White House Press Secretary Robert Gibbs today fired back at right-wing critics who have attacked President Obama’s upcoming stay-in-school speech. From today’s press gaggle:
“I think it’s a sad, sad day that the political back and forth has intruded on anyone speaking to schoolchildren and teachers and parents about the responsibilities that they have as we enter a new school year. If one kid in one school hears one message and goes from being a D student to a C student, then the speech is worth it. If one kid decides not to drop out of school, then the speech is worth it. Right now nearly three in 10 kids in school will not walk across a stage and get a high school diploma. If anybody thinks that’s the recipe for long-term economic growth, I’ve got news for them.
“It’s a sad state of affairs that many in this country politically would rather start an “Animal House” food fight rather than inspire kids to stay in school, to work hard, to engage parents to stay involved, and to ensure that the millions of teachers that are making great sacrifices continue to be the best in the world. It’s a sad state of affairs.”
