Obama aims to make plain where GOP, Democrats stand

President Obama will attempt in the final week before election day to draw a clearer contrast between Democrat and Republican philosophies on a range of issues, starting Monday with a trip to a small business in Rhode Island.

Last week, Obama made the longest sustained campaign trip of his presidency, a four-day swing through Western states that ended in Minnesota on Saturday. Obama will spend more time this week at a mix of official and campaign events, primarily focused on the major issue that has driven voter unease this year: the economy.

In Woonsocket, R.I., the president on Monday will discuss how legislation he and congressional Democrats produced have boosted small businesses such as American Cord & Webbing. Aides said Sunday that 3,600 companies had received $1.4 million in loans under the Small Business Jobs and Credit Act passed in September, and others had received help dating back to the Recovery Act, both opposed by Republicans.

“From an economic point of view, it’s disappointing how stark the contrast has become” between Republicans and Democrats, said Gene Sperling, counselor to the Treasury secretary.

After a heavy round of campaign events, which included an offensive about the influence of Republican-allied groups that do not have to disclose campaign donations, Obama will stay close to Washington the remainder of the week and focus on official events. Nonetheless, deputy communications director Jen Psaki said to expect him to further spell out this week what Republicans’ campaign promises to repeal Democratic accomplishments would mean to Americans.

On Wednesday, Obama will tape an interview with Jon Stewart to be broadcast on “The Daily Show,” giving him entree to a young audience that Democrats need to vote in large numbers. Come the weekend, he’ll return to the campaign trail for a closing push in Pennsylvania, Connecticut, Illinois and Ohio.

“We have great candidates out there who have been doing a great job … under tough conditions,” Psaki said. “His focus is on doing everything he can in the coming days and making sure we can still keep moving on the path toward economic recovery.”

Obama’s trip Monday also includes fundraisers for the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee. Rep. Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), who heads that committee, said races in the Northeast, including ones in Connecticut, Massachusetts and New Hampshire, may indicate just how strong the Republican wave is (or is not) on Nov. 2.

Vice President Biden will be in New Hampshire on Monday afternoon, taking part in what aides say will be his 100th event in support of a Democratic candidate this cycle. Biden’s schedule also includes events to support candidates in Florida, New York, Pennsylvania, Iowa, Maryland, Massachusetts and Ohio.

The busiest Democratic surrogate, however, is former President Bill Clinton. From Monday through election day, he has 20 stops planned.

mmemoli@tribune.com

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