Obama: 'This is the Greatest Economic Challenge of Our Time'

Weekly radio address posted on YouTube for first time

Updated 5:59 PM CST, Fri, Nov 21, 2008

TWITTER FACEBOOK

Getty Images

Today, another first for the Obama Presidency. The President-elect redefined the Weekly Democratic Radio Address by recording it on radio...and video. The traditionally four-minute speech is now a YouTube video posted on his site, www.change.gov.

In his speech, Obama acknowledged President Bush's efforts to bring leaders of the G-20 countries -- a group that includes the world's largest economies -- together in Washington. At the same time, he said his immediate concern is the recession Americans face at home. 

"Make no mistake: this is the greatest economic challenge of our time," said Obama. "And while the road ahead will be long, and the work will be hard, I know that we can steer ourselves out of this crisis ." 

NBC5's Phil Rogers reported on Friday that IOC members were clearly impressed with the presentation and applauded when it was over.

Obama's presentation came at a time when the president-elect's celebrity is felt around the world. On NBC5's "City Desk," senior advisor David Axelrod noted that Obama is now something of an ambassador for Chicago and the nation.

"I think there is a really positive feeling about this president-elect," he said. "I think that spirit will help in terms of attracting the Olympics."

The meeting was the largest gathering voting European members Chicago's bid committee will see before the final vote is taken 11 months from now, Rogers reported. Committee members, in fact, awoke Friday morning with their newspapers wrapped in a glossy celebration of the city's bid. They ended their day with Obama's message.

First Published: Nov 14, 2008 8:59 AM CST

TWITTER FACEBOOK

  • 0% furious 0
  • 0% sad 0
  • 0% bored 0
  • 0% thrilled 0
  • 0% intrigued 0
  • 0% laughing 0
processing
          No comments have been posted yet.

          You have 2000 characters left

          processing
          So My City

          You are posting in (change)

          550/550 characters

          (jpg, pngs, or gifs allowed)

          (jpg, pngs, or gifs allowed)
          *Tip: You can also post moments via email or Twitter.

          processing

          View Your Moment in

          Posted by | 1 second ago

          Don't Miss

          local_beat

          4 hours ago

          Chicago's Week in Photos

          A suicide stuns the city. The 70s rock the South Side. A boy celebrates Christmas.

          local_beat

          Nov 20 at 8:00 PM

          Oprah Departure Another Blow to Windy City

          A staggering economy, a failed Olympic bid and the loss of two major trade shows. Is Chicago in a funk?

          Read It

          local_beat

          3 hours ago

          Shop Around the Block (37)

          Your first chance to spend a penny on the block.

          Read It
          Loading...
          Birthdate:
          You must be at least 13 to sign up.
          Gender:
          invalid

          By clicking the button below, I accept the terms of use and privacy policy

          Already Signed Up? Login Below.

          processing
          Here's what we're posting:

          *Only used for verification. We do not store your password.
          processing