President Obama at GE Schenectady: photos

Obama Visit Schenectady Composite

POTUS, Governor Cuomo, and a steam turbine.

By Liz Clancy Lerner

A quiet hum quickly turned into roaring applause as President Barack Obama went on stage at building 218 273 at the GE plant in Schenectady. The entire experience felt surreal: from the hundreds of cameras, to the security dogs to seeing the man we so often see on television, in person.

GE employees were "inspired," a ten year old got her first big break and the crowd showed their support.

A handful of photos after the jump...

Obama Press Shot

Hundreds of members of the press were present. Many TV stations and newspapers had multiple reporters and photographers there.

Wide Shot Obama

"About 150 people" were selected through the GE employee lottery to attend the speech.

Obama at GE

Spotlights shined on President Obama as he spoke.

Obama at GE Close Up

President Obama said that recent trade deals will lead to 235,000 new jobs.

Obama Ellie Sommers 10 year old

10-year-old Scholastic Kids reporter Ellie Sommers from Manlius, NY. She said the whole day was "very exciting and fun."

Obama Adam Joachim
20-year GE employee and Local 301 member Adam Joachim called President Obama's speech "uplifting."

Obama Carlos Feltt

GE Employee Carlos Felt remarked, "things are getting better here" after President Obama's speech.

Obama Visit Turbine

A steam turbine sat in the background as President Obama spoke.

Obama Visit Immelt

Jeffrey Immelt sat next to President Obama as he spoke on Friday.

Obama Visit Chuck Schumer

Senator Chuck Schumer greeted the crowd before the arrival of President Obama.

Obama Visit Crowd

GE employees made up most of the audience on Friday.

Obama Visit Ellie Sommers

10-year-old Ellie Sommers takes notes while speaking with a member of the press.

Obama Visit Crowd 2

Some GE employees stood in front of a steam turbine during President Obama's speech.

Obama Visit Dogs

Dogs made up part of the security team during President Obama's visit.

Comments

The only way out of a fiscally dismal predicament is to start making and exporting things again. I think the President is on the right track and it pleases me to see Schenectady making positive news!

Psst... it's building 273. There is no building 218.

Thanks, James. I really need to work on my handwriting; sometimes I can't even read it.

BTW, that's not a steam turbine in the background. It is a generator stator.

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