“Exhausted” Obama Supporter Out of Work

Financially frustrated woman who confronted Pres. Obama got laid off.

A woman who told President Barack Obama she was "exhausted" from defending him and his economic policies and waiting for the change she expected after voting for him has another reason to be put out: She's lost her job.

Velma Hart worked as the chief financial officer for Am Vets, a veteran services organization based in Maryland. In an interview with CNBC Monday, the Upper Marlboro resident said that she was laid off as part of the nonprofit's effort to cut expenses.

In September, during a CNBC town hall-style meeting on the economy, Hart told the president: "Quite frankly, I'm exhausted. Exhausted of defending you, defending your administration, defending the man for change I voted for, and deeply disappointed with where we are right now.''

Hart said that the recession had taken an enormous toll on her family and left her and her husband worried about their finances. "And quite frankly, Mr. President, I need you to answer honestly,'' she said, "Is this my new reality?"

Obama responded, in part, "As I said before, times are tough for everybody right now. So I understand your frustration." He went on to cite examples of administration policies that he argued were helping families cope financially.

Hart told CNBC that she still supports Obama and noted that the economy is improving, though she finds the prospect of unemployment "scary."


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