comes from being raised in a land of opportunity, a place where – with risk-taking and hard work – anyone can make a better life.
That deep confidence in a better tomorrow is the basic promise of America. Today, that promise has been threatened by a faltering economy and a lack of presidential leadership.
For 36 months, the unemployment ratehas been over 8 percent. 24 million of our fellow Americans are struggling to find work. There are 3 million “missing workers” who have given up on finding a job altogether. Home values continue to fall, foreclosures are at a record high. Our debt is too great, and our opportunities too few.
I’ve traveled the land and everywhere I go, I meet Americans who are suffering greatly. You can see it on their faces and hear it in their voices. I’ve met parents who are struggling to get by with one working the day shift while the other works at night just so they can make ends meet. I’ve met graduating college kids facing loan paymentsand a bad economy, and they are worried that they won’t be able to get a job. This is not the way America needs to be.
President Obama promised he would fix three things. First, he said he would hold unemployment under 8%; it hasn’t been under 8% for 36 months. Then, he said he was going to cut the deficit in half; he’s doubled it. Third, he said he’d make Medicare and Social Security solvent for future generations. Three years later, he still hasn’t offered a serious proposal for either one.
We have not seen a failure to communicate. We have seen a failure to lead.
I am running for President to offer more than just a change in policy. I am offering a dramatic change in perspective and philosophy. We need a comprehensive set of pro-growth policies that will get our economy moving again.