President Obama spoke about education at a grassroots event at Truckee Meadows Community College Tuesday afternoon.
"Making higher education more affordable for young people is something I have a personal stake in." He also went on to say he and Michelle "didn't come from wealthy families" and finished college with student loan debt. And that he only paid off his and Michelle's college debts about eight years ago.
He says he has made college affordability a top priority but "this does not seem to be a priority my opponent shares." He references presumptive GOP presidential candidate Mitt Romney for telling students to "shop around" or "borrow money from your parents..."
Obama further says Romney budget plan would cut investments in education by about 20% and cancel scholarships for a million students. "I want to give 2 million more students a chance to go to a community college just like this one."
Former state regent and Democratic congressional candidate Jill Derby says education is not just part of Obama's campaign, it's a central part of his family and his belief that everyone deserves equal access to a quality education.
Former UNR President Joe Crowley said education should not be a luxury for the few but "an economic imperative for the many."
He also touched on voting in the upcoming election. "You got no excuse not to register to vote. You gotta vote." He then mentioned the website - https://gottaregister.com/
Due to President Obama's visit to Reno, RTC Route 15 to TMCC will not operate from 11am to about 8pm - when the road is reopened. After that, regular service will resume to RTC riders.
Also - expect some partial freeway closures. U.S. 395 and I-80 may be affected in and around the Spaghetti Bowl – which may cause some traffic delays. There's no details on specific roadways.
We'll also have reaction from Republicans on Obama's visit to Reno.
A TMCC spokeswoman says about 2,100 people came out to hear Obama speak.
After his speech, President Obama will fly to Las Vegas for another campaign event there on Wednesday.
Four years ago, Obama became the first Democratic presidential candidate to carry the Republican-leaning county since Lyndon Johnson in 1964.
Meanwhile, Republican Paul Ryan is criticizing President Obama for a remark the Democrat made four years ago about voters clinging to guns and religion.
Ryan on Tuesday told Pennsylvania voters that he is a Catholic deer hunter. Ryan says, in his words, "I am happy to be clinging to my guns and my religion."
Obama sparked controversy in April 2008 when he told a San Francisco fundraiser that some frustrated voters "cling to their guns or religion."
Ryan, presumptive Republican presidential nominee Mitt Romney's running mate, visited a steel processing plant near Pittsburgh. He says President Barack Obama is relying on "distortions because that's all he has to offer."
Ryan is trying to blunt criticism of his plan to overhaul Medicare as America knows it. He says his plan would protect the program for seniors' grandchildren. (AP)
