President Bush and Democratic challenger John Kerry have both seized on Friday's report from the US Commerce Department, saying it confirms that their economic plans are right for America.
White House spokesman ,Scott McClellan said the report, indicating the U.S. economy grew at a 3.7 percent annual rate last quarter, is proof that the Republican president's plan is working. He said it shows that the economy is on the right track, and that now is not the time to raise taxes.
The Kerry campaign argued that economic performance was lower than expected, and disappointing for middle-class families.