Obama Blames GOP for Faltering Economy: ‘Games Playing’ & ‘Do-Nothing Congress’

While trying to sell his new jobs bill, he made sure to point out who he thinks is responsible for the economic woes: stubborn Republicans.

"This is not a game," he declared, adding that "I have gone out of my way in every instance...to work with Republicans to find common ground to move this country forward:"

Later, he said "it doesn't matter how many times I preach to [the American people]" they still won't have confidence in Congress until it comes together and passes a plan:

When asked if he was "campaigning," the president referenced a "do-nothing Congress:"

The president said that without his nearly $450 billion package of tax cuts and public works spending there will be fewer jobs and weaker growth. He said the bill could guard against another economic downturn if the situation in debt-laden Europe worsens.

With the plan expected to come up for debate in the Senate next week, he urged every senator to think "long and hard about what's at stake."

"Any senator out there who's thinking about voting against this jobs bill when it comes up for a vote needs to explain exactly why they would oppose something we know would improve our economic situation at such an urgent time," Obama said at a White House news conference.

"Our economy really needs a jolt right now," he said.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.