July 2, 2009
Posted: July 2nd, 2009 02:58 PM ET
Obama says the recession is slowing down.
Obama says the recession is slowing down.

WASHINGTON (CNN) - President Barack Obama on Thursday called the nation's latest unemployment figures sobering, but said the economic recession is slowing.

In a Rose Garden appearance with chief executives of clean-energy companies, Obama noted the average number of job losses in the current quarter has been 400,000 a month, compared to a monthly average of 700,000 in the previous quarter.

"It took years for us to get into this mess, and it'll take more than a few months to get out," Obama said.

Related: Boehner, GOP blasts jobs report

Filed under: President Obama


European-American (formerly No Incumbents 2010, until some bleeding heart lib stole it)   July 2nd, 2009 4:30 pm ET

Who is doing the figuring?

Darren   July 2nd, 2009 4:30 pm ET

I am curious as to why people are so against spending money on a war. If we don't have national security, we don't have an economy/country.

Also, let's get real, it's been 6 months and Obama has passed a bunch of "transparent" bills that not even the fastest reader could read (ie, stimulus bill was passed in 3 days). Republicans have tried to voice in but everything is rushed that there is no chance. It seems like the government is okay with pushing through a bill that is mediocre, and then mess with it later. Republican or Democrat, that's just stupid, I'd rather take the time and get it right the first time.

Finally, Obama scares the crap out of people in his speeches.

Marc   July 2nd, 2009 4:25 pm ET

Kevin in Ohio – Yes they showed a lot of alternative solutions...
All vague, unsubstantiated and without any real deal proposition except the mantra 'TAX CUT'. Their last attempt was more like a good will intention list, without numbers to back it up. Numbers like how it is going to funded and where the money will go and to whom, those kind of numbers. They showed many alternatives...
None worth a second look.

Mike in MN   July 2nd, 2009 4:25 pm ET

Where are the promised jobs from the JUMP START stimulus? At last count 150,000 claimed created or SAVED. Promised to increase stimulus spending for 600,000 more created or saved over summer. Just two months to go for all those stimulus jobs. Unemployment up to 9.5%. Was not supposed to go beyond 8% with Obama jump start, that was the promise. Jobs report said 79,000 construction jobs were lost in June compared to 48,000 in May. Almost all of Obama stimulus job spending is on construction jobs. Why the large increase in construction jobs lost? The jump start of the stimulus was a joke. Real purpose was to spread out 4 years of pork spending to special interest groups that got Obama and congressional Dems elected. Not about jump starting the economy or creating real jobs across all secters of the economy. Stimulus is nothing short of borowed tax payers money to reward political friends of the Dems. If Obama really cared about jobs he would not be supporting tax increases on business, cap and trade that loads new costs on business and health care reform that includes a mandate on business to provide health care insurance or pay a fine. All more incentive for business to lay off workers or move jobs off shore to avoid all these new expenses.

haren   July 2nd, 2009 4:24 pm ET

Some real stupid people are watching Fox news channel.
When something goes in to planning it takes years before you see any job hiring.
job does not created as soon as you approve stimulus package.
And he and states has not spend all of the stimulus money yet.
STUPID people stop watching FOX channel.

Charles   July 2nd, 2009 4:23 pm ET

Recession slowing? Unemployment rates are at a 26 year high, the dollar is worth less, and that overgrown stimulus has done NOTHING (thank you Joe Biden for at least admitted that it hasn't done anything).

It's time for the country to turn on this administration and vote them out of office in 2012. Perhaps people need to rally behind a third party or a moderate Republican. Democrats ALWAYS spend so much of our money and their arrogance is nauseating. CNN please post this.

Commen Sense Reality Check   July 2nd, 2009 4:20 pm ET

Just another thought... .in the past....when things are not going well with an outgoing president and there is a newcomer "celebrity".... those things usually get better quickly....

However.... in this situation... the opposite has seemed to happen, things have become worse.... what do you suppose that means....?

concerned   July 2nd, 2009 4:20 pm ET

so MORE DEBT, LESS JOBS.
what a scam. Stimulus bill, was stimulus for the the democrats backers. When will the obamabots wake up? Obama is a fraud, and a disappointment.
How about liberal Helen Thomas calling out Obama! Even a lifelong liberal is "shocked" at the manipulation by Obama.

Melissa   July 2nd, 2009 4:19 pm ET

More hate from the Republicans. Obama is right, if you bothered to actually watch whats been going on with the numbers and connect the dots.

Look... children... the economy is currently like a cork bobbing in water. Its going up and down and up and down. Thats STILL infinitely better than the plunge that was going on when when Bush left and Obama took over.

When Bush left it was crashing. Now that Obama has been in office FOR ONLY FIVE MONTHS (don't expect and immediate turn around, children), it has slowed its plunge and is bouncing up and down.

Soon it will settle. It won't be back up to where it was, it will stay at the same low level for a little while until the water begins to rise again.

Thats how the economy works, children. Thats what the numbers have been saying.

If you bothered to watch instead of worship your crooked Republican leaders by licking their boots whenever they demand it.

Proud Soldiers Mom   July 2nd, 2009 4:18 pm ET

Off topic, but........... Could anyone point me to where I can find interviews with any old friends or family members (other than immediate) from Obama's past? IE- What about his aunt, uncle (sill living in Hawaii), half sister (still living in Hawaii), or room mates of his from college? Did anyone interview his grandmother when she was still alive? If an old friend or family member of mine was ellected president, I would be just beaming, and you couldn't shut me up! Wouldn't that be part of the Vetting process? Anyone? Please tell me where to find the inerviews.

David   July 2nd, 2009 4:16 pm ET

The President is Right! It too the Bush administration 8 years to spend our $1.5 Trillion Dollar Surplus and then create a deficit of over $1 Trillion, with nothing to show for it but the current depression, massive business failures, two wars, thousands of dead Americans and a beat down GOP.

But what's not being mentioned is the many businesses who are using this time to reduce staff, only in an attempt to increase profits because the current staff feels lucky to have a job.

The Free Market is only free if you own your own business. It provides no security for the worker. Greed will bring it down every time.

REF   July 2nd, 2009 4:16 pm ET

when will our messiah quit blaming everyone else??????????? he stll acts like he had no clue that we had a finiacial problem grow up for 4 years as a senator he voted or could have voted on every spending bill in congress maybe he just didnt take time to read it poor bush made mistakes but this moron had the ability to say yea or nay on any law or bill passed bush didnt it has always been a spending problem making promises you know you cant afford why do you think it was so important to get 60 senators in the senate then the republicans could not stop anything during the bush years revenues for the govt went up every year except 2003 the dems could have stopped any spending they so desired but they didnt we have been sold out by them all so you koolaid drinker throw out all the bums

Jeff   July 2nd, 2009 4:16 pm ET

President Obama you are my leader and I will follow you. The right wing Republican hacks can say anything they want to but I simply choose to ignore them. And no I ain't drinking no Obama kool-aid and I ain't no lib. I am a well read very intelligent centrist Independent. We will right our ship despite being previously struck by an iceberg of political, social and corporate corruption the likes of which have never been seen (to this degree) before. Enron, Haliburton, Exxon, Iraq, Made Off, Countrywide, etcetera – you know, we all no the list.

Rob   July 2nd, 2009 4:15 pm ET

What have the Republicans suggested as an alternative to Obama's plans? Just more and more tax cuts for the rich. Well isn't that what got us into this mess? Big corportations getting greedy at the expense of the everyday worker because they had more money to burn.

I understand that people are frustrated about the severity of unemployment and the lack of good jobs out there – but when you get these deep in a recession it takes time for all of the stimulus to work its way through the system. We are talking about billions if not trillions of dollars here.

Whether you like Obama or not, at least he is working hard at trying to fix this stuff, unlike Bush who spent more time in Texas than in the White House and was more concerned with the rights and well-being of Iraqis than Americans.

haren   July 2nd, 2009 4:15 pm ET

It took Reagan three years to get out of the mess.
And don't forget this mess is created by republican for last two decades.
as fed chairman said we will be out of this recession by the end of the year.

Bill in California   July 2nd, 2009 4:14 pm ET

WHEN A DIMORAT STARTS lifting their fingers in a speech you can bet it's going to pointed at someone else before its over.

Marc   July 2nd, 2009 4:13 pm ET

David – Every economist that still wants to be respected, or has gained a lot of respect since their previsions of a huge deep mess recession turned out to be true, says that the market CANNOT correct itself.
But you know more than them.
They also say, and has been saying it for a while, that 'things will get worse before they get better'. Why? Inertia, the economy is way too big and was going way too down for a little amount of time, like more or less a half of an year , to things go back as they were. It's simply impossible to stop the fall and make a U-turn in such a small period of time.
And I remember, not a long while ago, that everybody was slamming the president when he admitted that this year is going to be hard, very hard for all of us. So yes, unemployement will get worse, it will and it can't be denied.
Nor it is.

Bill   July 2nd, 2009 4:13 pm ET

Give me a break the economy started to take a nose dive after the Dems. took control of the house.

And now you want to throw higher taxes on Americans. You said no higher taxes on people making 250,000 dollars, you are a liar.....

On the other it will take years to clean up your Socialist agenda..

Tim   July 2nd, 2009 4:12 pm ET

TxVet

A link with even one example of FOX putting a D in front of a disgraced republican's name would be useful, I'll start holding my breath.

ABC, NBC, the NY Times and others, on the other hand, conspire with the Whitehouse to pull off gala press briefings and town halls. They learned their trade from Dan Rather, who never lets facts get in the way of the truth.

Brent   July 2nd, 2009 4:12 pm ET

Obama needs to grow a pair and push universal healthcare through congress NOW.

simp   July 2nd, 2009 4:12 pm ET

People are unbelieveable. It's took us years to get into this mess how in the heck can you clowns expect the President to turn this around in less than 6 months!!!! Are you serious? Give the man a decent amount of time, after all, you idiots put bush in office for a second term and look where that got us.

All you idiots that keep using the word Messiah you better be careful, it goes to show the level of your intellengence.

JB - NYC   July 2nd, 2009 4:11 pm ET

It was Obama that said The stimulus will keep job losses at 8%.. uh... We are @ 9.5% now..

Great work!

Big Al C.   July 2nd, 2009 4:11 pm ET

The republicans just about bankrupted this country and now they are expecting Obama to make it all better in less than five years. When you spend billions in Iraq for 6 years what do you expect it to do for America? The republicans had plenty of money to send over there. When the democrates were asking about our health care and infrastructure. The republicans did not have money for us they had to support a war that had no weapons of mass destruction. They lied to get us in Iraq and then continued to lie to the American people to keep us in Iraq. Now they want to blame Obama for trying to change this mess.

Kevin B   July 2nd, 2009 4:11 pm ET

Leave it to republicans to create an economic and international disaster, and then demand a democratic president to fix it in six months.

Just how childish are these GOP types? The cry like fat spoiled babies.

The economy will begin to turn around next year and watch the GOP types try to rush in and take credit.

The american public see's through these phonies.......

Kevin in Ohio   July 2nd, 2009 4:10 pm ET

@S M R July 2nd, 2009 3:45 pm ET

The GOP should give viable solutions or just SHUT UP. IDIOTS!!!
_____________________

Hey, pal...... every single solution ever offered has been shut down cold by the almighty democrats, the party in power. They seem to think the same way you do..... shout 'em down, call 'em idiots, espouse hate and vitriol, and they'll be silenced. Nope. This president has gotten himself in a mess, and its a shame we have to wait four more years for his departure. The dems have made their bed..... its all up to them now.

Independent in Virginia   July 2nd, 2009 4:10 pm ET

S M R July 2nd, 2009 3:40 pm ET

With Obama being in the White House for less than 6 months, how in GODS name can this be Obamas fault.The GOP bankrupted America and the true Americans blame the GOP. PERIOD
----------
If true, then explain the reasoning behind Obama spending money like it's going out of style? I thought if you go bankrupt, you're taught to curb your spending so that your credit doesn't get even worse.

JB - NYC   July 2nd, 2009 4:09 pm ET

FYI – Dems have been running congress since 2006.. Nice work guys!

Tim   July 2nd, 2009 4:08 pm ET

Don't worry, Obama will fix this by limiting the pay of employees in corporate America who's companies received money from the government.

And when he is done, he and everyone in his cabinet will sign a pledge to turn over all money received from book deals and speaking engagements, because it wouldn't be ethical for them to make money off of things learned and connections made while being paid by the government.

And when he is done with that, he will require all actors and musicians to turn over excess earnings to the government, because it wouldnt' be ethical for them to earn such a high wage in professions that are subsidized by the government in the form of special permits issued to allow movies to be shot on public streats, or for music that is played over the public airwaves that benefit the artist.

He's got a solution to all of our problems. Don't worry, be happy, drink the Kool-Aide. Hopenchange is a wonderfull flavor.

Calling BS on this one!   July 2nd, 2009 4:08 pm ET

How long is obama going to keep blaming the GOP for the economic mess.

IT WAS ACORN AND BARNEY FRANK THAT DID THIS TO US, NOT BUSH!

ISN'T OBAMA SUPPOSED TO LEAD – NOT BLAME! Some of us a getting sick of his excuses!

Hey obama, STOP WITH THE WHINING AND LEAD!

JB - NYC   July 2nd, 2009 4:08 pm ET

Isn't it time Zero meets Reality?

Michael M, Phoenix AZ   July 2nd, 2009 4:07 pm ET

Everyone is also saying that we don't need a comedian as a Senator, but he may actually be better then the other 534 clowns already there, not to mention the clowns from the past administration. It took 10 years and a world war to get out of the Great Depression. The economy is like a friggin freight train on a downgrade....It can't stop on a dime.

democrat   July 2nd, 2009 4:06 pm ET

This is all the President Obama haters, GET OVER IT!!!! He's the president and you losers have to deal with it. LOL

YES WE CAN!!!!!!!

wade   July 2nd, 2009 4:06 pm ET

I hope he keeps spending, I'm a fan of communism, and the people at the bottom have been getting shafted too long. Everyone here that has been crying are a bunch of girly republicans always worried about your checks and your trust funds. Your standards of living for the sole purpose of aquiring money are killing this country. Just for giggles I'll put some of my money down that says he gets re-elected. HAHAHAHA.

Independent in Virginia   July 2nd, 2009 4:06 pm ET

IndyVoter July 2nd, 2009 3:16 pm ET
"…. He and his economic team made an estimate based on the information that they had at the time..."
-----------------–

Sounds like the same type of reasoning Bush, CIA and Congress used to invade Iraq after 9/11. Looks like your boy Obama is in good company.

DavidinCA   July 2nd, 2009 4:05 pm ET

No matter how hard the Democrats like to ignore it ( i.e., their foray into the auto business ), market forces are powerful. They take jobs away efficiently and they create jobs efficiently. And the jobs created by market forces tend to stick around longer than jobs 'created' by government intervention.

Commen Sense Reality Check   July 2nd, 2009 4:03 pm ET

Which party held the most representatives in Congress and the House the past few years....? OH... the DemoNcrats.. that's right.... maybe they did have a bit to do with the demise of our coutnry.

Michael M, Phoenix AZ   July 2nd, 2009 4:02 pm ET

Everyone is also saying that we don't need a comedian as a Senator, but he may actually be better then the other 534 clowns already there, not to mention the clowns from the past administration.

TxVet   July 2nd, 2009 4:00 pm ET

FOX News often puts a (D) next to a Republican politicians' name when they get caught doing something they can't explain – take Mark Sanford or Mark Foley as examples.

I wonder if they put an (R) next to Barack Obama's name when he does something they like?

Tim   July 2nd, 2009 4:00 pm ET

I think he meant to say that the economy was growing or not shrinking as fast as it would have had he not introduced his wonderful, unique and truly ingenous solutions to the unprecedented problems he inherited.

Good thing we are well on our way to saving or creating 3 million jobs.

elliott   July 2nd, 2009 4:00 pm ET

Please IMPEACH this clown before it gets any worse.....he's poison!

Kelby In Houston, TX   July 2nd, 2009 3:59 pm ET

Keep on pushin...we will get there. Keep working...keep trying...keep thinking...don't stop. We will get out of this hole and we will be better for it. Just don't give up...don't give in...We are still with you...We still believe in you and each other...We still believe that WE CAN

Michael M, Phoenix AZ   July 2nd, 2009 3:59 pm ET

It may be slowing, but I just filed unemployment here in Arizona as too many of us teachers can't find work due to our new Gov's education budget cuts....Not supposed to be able to collect unemployment because NOW I am taking 6 graduated credit hours towards a Masters in Education in order to find employment. Go figure!

S M R   July 2nd, 2009 3:57 pm ET

GOP supporters on this blog are: 1. paid positions? 2. lacking reality 3. rich or 4. just plain stupid

Independent in Virginia   July 2nd, 2009 3:56 pm ET

The news is only sobering if you quit drinking the Kool-Aid...

Harley   July 2nd, 2009 3:54 pm ET

You can't believe the SOCIALIST Obama because he said he won't run car companies, and what did he do ? He said he doesn't want to run banks, and what did he do ? He said he doesn't want to run Heath Care what did he do ? ( Obama = Big Ass Mistake !!!! }

enoughalready   July 2nd, 2009 3:53 pm ET

Yeah O.K. I wont listen to reports from any one but you.Cause i know you would NEVER LIE TO US. Are you sure thats what the TOTUS said?

jt   July 2nd, 2009 3:52 pm ET

Yes. It will take a minimum of 4 years to get out of this mess. When you are out of office!

Alaska Mike   July 2nd, 2009 3:52 pm ET

Gee, that's not what you were saying when you wanted the stimulas past. The stimulas hasn't created any jobs it's only paid off the left for supporting what looks like a giant misstake by the American people. Obama has been shown to be just another money spending liberal activist.

jw   July 2nd, 2009 3:52 pm ET

Boehner is a boner! this crying wimp has never done anything but help destory our economy, President Obama didn't cause this mess and he can't clean up 8 years of corrupt wall street greed, helped by republican lawmakers, in 6 months. Stop crying and help your country the republicans are the biggest lying hypocrites and sex perverts that there are. They have zero credibility.

Shawn - GA   July 2nd, 2009 3:50 pm ET

I just do not trust him at all, I want to be wrong I really do. For my sake and my children's and all of you as well. He is just way to "smooth" talking and not enough "meat" in his words.

Calling BS on this one!   July 2nd, 2009 3:49 pm ET

Hey CNN! The stock dropped BIG TIME today!

Try reporting NEWS instead of covering up for your messiah!
It's either a nasty piece about the GOP or piece to cover up for the mess obama is making on the economy.

Stop with the propaganda and get BACK to journalism!

Darth Vadik, CA   July 2nd, 2009 3:48 pm ET

By the way, are the Republicans unable to do anything constructive.

Heck it took years of unecessary wars for Dems to finally snap and lash out at Bush (I'm talking about politicians), but have you heard Boeh-nehead talk. I haven't heard this guy say a good word, ever, about anything, let alone Obama.

...I guess some people just belong in a room by themeselves talking to padded walls.

Farhibide   July 2nd, 2009 3:48 pm ET

The reason the job loss appears to be slowing is because underhanded politicians like Governor Rendell of PA are forcing state employees to work indefinitely without pay rather than furloughing them.

Nelson Colorado Springs Co.   July 2nd, 2009 3:47 pm ET

I couldn't have said this better. President Obama said " "It took years for us to get into this mess, and it'll take more than a few months to get country out," Some people want everything fixed right now or today or yesterday.

Ken   July 2nd, 2009 3:47 pm ET

He is full of crap! Just like his stimulus and other governmental social programs are. He is lying against the truth. A blind person can see through his political facade.

phoenix86   July 2nd, 2009 3:46 pm ET

Over 1 million jobs lost since Obama became president. Is that they change Obamabots hoped for?

MorningStar   July 2nd, 2009 3:46 pm ET

I wish president Obama and the whole country well. It is not easy to navigate the mess that 8 years of Bush have put the country in. The economy will get better and better.

S M R   July 2nd, 2009 3:45 pm ET

The GOP should give viable solutions or just SHUT UP. IDIOTS!!!

Flo   July 2nd, 2009 3:45 pm ET

It took years to get out from under the affects of the Great Depression and it took a global war to do the job, but even then we didn't get completely over until 1945. So this depression will be no different, it will definitely take years to get completely out from under this one as well. It will be one baby step after another for months on end.

I intensely disliked the last administration but every time a report like this comes out that intese dislike grows ever more.

Darth Vadik, CA   July 2nd, 2009 3:45 pm ET

Well of course it's slowing.

You can't fix what Bush (and his croonies)broke in 8 years overnight.
But, God willing, we'll all be around in 2-3 years and see how much we have recovered from an 8 year nightmare.

To you conservatives:

Just shut up, we saw what conservatives can do when they are in charge, now let the growups take care of business.

Jon   July 2nd, 2009 3:44 pm ET

Yes, we're going to get out of the recession, right into a depression.

minnie   July 2nd, 2009 3:44 pm ET

I am so tired of the lies of Obama.!!!!!!!

phoenix86   July 2nd, 2009 3:44 pm ET

Unemployment will begin to reverse and the economy will begin to recover when Obama is out of office. Until then, the economy will suffer a steady bleed of increased taxes, inflation and layoffs.

Terry   July 2nd, 2009 3:43 pm ET

And the Emperor has no clothes!!!

Superior Republican   July 2nd, 2009 3:42 pm ET

Really don't see what alll the hub bub is about. Rumor has it that it was a cross dressing Democrat that cause Mark to stray from our Family Value path. Typical Dems trick. Gov. Sanford is a fine, I mean fine Repulican and so is his wife, she will follow the party rule of never saying anything determental or act in a way to bring bad press to our fine, fine S. C. Gov. Same on you Dems, you trick wont work.,

Crazy Harry   July 2nd, 2009 3:42 pm ET

A clear thinking person. What a relief.

Laverne   July 2nd, 2009 3:42 pm ET

We trust you Obama and know things will look up soon, stay the course and we will go it with you!

Jefe   July 2nd, 2009 3:42 pm ET

Any Neoconservative out there who thought Obama was going to fix this mess in a matter of a few months is beyond insane. And the debt?...though I keep seeing uninformed email blather, and hearing from folks who get their "information" from Rush Limbaugh, I know the fact is that the Obama Administration is NOT spending 30x the total federal debt in just a few months. In fact, there has been a George Bush in the White House for almost our entire federal debt.

bsmith171   July 2nd, 2009 3:41 pm ET

obama has no idea what he is talking about.

where could he possibly have learned anything about economics?
certainly not as an affirmative action law student at harvard abulancer chasers school.

face it you bought a line from a con-man. obama is a fully owned and operated portion of AXELROD, INC.

Dwight Frye   July 2nd, 2009 3:40 pm ET

And if you buy this load of BS spin, you'll also continue to believe his campaign promise/lie of no new taxes for those earning under $250K per year.

Obama - say anything to get elected, the idiots of hope 'n change have shown they'll buy it!

Adam in KC   July 2nd, 2009 3:40 pm ET

Yeah right! Will he ever be done trying to buy time? The stimulus was an epic fail.

S M R   July 2nd, 2009 3:40 pm ET

With Obama being in the White House for less than 6 months, how in GODS name can this be Obamas fault.The GOP bankrupted America and the true Americans blame the GOP. PERIOD

BeefMasterX   July 2nd, 2009 3:39 pm ET

Obama is a liar. Who's next?

Brian   July 2nd, 2009 3:38 pm ET

More lies and distortions from Obama. The recession is not slowing and job losses are mounting. The rest of his group follow his lead and blame everyone but himself. He is such a joke I am sure he will be blaming Bush for the entire 4 years. Take some responsability for your inept leadership. He can speak well but none of that matters if it does not translate into actual HOPE & CHANGE.

The Lonely Libertarian of Liverpool NY   July 2nd, 2009 3:38 pm ET

Yes I agree the recession is slowing for the mega rich, but the working middle class has been in recession for over thirty years. We see no recovery, only job loss, home loss, starvation, and loss of self respect. The American citizen certainly has no respect from our Government leadership who treat as servants to their power not as free citizens, or even as human.
I feel as if we are stranded and enslaved to a government who only need for us is to pay them over half of our earnings.
Our government is only concerned about their next fund raiser, the next lobbyist payment, and corporate vacation.
Time has come to elect people who reject the big money and want to restore freedom and liberty to everyone, not those who are willing to pay to play.

annie s   July 2nd, 2009 3:38 pm ET

We're on the right track. Thanks to the Recovery Act, my sister was able to keep her teaching job. My niece, who fell behind on her mortgage payments when her husband lost his 2nd job, is able to refinance under the government's mortgage plan and will be able to stay in her home. And my husband has recently added one employee to his small business. Nothing earth shaking, but slow and steady progress. We know it takes time and we support the President's agenda.

JayG   July 2nd, 2009 3:37 pm ET

I luv how Obama always talks about how it took years to get into this mess, It didnt take him years to spend all the money that he said will correct this mess, so why would it take years to fix? same time next year will be the same results and the same speech

MJH   July 2nd, 2009 3:36 pm ET

We would be in a lot better economic shape if OIbama and Pelosi has used the stimulous money to create jobs rather than to pay off Democrat Party constituencies. It is a scandal that only l0% of the money will be spent this year. This recession may have started with Bush, but Obama's policies are exacerbating the problem.

Thin is in?   July 2nd, 2009 3:36 pm ET

He needs to hold some more phony town-hall meetings where ALL the people are chosen and ALL the questions are chosen as he is so transparent, maybe like a piece of wood.

You sheep are being hoodwinked by this fraud in chief and only a few of the usual sources are reporting the FACTS.

Missed the story on Gibbs pathetic performance yesterday when CBS and others actually did their jobs and asked Gibbs what the bleep that charade was all about.

This fraud in chief here fails to note that we are at a 26 YEAR HIGH, and those miliions of jobs he is saving and creating are a MYTH, just like his presidency.

Time to hurry and post before Oprah Obamabots, defend YOUR president.

BeefMasterX   July 2nd, 2009 3:36 pm ET

This is more news that CNN won't tell you about.....
FBI Interviews: Saddam Bluffed About WMD Out of Fear of Iran
In interviews with the FBI before his death, the former Iraqi dictator said he was more afraid of Iran than the U.S. and denounced Usama bin Laden as "a zealot."

JoblessInVancouver   July 2nd, 2009 3:33 pm ET

I am starting to get tired of the President using the same excuse over and over. It's starting to sound like a broken record... "it's not my fault, I inherited this mess... It's gonna take a loooooooong time to get out of this, blah, blah blah.". I bet you if the numbers were positive, he would have said something like.."See, I told you. Our way of spending out of the recession is working now.."

johnnie   July 2nd, 2009 3:32 pm ET

anyone ,especially the gop ,that cant admit that this problem started with george bush and dick cheney and 8 years of recklous polictics, is in total denial of the truth. here it comes with the emails from the right saying the president policies are the reason ,to much spending,that is a bunch of bull. america, the uneployment in this country was created from the bush era, and the president had it waitng for him as soon as he took power. the stock market has gone up and down, wall st. destroyed that.so get off the president ,it is not his fault.

Dave   July 2nd, 2009 3:32 pm ET

Recovery is coming. America can't be held back, no matter what John Boehner would like us to believe.

ONE LOVE   July 2nd, 2009 3:31 pm ET

That's right Mr. President.....it will take years to clean up after Bush!!

Cowboy in West Texas   July 2nd, 2009 3:31 pm ET

400K is better than 700K – I agree – so the slippery slope is not as steep as it was but sure doesn't say how deep it will get! Keep waiting to see all the jobs the stimulus package promised – you know – shovel ready projects? Where is the money? Where are the jobs?

worriedmom   July 2nd, 2009 3:30 pm ET

what a bunch of crock! Months ago he was preaching that the stimulus had to be approved right away and that jobs were gonna be made available immediately. Now he backs off saying there will be more to come. This man talks from both sides of his mouth and I am not convinced he will say anything to please someone at the moment. He is going to ruin this country and guess what, Bush has nothing to do with this now. Your "Chosen One" has tripled the deficit on his own and he is still throwing money out. If he is so serious abuot saving, start with Congress salaries and health benefits and his own. Betcha you won't have any volunteers on that one!

niyi   July 2nd, 2009 3:30 pm ET

I dont understand how republicans dont get that. it took years to get in this mess, but they want Obama to get us out in 4 to 5 months. Get real. Now people like me can critic what he has being doing so far, but members of congress needs to shut up, especially Micheal steele. We elected this people to make changes at their respective positions, but all they seem to do this days is critic the president. well what are you people doing to help. you point a finger at someone and their are 3 pointing back at you. Make Changes Micheal and help the president make AMerica better.

I agree   July 2nd, 2009 3:30 pm ET

I just got hired for a new job!!!

Good job   July 2nd, 2009 3:30 pm ET

ohh boy, here come the Republican criticisms in 3, 2, 1.....

Observant   July 2nd, 2009 3:30 pm ET

I don't believe you anymore and nor does millions of Americans. We are still unemployed. I have been unemplyed for over a year now and my family and friends that do have jobs are being notified that their positions will be ending in 2010. Whatever happened to eliminating the outsourcing. Yes, it took years to get into this mess and within six months you have make it worse, the bailouts are not working, the stimulus plan is a joke. You should be listening to the American people instead of the House and the Senate. It is time for a change, and yes I voted for you. I am looking for a new party, no Democrats or Republicans need run. I want a "Responsible Party" with a candidate that is serious about growth and is not contributing to taking the USA down

Randolph Carter   July 2nd, 2009 3:30 pm ET

Healthcare and the environment will be the next economic bubble. Watch where the big investment banks are starting to put their money. Once the economy turns around in 2 years or so, we'll start seeing a lot of prosperity in these sectors. Speculation will eventually blow value way out of proportion. The whole thing will come crashing down in about 10-15 years and we'll be right back here where we started. Everyone have a happy and safe holiday weekend!

seebofubar   July 2nd, 2009 3:28 pm ET

Just keep your trap shut Obama. Every time you open it up the stock market takes a nose dive. Stick to taking your wife out to dinner, you're good at that.

George   July 2nd, 2009 3:27 pm ET

I saw on your other article that Boehner and the GOP are using dogs now to push their ideas. Congratulations. This is a step in the right direction. You traded in Rush and Joe the Plunger for dogs. Good job GOP.

Tatianna   July 2nd, 2009 3:26 pm ET

Obama statements has expiration dates. It is absolutely shocking when his supporters high hopes are shattered by the reality of what is going on. Obamanomics is not economics, its ideology!

Steve in NYC   July 2nd, 2009 3:26 pm ET

I understand why he speaks in such generalities.... good for the TV sound bite. However, I wish for us adults he would stop saying "years for us to get into this mess". THE ELECTION IS OVER. Is it the credit crisis he is referring to? If so, I'd like to hear something about how he or anyone else is trying to correct or make right those things that caused it. I'd also like for him to stop throwing trillions at the problems.

Otherwise, 4 years from now it will be some other politician saying "it took us 4 years to get into this mess".

Herbie   July 2nd, 2009 3:26 pm ET

Beyond my comprehension. How can inflation be getting better when
unemployment contiues on the rise? What does he see that others don't/? Please explain.

Claudia in Houson   July 2nd, 2009 3:25 pm ET

Some jobs won't be coming back and the sooner people recognize that the quicker they can retrain for new jobs.

Derrick   July 2nd, 2009 3:25 pm ET

It took 8 LONG years for George Bush to bring this country to its knees, practically bankrupt us, and divide us.

As Obama said, it will take more than a few months to get out of this mess. People need to calm down and be patient.

J Jackson   July 2nd, 2009 3:24 pm ET

So Obama is living in Neverland now? He needs to go out on the street and deal with the banhandlers that we have to deal with.

Pat F   July 2nd, 2009 3:22 pm ET

Yes, Barry, it's taken years for the Democrats to destroy our economy.

-Years of political favors from Barney Frank and Chris Dodd to Fanny and Freddie.

-Years of NINJA loans (no income, no job, no assets) as required by so called "Fair Housing" laws.

-Years of blackmailing institutions into giving mortgages based on some social engineering goals instead of the ability of the borrower to repay.

Because the mortgage meltdown has caused this recession, make no mistake about that. Nothing else even comes close.

Right Leaning Independent   July 2nd, 2009 3:21 pm ET

How long is it going to take to get out of the mess that Obama is creating by spending like a drunken sailor? Spending beyond ones means – is that not what got these homeowners in trouble today? Lesson NOT Learned....

Brian in TN   July 2nd, 2009 3:21 pm ET

That don't help me none. Give me some money!!! I voted for you now where is my check???

Robin   July 2nd, 2009 3:21 pm ET

Thank you President Obama, I feel better. It must be all those "saved jobs" that slowed the recession down.

David   July 2nd, 2009 3:20 pm ET

The market is going to correct inself.

Obama is going to have nothing to do with it, if anything the "stimulus" has slowed things down, but is there any doubt he's going to take credit when it does turn around?

Right Leaning Independent   July 2nd, 2009 3:18 pm ET

Yes, 16 years for this mess to evolve. Ever since Clinton relaxed the lending laws and forced banks to make home loans to folks that did not deserve them. I just want you to answer why the stimulus has not provided jobs as you unwaveringly said it would do??? Could it be that you had no clue what you were doing at the time??? Sure is beginning to look that way..

IndyVoter   July 2nd, 2009 3:16 pm ET

Exactly! Pres. Obama already told anyone who was listening that it was going to get worse before better and that 2009 was going to be a pretty lousy year....Another point....critics keep saying that Obama promised that the unemployment rate would not go over 8%. Really? did he PROMISE? He and his economic team made an estimate based on the information that they had at the time (1st through 3rd quarter numbers)...Once the HORRIFIC 4th quarter figures, that nobody, not even Republicans, thought were going to be that terrible, came out, they made adjustments accordingly....as any sane, rational, person with comomon and any ounce of economic sense would do....What doesn't make sense is to keep screaming tax cuts and not offer ANY solutions to fix economic and other domestic problems that have been festering for years and are killing us...sounds like those that start with an "R" and end in "ublicans".

K. in Miami   July 2nd, 2009 3:15 pm ET

It's amazing that Republicans claim the state of our Economy is caused by a President that has held office for 6 Months...

I think this is why Republicans are viewed as so disgusting and HYPOCRITICAL....

We know what really caused the economy to turn into it's current state, one word-(REPUBLICANS)........

It's as if George Bush was never in office for the last 8 years, to Republicans, the last 6 months are to blame.....Only the narrow minded 21% of white america believes this nonsense........

Scott, Tucson   July 2nd, 2009 3:14 pm ET

Well since 2006 the democrats have been in charged of the congress so I guess a good deal of blame lies there folks. Lets not forget that the culprits behind the Freddie Mae and Freddie Mac debacle which help started the recession mess were Barney Frank, Chris Dodd and Charles Schumer and for some odd reasons, these guys are still in charged of their committees and not behind bars? I'm sure those newly 700,000 unemployed in the last quarter was not the CHANGE they expected from Obama.

Mark B.   July 2nd, 2009 3:13 pm ET

It didn't take years to get us into this mess. It took since 2006 when all the congrssional shenannigans began. Pelosi, Reid and Frank brought us this in a very short time.

Josh   July 2nd, 2009 3:11 pm ET

Patience isnt something we possess. We need to remember that it took eight years to screw up the economy and that it will take time to fix.

Legna   July 2nd, 2009 3:11 pm ET

Well if unemployment keeps slowing we should reach 20% by Feb. 2011. There is nothing happening but the methodical rape of this countries private business structure. No way small businesses will survive cap and trade, medical syetem, or taxes (State,federal, property,value added,estate,etc.) The private sector will soon disappear with its jobs.....BEWARE!!!! Obama will b able to use George Bushes stupid statement ....MISSION ACCOMPLISHED!!!!

Jaz in Chitown   July 2nd, 2009 3:10 pm ET

"It took years for us to get into this mess, and it'll take more than a few months to get out."

Is there a liberal newsletter telling you what to say?

blue stater   July 2nd, 2009 3:10 pm ET

who is going to pay for all this spending is what i want to know? he should not be worried about jobs but instead the people who create them. the mood now is one of just protecting what you have instead of opening yourself up to govt. confiscation.

RR   July 2nd, 2009 3:09 pm ET

But the stimulus package you demanded get rushed through without anyone reading was supposed to keep unemployement under 8%!!

Why should we believe you, Mr. President?

MEL IN florida   July 2nd, 2009 3:08 pm ET

I truly belived that our President is taking us to the right direction. You working hard and we are working with you. We proud of you and our Nation. Thank you.

Rob   July 2nd, 2009 3:07 pm ET

..And with the stunts you, Pelosi, Reid, and the other Dem idiots are pulling, it's gonna take a LONG time to recover.

Can't wait til 2010, when we can get Pelosi and Reid out, then 2012, when Obama will be overwhelmingly voted out of office.

On the plus side though, the Dems are going to finally prove to everyone that they are all talk, no action.

SUSAN   July 2nd, 2009 3:06 pm ET

Before the STIMULAS BILL get passed, the CBO estimated unemplyment rate around 8.5% contrary to OBAMA's UNDER 8%. Now the unemployment is hitting 9%. Whom should I trust? !!!

I trust the CBO's estimate more on HEALTHCARE this time. Let's be fiscal cautious.

It took years for us to get into this mess   July 2nd, 2009 3:05 pm ET

8 years, thank goodness the GOP is having a bad run, if they had won again we'd be sold to China and Japan by now

what a nightmare Bush/Cheney were and are

Classy 57   July 2nd, 2009 3:05 pm ET

Excuse me, Bo, things were okay two years ago - you've been in DC for six months - things are not getting better - you have done nothing to help the American worker or the American public. Stop the rhetoric and get some sound, intelligent people to work with you - not those radicals you have chosen - and where's Hillary?

Dennis   July 2nd, 2009 3:05 pm ET

"pay no attention to the man behind the mirror" I think we've heard this one before.

George   July 2nd, 2009 3:04 pm ET

This will never get better until our legislators, not just President Obama, get off their butts and bring jobs back to America. We will never get better with other countries doing our work, while we are unemployed. The tax base is jobless. The workers of the world are not
paying into the American tax system. Like Hillary said many times.
JOBS BABY JOBS!

Open Your 3rd Eye   July 2nd, 2009 3:03 pm ET

FOR CRYING OUT LOUD, PEOPLE!

The economy WILL NOT get better until next year.

Period-point blank-end of story

Stop looking for signs so soon, you will NOT find them. I promise you that.

Your boy Bushy tore the place apart and we will not have it back in order any time in 2009, trust me.

This is not a house we are renovating, IT'S A HUGE COUNTRY.

Be realistic, and get a grip!

Thank You!

lynn in NM   July 2nd, 2009 3:01 pm ET

Jobs. Housing. But AIG is looking up.

Dutch/Bad Newz, VA   July 2nd, 2009 3:01 pm ET

CEO's didn't wake up one morning and say let me layoff all of these employees. They're feeling it in their pockets and layoffs are going to occur. But as the President said, we didn't get into this jam overnight.

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