Obama visits Missouri for part of 100th day as president

ARNOLD, Mo. -- A crowd of hundreds of Missourians gathered in a school gymnasium where President Obama spent part of his 100th day in office Wednesday.

Much of the speech, and many of the questions, focused on the economy. A retired GM worker asked about how the president would protect pensions when American automakers are in trouble; a high school student asked about what young people could expect from Social Security; a school counselor asked about challenges to youth.

"The answer to our problems will ultimately be found in the character of the American people," Obama said.

Obama also visited Missouri days before the election in November.

He said he came back "at the beginning of another long journey," this one aimed at righting the economy.

The Democrat paid several visits to Missouri while running for office, including an October speech on the grounds of the Gateway Arch that drew an estimated 100,000 people, the largest U.S. crowd of his campaign. His running mate, Joe Biden, even spoke at the same high school in Arnold in the days leading up to the election.

It wasn't quite enough in Missouri: Republican John McCain narrowly carried the state, the second time in more than 100 years that Missouri sided with the loser in the presidential election.

With the campaign long behind him, Obama returned to the Show-Me State in a far different environment, now charged with fixing the struggling economy and a myriad of other problems.

"He's working in all areas of the economy, trying to put the fire out" said electrician Dave Emas, 60, of High Ridge. "He's doing the best he can, given the hand he was dealt. It'll work out."

Hospital executive Dixie Platt, 50, of St. Louis, said Obama has what it takes to reform health care. John Maxwell, a retired landscaper from St. Louis, said he appreciated the president's frank discussion about climate change.

Even retiree Paul Poitras, who voted for McCain, gave Obama high marks for "trying to do something to help the average citizen."

Nine-year-old Laurel Bonebrake got the last question and asked the president what his administration was doing for the environment.

Her poise and grace so impressed Obama, he said, "We might have to run you for president someday."