Day 100
April 29, 2009
"I don't want to run auto companies. I don't want to run banks. I've got two wars I've got to run already. I've got more than enough to do. So the sooner we can get out of that business, the better off we're going to be."
—President Obama, while fielding a myriad of questions from reporters during a prime-time news conference
"I'm pleased with the progress we've made, but I'm not satisfied. I'm confident with the future, but I'm not content with the present."
—Obama during a town-hall meeting in Arnold, Mo., giving voters a progress report upon his 100th day in office
The President basks in the spotlight on his 100th day, facing reporters for the third prime-time press conference of his presidency. He focuses on the variety of issues he has been juggling, including the economy, swine flu, the auto industry, Iraq and Afghanistan, torture and more during the hour-long event.
Earlier in the day, he traveled outside the Beltway, heading to Missouri for a town hall to discuss his presidency thus far — but he made it clear that there would be "a lot of work to do" going forward. Questioners focused on the economy, higher education and particularly the auto industry; on the eve of Chrysler's restructuring deadline, Obama said it was unclear if the company could be saved from bankruptcy.
In the morning, Obama and Vice President Biden welcomed Republican turned Democrat Arlen Specter to the White House and pledged their full support behind his surprising party switch.