President, VP Visit Kokomo Chrysler Plant

   President Obama is back in Washington after a visit to Indiana.

   But earlier Tuesday in Kokomo, Mr. Obama defended his handling of the recession. He and Vice President Joe Biden made a joint appearance at a Chrysler plant.

   The president greeted dozens of cheering auto workers—a group he says is setting an example for the country.

   “The changes we're seeing throughout Kokomo are signs of hope and confidence in the future,” said Obama.

   Kokomo got hit hard by the recession. Its unemployment rate was once more than 20 percent, but now it's down to 10.7 percent.

   The president credits the economic stimulus package and his decision to restructure the auto industry.

   “We made the decision to stand with you because we had confidence in the American worker, more than anything,” said Obama.  “Today, we know that was the right decision.”

   Mr. Obama also got the crowd roaring with a major announcement.

   “Chrysler is announcing an additional investment of more than 800 million dollars in its Kokomo facility,” he said.

   Vice President Biden told workers that strengthening the auto industry helps the entire community.

   “When you guys have jobs, guess what happens? The coffee shop stays open, the barber shop stays open. The restaurant stays open. People open new businesses downtown,” he said.

   Auto workers who attended the president’s speech say it's been amazing to see the plant turn around and help the entire town of Kokomo have hope again.

   “I've been here all my life, and to see things going real well again is very nice,” said Robin Stout, who recently gained a full-time position at the Chrysler plant.

   “It's just great to see that there is hope now for Kokomo,” said Larry Reagan, a 15-year employee. “If anything happened to the auto industry in Kokomo, I mean, it would be a ghost town in my opinion.”

   The president's policies have drawn criticism from Republicans who say he's adding to the deficit. Mr. Obama says the road to recovery is long, but that the country is heading in the right direction.