Obama addressed the union members, thanking them for support and priorities

Earlier today, the President travel to Pittsburgh, PA for the annual AFL-CIO convention. He addressed the gather union members, thanking them for their support and laying out his priority. He spoke about the Recovery Act, his priorities for renewal a new, greener economy, and how health insurance reform will help all Americans achieve security and stability when it comes to their medical care.

Experts from the speech:

For over half a century, the achievement of America has been built on the success of our middle class. It was the formation of the middle class that lifted this nation up in the wake of a Great Depression.

We are putting Americans to work across this country rebuilding breakdown roads and bridges and waterways with the largest investment in our infrastructure since Eisenhower created the Interstate Highway System in the 1950s.

I have also said that one of the options in this exchange should be a public option. (Applause.) Now, let me be clear. Let me be clear, because there is been a lot of misinformation out here about this. This could just be an option. Nobody has forced to choose it. No one with insurance could be affected. But what it would do is suggest Americans more choices, and promote real competition, and put pressure on private insurers to make their policies affordable and treat their customers better.