Obama Shrugs Off Threat Of Prolonged Recession

“I’m not concerned about a double-dip recession.” With these words, President Obama on Tuesday addressed the nation’s concerns over the economy during a joint news conference with German Chancellor Angela Merkel in the East Room of the White House.

Stating that markets and people are “skittish” about the state of the economy, and that “we’re experiencing some headwinds,” the President acknowledged how the sluggish economy is having an enormous impact on family budgets and the psychology of consumers.

However, he said, “as long as there are some folks out there who are unemployed, looking for work, then every morning when I wake up, I’m going to be thinking about how we can get them back to work.”

The President stressed that it is important to remember how close to “complete disaster” the U.S. came two and a half years ago. Calling it a body blow, Obama attributed it to policy decisions made during the “previous decade.” The President said that the nation is now on track and cautioned the public against panicking or overreacting, particularly to last month’s poor job numbers. He also stated that it was not clear that that data was indicative of “a one month episode or a longer trend.”

Obama was asked whether German military involvement might have moved the Libya intervention along more quickly. He replied that Germany has taken additional actions in Afghanistan, thus allowing the U.S. to do more in Libya. He stated that although still a threat, Libyan ruler Moammar Qaddafi has been pushed back. “It is just a matter of time before Qaddafi goes”, Obama said. Giving a hint of what America’s role in a post-Qaddafi Libya would be, Obama said that there will be a lot to do when Qaddafi goes, politically and economically.

Merkel said “Germany will be showing that it is responsible and committed to the Libyan cause, also stating that “we” have made progress in Libya. Merkel later expressed her conviction that Qaddafi will step down, adding “it is our joint will that this NATO mission is successful.”

Merkel said that Berlin opens its arms to President Obama every day, calling him “Barack” throughout the availability. Obama, for his part, hailed Merkel’s intelligence and frankness, adding “I trust her.”