Deborah Charles
Reuters
Sunday, Nov 16, 2008
President-elect Barack Obama on Saturday urged lawmakers to quickly pass at least "a down payment" on a new economic rescue plan to help resuscitate the ailing American economy.
In a radio address that was also published as a YouTube video on his Web site (www.change.gov), Obama noted that the leaders of G-20 nations were in Washington this weekend to seek solutions to the economic turmoil that has spread around the world.
"I'm glad President Bush has initiated this process because our global economic crisis requires a coordinated global response," Obama said.
"And yet, as we act in concert with other nations, we must also act immediately here at home to address America's own economic crisis."
At the same time, Obama moved to fill out more of his staff as he prepares to take power on January 20. A senior campaign adviser and former housing developer, Valerie Jarrett, will serve as senior White House adviser.
Another senior campaign adviser, Phil Schiliro, will serve as his legislative affairs adviser. Vice President-elect Joe Biden announced earlier this week that former Clinton administration official Ron Klain will serve as his chief of staff, a job he held for Al Gore.
"These individuals will be essential members of our team as we work to bring Republicans and Democrats together to strengthen our struggling economy and make Washington work for all Americans," Obama said in a statement.
In his radio address, Obama noted that financial markets are volatile, unemployment insurance claims have jumped to their highest levels since September 11, 2001, and more jobs are disappearing.
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