Jacksonville Prepares to Welcome President Obama

President Obama will be stopping in Jacksonville Thursday morning to speak about the economy. Obama will be delivering remarks at the Jacksonville Port Authority as part of a larger campaign to emphasize the Obama administration's attempts to build the economy by boosting the middle class.

Obama began the campaign in his home state of Illinois at Knox College.

With an endless parade of distractions, political posturing and phony scandals, Washington has taken its eye off the ball, Obama said today in an address atKnox Collegein Illinois. I am here to say this needs to stop.

Obama's campaign follows a flurry of scandals rocking Washington, including the NSA surveillance scandal and the IRS probing of tea party and other conservative political groups.

The president brought up revived elements of his economic program, including spending more on roads, bridges and ports and raising the minimum wage. Obama slammed Republicans for getting in the way of his economic initiatives, challenging them to come up with their own plans.

Over the last six months, this gridlock has gotten worse, said Obama. "I am laying out my ideas to give the middle class a better shot. Now its time for you to lay out yours.

Republicans were less-than-pleased with Obama's remarks. Whats it going to accomplish? asked Speaker of the House John Boehner. Youve probably got the answer: nothing. Its a hollow shell. Its an Easter egg with no candy in it.

Other Republicans said Obama's remarks were filled with too much hype and not enough new proposals. With all the buildup, youd think the president was unveiling the next Bond film or something, said Sen. Mitch McConnell, R-Ky. But in all likelihood it will be more like a midday rerun of some 70s B-movie. Because weve heard it all before. Its old.

Obama is scheduled to speak at the Jacksonville Port Authority in Jacksonville at 2:35 p.m. on Thursday.