Liveblog: Chuck Todd interviews President Obama in Indiana

By GottaLaff

Liveblog:

President Obama is discussing the high rate of unemployment in Elkhart, Indiana. He says it has improved a little, but obviously needs improvement.

Clinton/N. Korea: Thanks Pres. Clinton for resolving what was a humanitarian ordeal. Families hugely relieved. Clinton showed that his service to his country continues. I suspect Clinton will have interesting observations from trip... We were clear that this was a humanitarian mission, on behalf of families to get journalists out. We wish N. Koreans well, but want gov't. to operate on basic rules of international community.

Todd: Why are big businesses getting stim money?
A: People's frustrations are legit. The early actions were to do with a bank bailout, not stim package. It's a problem because TARP fund started by previous administration, and was needed. Then auto bailout.. all those merge in people's mind. It's important to say, stim bill is about tax cuts, unemployment insurance, keeping health care, making sure states don't lay off people. But when you think about how $ is spent, you think about auto/banks. Now what we're doing is stabilizing economy, and helping people.

Q: How can family handle heating costs? Will you extend unemployment insurance?
A: Talking to Congress... We'll have to i.d. what's happening. Economy is stabilizing, businesses making some investments, but not hiring. We need a safety net for folks. We'll reevaluate when unemployment #s come out.

Q: Raising taxes helpful?
A: Normally you DON'T raise taxes in a recession, and we haven't. We've cut them. The tax hike on the wealthy wouldn't kick in till after the recession is over.

Q: Another idea to redirect stim money?
A: It's legislative, needs Congressional approval. Cash for Clunkers worked better than imagined. Improved sales, trade-ins improved fuel efficiency about 10% per vehicle... environmentally better than expected. 1/3 tax cuts, 1/3 help for families, 1/3 investments is good, but if something doesn't work we'll stop.

Q: Push health care through. Forget about bipartisan approach.
A: A couple of Repubs who have negotiated with us, but at some point, in Sept., we have to make assessment. [Lists benefits of his reform plan] I'd prefer R's working with us, but bottom line, the Amer. people, economy and budget need reforms. Failure is not an option

Q: The new normal: 58 year old looking for job. Job retraining not on his mind.

OOOPS.... Just got cut off...tech issues. End of interview, more aired tonight, MSNBC just said.