President Discusses Economy and Jobs (VIDEO)

President Discusses Strong Economic Growth and Job Creation, FULL STREAMING VIDEO, The Rose Garden 10:45 A.M. EST

President George W. Bush is seen in the Rose Garden of the White House, Friday, Dec. 2, 2005, as he speaks on the growth of the economy with news of 215,000 jobs added for the month of November and third-quarter growth this year was 4.3 percent. White House photo by Paul Morse.

THE PRESIDENT: Thanks to good, old-fashioned American hard work and productivity, innovation, and sound economic policies of cutting taxes and restraining spending, our economy continues to gain strength and momentum.

Our economy added 215,000 jobs for the month of November. We've added nearly 4.5 million new jobs in the last two-and-a-half years. Third-quarter growth of this year was 4.3 percent. That's in spite of the fact that we had hurricanes and high gasoline prices. The unemployment rate is 5 percent. And that's lower than the average for the 1970s, 1980s, and 1990s.

We have every reason to be optimistic about our economic future. I mean, when you think about the news that's come in, the jobs report, the recent report on strong economic growth, low inflation, strong productivity, lower gasoline prices, a strong housing market, increases in consumer confidence and business investment, our economic horizon is as bright as it's been in a long time.

The foundation for growth is strong. It's based upon low taxes and restrained government spending, legal reform, incentives for saving and investment.

The small business sector is vibrant. Most new jobs in America are created by the small business sector, and our entrepreneurs are doing well. We got the best work force in America -- in the world. People are productive, they're hardworking. Our ingenuity and know-how and -- is vibrant. This economy is in good shape.

We're not going to rest until every American who wants a job can find one. We're going to continue to work for good policies for our workers and our entrepreneurs. I'll continue to push for pro-growth economic policies, all aimed at making sure every American can realize the American Dream.

Thank you very much.

END 10:48 A.M. EST, For Immediate Release, Office of the Press Secretary, December 2, 2005

more at President Bush and VIDEO or Economic Growth and Job Creation or economy and unemployment rate

Related: Keyword VIDEO, Thursday, September 01, 2005 W Asks Poppi and Bubba for Hurricane Relief (VIDEO), Friday, September 02, 2005 President Heads to Katrina Affected Areas (VIDEO), Saturday, September 03, 2005 Navy Personnel, Family Helpline, Pentagon Briefing (VIDEO), Saturday, September 03, 2005 President Addresses Nation, Katrina Relief (VIDEO), Saturday, September 03, 2005 FEMA Afternoon Operational Briefing (VIDEO), Monday, September 05, 2005 William Rehnquist (VIDEO), Monday, September 05, 2005 American Red Cross (VIDEO), Monday, September 05, 2005 Roberts Chief Justice (VIDEO), Tuesday, September 06, 2005 President Meets with Cabinet (VIDEO), Tuesday, September 06, 2005 Press Briefing Scott McClellan (VIDEO) 09/06/05, Wednesday, September 07, 2005 Bush-Clinton Katrina Fund. (VIDEO), Wednesday, September 07, 2005 President, Voluntary Organizations (VIDEO), Wednesday, September 07, 2005 Students and School Districts (VIDEO),

President Lights National Christmas Tree (VIDEO)

President Bush Lights National Christmas Tree at Pageant of Peace, The Ellipse, Washington, D.C. 5:55 P.M. EST

Santa goes into the audience to sing a song , Thursday evening, Dec. 1, 2005, during the Pageant of Peace and the lighting of the National Christmas Tree on the Ellipse in Washington. White House photo by Paul Morse

THE PRESIDENT: Thank you all very much. Welcome to the Christmas Pageant of Peace. Laura and I are so honored to join you all. The lighting of the National Christmas tree is one of the great traditions in our Nation's Capital. Each year, we gather here to celebrate the season of hope and joy -- and to remember the story of one humble life that lifted the sights of humanity.

Santa, thanks for coming. (Laughter.) Glad you made it. I know you've got a lot of commitments this time of year. By the way, we have a lot of chimneys at the White House -- (laughter) -- if you're looking for something to do. I appreciate all our entertainers. Thanks for being here. This is a fantastic evening.

I want to thank Peter Nostrand, who is the Chairman of the Christmas Pageant of Peace, and John Betchkal, all the members of the board. I appreciate Secretary of the Interior Gale Norton, other members of my Cabinet who are here. I appreciate the members of Congress who have come.

I particularly want to give a special thanks to the National Parks Service Director Fran Mainella and all the good folks who work for the National Parks Service. (Applause.) Reverend Martin, thank you very much as well.

Christmas is a time to rejoice, and to give thanks for the blessings of the season and for the blessings that surround us every day of the year. We also remember that we have a responsibility to help those in need. America is a compassionate and generous land. And acts of kindness toward others fulfill the spirit of the season.

As we approach Christmas in this time of war, we pray for freedom, and justice, and peace on Earth. In his Christmas Eve address to the nation in 1941, Franklin Roosevelt said that "Against enemies who preach the principles of hate and practice them, we set our faith in human love, and in God's care for us and all men everywhere." We ask for God to watch over our men and women in uniform who are serving overseas.Their families miss them -- hold a seat open for them -- and pray for their safe return. America's military men and women stand for freedom -- and they serve the cause of peace. Many of them are serving in distant lands tonight, but they are close to our hearts.

As an expression of our hope for peace and happiness in this Christmas season, we light the national Christmas tree. Jackie, Melissa, and Jenna Kantor of Bethesda are with us here. They started "Project Backpack," to help give children displaced by Hurricane Katrina new backpacks filled with books, and toys and school supplies. These girls are an example of the compassion that is found in the hearts and souls of Americans everywhere, and they have shown how much good can be done when we reach out to help a neighbor in need. And so Laura and I now invite them to join us to turn on the lights.

And would you help turn on these lights, as well, by counting down. Five ... Four ... Three ... Two ... One. (Applause.)

END 5:59 P.M. EST, For Immediate Release, Office of the Press Secretary, December 1, 2005

more at President Bush and Christmas or National Christmas Tree and VIDEO or Pageant of Peace

Related: Saturday, November 20, 2004 Remarks by the First Lady, Saturday, November 20, 2004 Fact Sheet: White House Holiday Decorations, Monday, November 29, 2004 Laura Bush White House Christmas tree, Thursday, December 02, 2004 White House 2004 Holiday christmas, Friday, December 03, 2004 National Christmas Tree, Friday, December 24, 2004 Secretary Rumsfeld Holiday Visit to Iraq, Friday, December 24, 2004 Presidential Christmas Message, 2004, Saturday, December 25, 2004 How Does NORAD Track Santa?, Saturday, December 25, 2004 barney whitehouse christmas,