Evan Vucci / AP Photo
Wisconsin’s public employees just got a big supporter: President Obama called Republican Gov. Scott Walker’s budget that would end the unions’ right to collective bargaining an “assault.” “I think everybody’s got to make some adjustments, but I think it’s also important to recognize that public employees make enormous contributions to our states and our citizens,” Obama told a Milwaukee TV reporter. Obama’s comments came after an estimated 25,000 protested Thursday—the fourth straight day of protests from public employees. Madison schools were forced to cancel classes Friday as all 98,000 teachers were asked to call in sick. Democratic state senators were able to hold off the budget vote by not showing up for the quorum call. Meanwhile, Walker refused to back down, saying his proposals are “modest” and said that the cuts are similar to ones he’s seen in the private sector.