President Obama gives Democrats a pep talk in Philly

PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) -- President Obama was in Philadelphia to rally Democrats who are holding their annual retreat in Society Hill.

His speech Thursday night comes just days before he delivers his budget proposal to Americans.

President Obama's pep talk to House Democrats vowed to give economic relief to the middle class.

"We need to stand up and go on offense and not be defensive about what we believe in. That's why we're democrats," said President Obama.

Mirroring his remarks from the State of the Union address, he touted a better economy, an increase in jobs and vowed to repeal vetoes on the Affordable Healthcare Act.

President Obama also spoke about ending sequester cuts.

"And if Republicans don't like my idea, come up with your own proposal. I'd love to engage with them. I'm eager to engage with them," he said.

The caucus chose Philadelphia for their annual policy retreat to map out party strategies and how to relay them to Americans.

"Now is the time to make sure that the prosperity and growth is felt by my family and neighbors who live right here in Philadelphia and Montgomery County. That really is the challenge for us as a party," said Rep. Brendan Boyle.

Protesters outside took advantage of the timing of Thursday's Senate passage of a Keystone Pipeline bill that the president promised to veto.

"This made it more urgent because all we have left is the veto, it's our only hope," said Richard Whiteford.

The State GOP responded saying the debt and deficit have skyrocketed, and as a result, President Obama is speaking to the lowest number of House Democrats in eight decades.

This week Democrats are also showing Philadelphia off to party leaders hoping the 2016 Democratic National Convention comes here.