Election year politics march on, and even the occasion of the President’s birthday couldn’t add a sweet touch to a week that included allegations from a prominent democrat that Mitt Romney skipped paying taxes and finger pointing from Mitt Romney after unemployment rose–a tenth of a point.
Michelle Obama urged Americans to sign a virtual birthday card for the President (and then donate to his campaign), while the Republican National Committee distributed e-cards with birthday messages making fun of the President’s policies, says AFP.
Luckily, the United States’ ongoing success at the Olympics has given all Americans–no matter their party affiliation–something to rally around.
CBS quotes President Obama saying in his weekly address, “…it’s not the medal count alone that inspires us…It’s that unconquerable spirit – that American spirit – that says even though we may have very different stories to tell; even though we may not look alike or talk alike or be dealt the same hand in life, if we work hard, we can achieve our dreams.”
House Majority Leader Eric Cantor is also quoted referencing the Olympics in the Republicans’ address: “I am reminded that one of the things that sets America apart is that ordinary people have the freedom to accomplish extraordinary things,” going on to add that we’d be more extraordinary if the government could manage to create more jobs.
Whether you have been paying attention to Washington, or had your eyes glued on London–whether you sent the President a birthday card, or opted out–there is much to celebrate today.
USA Today reports that Serena Williams was elated to achieve her first Olympic gold in women’s singles, and Michael Phelps won a gold medal in the 4×100 meter medley relay (what is being considered the last race of his Olympic career).
Phelps took the title of “Greatest Olympian of All Time” when he surpassed Soviet gymnast Larisa Latynina’s record of 18 medals earlier this week. The athlete’s win today brings his total to 22 medals–18 of them gold.