White House: Bush mulling speech to nation 1 hour, 31 minutes ago
President Bush is considering whether to address Americans directly about the financial crisis, and his spokesperson says the nation risks "calamity" without bold action to address the problem.
White House press secretary Dana Perino told reporters Wednesday the president was weighing whether, as well as when and where, he might deliver a speech to share his thoughts about the market meltdown. Perino said the nation "could be facing financial calamity" without what she called bold and decisive action.
She said the president has been trying to answer the many questions and concerns Americans have, and that it was possible a formal address was a way to continue to do that. Perino spoke as Bush flew back to Washington from New York Wednesday.
Bush said in New York earlier Wednesday that despite intense congressional debate over his proposed $700 billion financial bailout plan, he thinks "a robust plan" will be passed.
The president spoke before a meeting to discuss free trade with leaders of other Western Hemisphere nations. It was one of his final events in his three-day trip to attend the U.N. General Assembly.
He said the leaders can see clearly that the legislative process in the U.S. is "give and take."
Bush added: "I am confident when it's all said and done, that there will be a robust plan."
President Bush is considering whether to address Americans directly about the financial crisis, and his spokesperson says the nation risks "calamity" without bold action to address the problem.
White House press secretary Dana Perino told reporters Wednesday the president was weighing whether, as well as when and where, he might deliver a speech to share his thoughts about the market meltdown. Perino said the nation "could be facing financial calamity" without what she called bold and decisive action.
She said the president has been trying to answer the many questions and concerns Americans have, and that it was possible a formal address was a way to continue to do that. Perino spoke as Bush flew back to Washington from New York Wednesday.
Bush said in New York earlier Wednesday that despite intense congressional debate over his proposed $700 billion financial bailout plan, he thinks "a robust plan" will be passed.
The president spoke before a meeting to discuss free trade with leaders of other Western Hemisphere nations. It was one of his final events in his three-day trip to attend the U.N. General Assembly.
He said the leaders can see clearly that the legislative process in the U.S. is "give and take."
Bush added: "I am confident when it's all said and done, that there will be a robust plan."
