LIVE BLOG: Obama Speaks in Cannon Falls

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1:44 p.m.

Mark Carlson, of Northfield, was the fourth person in line for Monday’s presidential speaking event, arriving around 6:30 a.m. His wife, Katrina Karlsen Carlson, also of Northfield, was the first person in line for tickets on Sunday.

They ended up sitting at a table in the second row back from the stage where Obama spoke. It was the first time Karlsen Carlson had seen a sitting president, and the second time for Carlson; he had seen Jimmy Carter when Carter was president in the 1970s.

They both shook Obama’s hand today.

“He’s doing a really great job and getting a lot of flak,” Karlsen Carlson said. Regardless of whether it was Obama or President Bush visiting, it was an honor for a sitting president to visit the area, they said.

Karlsen Carlson said her favorite part of the event was the part of Obama’s speech where he described government as including people like teachers, nurses and FEMA workers—different than politics, he told the audience.

She "loved the lucidity" of the speech, she said.

Carlson said it was neat to experience the anticipation of Obama’s entry. It was a really cool moment when Obama finally took the stage alone, about 20 minutes after the motorcade arrived, Carlson said.

1 p.m.

Townhall is over. Last question goes to a girl in the crowd. She asked why he chose to come to Cannon Falls. Obama said he heard this is where the smartest, best-looking kids around are.

12:45 p.m.

Now education is the topic. A man asked what Obama can do to improve education. Obama says more teacher layoffs must be avoided. The issue is not just more money but improving quality. Higher standards and reform needed at state level.

12:27 p.m.

Obama addresses issues facing seniors in Q&A. He says he'll continue to fight for Social Security as long as he's in office.

12:27 p.m.

Now in Q&A, Obama says we need to take advantage of biofuels in response to question about renewable energy. Responding to other questions, Obama says a balanced approach to deficit issues is key, and citizens would have more confidence in government if politicians worked together.

12:14 p.m.

Obama finishes his speech. A closing point: "There's nothing we can't solve with a little spirit."

12:12 p.m.

Obama says politicians need to do what's right for the country, not what scores points for the next election.

12:05 p.m.

After calling the debt ceiling debate a "debacle," Obama says the emphasis should be on building the economy, the country's infrastructure and getting people back to work. His comments get a round of applause.

12:04 p.m.

Obama says he's happy to be here, away from Washington. Politics need to change.

12:03 p.m.

Obama takes podium: Times are tough. Lots of challenges, but the world is still looking to America as leader.

12:03 p.m.

Residents and staff of Volunteers of America Angels Care Center in Cannon Falls lined the street in front of their building Monday to welcome Obama to town and see the spectacle as people traveled to the event. , who dressed up specially today in the hopes of catching a glimpse of the president.

12:01 p.m.

Plenty of water available, pretty hot. Lot's of fanning.

11:37 a.m.

The audience is standing in anticipation of Obama taking the stage.

11:29 a.m.

Obama has arrived at the Cannon Falls fairgrounds for his appearance.

11:03 a.m.

After the Pledge of Allegiance, a prayer and the National Anthem, the secretary of agriculture, Tom Vilsack, is speaking.

10:30 a.m.

People are gathered at Cannon Falls fairgrounds waiting for the arrival of President Barack Obama. About a thousand people received tickets to the appearance scheduled for Monday morning. The gates for entry closed at 10:30 a.m.