What Obama Said about Coal Miners and Gun Owners

During his convention speech, President Obama said coal miners have to be included in the fight against climate change.

And gun owners have to be engaged in any effort to rein in gun violence, he said.

Much of coal country blames Obama for decimating the industry. The phrase “War on Coal” became popular during this president’s term — and it was usually preceded by the word “Obama’s”.

Here’s what Obama said:

It can be frustrating, this business of democracy. Trust me, I know. Hillary knows, too. When the other side refuses to compromise, progress can stall. People are hurt by the inaction. Supporters can grow impatient, and worry that you’re not trying hard enough; that you’ve maybe sold out.

But I promise you, when we keep at it; when we change enough minds; when we deliver enough votes, then progress does happen…

If you want to fight climate change, we’ve got to engage not only young people on college campuses, we’ve got to reach out to the coal miner who’s worried about taking care of his family, the single mom worried about gas prices.

If you want to protect our kids and our cops from gun violence, we’ve got to get the vast majority of Americans, including gun owners, who agree on things like background checks to be just as vocal and just as determined as the gun lobby that blocks change through every funeral that we hold. That is how change happens…

Read or watch Obama’s entire speech here.