Hello, Cleveland! It’s great to be back in Ohio. And it’s great to be here at Shaker Heights, home of the Red Raiders. Finally, I want to wish everyone a Happy New Year. One of my resolutions is to make sure I get out of Washington enough and spend more time with people like you. Because folks here in Ohio and across the country - you’re the reason why I ran for this office in the first place. And on days like today, you remind me what we’re still fighting for. An America where hard work and responsibility pays off. An America where anyone who puts in the effort and plays by the rules can get ahead. That’s the America you deserve. That’s the America we’re working to build. It wasn’t easy. And it should have been. It’s the right thing to do. It’s a no-brainer. Let’s get it done. But we still need to do more. Well that makes no sense at all. Of course not. It’s time someone fought for you, too. That’s inexcusable. It’s wrong. And I refuse to take “no” for an answer. These are ideas that have support from Democrats, Republicans and Independents. Not when so much is at stake. Not at this make-or-break moment for the middle class. Millions of Americans need someone who will look out for their interests. We can’t let that happen. Now is not the time to play politics while people’s livelihoods are at stake. Cleveland, I know you’re hearing a lot of promises from a lot of politicians lately. But today, you’re only going to hear one from me. That’s what America has always been about. That’s what today is all about. Thank you, God bless you, and God bless the United States of America.
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