Bush: Economy ‘can do better’

President Bush today responded to this week’s latest economic statistics by saying that the U.S. economy’s current condition is “not good enough for America,” but that it will recover from its current downturn.

During remarks to employees of a technology firm outside St. Louis, Miss., the president also strove to make up for a past gaffe by stating several times that he understands the “pain” of financial challenges facing most Americans.

Mr. Bush was in rare form during the hour long event, revealing that he was preoccupied with his daughter’s wedding in one week, launching several times into storytelling without prompting, and reflecting on the end of his presidency.

He began with a 20-minute speech on the economy, which has been bolstered slightly by numbers this week that were not as bad as some had predicted.

The gross domestic product grew by .6 percent in the first quarter. And numbers released today showed that jobs, which had been forecast to drop by as much as 80,000, as in March, dropped by 20,000, and unemployment fell from 5.1 percent to 5 percent.

“It’s positive growth, but we can do better,” Mr. Bush said, strolling around the center a room with a microphone and speaking to a crowd of about 200 in a warehouse at World Wide Technology, in Maryland Heights, Miss.

The president said that “this economy is not as robust as any of us would like it,” but promised that stimulus checks of between $300 and $600 for individuals, as well as $300 for children, would help turn the tide.

“We’re [going to] recover, and this is to help stimulate that recovery,” Mr. Bush said. “This economy always recovers. We’re a resilient economy.”

Sen. Chuck Schumer, New York Democrat, said that “these numbers are not as bad as they might have been, but for the administration to believe this gives them a green light for their laissez-faire, do-nothing policies would be a huge mistake.”

Mr. Schumer said that 260,000 Americans have lost their jobs since January, and that more government money needs to be spent for unemployment insurance, among other things.

On board Air Force One, as the president flew to Missouri, White House spokesman Tony Fratto said that the latest economic numbers show the U.S. is not in a recession, despite the proclamations of many economists.

“The numbers that are probably the weakest are wholesale and retail sales numbers. But all the other economic data that we’re seeing are stronger than what you would see consistent with past recessions,” Mr. Fratto said.

Democrats pounced on that statement, and continued to call for a second stimulus package to augment the $157 billion deal, agreed to in February, which produced the rebates and checks for individuals that are going out now.

“For President Bush and his economic advisers sitting around the Oval Office, the economy may not feel like it’s in a recession,” said Rep. Rahm Emmanuel, Illinois Democrat.

“But for middle class Americans sitting around their kitchen tables trying to figure out how to pay their energy, health care, and food bills with shrinking paychecks, this is a recession that is hurting more Americans every day,” said Mr. Emmanuel, the fourth-ranking House Democrat.

The president, who during a February press conference revealed that he did not know gas prices were headed towards $4 a gallon, tried several times to demonstrate that he’s in touch with regular Americans.

“I know it’s tough times and I know you’re paying more at the pump than you want. But this economy’s going to come on. I’m confident it will,” Mr. Bush said.

“I understand the pain,” he said another time.

Mr. Bush also went off script several times, telling personal stories and expounding on policy positions with a passion and humor that was notable.

He talked about his belief in religious and political freedom — in the face of fascists within the Islamic world who kill opponents — with a vigor and hopefulness that contrasted with the anger and frustration that has marked many of his exhortations on the subject.

And he appeared to grow emotional as audience members applauded him on the subject.

After finishing his opening monologue, Mr. Bush said that audience members could ask him questions about whatever was on his mind.

“I got a lot on my mind by the way,” shrugging as he walked around. “I’m getting ready to march down the aisle.”

One of the president’s twin daughters, Jenna, is to be married next Saturday at the Bush ranch in Crawford, Texas, to Henry Hager.

When asked about the end of his presidency by one audience member, Mr. Bush said that the last eight years have “been a great experience for our family.”

He said that the White House “furniture is interesting, but it’s like a museum.”

“And there’s love in that house thanks to Laura,” he said, referring to his wife.

And in a throwaway line of great interest, Mr. Bush said that “it is a lot harder to be the son of the president than to be the president.”

Mr. Bush also launched into stories and personal observations several times without being asked, sharing his feelings on the recent visit of Pope Benedict XVI to the U.S., and telling a story about picking out the rug for the Oval Office.

He said that he delegated the rug choice to Mrs. Bush, and used that as an example of how a president should operate.

Mr. Bush praised top advisers whom he has delegated to, mentioning Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, Treasury Secretary Henry Paulson, and Secretary of Defense Robert Gates.

He did not mention Vice President Cheney, who has wielded enormous influence over many decisions within the Bush administration, but who has been blamed for many policies regarding the Iraq war, detainee treatment, and other national security matters.