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WASHINGTON: US President Barack Obama urged Americans Saturday to display unity ahead of the 10th anniversary of the September 11, 2001 attacks, arguing the country was still facing “great challenges.”
In his weekly radio and Internet address, Obama recalled that in the immediate aftermath of the attacks in New York, Washington and Pennsylvania that killed nearly 3,000 people, Americans united to demonstrate a sense of common purpose.
“So as we mark this solemn anniversary, let's summon that spirit once more,” Obama said. “And let's show that the sense of common purpose that we need in America doesn't have to be a fleeting moment; it can be a lasting virtue - not just on one day, but every day.”
The comments came as Obama prepares for serious negotiations with lawmakers on ways to jump-start the sluggish economy and reduce the burgeoning US national debt.
In coming weeks, officials said, Obama will press hard for Republicans in Congress to pass the package, which includes a commitment for deficit cutting that goes beyond a dollar 1.5 trillion mandate of a congressional super committee tasked with cutting spending.
The president has also promised to unveil a new jobs and deficit plan after lawmakers return to work in early September, but Republicans have already signaled they are cool to many aspects of his plans.
Obama repeatedly called on Democrats and Republicans to set aside their differences in the run-up to these talks.
Obama's presidency is passing through a rough patch. A Gallup opinion poll released earlier this month showed the number of Americans who approve of his handling of the US economy has slumped to an all-time low of 26 per cent.
The president's overall job approval rating stood at 41 per cent - below the 50-per cent bar thought to signal relative safety for incumbent politicians.
Obama reminded his listeners that the worst terrorist attack in US history had brought out the best in the American people.
“We were united, and the outpouring of generosity and compassion reminded us that in times of challenge, we Americans move forward together, as one people,” he said.
The president noted that 10 years after the attacks, the country still faced “great challenges.”
We're emerging from the worst economic crisis in our lifetimes,” he pointed out. “We're taking the fight to al Qaeda, ending the war in Iraq and starting to bring our troops home from Afghanistan. And we're working to rebuild the foundation of our national strength here at home.”
