WASHINGTON (CNN) –- Tax cuts for the middle class. An extension of unemployment benefits and healthcare coverage for people “who have lost their jobs.” And a pledge to “do whatever it takes to put this country back to work.”
President Obama used his first prime-time news conference Monday to sell Americans on his economic recovery plan as well as pressure Congress to act quickly and approve it so that money can start pumping into the ailing economy.
Watch: The stimulus plan is not perfect, says Obama
Obama employed perhaps one of the most powerful tools in his arsenal –- the White House bully pulpit. Every major broadcast and cable outlet carried his opening remarks and the news conference.
The president has a lot of work ahead of him as he tries to convince Americans that this proposal is the appropriate jolt the economy needs. A CNN/Opinion Research Corporation Poll released just hours earlier showed that 54 percent of Americans support the stimulus bill that passed the Senate, while 45 percent oppose it.
From CNN Politics
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HELL NO!!!!!!!!
This Democrat is not buying the baloney.
This Stimulus Bill STINKS!!!......there is very little in here to help the HOUSING CRISIS!!!
Stop focusing on your own agendas and do what is right for Americans, and stop WASTING OUR MONEY!!!!
The question about Iran was annoying, we are all watching to hear about the stimulus package, what President Obama's plans are, what he wants, tuff questions from the press are needed to keep everyone informed, and this woman stands up and changes the subject on the 2nd question. Yes, Iran is important, it's not important tonight.
Mark Preston is a Republican boot-licking toady.
CNN wants America to fall into abject bankruptcy so that the Plutocrats can take over.
Why do I care if roads are fixed under the stimulus when banks gave bad mortgages to many American's making them go bankrupt?? What the hell is that about??
He's using hypnosis with those weird eyes of his. Don't look at 'em.
The President says we have two options DO NOTHING or DO SOMETHING.
Well how about DOING THE SMART THING, INSTEAD OF JUST ACTING LIKE CHICKENS WITH OUT HEADS CUT OFF.
We're not against a SMART STIMULUS BILL.....we are just AGAINST A BAD STIMULUS BILL.
This salesman would disappoint even Henry Miller !
He sounds weak, like he is still on the campaign trail.
Some people are good campaigners.
quit trying to sell me a debt that my kids and grandkids will have to pay off, what a pile of crap that I bankrupt my kids.
Congress saw all this and they were democrates, why didnt they fix it then, because they would not deal with a repoblican president, so why should the republicans play with a democrate run government, vote them all out and put a businessman in charge,
Obama, you been looking to spend money before you got in
This is just socialism. It will fail as socialism has failed before.
I think the term "Salesman in Chief" Is very disrespectful.
Dear Mr. President Obama, i trust you completely, i believe your plan will work, it doesn't matter to me what you call your plan, it can be socialism, it can be called helping Americans, it can be called anything, it doesn't matter what people call it, we just need help, and we need it now, we help other countries when they are desperate, now the U.S. IS DESPERATE, thank you Presidenr Obama for your wisdom.
Do you really believe that $1000 to families in certain economic brackets will change our way of living? Will that really make the market get back on track? Oh..and are we going to become pals with Iran–good luck!!
A president who will get out there and actually answering questions? Actually explaining to us what's happening? INTELLIGENTLY?
I was totally shocked when I walked into the room to this, and that's sad. Thank you Obama!
it is amazing how president Obama can explain the economy with such simplicity that even average Joe and Jane can understand it . such a breath of fresh air. We need a stimulus plan that works to put people to work ...why do some have a problem with reconstruction of federal buildings , schools and roads ..is that all around beneficial.
You were doing all the Shouting a year ago. About the Big Bad Wolf Republican... Now because you fixed an election you want their help.... You blaim everyone but yourself.... But it is you that is the Problem.... Go away Obama... Kwenda Sasa...
socialism came back to America. Karl Marx lives in the white house now.
Obama...speak a little faster and answer faster so you don't put your listeners to sleep!!
President Obama, you rock my world! You have my total support and I will do my part to help America! America is my country and where i and my family live. It is only in my best interest to try and help my country survive in these trying times! We do not have time to take political sides, we can't, we have to work together to put OUR country back together!
Salesman-in-Chief! haha that's perfect!
I'm ready for change!!!! Not the same old blame game!!!
Follow through Obama!
Yada yada yada. This man opens his mouth and useless crap comes flying out. I hope he doesn't bend over or we'll get more than we bargained for.
What is he talking about?
He's rambling.
Now we can see why he doesn't like a town hall format.
Great ideas! As usual–nothing will happen!
The President did a great job of quailing away any republican arguments against his plan. Great job. If the republicans try and obstruct him any further from fixing America they will never be elected to public office again or possibly burned at the stake.