US President George W. Bush wears a grim expression Thursday during two minutes of remarks delivered outside the Oval Office in Washington. He said his administration would meet the serious challenges facing markets amid a fast-deepening global financial crisis. “The American people can be sure we will continue to act to strengthen and stabilize our financial markets and improve investor confidence,” Bush said, adding that he had canceled travel plans Thursday to remain in Washington to address the crisis. His remarks Thursday were his first since Monday – he has spurned every attempt by reporters to ask questions about the developments. As he finished his very brief statement and turned to walk back into the Oval Office, a reporter asked if he believed the economy was still sound. The president kept walking.
