Obama defends stance on financial reform; Denies he’s striking an anti-business posture

Obama frustrated with talk that he’s anti-business

WASHINGTON — President Barack Obama says he’s been frustrated over accusations he’s been too hard on Wall Street, saying his push for financial reform doesn’t amount to “being extremist or anti-business.”

Answering questions at a town hall forum sponsored by CNBC, Obama said he’s been amused about talk of “me beating up on Wall Street.”

The president said he believes “most folks on Main Street feel like they got beaten up,” a line that drew a hearty ovation from the audience gathered at the Newseum.

Obama also said “there’s a big chunk of the country that thinks I’ve been too soft on Wall Street. What I’ve tried to do is be practical.”