President Obama thanked himself — literally — for lowering the nation’s unemployment rate Friday.
Attending the South by Southwest festival in Austin, Texas, Mr. Obama was discussing expanded Internet access when he raised the subject of the $821 billion economic recovery act of 2009 that he had championed.
He said the so-called “stimulus” act “continues to be criticized by the other party despite the fact that unemployment’s now below 5 percent.”
“We avoided a Great Depression,” the president said, and audience members began to applaud.
Acknowledging the applause, the president remarked, “Thanks, Obama.”
The crowd laughed and cheered.
Mr. Obama said the recovery act included “a massive investment” in expanding Internet access for communities nationwide.
• Dave Boyer can be reached at dboyer@washingtontimes.com.
Please read our comment policy before commenting.