Bush cites optimism about economy

PITTSBURGH, Pennsylvania (CNN) -- Despite economists' fears of a double-dip recession, President Bush reiterated Monday his confidence in the economy.

"I'm an optimist," he said at a fund-raiser for Pennsylvania gubernatorial candidate Mike Fisher, the state's attorney general. "I'm an optimist about our economy.

"And I should be. The fundamentals are strong, interest rates are low, monetary policy is sound. I can assure you, I will work with Congress to control excess federal spending."

Later in the speech Bush repeated his optimistic theme on the economy, praising American workers for their productivity.

"I've got confidence in the economic vitality of this country because I've got confidence in the American people," he said.