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November 7th, 2008 at 7:42 pm

Video & Photos: President-Elect Barack Obama Press Conference 11-7-08

President-Elect Barack Obama first press conference, November 7, 2008

President-Elect Barack Obama held his first press conference since the election on November 7, 2008 in Chicago. Watch the video and read the transcript here. Flanked on either side by Vice President-Elect Joe Biden, Chief of Staff Rahm Emanuel and members of his Transition Economic Advisory Board, with whom he had just met with, Obama addressed the severe economic crisis the country faces.

President-Elect Barack Obama first press conference, November 7, 2008

In noting the extensiveness of the crisis, Obama cited the new statistics the U.S. Dept. of Labor released today which show that U.S. unemployment hit a 14-year-high in October with the loss of 240,000 jobs. Obama outlined the plans his administration will take, including an economic stimulus package, extending unemployment benefits, easing the credit crisis. He expressed an intention to aid small businesses, state and local governments, and the U.S. auto industry, which is in danger of a collapse that could result in the loss of more than two million jobs.

President-Elect Barack Obama first press conference, November 7, 2008

“The auto industry is the backbone of American manufacturing and a critical part of our attempt to reduce our dependence on foreign oil,” he said. “I would like to see the Administration do everything they can to accelerate the retooling assistance that Congress has already enacted.”

Commenting on issues as varied as Iran and his family’s search for a suitable dog for the White House, Mr. Obama took care to thank President Bush for his warm remarks upon his election, and to pledge that he would do nothing between now and Jan. 20 to undercut the outgoing chief executive.

“We only have one president at a time,” he said.

Source: Obama Seeks Speedy Action on Economy

President-Elect Barack Obama first press conference, November 7, 2008

The press conference Q&A session did have its lighter moments, as Obama addressed the pressing issue of what kind of dog he and his wife will select for their daughter when they move into the White House. He said that the choice was going to be more difficult because his older daughter, Malia, is allergic to dogs, and thus they must select a hypoallergenic breed He said “our preference would be to get a shelter dog, but obviously a lot of shelter dogs are mutts like me.”

Chicago Sun-Times reporter Lynn Sweet became an instantaneous famous when Obama asked her what happened to her arm, which was in a sling she said, “I cracked my shoulder running to your speech on Election night.” Obama replied,”I think that was the only major incident during the entire Grant Park celebration.”

President-Elect Barack Obama first press conference, November 7, 2008

But it was Lynn Sweet’s question, as what former Presidents he had consulted with that drew more attention. Obama said, “I have spoken to all of them that are living. Obviously, President Clinton. I didn’t want to get into a Nancy Reagan thing about, you know, doing any seances,” making a reference to former First Lady Nancy Reagan’s well documented reliance on astrology to plan President Reagan’s schedule.

President-Elect Barack Obama first press conference, November 7, 2008

He later called the Former First Lady to apologize, according to spokeswoman Stephanie Cutter.

“The President-elect expressed his admiration and affection for Mrs. Reagan that so many Americans share and they had a warm conversation,” Cutter said in a statement. […]

Sen. Hillary Clinton, when her husband was president, was reported to have had imaginary conversations with Eleanor Roosevelt at the suggestion of spiritual adviser Jean Houston.

After making the seance comment, Obama said in addition to speaking to all the living past presidents he had also re-read some of President Abraham Lincoln’s writings.
His wife, Mary Todd Lincoln, was said to have held regular seances at the White House.

Source: Obama Apologizes to Nancy Reagan For Seance Quip

Photo credit: Reuters, Getty Images