Obama promotes housing policies, speaks to troops

President Obama says he could "save some money" by refinancing the mortgage on his house in Chicago, thanks to still-low interest rates.
"I would probably benefit from refinancing right now," Obama said during an Internet chat on the real estate site Zillow.com.
He hasn't taken advantage because "when you're president you have to be a little careful about these transactions," Obama added.
He also made clear he was referring to his home in Chicago, not the White House.
"That's a rental," Obama said.
In a follow-up to his housing speech Tuesday in Phoenix, Obama encouraged viewers to explore government programs to assist with refinancing. He also promoted new proposals, including a plan to wind down government-backed mortgage giants Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac.
Later, Obama wrapped up a two-day western swing with a speech to troops and their families at the Marine base at Camp Pendleton, Calif.
Obama thanked the troops for bearing the burden of war since the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001, and he spoke of ending combat operations in Iraq as well as the ongoing transition of responsibility in Afghanistan. Obama said that, "by the end of next year -- in just 17 months -- the transition will be complete."
He alluded to the temporary closing of U.S. embassies in the Middle East, telling the Marines that the terrorist threat remains and, "we've been reminded of this again in recent days."
Obama said: "The United States is never going to retreat from the world. We don't get terrorized. We're going to keep standing up for our interests."
The commander-in-chief also pledged to keep the military strong despite the specter of budget cuts to reduce deficits.
The problem of sexual assault in the military will also be addressed, Obama said, telling the Marines "that message is coming all the way from the top."
Before his speech, Obama met with wounded warriors and Gold Star families. He also spoke with local lawmakers, including U.S. Rep. (and frequent administration critic) Darrell Issa, R-Calif.
Earlier, during the Internet chat on Zillow.com, the president said he would like to push a housing package through Congress by the end of the year.
Obama also argued that other policies will help the nation fully recover from the recent housing crisis. He touted plans to lower the costs of college, revamp the immigration system and authorize new infrastructure projects.

Ty Laffoon