President Barack Obama is setting the record straight he loves Las Vegas. And Las Vegas was glad to hear it.
Mr. Obama had irked Nevada officials by using Las Vegas as an example of how people should not spend irresponsibly in tough times. But during an overnight visit to the city, Mr. Obama made it clear he meant no harm.
“I love Vegas,” Mr. Obama told an audience of 650 business and tourism leaders yesterday at a resort and casino on the Strip.
His comments drew a raucous ovation from the crowd. Kara Kelley, chief executive officer of the Las Vegas Chamber of Commerce, called the remarks “appropriate and welcomed.”
Mr. Obama said his mother-in-law likes to visit Sin City and he outlined programs he hopes will boost tourism here. When a visiting dentist told him everyone comes to Vegas, the president exclaimed: “That’s what I’m talking about.”
For all his effort to make amends, the president defended his comments from earlier this month that people who are saving for college shouldn’t blow a bunch of cash in Vegas.
“That doesn’t mean I don’t love Vegas,” Mr. Obama said.
“I think everybody here would agree that the only place where people should spend their college savings is in college. There’s no contradiction there.”
