Remarks and a
Question-and-Answer Session With Reporters on the
Stock Market and Economic Policy
The President. I have a statement I'd
like to read here. I guess you all know now that the market closed up 102.27
points and 604 million shares traded. I've just finished a meeting with my
economic advisers, and we thoroughly reviewed the developments of the financial
markets of the last few days and the actions we've taken thus far and our
options for additional measures.
We've
been in constant contact with financial leaders of both countries, with the
exchanges around the world, and with market participants. While I remain
concerned, I'm pleased that the steps taken by the Federal Reserve have had a
salutary effect on the markets: Interest rates are down across the spectrum.
I'm also pleased with the actions by two major banks today to lower their prime
interest rates. I believe that there remains room in the markets for a further
decline in interest rates, and specifically I'm pleased that the bond market is
strong and the foreign exchange markets are stable.
Yesterday
Secretary Baker and his German counterpart reaffirmed our agreement with the
Germans to coordinate our economic policies to provide for noninflationary
growth and stable exchange rates. Finance Minister Miyazawa issued a similar
statement reaffirming
However,
I think it is preferable, if possible, that the executive and legislative
branches reach agreement on a budget deficit reduction package. Accordingly, I
am directing that discussions be undertaken with the bipartisan leadership of
the Congress for that purpose. The economic fundamentals in this country remain
sound, and our citizens should not panic. And I have great confidence in the
future.
Q.
Mr. President, how about --
--
Q.
Are you willing to compromise on taxes, sir? Are you willing to compromise on
taxes?
The President. I presented in my
budget a program that provided for $22 billion in additional revenue, which was not necessarily taxes. And I am willing to look at
whatever proposal they might have.
Q.
Mr. President, someone described as a senior market -- or economic analyst in
the administration said the market might have been so weakened by this crash
that there could be a recession as early as next spring.
The President. It's pretty hard for
anyone to speculate on that. I would like to point out, however, that the only
way that could happen would be if the people of this country ignored the
economic signs. And then if you had people begin putting off purchases of
automobiles, refrigerators, things of that kind because they feared hard times,
yes, that could bring on a recession. But there is nothing in what has happened
here that should result in a recession. We have a higher percentage of the
eligible work force at work than ever in the history of our country.
Q.
Let's see if I could do it. Can you hear me?
The President. What?
Q.
Can you hear me?
The President. Yes.
Q.
Okay. Are you willing to personally -- personally -- sit down with the
Democrats at an economic summit?
The President. I don't know whether
that's necessary or whether we would do it with some of our people, but
certainly I'm willing to be a participant in anything that can bring us
together. Let me point out -- you mentioned the Democrats -- for virtually a
half a century or more they have controlled both Houses of the Congress, and
for more than a half a century there has been, with only two single-year
exceptions, a budget deficit.
Q.
You never submitted a balanced budget.
The President. No, because I said from
the beginning that -- having predicted for 30 years that the deficit would get
out of control as it did -- that there was no way you could balance the budget
now in 1 year, but we could set ourselves on a course that would result in
that. And the end result was that I have never gotten a budget that I asked
for, even though the law says I must submit it to the Congress. And the Congress
is responsible for the deficit.
Q.
Mr. President, is the market going to keep going down?
Q.
The Democrats say you have concrete around your feet on taxes. Concrete -- --
The President. If you heard that, it
must have been the helicopter.
Q.
Is the market going to keep going down? Will the market keep going down?
The President. It just closed [up]
102.27.
Note: The President
spoke at