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Obama slammed for saying private sector 'fine'

President Barack Obama declared Friday that "the private sector is doing fine," drawing instant criticism from Republicans who said it showed a lack of understanding of the nation's economic woes. GOP presidential candidate Mitt Romney responded, "Is he really that out of touch?"

By Ken Thomas, Philip Elliott | Updated on June 08, 2012
The president jokes with a reporter during a news conference at the White House. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite)

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Barack Obama declared Friday that “the private sector is doing fine,” drawing instant criticism from Republicans who said it showed a lack of understanding of the nation’s economic woes. GOP presidential candidate Mitt Romney responded, “Is he really that out of touch?”

Reacting to the GOP critique, the president later sought to clarify his remarks, saying that it was “absolutely clear that the economy is not doing fine.” He said that while there had been some “good momentum” in the private sector, public sector growth lagged behind, making it imperative that Congress act on his proposals to boost state and local government jobs.

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