By Linny Folau

Growing their economy and creating jobs are among the most important issues facing America today, observers at a White House press briefing learned on October 27.

The East Asia and the Pacific Journalists English Group, including Matangi Tonga Online's Linny Folau, observed a daily press briefing at the White House Press Briefing Room in Washington DC, carried out by the President's Press Secretary, Jay Carney.

The Press Secretary returned to Washington DC after traveling with President Barack Obama for three days around the country. He believed that it was a successful trip, where the President was able to make announcements on the executive actions he could take, and things that he could do to move the economy forward, assist students with their student debts, and homeowners who are struggling with refinancing their homes.

The Press Secretary was questioned why the President had repeatedly said there are headwinds that come from the Eurozone debt crisis that have slowed the US economic recovery. The journalist asked: "does this deal diminish that risk that it could derail that recovery entirely?"

Press Secretary Jay Carney answered that they need to do everything they can here in the United States to grow the economy and create jobs.

"That is the principal focus that the President has. It's what he has been talking about and acting on consistently, and what you will continue to see him talk about and act on."

He also said as that far as Europe went, they had been working with their counterparts as they addressed that challenge. "We look forward to working with the Europeans as they take conclusive actions to deal with this . Because as I have said before this is a very vital part of the world economically." He said the debt crisis has an impact on the global economy and directly on the American economy.

Economy/Jobs

Press Secretary Carney in answering other questions said that the broad problem that affects all Americans is the 9.1 percent unemployment and 2.5 percent GDP growth, which is good, but not good enough. "So the President is focused on doing what he can to take measures that will help the economy grow and create jobs," he said.

The Press Secretary said that 2.5 percent growth may be better than it was the previous quarter, but it was, "Absolutely not good enough."

"While it is positive, it is not enough to significantly affect employment. We need to take actions to ensure the economy grows faster and to ensure that more people get on the job and go back to work," he said.

Opportunity

The Press briefing provided the 10 East Asia Pacific journalists an opportunity to observe and learn how journalists cover the White House and how press freedom is exercised in a democracy, in the US.

The Journalists are currently in the United States under the International Visitor Leadership Program, called the Edward R. Murrow Program for journalists, that invited 150 journalists from around the world to visit the US to learn more about the complexities in America and its system, federal government, culture and people.

The program is being held from October 24 to November 11 and sponsored by the US Department of State.