Obama Urges Congress To Move On Economic Plan (VIDEO)

CHICAGO — President-elect Barack Obama on Saturday urged Congress to get moving next week on an economic rescue plan that would extend jobless benefits among other actions.

"If Congress does not pass an immediate plan that gives the economy the boost it needs, I will make it my first order of business as president," Obama said in his Democratic Party's weekly radio address.

The radio address was also videotaped and being posted online through a YouTube link to Obama's transition Web site, . The president-elect plans to continue to record online videos of the addresses after he takes the oath of office Jan. 20. http://www.change.gov

WATCH ADDRESS

Obama said he was pleased President George W. Bush brought world leaders to Washington to discuss turmoil in the financial markets, "because our global economic crisis requires a coordinated global response."

Obama stressed the importance of creating jobs in the United States and helping to relieve the nation's economic distress.

Digging the country out of tough times will require people to pitch in and look after each other, in addition to long-term investments such as making health care affordable and rebuilding the nation's infrastructure, he said.

"Make no mistake: This is the greatest economic challenge of our times," Obama said. "And while the road ahead will be long, and the work will be hard, I know that we can steer ourselves out of this crisis because here in America we always rise to the moment, no matter how hard. And I am more hopeful than ever that America will rise once again."

Comments

[melfeasance]

It's a dirty job but somebody's gotta do it. That means US. But as The Bam says: Yes We Can.

(I'd love to see the outtakes on these addresses.­)

[Chicago48]

So cool! But do we need this weekly? But -- let's have transparency of all this bail out money.

[nellie]

All presidents do a weekly radio address—since FDR. A lot of us never hear them! I'm glad Obama is starting these broadcasts early, because we need some sanity and some encouragement. And I'm glad to see them on YouTube.

[NoSillyName]

I would not have been able to stomach listening to GWB on the radio every week.

BHO is The Man!

[skunky93]

yes you are right. This is the first time that they will be easily accessible to everyone because in the past so many people just didn't know where or how to find those addresses. I love his approach.

[msomali]

Radio address? who listens anymore, this youtube posting is the way it should be done and TVs replay it...

[maxxyee]

Thanks for keeping us informed. We believe in your leadership and we are confident that with time, this country will again rise,

[Chicago48]

It's just another fireside chat, in the way of FDR, which is to give Americans assurances.

[honeydiva]

that's what it is intended to be and it was explained to be so. duh!

[johnmo8]

Thank you POTUS-E.
We'll be there to make sure you stick with us!

[TuffCookie]

he is so awesome

[jesuswazasocialist]

Well said Obama you should be heading up this conference not George.

[NoSillyName]

Really. What good is an already lame Lame Duck to head up anything?

Retire early, George!!! That brush really needs cutting.