Bush watching economy closely
WASHINGTON (AP) - January 8, 2008 "We're listening to different ideas about what may or may not
need to happen," he said. "We'll work through this. We'll work
through this period of time."
He wouldn't comment on any specific ideas he is considering,
such as tax cuts aimed at lessening the chance of a recession.
"We'll look at all different options."
On Monday, Bush talked about recent indicators that have been
"increasingly mixed," a new recognition of the challenges now
facing the economy, primarily resulting from a severe housing
crisis. Previous Bush statements have paid attention to the
financial fears of many American families and the effects of the
housing slump, but focused on what he calls the strong fundamentals
underpinning the economy.
"It's going to take awhile to work through the downturn," he
said Tuesday of the housing crisis. He spoke in response to a
question, during a Rose Garden event on Iraq.
Bush regards his State of the Union address to Congress at the
end of the month and the release of his new budget proposal shortly
after as a sort of deadline for making the call about whether to
propose a stimulus package. Aides say he wants to analyze more
economic data before making a final decision.
On Friday, the government reported that hiring practically
stalled in December, driving the nation's unemployment rate up to a
two-year high of 5 percent. With such reports fanning fears of a
recession and more Americans growing anxious, Bush has taken to
talking about the economy often.
As before, he spoke on Tuesday of his confidence in the American
economic system and the ability of it - and his administration - to
weather even severe shocks.
"I'm optimistic, as I've seen this economy, you know, go
through periods of uncertainty," the president said. "I like the
fundamentals, they look strong, but there are new signals that
should cause concern. And one of the signals is the fact that the
housing market is soft."