Liveblogging Obama's Presser: Q and A

Nedra Pickler gets the first question...what can the president actually do to stimulate the economy?

Obama:  "We have a current financial crisis that is spilling out into the rest of the economy...we've taken some action so far...more action is undoubtedly needed... we are going to need to see a stimulus package passed either before or after the inauguration.... we are going to have to focus on jobs..."

Lee Cowan asks about the timing of a stim pack

Obama: "If it does not get done in a lame duck session, it will be the first thing I can get done as president of the United States."

Jake Tapper asks about Ahmadinejad's congrats; how long before Obama sends envoys to Iran, Cuba, etc.

Obama: "I am aware that the letter was sent. Iran's development of a nuclear weapon ... is unacceptable...we have to mount an international effort to prevent that from happening...I will be reviewing the letter and we will respond appropriately. It's only been three days since the election. How we approach and deal a country like Iran is not something we should do in a knee-jerk fashion.

Chip Reid asks if Obama will challenge Bush in public.

Obama: "I'm sure that, in addition to taking the tour of the White House, there's going to be a substantive discussion between me and the president... I'm going to go in there with a sense of bipartisanship."

Obama on his cabinet picks: basically, festina lente.

Lynn Sweet tells Obama she hurt her shoulder running to Grant Park. "Here's my question: I'm wondering what you're doing to get ready.... what books you might be reading? Have you decided on a public or private school for your daughter..."

Obama: "In terms of speaking to former president, I've spoken to all of them... I don't want to get any Nancy Reagan thing and do any seances.... re-read Lincoln's writing...as for the dog... Malia is allergic, so it has to be hypoallegernic...we have a preference to get a shelter dog..Michelle will be making [decisions about schools] a little later."

Zeleny asks whether Obama would still raise taxes on upper-income Americans.

Obama: "The plan that we've put forward is the right one. But obviously over the next several weeks and months, we're going to continue taking a look at the data...  the goal of my plan is to provide tax relief to families who are struggling."