The broadcast networks joined their cable counterparts carrying Pres. Obama’s news conference from the briefing room this morning. The economy — both domestic and global — was the reason for calling the newser. Lester Holt anchored on NBC, George Stephanopoulos and Diane Sawyer on ABC, and Charlie Rose and Erica Hill on CBS.

Normally very punctual, the president started about 20 minutes late. “He’s probably either talking to somebody about something or oblivious to the time,” joked Bill Plante on CBS. “Who is going to tell him? He’s the boss.”

The president began at 10:40amET and by 10:48, the first question went to Caren Bohan, with the president remarking about her upcoming job change.

“I’ll start with Caren, who is with Reuters, but as we all know is about to go get a fancy job with National Journal and we’re very proud of her, so congratulations to you, Caren. You get the first crack at me.”

Other questions went to Jackie Calmes of the New York Times and David Jackson of USA Today. Jackson asked about national security leaks recently reported in stories in the New York Times. None of the TV reporters were called on, but as the president left the briefing room at 11:07, one said: “Can we ask you about Wisconsin?” He didn’t answer.