Obama: 'Moving forward' without GOP help

WASHINGTON, Aug. 4 (UPI) -- President Barack Obama said Wednesday the U.S. economy is "moving forward largely without the help" of Republicans.

The president's remarks about jobs and the U.S. economy came after the AFL-CIO Executive Council Meeting in Washington.

"We're moving forward largely without the help of the opposition party," Obama said, adding that congressional Republicans are now blocking an emergency measure to save teacher, police officer and firefighter jobs, and have said no to high speed rail and small business tax cuts.

On the decline of manufacturing, Obama touted a revived private sector of clean, green jobs in a new economy. "At the heart of it are three powerful words: Made in America," he said.

"We are not giving up, we're not giving in" on the economic fight for the middle class, he said, adding his administration is working on an economy for everyone, "not just a privileged few."

The president said he knew union members are frustrated with the speed of change. Obama told union leaders, "You have to remind them that in the next three months, this election is a choice." Republicans have driven the car into the ditch, while Democrats are getting into the mud to push it out, he said. "When you want to go forward, you put it in D."

Obama also referred to developments in the Gulf of Mexico where the spill from a damaged BP offshore well spewed oil for nearly three months. The process of putting mud into the well had stabilized pressure from the oil, meaning the leak has at least temporarily been defeated. "The long battle to stop the leak ... is close to coming to an end," Obama said, but the government remains committed as long as the recovery takes.

In the afternoon, Obama was scheduled to present the 2010 Citizens Medal to 13 winners from across the country at the White House. The Presidential Citizens Medal recognizes Americans who have "performed exemplary deeds of service for their country or their fellow citizens" and is among the highest honors a president can bestow.

Obama also will receive the daily briefings, lunch with senators and meet privately with Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell of Kentucky before departing for Chicago where he will celebrate his 49th birthday with friends, the White House said.