Day 52
March 12, 2009
"I am not choosing to address these additional challenges just because I feel like it or because I'm a glutton for punishment. I am doing so because they are fundamental to our economic growth and to ensuring that we don't have more crises like this in the future."
—President Obama, in remarks during a business roundtable gathering at the St. Regis Hotel in D.C., defending his ambitious policy agenda
The President tries to neutralize the attack line that he is trying to do too much in the midst of the devastating economic crisis — including his promises for reform on health care, energy, education, climate change, Afghanistan and Iraq. Obama uses his address to make the argument that his broad agenda is crucial for boosting the economy for the long term.
Later, the Administration turns its focus to foreign policy, as Obama has a sit-down with Chinese Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi to vow better military-to-military dialogue following friction between vessels in the South China Sea. Press secretary Robert Gibbs takes on the U.N., rejecting remarks by Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon that the U.S. is a "deadbeat" donor.