When President Obama headlined a fundraiser Tuesday evening for Senator Harry Reid on the Las Vegas Strip, it was the President's first visit to Sin City since his remarks on business travel to the region sparked outrage from Mayor Oscar Goodman.
The direct quote from Obama, referring to banks and other companies that receive government aid, was, “You can’t get corporate jets, you can’t go take a trip to Las Vegas or go down to the Super Bowl on the taxpayer’s dime.”
Officials claimed the comments hurt the tourism industry in Vegas, an obvious crutch for the local economy, and the Las Vegas Convention & Visitors Authority reported a surge in cancellations of big events in the city shortly after the remarks were made.
The White House has since clarified what the President meant, and Obama followed up to make amends immediately upon his arrival by speaking with Goodman and Reid at the steps of Air Force One.