Obama on road in N.C. to push agenda

ASHEVILLE, N.C. -- President Obama kicked off a three-day bus tour here Monday by saying he will send Congress his $447billion jobs bill in multiple parts, starting with a request next week for more jobs for teachers and police.

Congress has, so far, not supported Obama's plan.

"Maybe they just didn't understand the whole thing," he said. "So we are breaking it up into pieces."

Obama pledged to do more listening than talking in North Carolina, where the unemployment rate is about 10% statewide and higher in some rural counties.

"I'm going to get a chance to hear from folks about how they're doing, what direction they want to take the country in," he said. "And I'll be doing a little bit of talking, but mostly I'm going to do a whole lot of listening — because there doesn't seem to be much listening going on in Washington these days."

Congressional Republicans, including Sen. John McCain of Arizona, criticized Obama's trip as a political event that should be paid with campaign funds. That echoes similar criticisms of Obama's July bus tour of Illinois and Iowa.

People lined the roadsides as the motorcade traveled from Asheville to Marion and then to Boone before the last event at West Wilkes High School near Wilkesboro.

Signs along the way let the president know what North Carolina was thinking.

"We believed. We voted. Now what," read one sign near Blowing Rock.

Obama stopped at Countryside Barbeque near Marion, where he ordered a small barbeque plate to go with sweet potato fries, green beans and hush puppies.

Jennifer Hall, Megan Williams and Candace Huskins, employees at a local eye doctor, knew something was up when they saw police cars around the restaurant and had to go through a security check to get in.

"We were going to go to Subway," joked Williams.

The three were glad to get to see Obama in person. They didn't have much to say about his jobs bill though they said they understood the issue.

"I'm just fortunate to have one (a job) right now," Hall said

Obama worked the dining room, shaking hands and talking with customers.

Pastor Bob Ritter of Eastside Baptist Church in Nebo, N.C., got a chance to talk to the president.

"I told him that I pray for him often and he said thank you and that he prayed," Ritter said.

The president stopped Mast General Store near Appalachian State University in Boone, N.C., and checked out the candy barrels.

Outside, he greeted local residents — shaking hands and asking their names.

Jason Timpson, Appalachian State University housing coordinator, said he's not normally awed, but meeting Obama was a different story.

"It is a fantastic experience," he said. "I think I could pass out right now."

Obama's trip resumes Tuesday in Greensboro, N.C., and ends Wednesday in Virginia.