President Obama made his second trip to Ohio in as many weeks on Tuesday. As was his focus in Cincinnati last week, Obama concentrated his message on jobs and the economy.

"It's good to be back in Ohio," exclaimed Obama Tuesday afternoon.

For the second week in a row, President Obama came to Ohio to hammer home his message about jobs.  This time, it was the GM assembly plant in Lordstown.

For nearly a year, the auto giant has been struggling, forced by the government into bankruptcy.   But the president is now sounding an optimistic tone. He announced yesterday the plant rehired 150 workers.

"And more than a thousand will be coming back to work in less than three weeks as production of the Cobalt ramps up," said Obama.

Something the union has been eager to hear.

"We had three shifts, putting on a third shift this time last year. We went down to two then one. Then we completely shut down for nine weeks this summer. Now we're back to one, two shifts.   It's a step in the right direction," said UAW 1112 Vice President Glenn Johnson.

But that step has been heavily debated in Congress. Conservatives blame both the Bush and Obama

Administrations for investing tax dollars so heavily on an industry fighting for profitability.

"In the midst of this recession, it would have been irresponsible for me to do nothing," said Obama.

For Johnson, the addition of the Chevy Cruze, expected out in 2011, proves that GM is back.

"It has showed the trust the government placed in the auto industry was not misplaced," Johnson said.

And after months of uncertainty, many workers seem relieved. They are ready to repeat Obama's optimistic tone.

"It's been rough. Now we're ready to get back to work on this new car," said GM worker Donna Warren.

"Americans have to have a challenge.   When we have a challenge they go meet it," added worker Morris Collins.

"It's been very tough for us, but we came back. We made it through," said another worker Willa Willaimson.

This all leads to the political showdown next November.   The president on one side saying things are getting better; republicans on the other side. Ohio Representative John Boehner called the plan "lunacy" earlier this summer.   The coming months will answer who Americans believe more in the auto bailout debate.  

©2009 by ONN. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.