Politics

Days 40-41: Obama Takes On Lobbyists

By Kevin Hechtkopf

March 2, 2009 / 8:30 AM EST / CBS News

(AP)

President Obama had no public events over the weekend, but he was seen at a NBA game between the Washington Wizards and the Chicago Bulls on Friday night (picture above).

The White House also released two statements by Mr. Obama. In his regular weekly address, the president defended his budget blueprint which was released last Thursday and also said he was gearing up for a "fight" with lobbyists who oppose his plans.

(White House/CBS)

"I know these steps won't sit well with the special interests and lobbyists who are invested in the old way of doing business, and I know they're gearing up for a fight as we speak. My message to them is this: So am I," Mr. Obama said. "The system we have now might work for the powerful and well-connected interests that have run Washington for far too long, but I don't. I work for the American people."

The White House also released comments Mr. Obama made via video to the State of the Black Union conference, an annual event led by talk show host Tavis Smiley. In his remarks, Mr. Obama touted his accomplishments in his first month in office, specifically how they relate to blacks.

He said: "These are policies that will make a big difference in the African American community. You know that tough times for America often mean tougher times for African Americans. This recession has been no exception. The unemployment rate among black Americans is a full five points higher than the rate among Americans as a whole."

You can watch CBS News coverage of the president from the weekend below: