Because even then, we were going through a difficult decade for the middle class -- more good jobs in manufacturing that was leaving our shores.

WHITEHOUSE: President Obama on Tax Cuts for the Middle Class

Now, this Thursday night, I will offer you what I believe is a better path forward -- a path that grows this economy, creates more good jobs, strengthens the middle class.

WHITEHOUSE: Remarks by the President at Campaign Event

So a lot of folks felt like that idea that we not only could live a good middle-class life, but more importantly we could pass it on to our kids, and they could succeed the way we might not have imagined.

WHITEHOUSE: Remarks by the President at a Campaign Event

This will produce more prosperity in both countries, yielding a virtuous circle of more growth, more interdependence, and more balance, driven in good measure by the growth of the Chinese middle class.

FORBES: Cause of U.S. Trade Deficit: Money Flows Uphill

It's a simple fact the more education you've got, the more likely you are to have a good job and work your way into the middle class.

BBC: State of the Union: Obama pledges to reignite economy

As a Nation, we have no task more urgent than creating good jobs, strengthening our economy, and reigniting the thriving middle class that has always been the true engine of America's growth.

WHITEHOUSE: The White House

This will produce more jobs and more balanced growth in both countries, driven in good measure by the growth of the Chinese middle class.

FORBES: Times Have Changed: No More 'China Produces and America Consumes'

Instead of demanding more from jobs in the public sector, elites want public sector workers to lose their good middle-class benefits.

FORBES: Michael Moore Speaks in Wisconsin: 'America is not Broke'

In a thriving economy and with an emerging middle class of 300 million to 400 million, there's more than enough business for a few good lift lines.

FORBES: All uphill from here