Obama visits Columbus, says economy needs time

COLUMBUS — With a new poll showing that only 41 percent of Americans approve of how President Obama is handling the economy, the president told Ohioans on Wednesday, Aug. 18, that the economic recovery would take more time.

“Slowly but surely, we are moving in the right direction,” Obama said to about 50 people in the Columbus backyard of Joe and Rhonda Weithman. “The economy is getting stronger, but it really suffered a big trauma and we’re not going to get all 8 million jobs back that were lost overnight. It’s going to take some time. ... A lot of it is sort of like recovering from an illness: You get a little bit stronger each day and you take a few more steps each day. And that’s where our economy is at right now.”

A new poll by The Associated Press and GfK found that an overwhelming majority of Americans now describe the nation’s financial outlook as poor.

Obama stopped in Columbus to talk about the economic recovery and raise money for Gov. Ted Strickland’s re-election campaign and the Ohio Democratic Party.

In Other News

Medicaid cuts could impact jobs, tax revenue, analysts say

Medicaid estate recovery: Ohio bill seeks to add notification...

Measles outbreak with 10 cases confirmed in northeast Ohio

Medicaid under fire: Deep cuts proposed as state waits for approval to...

10 government officials reprimanded for violating Ohio ethics law in...

About the Author

Laura A. Bischoff

Laura Bischoff is our Columbus bureau reporter and covers politics and state government. She keeps a close eye on elected leaders, public employees and taxpayer money. Bischoff tries to write stories that inform voters, hold leaders accountable and strengthen democracy.