Remarks by President of the United States Barack Obama Prior to Meeting With CEOs on the Economic Recovery Plan

Press Conference

REMARKS BY PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES BARACK OBAMA PRIOR TO MEETING WITH CEOS ON THE ECONOMIC RECOVERY PLAN

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PRESIDENT OBAMA: So, it's good to see you guys. Can I make a comment that is unrelated to the economy, very quickly? And it has to do with Washington. My children's school was cancelled today because of what?

Q Ice.

PRESIDENT OBAMA: Some -- some ice? (Laughter.)

Q (Off mike.)

Q As Chicago -- (laughs) --

PRESIDENT OBAMA: As my -- as my children pointed out, in Chicago, school is never cancelled. In fact, my seven-year-old pointed out that you'd go outside for recess in weather like this. (Laughter.) You wouldn't even stay indoors. So it's -- I don't know. We're going to have to try to apply some flinty Chicago toughness to this town. (Laughter.)

Q Are you saying -- (off mike) -- are weak? (Laughter.)

PRESIDENT OBAMA: I'm saying, when it comes to the weather, folks in Washington don't seem to be able to handle things. But anyway --

Q Thank you.

PRESIDENT OBAMA: All right, thank you guys.

Q Thank you.

PRESIDENT OBAMA: Appreciate it.

Q Do you have anything to say about the economy?

PRESIDENT OBAMA: Well, I'm going to have a lot to say about this. I'm very grateful that all of these individuals have taken the time to come. These are some of the leading CEOs in the country.

These are people who make things, who hire people. They are on the front lines in seeing the enormous problems in our economy right now. Their ideas and their concerns have helped to shape our recovery package, and I'm grateful that they're here today to talk about why it's so important that we act, and act swiftly, in order to get this economy back on track.

STAFF: Thank you -- (off mike).

PRESIDENT OBAMA: All right. Thanks, guys.

Q Are you confident of Republican support?

PRESIDENT OBAMA: I'm confident we're going to get it passed.

END.

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