BBC: US President-elect Barack Obama has pledged to confront the economic crisis "head-on" immediately after taking office in January.
In his first official appearance since his election win, he said a stimulus package to boost the economy was long overdue and would be his top priority.
He pledged to create jobs and help middle class families.
"It's not going to be quick and it's not going to be easy to dig ourselves out of the hole we are in," he said.
"But America is a strong and resilient country and I know that we will succeed if we put aside partisanship and politics to work together."
The news conference at a Chicago hotel was his first since he convincingly beat Republican John McCain in Tuesday's election to become America's first black president.
The 47-year-old Democrat, who takes office on 20 January, was careful not to step on the toes of the outgoing administration of President George W Bush, saying America only had one president at a time.
He promised to initiate a rescue plan to provide tax relief for those struggling to pay their bills. He said an economic stimulus package needed to be passed before or immediately after his inauguration.
The president-elect also said he would extend unemployment benefits and help local governments so they did not have to lay off staff.
It was a high priority, he said, to work on policies to help the stricken US car industry adjust to the economic crisis.
He made no new personnel announcements but noted calls for him to pick a treasury secretary quickly. >>> | November 7, 2008
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