Michelle Obama Gets Mixed Reception at NASCAR Sprint Cup Finale
Michelle Obama and Jill Biden got a mixed reception from the crowd
First lady Michelle Obama and Dr.Jill Biden simultaneously got a hot and cold reception from the fans.There were some boos competing with the cheers as the women were introduced as the Grand Marshalls of the big race.
It was a tough crowd at the NASCAR Sprint Cup Finale.
First lady Michelle Obama and Dr.Jill Biden simultaneously got a hot and cold reception from the fans.There were some boos competing with the cheers as the women were introduced as the Grand Marshalls of the big race.
Just before she said the traditional, "Gentlemen start your engines," Obama was greeted by NASCAR fans who didn't seem to too fond of her.
Obama and Biden were there to support military families and vets like Sgt. Andrew Barry who joined them on the stage as the first lady was booed.
Earlier in the day, the reception was much warmer. At a private barbeque, the women made the rounds, shaking the hands of the heroes, hugging their spouses and children for the sacrifices they make everyday.
Biden told the families she understood those sacrifices first hand.
"Our son Beau is {part of the} Army National Guard.He was deployed to Iraq, so I have a little bit of an idea of what it's like for the families out there," she said.
The first lady had some special words of encouragement for the little ones, who make big sacrifices too.
"But you guys are strong. You're leaders in your own right. You're taking care of mom and dad. You're getting good grades," and she joked "You're eating your vegetables, right?"
That was perhaps little Ashleigh Eleby's favorite part.
"I am eating my vegetables," she said.
Her message was understood by Genny Barth who's dad isn't abroad but spends a lot of time living away from home.
"Just not having him around. He's gone a lot," said Barth said, adding that was the hardest part.
Obama and Biden's nationwide initiative joining forces, aims to help vets find jobs and promises to bring thousands of opportunities to South Florida.
Several companies have announced commitments to hire veterans and their spouses over the next two years. In Miami-Dade, the Beacon Council is determined to try to help 4,000 vets find jobs by 2013.
"They have sacrificed so much--their time, their families. And when that road ends, they have to start all over again," said Tynisa Eleby, whose husband is in the Air Force.
Obama said no matter what happens in 2012, or what administration is in place, she and Biden want to make supporting military families and vets a part of the national conversation forever.
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