U.S. President-elect Barack Obama says immediately after taking office, he will confront the country's financial crisis, which he called the "greatest economic challenge of our lifetime."
In his first news conference since winning the election, Mr. Obama said today, Friday that he will take the necessary steps to ease the credit crisis, help working families and restore growth.
On Monday, Mr. Obama will meet with President George Bush to discuss the transfer of power. He said he believes the president and members of Congress recognize the severity of the economic situation and want to get things done, and that he will go to the White House with a "spirit of bipartisanship."
The president-elect said he wants to see an economic stimulus package passed as soon as possible. Mr. Obama also said he will review a letter of congratulation sent to him by Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad and respond appropriately. He said Iran's development of nuclear weapons is unacceptable and its support for terrorist organizations is something that has to cease.