Headed for the Heartland - and Vegas, Baby

Wheels up this morning for Kansas City: President Obama will visit a factory there that makes electric trucks. The company - Smith Electric Vehicles – is an all-electric, zero emissions commercial truck manufacturer that received a $32 million Recovery Act grant last year. It hopes to open 20 manufacturing plants around the country. Jobs AND vehicles that don't use gas - that’s a two-for-one deal for Obama, who sees such projects as the key to rebuilding America’s economy.

He’ll also drop in on two fundraisers for Robin Carnahan, a Senate candidate in Missouri. Polls show her five or six points behind her GOP rival, longtime Congressman Roy Blunt.

The President then heads to Nevada for two more fundraisers – these for Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid. Reid needs all the help he can get. Polls show him behind GOP candidate Sharron Angle by a three-to-seven point margin.

The President will spend the night in Las Vegas; don't look for him to show up in any casinos, we're told.

As for the President’s poll numbers – some slight erosion this week. A new Gallup survey puts his approval at 44%, but his disapproval at 46. And for the first time, the Real Clear Politics avg. of nine major polls puts Obama’s approval below his disapproval: not by much, just a tenth of a point at 46.3% approve vs. 46.4% disapproval. Still, troubling news for the White House.

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President's Thursday Schedule


CDT

11:55AM THE PRESIDENT arrives in Kansas City, Missouri
Kansas City International Airport
Open Press

12:10PM THE PRESIDENT tours Smith Electric Vehicles
Kansas City, Missouri
Travel Pool Coverage

12:30PM THE PRESIDENT delivers remarks on the economy
Smith Electric Vehicles
Open Press

2:05PM THE PRESIDENT delivers remarks at a fundraiser for Senate candidate Robin Carnahan
Kansas City Marriot
Travel Pool Coverage

2:45PM THE PRESIDENT delivers remarks at a grass roots event for Senate candidate Robin Carnahan
Folly Theater
Open Press

4:25PM THE PRESIDENT departs Kansas City, Missouri en route Las Vegas, Nevada
Kansas City International Airport
Open Press

PDT

5:00PM THE PRESIDENT arrives Las Vegas, Nevada
McCarran International Airport
Open Press

6:15PM THE PRESIDENT delivers remarks at a fundraiser event for Senator Harry Reid
Aria Resort and Casino
Open Press

7:30PM THE PRESIDENT attends a dinner fundraiser for Senator Harry Reid
Aria Resort and Casino
Closed Press


Briefing Schedule

Deputy Press Secretary Bill Burton will gaggle aboard Air Force One