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President says he's "not concerned" about double-dip recession, but says job growth not fast enough in joint media parley with Merkel.
Highlights:
Obama thanks Merkel for her "strong commitment" to Afghanistan, Libya, and says nations stand "shoulder to shoulder."
Of their professional relationship, president says it's "just fun" to work with her.
On economy, president says "the overall trend...a rebounding of the manufacturing sector...all indicates that we have set a path that will lead us to long-term economic growth."
Highlights from Obama's remarks:
On Libya, Obama says he and Merkel "share the belief" that Gaddafi needs to step down. Says progress has been "significant."On economy, Obama says people "understandably frustrated" with the ups and downs of the economy, but should realize recovery from previous "body blow takes time."
Halperin's Take
The main line of attack against the president now from Republicans is that he is out of touch on the economy -- talking too much about progress and not enough about how bad things are. Today's remarks were more calibrated towards expressing concern than some of Obama's other recent statements. But it is always hard to either jawbone a recovery or run for re-election if your focus is on pain. Get used to it, White House: this tightrope act is your life for the next sixteen months or so.More ways to get The Page
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