September 25, 2008 Obama: Times too serious to put campaign on hold, ignore issues Play video

(NECN) - Senator Barack Obama spoke via satellite at the Clinton Global Initiative conference in New York City this morning.

"You're meeting at a time of great turmoil for the American economy. We are now confronted with a financial crisis as serious as any that we've faced since the Great Depression. Action must be taken to restore confidence in our economy," said the Democratic presidential candidate.

"A failure to act would have grave consequences for jobs, for savings and for the American people," said Obama.

"If American taxpayers finance this solution, they need to be treated as investors," said Obama. "We cannot and simply will not bailout Wall Street without helping the millions of innocent homeowners who are struggling to stay in their homes -- they deserve a plan, too," said Obama.

"Now is the time to come together, Democrats and Republicans, in the spirit of the American people," said Obama.

"Our election is in 40 days, our economy is in crisis, our nation is fighting two wars abroad. The American people, I believe, deserve to hear directly from myself and Senator John McCain on how we intend to lead our country. The times are too serious to put our campaign on hold or ignore the full range of issues the next president will face," said Obama.

"Growth cannot just come from the top down. It must come from the bottom up," said Obama.