Obama Deflects Souter Questions
"No Supreme Court questions," Mr. Obama said as reporters pressed him to comment on Souter's rumored departure, according to a pool report. "Have a great weekend, guys."
The president did take time to discuss the H1N1 virus (popularly known as "swine flu"), saying that there is a possibility that a more virulent strain could could develop during next flu season. He labeled the current situation "cause for concern but not alarm."
"We are essentially ensuring that, in the worst case scenario, we can manage this appropriately, government working with businesses and individuals, the private sector, and containing an outbreak and that we can, ultimately, get through this," Mr. Obama said.
While pledging vigilance, he also praised his administration's response to the outbreak.
"Overall, I'm very pleased with the progress that we've made," Mr. Obama said. "I think that those who've been on top of this have done an extraordinary job. I'm optimistic that we're going to be able to manage this effectively, but we still have more work to do. And I'm glad I've got such a great team doing it."
This marked the first time that the president was able to meet with his entire Cabinet, following Kathleen Sebelius' confirmation as secretary of health and human services last Tuesday.