Obama: This is not a 'beer summit,' just a talk

President Obama just spoke about tonight's meeting with African-American scholar Henry Gates and police Sgt. James Crowley.

Here's a pool report The Oval just filed with his White House colleagues. More to come later.

Pool Report 1

July 30

Oval Office

NEWS: Obama says this is not a "beer summit" - "It's a clever term, but this is not a summit, guys."

He said he is "fascinated with the fascination about this evening."

Instead, it's three folks "having a drink at the end of the day," and giving themselves a chance to "listen to each other." The goal is to lower the temperature on an event that has become "so hyped and so symbolic." Try to reduce the "anger and hyperbole," and promote "self-reflection."

Check transcript for exact quotes.

ALSO: Obama declined to predict tomorrow's GDP numbers -- "I don't have a crystal ball" -- but said they will probably show another contraction for the second quarter. That said, Obama also cited signs that the economy is turning around, such as with housing prices and banking activity. "All of this is a sign that we have stepped away from the precipice," Obama said, and there are no longer fears of another Great Depression.

THE REASON WE WERE THERE.

Pool was ushered into the Oval Office about 3:45 p.m. for statements by Obama and President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo of the Philippines. The two leaders sat on flanking chairs in front of the fireplace.

Obama praised Arroyo for her efforts to fight terrorism, and her help in dealing with the problems of Burma and North Korea. He noted the Philippines is hosting a conference next year on nuclear non-proliferation. "We're going to have a busy agenda together," Obama said.

He said the Philippines is a small country, but, to use a boxing metaphor, it "punches above its weight in the international arena."

Arroyo thanked the U.S. for its "soft power" in helping the Philippines build roads, schools, and bridges. She said her country backs U.S. efforts in Burma and North Korea. Praised Obama's plans to battle global warming, which threatens "disaster for our country." She thanked Obama for his "new engagement in our part of the world."

A Philippine journalist asked each leader his or her impression of the other. Arroyo called Obama "cordial, warm, and welcoming."

Obama joked, "I'm sure she thinks I'm much younger looking than she expected."

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