In remarkably grim language for a president known for his economic optimism, Bush defended the federal government’s "targeted measures" in recent weeks to shore up collapsing credit markets, but said there is now an "urgent need" for even broader government intervention. "This is a pivotal time for America’s economy," Bush said at the start of a nine-minute address in the White House Rose Garden. "We must act now to protect our nation’s economic health from serious risk."
Bush also shot back at growing criticism of the administration’s role in the meltdown from Capitol Hill and both major presidential campaigns. "There will be ample time to debate the origins of this problem," Bush said after listing some of the key developments that have rocked global markets in recent days and weeks. "Now is the time to solve it."
Bush, who portrays himself as a conservative free-market advocate, also defended steps that have put billions of taxpayer dollars at risk. "Government intervention is not only warranted; it is essential," he said.
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