Dems to Obama: Get a clear message

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Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania (CNN) -- From union activists to Democratic members of Congress, the message to the White House is clear: They want President Obama to present a clearer, more coherent message about his plans to turn around the economy.

In interviews across Pennsylvania, rank-and-file Democrats said that message has been lacking. And selling a clear vision for economic recovery is the only way to improve Democrats' chances and prevent Republicans from taking control of the House of Representatives in the midterm elections.

This sense of urgency comes as the president unveils initiatives this week to help spur the economy and job growth.

"It just seems like there's a disconnect right now w ith how Obama is trying to move his agenda and how it really will help people," said Tony Helfer, president of the United Food and Commercial Workers Local 23 during the Pittsburgh Labor Day Parade on Monday.

"I wish we would get a clear message is what I would say. The accomplishments that have been made so far have been spun around to seem like they're negatives, and they're not. So that tells me the word is not getting out, it's not being clear."

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