Obama's role in the economy debate

The economy is front and center, and Congress is holding a special session. The president-elect is keeping his distance but making his views known.

WASHINGTON (AP) -- President-elect Barack Obama is an invisible force as foreign leaders and Congress convene separately in Washington, the economy at center stage.

One sentiment runs below the crosscurrents as a summit of world leaders wrestled with a global crisis this weekend and Congress in the week ahead struggles with rising unemployment and an ailing auto industry: What would Obama do?

Obama is staying away, ensconced in Chicago, unwilling to make any public show of political influence before he is sworn in to office Jan. 20. Indeed, his break with Congress will be complete on Sunday when he officially resigns his Illinois Senate seat.

Obama is being especially cautious about the economic summit, letting President George W. Bush represent the nation. But in the Democratic radio address Saturday, Obama subtly made the point that the summit was only a beginning. "I'm glad President Bush has initiated this process because our global economic crisis requires a coordinated global response," he said.