Obama says 'little doubt' US has moved into recession

San Diego: Barack Obama said on Saturday there is "little doubt we've moved into recession," underscoring the country's need for a second economic stimulus package, swift steps to shore up the housing market and a long-term energy policy to reduce reliance on foreign oil imports.

The Democratic presidential contender also said removing US forces from Iraq won't be "perfectly neat," yet a call from Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri Al Maliki for a withdrawal timetable supports his position more than the longer term presence favoured by rival John McCain or his fellow Republican, President Bush.

Bush and the Arizona senator have scolded Obama for proposing to withdraw US forces within 16 months of taking office. McCain, a Vietnam War veteran, has even suggested it exhibits naivete by his rival, a freshman senator from Illinois.

"John McCain and George Bush both said that if Iraq, as a sovereign government, stated that it was time for us to start withdrawing our troops, then they would respect the wishes of that sovereign government," Obama told reporters as he flew from Chicago to California.

In addition, Obama lifted the veil on the trip he will make next week to European capitals and US battlefronts in Iraq and Afghanistan.