Biden says "slight recession" possible, "but I don't anticipate it"

President Biden said during a CNN interview broadcast Tuesday night "a very slight recession" is possible for the U.S., but he doesn't think it will happen.

Why it matters: With fewer than 30 days until the midterm elections, Biden and the Democrats have a shrinking window of time to assure Americans that the economy remains healthy.

Driving the news: In their interview, CNN's Jake Tapper asked Biden: "Should the American people prepare for a recession?"

Biden initially responded with a firm "no," but he later clarified: "I don't think there will be a recession. If it is, it will be a slight recession — that is we'll move down slightly."

He added that while a slight recession was possible, "I don't anticipate it."

The big picture: Biden has consistently said he doesn't expect a recession, even when analysts have warned of a downturn.