Obama Firm and Urgent About Stimulus Plan

CLEVELAND - President Barack Obama took to the airwaves last night to garner support for his new economic stimulus package and came off as tenacious and determined.

Just as he always does.

Obama's first primetime press conference, televised all over the world, came at a very early time in his presidency; a mere 21 days. By contrast, former President Bush's first one took place nine months after he took office. President Obama spoke with a firm and focused tone and underlined the sense of urgency the nation faces in these unprecedented trying times.

"This is not your run-of-the-mill recession," said Obama who visited Elkhart, Indiana earlier in the day to test out his plan. Elkhart has suffered the most profound job losses of any city in the country. The plan, designed to jump start the economy out of its malaise is said to be close to $840 billion in measure. Obama continually stressed the fact that his administration inherited the $10 trillion deficit and that he isn't all "ginned up" to [spend money] but it is what's required given what he has to work with.

True story.

The president, with a steely disposition and an occasional feistiness in his voice spoke briefly on foreign policy and even made a comment on the steroids fiasco in Major League Baseball. But the horrific economy remained the central issue. He mentioned how his plans are "not perfect" but will create four million jobs.

I'm no genius when it comes to politics or the economy for that matter, but I love our president's sense of urgency and commitment to set the U.S. back on track financially. This recession has had a crippling effect on many Americans, and I have been inundated with stories of folks close to me losing their once rock solid jobs. Friends and family of mine have taken a hit of epic proportions and I feel blessed beyond belief that I'm not in a dumpster somewhere. Obama is a man that gives us real hope for a seemingly impossible situation.

God blessed us with this competent leader. He even labeled himself "an eternal optimist." Let's hope God continues to bless him with the faith of his convictions. We're all going to be better off for it.