Lawrence Ari Fleischer

“ The President is pleased that we have people who didn't used to talk about tax cuts talk about tax cuts. It's another example of what White House leadership can do. But the President will address today the need for a stimulus, not only short-term, but permanent and ongoing, long-term. There remains a risk that if the only action you take is temporary, the politicians will find a way to spend all that money, if you don't cut the taxes. ”

“ Michigan's unemployment rate is climbing at a rate higher than almost every other state, if it's not the highest rate of increase. People in Michigan are no strangers to the problems unemployment creates. And they're worried about not only their jobs, but their neighbors' jobs. If their neighbor loses a job, they're worried they could be next, is what I mean. So the President knows that this is an issue in which he is in touch with the American people. And I think those who criticize him risk being seen as out of touch with people going through difficult economic moments. ”

“ Well, he wants to build support for his tax and budget plans, limit spending, cut taxes, stimulate the economy. And he's going to tie together several important actions: free trade, education, spending restraint, tax cuts and educational improvement, as a way to maintain long-term economic growth and productivity. Q There's been some speculation that he's concerned that people are talking about him talking down the economy, and he wants to make the point that -- MR. FLEISCHER: Frankly, the White House looks at that as an opportunity to show who's in touch with the concerns people have. ”