Obama Taps Into Family History in Economic Sales Pitch

President Obama tapped into his own family history Wednesday as he tried anew to sell his economic agenda, this time with a personal touch. 

In an address in Cleveland where he was pitching a three-point plan that involves billions in new spending and tax cuts, Obama tried to connect with the hardships American families face by retelling the struggles his parents and grandparents endured to build a better life for him. 

He said his belief in and vision for a strong middle class inspired him to become a community organizer on the south side of Chicago and ultimately run for president. 

"Michelle and I are where we are today because even though our families didn't have much, they worked tirelessly -- without complaint -- so that we might have a better life," Obama said. "My grandfather marched off to Europe in World War II and my grandmother worked in factories on the home front. I had a single mom who put herself through school, and would wake before dawn to make sure I got a decent education."

Obama also conveyed his wife Michelle's childhood memories about her Multiple Sclerosis-stricken father heading out to work even though he had to use crutches. 

Aides said before the address that Obama would start adding more of his personal backstory to economic speeches.