WASHINGTON — Banks failing and the economy in shambles, the new U.S. president reassured a nationwide audience that his administration was putting America back on the right track.
Balancing two wars, a creaky economy and now a flu bug of near-pandemic proportions, on his 100th day in office, Obama used his third prime-time news conference to assure America that its oft-derided government could rise to the challenge. At the same time, he sought to inspire citizens to help themselves rather than rely solely on Washington.
The opening act of the Obama presidency has been head-turning, not only for the dire times in which he took office but his flurry of activity.
But most of what Obama has done so far, as would be expected for little more than three months, amounts to no more than a down payment.
The news conference covered topics ranging from the outbreak of swine flu — which Obama referred to as the H1N1 virus — to abortion and the recent flare-up in violence in Iraq. Here’s a look at what the president said:
Terrorism war
Waterboarding: Obama called waterboarding torture and an act that violates the nation’s ideals and values, and he said that’s why he decided to ban the practice. He said the American people will eventually recognize that banning torture enhances the U.S. position worldwide. The president said the prohibition takes away a recruitment tool for al-Qaida and puts Washington in a stronger position with allies.
Pakistan: The president said he is confident Pakistan’s nuclear arsenal will stay out of militants’ hands. But he said he is "gravely concerned” about that nation’s stability. Obama called the Pakistani government "very fragile” and expressed deep concern about its ability to provide basic services such as education, health care and a judicial system.
Iraq: Obama said recent violence flare-ups in Iraq are a legitimate cause of concern, but noted that civilian deaths are lower than in the past. He said the country’s political system remains intact. But, he also says more work must be done on the political side and the U.S. must keep pressure on Iraqis to make progress.
Health, finance
Economy: Obama warned that "more will be lost” during a recession that has already cost millions of Americans their homes and their jobs. He said he is content with his administration’s progress to fix a staggering economy. But he said big problems remain: the slow flow of credit, the struggling auto industry, the projected long-term deficits and security threats.
Swine flu: The president said health officials aren’t recommending closing the U.S. border with Mexico because of the swine flu outbreak. The president likened that move to — in his words — closing the barn door after the horses are out. He said the outbreak is cause for deep concern but not panic. And he assured that the government was doing everything it can to be on top of the matter.
Abortion: Obama said abortion is both a moral and ethical issue, and abortion rights backers make a mistake when they consider it solely a matter of women’s freedom. He said he supports abortion rights because he thinks a woman is in a better position to make a personal choice than a member of Congress or the president.
by the associated press
Balancing two wars, a creaky economy and now a flu bug of near-pandemic proportions, on his 100th day in office, Obama used his third prime-time news conference to assure America that its oft-derided government could rise to the challenge. At the same time, he sought to inspire citizens to help themselves rather than rely solely on Washington.
The opening act of the Obama presidency has been head-turning, not only for the dire times in which he took office but his flurry of activity.
But most of what Obama has done so far, as would be expected for little more than three months, amounts to no more than a down payment.
The news conference covered topics ranging from the outbreak of swine flu — which Obama referred to as the H1N1 virus — to abortion and the recent flare-up in violence in Iraq. Here’s a look at what the president said:
Terrorism war
Waterboarding: Obama called waterboarding torture and an act that violates the nation’s ideals and values, and he said that’s why he decided to ban the practice. He said the American people will eventually recognize that banning torture enhances the U.S. position worldwide. The president said the prohibition takes away a recruitment tool for al-Qaida and puts Washington in a stronger position with allies.
Pakistan: The president said he is confident Pakistan’s nuclear arsenal will stay out of militants’ hands. But he said he is "gravely concerned” about that nation’s stability. Obama called the Pakistani government "very fragile” and expressed deep concern about its ability to provide basic services such as education, health care and a judicial system.
Iraq: Obama said recent violence flare-ups in Iraq are a legitimate cause of concern, but noted that civilian deaths are lower than in the past. He said the country’s political system remains intact. But, he also says more work must be done on the political side and the U.S. must keep pressure on Iraqis to make progress.
Health, finance
Economy: Obama warned that "more will be lost” during a recession that has already cost millions of Americans their homes and their jobs. He said he is content with his administration’s progress to fix a staggering economy. But he said big problems remain: the slow flow of credit, the struggling auto industry, the projected long-term deficits and security threats.
Swine flu: The president said health officials aren’t recommending closing the U.S. border with Mexico because of the swine flu outbreak. The president likened that move to — in his words — closing the barn door after the horses are out. He said the outbreak is cause for deep concern but not panic. And he assured that the government was doing everything it can to be on top of the matter.
Abortion: Obama said abortion is both a moral and ethical issue, and abortion rights backers make a mistake when they consider it solely a matter of women’s freedom. He said he supports abortion rights because he thinks a woman is in a better position to make a personal choice than a member of Congress or the president.
by the associated press
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