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| In this Feb. 20, 2009 file photo, President Barack Obama waits to speak to mayors from across the country in the East Room of the White House. In a prime-time speech from the House of Representatives, Tuesday night, the president will make his case that much more has to be done to turn around the economy - a message he knows he must explain. |
WASHINGTON (AP) -- Standing before a nation on an economic precipice, President Barack Obama told worried Americans Tuesday night the U.S. has reached a dire "day of reckoning" that will require boldness and long-term vision to create lasting revival and prosperity. "The time to take charge of our future is here," Obama said, delivering his first address to a joint session of Congress just five weeks into his presidency. Along with his warnings, he had reassuring words.
"Tonight I want every American to know this: We will rebuild, we will recover, and the United States of America will emerge stronger than before."
Blending the details of governing in with his rhetoric, he said each of the political parties must sacrifice on favored programs while uniting behind agreed goals including better schools, expanded health care coverage and "greener" fuel use.
Seeking to balance candor and can-do, Obama acknowledged the battered economy, shaken confidence and the "difficult and uncertain times" that are all too real in homes and businesses across the country.
But, he said: "The weight of this crisis will not determine the destiny of this nation."
