Obama’s first press conference (video)

President Barack Obama faced the White House press corps for the first time as president. Obama spoke for 10 minutes then took questions. In his initial speech, he sought to create the momentum needed to pass his economic stimulus package.

The $827 billion bill is expected to pass in the Senate February 10. The bill is an attempt to tackle long and short-term economic problems. Some specific measures include funds for states to expand unemployment benefit, measures to make federal buildings more energy efficient, investment in preventative health care and a $300 payment to senior citizens.