On Wednesday’s CBS Early Show, co-host Julie Chen spoke with Obama supporter Julio Asegueda, who attended the president’s economic town hall in Florida on Tuesday: "President Obama took his economic stimulus message to Fort Myers, Florida yesterday. And in the crowd of 1,500 he heard real stories of economic struggle and hardship, including from 19-year-old college student Julio Asegueda." By contrast, the Early Show reacted quite differently when Joe the Plumber dared to question Obama during a campaign stop last October.
In his question to Obama, Asegueda complained about being stuck in a job at McDonald’s for the past few years. Chen asked Asegueda: "I want to know what happened after you voiced your problem to the president?" He replied: "When I voiced my problem to the President of the United States, I was so shocked at the answer he gave me. The answer that he gave me was so -- so sincere and so motivational to me that it just -- I had such a surreal feeling that I've never had in my life." In reality, Obama simply offered talking points about tax credits for college students, hardly "motivational." [audio excerpt available here]
At the end of the segment, Chen asked Asegueda about job offers after the Tuesday event: "I understand you're a college student, you're studying broadcasting, and you got some job offers after you spoke up? What happened?" Asegueda explained: "First I was offered an internship at a local radio -- top 40 radio station. On the other hand, a local baseball team owner called me up and asked me to -- wants me to broadcast the very first home opener game for the season." Chen remarked: "Wow. Aren't you glad you got picked on by the president?" Asegueda replied: "Oh, it's such a blessing."
Here is the full transcript of the segment:
7:12AM TEASE:
JULIE CHEN: Up next, people in Florida with real problems talk to President Obama yesterday. Now, one young man talks to us.
7:16AM SEGMENT:
JULIE CHEN: President Obama took his economic stimulus message to Fort Myers, Florida yesterday. And in the crowd of 1,500 he heard real stories of economic struggle and hardship, including from 19-year-old college student Julio Asegueda.
JULIO ASEGUEDA: I've been at the same job, which is McDonald's, for 4 ½ years, because of the fact I can't find another job.
CHEN: And Julio Asegueda joins us this morning from Cape Coral, Florida. Julio, good morning.
JULIO ASEGUEDA: Good morning. It's such a pleasure to be on your show, how are you doing today?
CHEN: I'm doing very well, but I want to know what happened after you voiced your problem to the president?
ASEGUEDA: When I voiced my problem to the President of the United States, I was so shocked at the answer he gave me. The answer that he gave me was so -- so sincere and so motivational to me that it just -- I had such a surreal feeling that I've never had in my life. I mean the answer was such a-
CHEN: What was it? What did he say?
ASEGUEDA: What he said was that, you know, 'for somebody like yourself -- individuals like Julio, that have been working so hard to be able to, you know, work there for that long,' the stimulus package is going to include hopefully some tax cuts that will help benefit me, and at the same time it would also, being a college student, there was hopefully going to be a $2,500 refundable tax return given to those students that go to college.
HARRY SMITH: Julio, Harry Smith here. Very -- working at McDonald's for more than four years, trying to go to college, trying to get a degree in communications, what do you know about the struggle of ordinary Americans, just like yourself, that maybe some of these folks in Washington don't understand?
ASEGUEDA: Well, the thing is, really -- even though the economy is currently striking us down, that is -- at this point in life, you should just keep trying hard. I mean, don't quit, don't stop. Because the end is not near at all. You know, success is around the corner, and it's very, you know -- just got to keep trying.
CHEN: Julio, in the final 30 seconds or so, I understand you're a college student, you're studying broadcasting, and you got some job offers after you spoke up? What happened?
ASEGUEDA: First I was offered an internship at a local radio -- top 40 radio station. On the other hand, a local baseball team owner called me up and asked me to -- wants me to broadcast the very first home opener game for the season.
CHEN: Wow. Aren't you glad you got picked on by the president? Julio Asegueda-
ASEGUEDA: Oh, it's such a blessing.
CHEN: Yeah. Thank you so much and good luck to you.
ASEGUEDA: Thank you so very much. God bless you.
CHEN: Same to you. Cute.
—Kyle Drennen is a news analyst at the Media Research Center.
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It's not every day...
February 11, 2009 - 11:24 ET by Prester John....that you get to speak with the Messiah.
(gag)
Preaching to the choir
February 11, 2009 - 11:30 ET by Sergeant ROCKI'll bet the choir was beautiful though.
"I ask, Sir, what is the militia? It is the whole people. To disarm the people is the best and most effectual way to enslave them."
George Mason
Bolton/KEYES 2012
I wonder...
February 11, 2009 - 11:33 ET by klchadwickI wonder if Julio felt that Obama was looking down "watching us watching him" talk to this 19 yr old McDonald's employee?
All I can say is at least Julio has a job....
I'm Hispanic and when I was
February 11, 2009 - 11:35 ET by rbosqueI'm Hispanic and when I was 19, I too worked at McDonald's. Guess what??? I'm not working there anymore, I've been to college, I was in the Navy, and I'm doing fine economically. I didn't need a Messiah or the gov't. I did it myself.
Amazing what you can do without someone holding your hand.
Julio
February 11, 2009 - 11:36 ET by Gothampc"When I voiced my problem to the President of the United States, I was so shocked at the answer he gave me. The answer that he gave me was so -- so sincere and so motivational to me that it just -- I had such a surreal feeling that I've never had in my life."
Julio, wake up. The unemployed homeless lady got a house out of the deal. You, employed productive taxpayer, got your pocket picked in the form of higher taxes and may possibly lose your job due to the inflation that this "stimulus" bill may cause.
I think Julio..
February 11, 2009 - 13:03 ET by Sergeant ROCK.. is one of the liberals that posts here... but which one?
nwahs or buttermouth?
"I ask, Sir, what is the militia? It is the whole people. To disarm the people is the best and most effectual way to enslave them."
George Mason
Bolton/KEYES 2012
Second look
February 11, 2009 - 11:52 ET by rgoldI would like to see another photo of this student who posed the question. I am not certain, but when I saw the clip of his question this morning I could have sworn he had a "King Obama" shirt on.
Actually
February 11, 2009 - 11:52 ET by 10ksnookerI was shocked by the abject ignorance of Julio. And most of the others in the carefully selected audience. My guess is they overplayed the feinting and now can't do that anymore.
The ruse of the promised free lunch, gets them every time.
Actually ......
February 11, 2009 - 11:54 ET by 10ksnookerI was shocked by the abject ignorance of Julio. And most of the others in the carefully selected audience. My guess is they overplayed the feinting and now can't do that anymore.
The ruse of the promised free lunch, gets them every time.
"I had such a surreal
February 11, 2009 - 12:02 ET by allamericangirl"I had such a surreal feeling that I've never had in my life"
Sounds like a thrill up the leg thing to me. No surprise that he is in college studying broadcasting he will make a fine little Journalist.
"Liberalism is a mental disorder" -Michael Savage
surreal feeling
February 11, 2009 - 12:56 ET by CarlosSNo doubt Julio had a surreal feeling..., after all, President Barrack Hussein Obama is the "Light Sabre"..., I mean "Light Bearer"..., the one who brings hope and change by the power of his presence...
Lightworker
February 11, 2009 - 15:22 ET by SpikerThat's what Mark Morford of the SF Chronicle called the Chosen One.
Now if you will excuse me I am going to bang my head against the wall a few hundred times.
Lightworker..., Lightweight
February 11, 2009 - 15:53 ET by CarlosS<sarc on>
I thought it was Light Sabre..., but Light Worker is fine, too...
<sarc off>
That surreal feeling comes
February 11, 2009 - 16:32 ET by QueenMumThat "surreal feeling" comes from the special Kool-Aid they served at the meeting. There's a secret ingredient in the Kool-Aid that makes it addictive. And once you've swallowed it, you're hooked. And you come to depend on the Dear Leader to provide you with a fix whenever you need one.
Queen... Jim Jones would
February 11, 2009 - 16:36 ET by bigtimerQueen...
Jim Jones would be proud.
This guy is a child-like
February 11, 2009 - 12:15 ET by Chris NormanThis guy is a child-like moron. Of course, Obama depends on child-like morons for his support...
By the way, when did doing an honest job for honest pay, like at McDonalds, become something bad? Everytime I hear anybody, especially a politician, denigrate "flipping burgers", it makes my blood boil.
The "Mainstream" Media: By liberals. For liberals.
Welcome to..
February 11, 2009 - 12:19 ET by Sergeant ROCK.. the democRATic Party!
"I ask, Sir, what is the militia? It is the whole people. To disarm the people is the best and most effectual way to enslave them."
George Mason
Bolton/KEYES 2012
To be fair, wasn't Julio's
February 11, 2009 - 16:40 ET by QueenMumTo be fair, wasn't Julio's major complaint that he wanted better benefits? Ya know, at his age he should still be eligible to be on his parents'
health insurance if he's indeed in college. I'd like to see someone go after this guy like they did Joe the Plumber. But it won't happen.
QM,I dpn't know if he
February 11, 2009 - 17:11 ET by Chris NormanQM,
I don't know if he did run down his job or not (to tell the truth, I couldn't stomach listening to him past his initial words), my comment was directed beyond him to the people I hear frequently denigrate honest jobs in the restaurant industry as somehow being not worthy or honorable. I was taught and truly believe that there is honor in any honest job that is well done (pun not intended).
The "Mainstream" Media: By liberals. For liberals.
Chris: I absolutely agree.
February 11, 2009 - 17:15 ET by QueenMumChris: I absolutely agree. And don't you wonder why there isn't a hue and cry about the "millions of jobs" that are going to be "created" to repair the infrastructure, when we must assume that a good deal of those jobs will involve manual labor? Answer: Unions
QM,I was discussing this
February 11, 2009 - 17:23 ET by Chris NormanQM,
I was discussing this with my brother last night. Why the big focus on jobs that can be only be filled by skilled members of the construction industry? They act like laid-off clothing sales people or real estate agents are suddenly going to be employed as back hoe operators or asphalt layers. Do they think that a, say, sixty year old woman, will be able to shovel gravel all day?
The "Mainstream" Media: By liberals. For liberals.
Hey Chris. Watch what you
February 11, 2009 - 19:55 ET by QueenMumHey Chris. Watch what you say about sixty year old women. ;)
But seriously, my daughter is a corporate recruiter in Chicago. Her company just sold off one of its divisions and 300 people are being laid off. This includes people in H.R., sales, marketing, and management. What does the "job creation" part of the porkulus package do for them? And why is it that the upcoming G.M. layoff will only effect salaried personnel? And why is the City of Chicago again refusing to allow a new Wal-Mart to be built on the south side of the city? Talk about job creation. Not to mention the advantages to the population of that part of the city who have few options in the way of finding affordable shopping. And yet the libs continue to pander to the unions while at the same time telling us that it's the corporate execs who are the evildoers and that the po' folks living in the projects can't afford to do better because they can't get decent jobs and are victims of discrimination and Republican greed. Talk about the culture of corruption.
Chris...it makes my blood
February 11, 2009 - 16:48 ET by bigtimerChris...it makes my blood boil too.
The guy has had four years to look for better employment if he wants to change jobs bad enough.
It isn't that hard to do...I know, I am speaking from experience.
I think him being such a drama queen, he may try Hollywood, he would fit right in.
bt,If I was his boss,
February 11, 2009 - 17:16 ET by Chris Normanbt,
If I was his boss, I'd have words with him about his apparent dissatisfaction with the current circumstances of his job. There is a career path in McDonalds, if one so chooses to follow it, that leads to better pay and I'd guess - better benefits. I'd say that, after more than four years, it's time for this guy to either pursue that path or move on to a different one.
The "Mainstream" Media: By liberals. For liberals.
When I was 19
February 11, 2009 - 12:18 ET by katainkentI was working two (sometimes three) jobs and also carrying 16-19 credits in college. I had my own apartment with three roommates. Somehow I felt fortunate... silly me.
All that is necessary for the triumph of evil is that good men do nothing. -Edmund Burke
Kata
February 11, 2009 - 12:28 ET by choselife3xEXACTLY!
I worked my way through college, averaging 52 hours a week at work while carrying a full course load. BIG DEAL.
I enjoyed myself and believed I was living the American dream. Still do. Still am.
Liberals are fostering the culture of victimhood and it will kill this country if we let it.
In order to be pro-choice, one must first be born. Ah, the irony.
Kata
February 11, 2009 - 12:31 ET by sherylsimsI worked my way through college as well. I was told it would prepare me for how hard life was. It didn't. Life was ALOT harder than college... THOSE were the good old days!
we had no idea how lucky we really had it back then!
February 11, 2009 - 19:40 ET by clinging to my guns and my religionany young person who thinks working and going to college at the same time is hard is clueless. that was a vacation at a disney park compared to life in the real world, where you struggle to keep your family happy and well, your business going, and find even a moment to call your own. (but hey, i wouldn't trade these days for those days for anything!)
"When bad men combine, the good must associate; else they will fall one by one, an unpitied sacrifice in a contemptible struggle." Edmund Burke
Big Ditto
February 11, 2009 - 14:56 ET by jed58I worked a full-time job a part time, carried full course load and lived in a tent and my truck for two years while doing it.....Knew things would get better.....then lost everything (and I mean everything) in a bad business move and at age 38 started over. 12 years later working my but off but have a bouse and 50 acre farm I lease out, rebuilding the home I live in and a great job......Only in America!!
I didn't have my "real"
February 11, 2009 - 12:28 ET by eugeneromeroI didn't have my "real" career job till I was 24 so what's he complaining about? At 19, is he supposed to be a CEO or something? What an idiot. My father always told me that as long as you have a legitimate job and can provide for yourself and your family, there's nothing to be ashamed of. I have NEVER been without a job since high school and will have a job tomorrow if I lose mine today. Even if it's at McDonald's.
Great Illustration
February 11, 2009 - 12:29 ET by SeftonOf the difference between liberals and conservatives.
Joe the Plumber asks the president to basically stay out of his life.
Julio the Leach asks the president to give him a tit to suck on.
→ Julio the Leach
February 11, 2009 - 12:51 ET by Cool ArrowHe doesn't realize that's a chiseled pectoral he's salivating over. Not much on giving milk.
Stimulus Zoo infrastructure? This Morning on Fox & Friends.
February 11, 2009 - 12:46 ET by lareeShould we take care of our returning wounded veterans or should we invest taxpayer dollars in Zoo infrastructure?
http://youhavetobeth...
New Job
February 11, 2009 - 12:46 ET by OhmingThe other plant (Henrietta) got a house. If Julio plays his cards right, maybe he'll get a job at that Frisbee Park that the spending bill is providing. See, everyone gets what they ask for.
GOD HELP US!
February 11, 2009 - 12:58 ET by Sergeant ROCKPBS compares Obama to Castro with glee!
I ask, Sir, what is the militia? It is the whole people. To disarm the people is the best and most effectual way to enslave them."
George Mason
Bolton/KEYES 2012
Julio's orgasmic response to Obama has set a new standard.
February 11, 2009 - 12:59 ET by CTMeg Ryan's scene in 'When Harry Met Sally' has been replaced.
Chris Matthew's now knows what it sounds like.
I must save a recording of that moron's joyful exclaimation for the Moonbat file.
I have to come to realize it
February 11, 2009 - 13:55 ET by seaniepI have to come to realize it is not obama who bugs me - its his die hard fans
Shocked by Sincerity???
February 11, 2009 - 13:58 ET by buffalobobIf I ever heard a sincere word come from Obama's mouth, I'd be shocked, too. I don't expect it to happen anytime soon.
I cannot help but think
February 11, 2009 - 13:58 ET by kdizzydazethat buyer's remorse stock is rising on this Obama fellow faster then the DOW has been dropping over the last few days when hearing constituents like Julio and Henrietta.
God made man, but he used a monkey to do it -- DEVO
Please, God....
February 11, 2009 - 15:16 ET by DonnaC....more Julios and more Henriettas! It just couldn't get much better. It must drive the liberals nuts to see the intelligence level of the Obama constituents who are getting all the press. Just keep it up...
Did anyone listen to this
February 11, 2009 - 16:03 ET by SlicksterDid anyone listen to this retard? He couldn't put a coherent sentence together. Just another stage prop for obama. There may be a reason he's been at Mcdonalds for four years.
Slick... I saw the
February 11, 2009 - 16:06 ET by bigtimerSlick...
I saw the clips...repeatedly, have heard them to via radio.
Talk about a drama-queen.
Props indeed.
Simple as that.
"And in the crowd of 1,500
February 11, 2009 - 16:05 ET by ckc1227"And in the crowd of 1,500 he heard real stories of economic struggle and hardship, including from 19-year-old college student Julio Asegueda."
First of all, Julio's story wasn't one of economic struggle and hardship. Second, how did he manage to get several job offers after this PR stunt if there are no jobs available?
To the rest of you Julios out there, if you want a job, or a different job, you actually have to look for one. They aren't going to magically appear at your doorstep.
Julio and thats julio with a J, I dont live in Ca, had
February 11, 2009 - 17:19 ET by RD Kingthat chrissy thrill and feeling all over and not just in his leg, and if the osamaone had just touched his forehead he would have just fainted away, a sure sign of an evil cult and chicanery.
I did notice
February 11, 2009 - 17:22 ET by RD Kingthat in one video from the side that julios shirt said king obama and thats just about how he reverenced the POS. I mean potus select.
Puzzled by a statement
February 11, 2009 - 18:09 ET by dmac18I was a bit puzzled by one statement made. Julio suggested he worked at the McDonald's for 4 1/2 years and is 19 years old. Does he mean he started the job when he was 14 1/2 years old. Does Florida have child labor laws that prevent children under 16 from working "official" jobs like many other states used to enforce? If so, he (and his employer) may have either violated a law or he may not have been fully truthful.
so was this "employee" properly vetted?
February 11, 2009 - 18:13 ET by UndercoverConservativeDid social services and child support look into his info the second he was on the air, like they did for Joe? Does anyone want to find out if he was a McDonald's employee more than a week ago and if he still "works" there? Or are there questions asked about his "plans" fo rhigher education? Or citizenship status? No? really?
I know where I saw this guy before. He's a legend, though when he first appeared it was for industry rival Burger King and without the free Obama hat:
http://www.youtube.c...
"to call an illegal immigrant an "undocumented alien" is like calling a streetcorner drug dealer an "unlicensed pharmacist".
"You spend your money anyway you want and respect other's rights to do the same&quo
Oops!
February 11, 2009 - 18:23 ET by Amanda JusticeUndercoverConservative, we were having simultaneous thoughts. :-)
Has anybody else caught this??
February 11, 2009 - 18:22 ET by Amanda JusticeAnybody else thought about this? This "Julio" is 19, and he says he's worked at McDonald's for 4-1/2 years. That means, he started working there from the age of 13 or 14. Aren't there child labor laws against that?
For me, I thought his performance at the rally was soooo over-the-top, that I think this kid just donned a t-shirt & cap to make a scene, to get his 15 minutes of fame. Anybody else think that?
You want fries with that?
February 11, 2009 - 18:23 ET by AuH2oUnbelievable!
Julio & Henretta are the type of idiots that voted for B Hussein Obama. If I was POTUS and, these where the type of morons that voted for me, I would be embarrassed.
Julio must be a real brain stem. After 4&1/2 years at Mickey D's, a fence post could work it's way up to assistant manager.
Here is a thought for you Julio, instead of begging for a hand out, try applying yourself and actually learn something about the business. Then, you can work your way up to manager and, some day possibly purchase your own Mickey D's franchise.
Sheeese, how can we continue to be the greatest nation in the world, with idiots like these people around.
It's disgusting to think the rest of the world watches these people (utter morons) on TV and, that's what they think the citizens of this country are like.
Message to Julio (aka
February 11, 2009 - 19:39 ET by semolina_filcherMessage to Julio (aka Hamburglar):
Hey, want a job with benefits? Join the military--sign up and you'll be eligible for the GI Bill. No handouts there, just plain hard work defending yours and everyone elses right to freedom. Not putting you down but you'd think after 5 years at Mickey D's, you 'll have a better paying job by now. www.usaarmy.com
Julio and I
February 11, 2009 - 20:47 ET by AFBayouPatriotJulio and I both have a surreal feeling about Obama. But the surreal feeling I had yesterday is that everyone who showed up for Oblamas little town hall meeting were all morons. And the media wing of the democrat party proved I was right!
Julio, why can't you find another job? Do you not know how to interview? Do you wear a suit and tie, or at least a nice pair of pants, clean dress shirt and tie to interview, or do you wear what you wore to ask the President a question? Do you ask about pay and vacation first when the interviewer asks for your strong/weak points? Or is it the simple fact you don't know how to do anything else except go to school and work at McDonalds? Julio, some people are at top end at McDonald's, Perhaps you are at top end. However, as Judge Smails in Caddyshack said, "The world needs ditch diggers too."
Youth and jobs
February 11, 2009 - 21:06 ET by AFBayouPatriotI must add one additional comment. The other posters are correct, join the military Julio. To be successful, all you have to do is be where you are told to be at the time you need to be there, do what you are told to do without complaining about it and meet the requirements for physical fitness and job qualifications. Simple. When I was 19, I was guarding warheads for ICBMs in Montana in the USAF, and looking at a very promising career filled with hard work and satisfaction. After 28 years and 4 months of service, I wasn't disappointed in either area. The military will pay for your school as well, and offer you the opportunity to go to college (an accredited one that teaches public speaking) and obtain a degree. To quote someone that also used to be the public's darling "Ask not what your country can do for you, but what you can do for your country."
Thugs don't make good soldiers
February 12, 2009 - 08:08 ET by Sergeant ROCKI disagree on that point. In my experience, thugs are about useless. There are exceptions, though. I remember we got this one guy who was a wannabe thug and our CSM took a personal interest in him and straightened him out. He's a homeowner (second one) and also owns a condo.
Julio, on the other hand...
"I ask, Sir, what is the militia? It is the whole people. To disarm the people is the best and most effectual way to enslave them."
George Mason
Bolton/KEYES 2012
Julio
February 12, 2009 - 07:58 ET by Ind001I think Julio should really lay off the decaf.
His myspace page is ny dominican thug. He is a real class act. I wonder when he will get the joe the plumber treatment, or a mob of reporters will investigate Henrietta Hughes for asking the president for a kitchen? It is becoming clear that Obama is the new Benny Hinn. Show up to his town hall meetings and miracles will happen. Obama has become an idol that just happens to be president. Let's create a Monarchy and put the Messiah there for 30 years. We really have lost it.