Free Republic

LOS ANGELES (AP) - Buoyed by adoring crowds far from Washington's political wars, President Barack Obama guaranteed Americans on Thursday that the nation's economy will recover, though he asked them for patience. Obama looked every bit the campaigner as he sometimes mocked his GOP critics, and sometimes asked people to forgive his shortcomings

Obama said he first would ask officials in the affected areas what is most needed, which may not be known for a few days."We don't want to solicit a bunch of canned goods that can't get there, or, you know, bottles of water where they already have water," he said.Obama said he might visit storm-damaged areas once "things have settled down."

<p>SAN DIEGO—Barack Obama said Saturday there is "little doubt we've moved into recession," underscoring the country's need for a second economic stimulus package, swift steps to shore up the housing market and a long-term energy policy to reduce reliance on foreign oil imports.</p>