Asbury Park Convention Hall
Asbury Park, New Jersey
1:26 P.M. EDT
THE PRESIDENT: Hello, New Jersey! (Applause.) It is good to be back in Jersey.
AUDIENCE MEMBER: We love you!
THE PRESIDENT: I love you back! (Applause.)
Let me, first of all, say thank you to Governor Christie for that introduction and the great work he’s done here. (Applause.) Your Mayor, Ed Johnson, is here as well and has been working tirelessly on your behalf. (Applause.) We’ve got three great representatives in Congress from New Jersey — Rush Holt, Frank Pallone, Donald Payne, Jr. (Applause.)
Now, last week, my advisors asked me — they said, Mr. President, do you want to spend next Tuesday in Washington, or would you rather spend it at the Jersey Shore? (Applause.) And I’ve got to say I’ve got to make some tough decisions as President, but this wasn’t one of them. (Laughter.)
AUDIENCE MEMBER: (Inaudible.)
THE PRESIDENT: I appreciate that. (Applause.)
Governor Christie and I just spent some time on the Point Pleasant boardwalk. I got a chance to see the world’s tallest sandcastle being built. We played some Touchdown Fever — I got to say, Christie got it in the tire the first try — (laughter) — although I did pay for his throws. (Laughter.) I played a little Frog Bog, and Governor Christie’s kids taught me the right technique for hitting the hammer to get those frogs in the buckets the way I was supposed to. (Laughter.) And, of course, I met with folks who are still rebuilding after Sandy.
Now, we all understand there’s still a lot of work to be done. There are homes to rebuild. There are businesses to reopen. There are landmarks and beaches and boardwalks that aren’t all the way back yet. But thanks to the hard work of an awful lot of people, we’ve got wonderful shops and restaurants and arcades that are opening their doors. And I saw what thousands of Americans saw over Memorial Day Weekend: You are stronger than the storm. (Applause.) After all you’ve dealt with, after all you’ve been through, the Jersey Shore is back and it is open for business, and they want all Americans to know that they’re ready to welcome you here. (Applause.)
And I’ve got to say, if they ever let me have any fun, I’d have some fun here. (Laughter and applause.) I was telling my staff on the ride over, I could see being a little younger — (laughter) — and having some fun on the Jersey Shore. (Applause.) I can’t do that anymore. (Laughter.) Maybe after I leave office. (Laughter and applause.)
I think a friend of mine from here once put it pretty well: “Down the shore, everything’s all right.” (Applause.) He’s the only guy a President …read more
Source: White House Press Office
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