Obama Discusses Economy in N.C.

by Adam Hochberg, NPR

Presumptive Democratic nominee Barack Obama addressed the nation's economy in a campaign stop in North Carolina today. Obama used his first campaign stop since Hillary Clinton's concession on Saturday to kick off an economic tour.

In a symbolic gesture, Obama appeared with North Carolina Gov. Mike Easley, who had been Clinton's most prominent supporter in the state.

Obama proposed a $50-billion economic stimulus program, including expanded unemployment benefits and another round of rebate checks for taxpayers. He called for lowering taxes on the middle class, raising them for oil companies - and attacked Sen. John McCain, his likely Republican opponent, for what Obama called "skewed priorities."

North Carolina was a state Obama won handily in the primaries. His victory here last month helped cement his path to the nomination; it is one of several traditionally Republican states where Obama hopes to compete in November.

North Carolina hasn't sided with a Democratic presidential candidate since 1976.

Broadcast Dates

• All Things Considered, June 9, 2008