Bill Clinton has friendly advice

President Obama continues to get lots of unsolicited advice from the last Democratic president, Bill Clinton.

Today, Clinton said it's time for Obama to be somewhat more optimistic about the economy to help the psychology of consumer confidence.

"I like trying to educate the American people about the dimensions and scope of this economic crisis," Clinton said in an interview aired on ABC's "Good Morning America." "I just would like him to end by saying that he is hopeful and completely convinced we're gonna come through this."

"You will see some good economic news form the stimulus fairly soon," he added.

At the same time, the former president said that "I like the fact that he didn't come in and give us a bunch of happy talk."

Asked about Clinton's comments, White House spokesman Robert Gibbs said this afternoon that Obama is aiming for a balance.

Gibbs said "it's important to be straightforward with the American people" about the economic challenges facing the country, but also to inspire confidence that the steps that have been taken will work.