http://thehill.com/homenews/administration/275718-obama-presses-need-for-dem-control-of-congress-at-san-fran-fundraiserObama presses need for Dem control of Congress at San Fran fundraiser
By Jessie Hellmann - 04/09/16 10:07 AM EDT
President Obama focused on the need for a Democratic Congress at a San Francisco pricey fundraiser Friday night.
Obama told about 100 guests at the $34,000-per-couple event that Democratic control of the Capitol is good for America, and criticized Senate Republicans for blocking his Supreme Court nominee.
"It's not just about cases and controversy that may come before the court. … It's about can our democracy work," Obama said, according to a pool report, casting the November election in stark tones.
Obama said GOP presidential candidates Ted Cruz and Donald Trump are not "outliers,” adding that they hold positions some GOP lawmakers have held "for years."
"I want a Republican Party that is logical and well functioning ... but that's not what we have now, and that's why this election is so important," Obama said, adding that he wants "to make sure everyone here has the same sense of urgency I do."
Obama also focused on the Senate GOP blockade of his Supreme Court nominee Merrick Garland.
"As you know, we have a vacancy currently," Obama said. "We have a Republican Senate that has decided not only to not vote for him, but to not give the American people an opportunity to hear what he has to say through a hearing."
He particularly commended House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi, the California Democrat who spearheaded the fundraiser.
"I've done a lot of tough stuff since I've been president," Obama said, according to the Associated Press. "But I couldn't do it unless I had outstanding legislators who had my back, even when it wasn't politically convenient."
The fundraiser is part of a two-day fundraising swing through California.
