Obama talks of progress – and gray hair – in Portland

President Barack Obama arrived in downtown Portland to cheers and jeers Thursday evening as he began a two-day visit to raise funds for Democrats and to promote trade.

Obama’s motorcade took him from Portland International Airport to a downtown fundraiser for the Democratic Party on his first visit to Oregon in three years.

People lining downtown streets cheered as the motorcade drove by Thursday evening, despite the inevitable late rush-hour traffic jams a presidential visit can bring.

A couple hundred protesters gathered near the hotel where the fundraiser was being held, voicing their opposition to plans for an Asia-Pacific trade deal known as “Fast Track” that they say would only benefit corporations.

Obama is to push for the trade deal on Friday during an event at Nike headquarters in the Portland suburb of Beaverton.

But that also was part of his roughly half-hour talk at a Democratic National Committee fundraiser (attendees paying up to $33,000 a seat) Thursday night.

Obama touched on every issue you’d expect, but also began by waxing somewhat poetic about his “fond memories” of the beautiful weather for his big May 2008 campaign rally that drew about 75,000 people to Portland’s Riverfront Park — possibly his favorite campaign event that momentous year.

“Yes, I am more gray than I was at the time,” he said drawing laughs when he continued, “though I’ve pointed out Michelle hasn’t changed at all. She has this special mirror at our house, and she won’t let me look at it. She has some special pact that she’s made.”

“So I’m a little older, have a few dings and dents,” the president said.

Obama then turned serious about the “scary time” the nation was facing economically seven years ago, making the case that the national picture has improved markedly, from more people working and having health insurance to doubled fuel efficiency standards for cars.

“That was a nice day in the park, but it also was a moment in which we were fighting for America’s future,” he told the party faithful. “And America’s better off because of the work you did,” going on to list more specifics.

“Here’s the thing,” he said minutes later. “We’ve got a lot more work to do, despite the progress we’ve made.”

Obama hit a range of topics, saying he’s “fighting hard to increase minimum wage all across the country,” as well paid sick leave for the 43 million Americans who don’t have it: “That’s not right.”

The president also said despite strides toward gender equity, the push continues to “make sure there’s equal pay for equal work, all across America.”