Obama reacts cautiously to Egypt developments

MARQUETTE, Michigan (CNN) – President Obama responded cautiously to reports about the likelihood that Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak will step down.

In his first comment to reporters about the development Obama said, “We’re going to have to wait and see what’s going on.”

After touring a demonstration of wireless broadband technology at Northern Michigan University in Marquette, Michigan, the president delivered remarks at the university and addressed the situation further.

"We are witnessing history unfold. its a moment of transformation that is taking place because the people of Egypt are calling for change," he said. "It's young people who have been at the forefront, a new generation, your generation who want their voices to be heard, and so going forward, we want those young people and we want all Egyptians to know America will continue to do everything that we can to support an orderly and genuine transition to democracy in Egypt."

The president was briefed by National Security Adviser Tom Donilon in the Oval Office mid-Thursday morning before he left the White House to travel to Michigan.  White House Press Secretary Robert Gibbs said Obama monitored the news in Egypt while watching television in the conference room on Air Force One. Obama flew to Michigan and responded to a question from a reporter about reports that Mubarak may step down during a quick stop at the restaurant Donckers of Marquette.

Gibbs was reluctant to weigh in on the developments on the flight to Michigan saying repeatedly "we're watching a very fluid situation."

President Obama is in Michigan to unveil his plan for nationwide broadband internet access, something he pushed for in his State of the Union address.