On Saturday, in his first official radio address as President-elect, Barack Obama said that with the long presidential election behind the nation, it is time for Americans to put aside political differences and work together to solve the economic crisis.

Obama further said he and his transition economic advisory board -- a well-regarded group of America business leaders, former top Washington officials and economic experts -- discussed the economic challenges at a meeting on Friday and started developing a series of policies to address the crisis.

"While we must recognize that we only have one president at a time and that President Bush is the leader of our government, I want to ensure that we hit the ground running on January 20th because we don't have a moment to lose," said Obama.

Obama also pointed out that Republican President George W. Bush and first lady Laura Bush had invited him and his wife Michelle to the White House on Monday and have offered to do all they could to help with Obama's transition to the White House.

"This speaks to a fundamental recognition that here in America we can compete vigorously in elections and challenge each other's ideas, yet come together in service of a common purpose once the voting is done," Obama said in the Democratic Party's weekly radio address.

"I do not underestimate the enormity of the task that lies ahead. We've taken some major actions to date, and we will need further actions during this transition and subsequent months."

"Some of those choices will be difficult, but America is a strong and resilient country. I know that we will succeed if we put aside partisanship and work together as one nation. And that is what I intend to do," stated the President-elect.