President Obama took the stage at television producer Bradley Bell's house Wednesday, telling about 1,000 supporters that the economy is rebounding and that when he took office, we didn't realize how profound the nature of the crisis was.

The president's SUV arrived at Bell's Beverly Hills home around 6:20 p.m. and he stepped onto the stage around 10 minutes later.

Before he arrived, the Foo Fighters had played Hero, Walk, Learning to Fly and Everlong. Actors Rashida Jones and Jack Black spoke.

After thanking the band, Jones, Black, Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa and others, the president sounded themes that play well in Hollywood.

He talked about working out with service members while on vacation in Hawaii and said that Marines thanked him three times for ending the Don't Ask Don't Tell policy that prohibited openly gay people from serving in the military.

He talked about the Lilly Ledbetter law mandating equal pay for equal work.

And he asked supporters, who paid between $250 and $500 each, for help.

The main message I've got for you tonight is it's not going to be easier this time, he said. It's going to be harder this time. ... I'm going to need you. You're going to carry this thing like you did in 2008.

Obama remained at the Bell home for a dinner with about 80 people.

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