Bush sees need for short-term economic boost: White House

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - President George W. Bush believes a short-term boost is needed to deal with the softening in the U.S. economy, the White House said on Thursday amid what it described as "mixed" economic data.

"I think the president does believe that over the short-term that to deal with this softening in the economy that some boost is necessary," said White House spokesman Tony Fratto.

Bush is scheduled later on Thursday to hold a conference call with Democratic and Republican congressional leaders on what might make up a possible economic stimulus package.

(Reporting by Jeremy Pelofsky, Editing by Jonathan Oatis)