Just 15 days to go…and all signs continue to point to a “wave” – as in tidal wave – that will engulf Democrats on election night. President Obama spent the weekend on the road trying to buck up allies in Massachusetts – which has sported a purple hue since a guy named Scott Brown took Ted Kennedy’s Senate seat – and Ohio. In both states key allies – Mass. Gov. Deval Patrick and Ohio Gov. Ted Strickland – are in deep trouble and it’s unclear just how much an increasingly unpopular President Obama will be able to help.
Obama hits the trail again on Wednesday and will be gone for four days:
Wednesday: travels to Portland, Or.; fundraiser & rally for Gubernatorial candidate Kitzhaber; travels to Seattle.
Thursday: campaigns in Seattle w/Sen. Murray; flies to San Francisco, attends fundraiser; spends night.
Friday: flies to Los Angeles; campaigns w/Sen. Boxer; campaigns in Las Vegas w/Sen. Reid; spends the night in Vegas.
Saturday: travels to Minneapolis; campaigns w/Gubernatorial candidate Dayton; attends fundraiser; returns to Washington.
As for today, after his usual intelligence and economic briefings, the President host the White House Science Fair. It’s a way of drawing attention to so-called STEM education – science, technology, engineering and math – which Obama says is critical to future U.S. economic competitiveness and jobs.
In the evening, he’ll attend a Democratic fundraiser at a private residence in Rockville, Maryland.
EDT
9:00AM In-Town Travel Pool Call Time
10:30AM THE PRESIDENT receives the Presidential Daily Briefing
Oval Office
Closed Press
11:00AM THE PRESIDENT meets with senior advisors
Oval Office
Closed Press
11:35AM THE PRESIDENT views science fair projects
State Dining Room
Pooled Press (Pre-set 9:50AM – Final Gather 11:10AM – North Doors of the Palm Room)
12:00PM THE PRESIDENT delivers remarks at the White House Science Fair
East Room
Open Press (Pre-set 10:35AM – Final Gather 11:10AM – North Doors of the Palm Room)
Sunday, October 17, 2010
Wednesday, October 13, 2010
West Wing Report, Oct. 13, 2010
What has surprised Barack Obama since he took office nearly two years ago? It shouldn’t come as a surprise, actually: it’s the 24/7 news culture. He told a Democratic National Committee rally last night he’s he’s surprised at how the media focuses on what’s happening “this minute,” as opposed to “what needs to happen over the course of months, years.”
The long view is a recurring theme for Mr. Obama. On the campaign trail in these last frantic weeks before the November midterms, he says the United States got itself into such a hole that’ll it’ll take a long time – longer than anyone would like he says – to get out.
“We have to adjust to new realities,” the President said.
But how long? One woman, “Maureen from New Jersey,” asked via Twitter “if it took us eight years (of George W. Bush) to get into this mess, won’t it take at least that long to get out?”
Even Obama called that a softball question. But without giving any specific time frame (how do you know exactly, when you’ve ‘gotten out?”), he said it will take a ”persistent effort” to build a clean energy economy, overhaul the education system and so forth.
Last night’s Obama rally, held on the nearby campus of George Washington University, is the latest in a White House effort to get young adults to the polls in November. A Pew survey says only 27% of young Democrats are interested in this election – in contrast to 39% of young Republicans.
The President: ”I really need you to get out on Nov. 2.”
As for today:
After his usual intelligence and economic briefings, Obama meets with college students and their families on the impact of the American Opportunity Tax Credit (AOTC) – part of last year’s stimulus program which gives families tax breaks for college tuition. After the meeting (the schedule says 5 minutes have been allotted for it), the President will comment in the Rose Garden.
The White House has also released more of Obama’s campaign schedule. Beyond Friday in Delaware, Saturday in Boston and Sunday in Ohio (where Mrs. Obama will join in on their first joint campaign appearance since 2008), he’ll be in Portland, OR on Wednesday the 20th, Seattle and San Francisco on Thursday the 21st, Los Angeles and Las Vegas on Friday the 22d and in Minnesota on Saturday the 23d. He’ll come back to the White House for a day before beginning the campaign’s final week on Monday the 25th in Providence, RI.
The White House also says President and Mrs. Obama have requested absentee ballots; they’ll likely spend election night at the White House.
THE SCHEDULE
EDT
9:30AM Pool Call Time
10:30AM THE PRESIDENT receives the Presidential Daily Briefing
Oval Office
Closed Press
11:00AM THE PRESIDENT receives the Economic Daily Briefing
Oval Office
Closed Press
11:45AM THE PRESIDENT meets with senior advisors
Oval Office
Closed Press
1:45PM THE PRESIDENT meets with college students and their families on the impact of the American Opportunity Tax Credit
Oval Office
Closed Press
1:50PM THE PRESIDENT delivers a statement to the press
Rose Garden
Open Press (Pre-set 12:50PM – Final Gather 1:20PM – North Doors of the Palm Room)
Briefing Schedule
10:00AM Press Secretary Robert Gibbs will convene an off-camera gaggle in the Brady Press Briefing Room
TBD Briefing by Press Secretary Robert Gibbs
The long view is a recurring theme for Mr. Obama. On the campaign trail in these last frantic weeks before the November midterms, he says the United States got itself into such a hole that’ll it’ll take a long time – longer than anyone would like he says – to get out.
“We have to adjust to new realities,” the President said.
But how long? One woman, “Maureen from New Jersey,” asked via Twitter “if it took us eight years (of George W. Bush) to get into this mess, won’t it take at least that long to get out?”
Even Obama called that a softball question. But without giving any specific time frame (how do you know exactly, when you’ve ‘gotten out?”), he said it will take a ”persistent effort” to build a clean energy economy, overhaul the education system and so forth.
Last night’s Obama rally, held on the nearby campus of George Washington University, is the latest in a White House effort to get young adults to the polls in November. A Pew survey says only 27% of young Democrats are interested in this election – in contrast to 39% of young Republicans.
The President: ”I really need you to get out on Nov. 2.”
As for today:
After his usual intelligence and economic briefings, Obama meets with college students and their families on the impact of the American Opportunity Tax Credit (AOTC) – part of last year’s stimulus program which gives families tax breaks for college tuition. After the meeting (the schedule says 5 minutes have been allotted for it), the President will comment in the Rose Garden.
The White House has also released more of Obama’s campaign schedule. Beyond Friday in Delaware, Saturday in Boston and Sunday in Ohio (where Mrs. Obama will join in on their first joint campaign appearance since 2008), he’ll be in Portland, OR on Wednesday the 20th, Seattle and San Francisco on Thursday the 21st, Los Angeles and Las Vegas on Friday the 22d and in Minnesota on Saturday the 23d. He’ll come back to the White House for a day before beginning the campaign’s final week on Monday the 25th in Providence, RI.
The White House also says President and Mrs. Obama have requested absentee ballots; they’ll likely spend election night at the White House.
THE SCHEDULE
EDT
9:30AM Pool Call Time
10:30AM THE PRESIDENT receives the Presidential Daily Briefing
Oval Office
Closed Press
11:00AM THE PRESIDENT receives the Economic Daily Briefing
Oval Office
Closed Press
11:45AM THE PRESIDENT meets with senior advisors
Oval Office
Closed Press
1:45PM THE PRESIDENT meets with college students and their families on the impact of the American Opportunity Tax Credit
Oval Office
Closed Press
1:50PM THE PRESIDENT delivers a statement to the press
Rose Garden
Open Press (Pre-set 12:50PM – Final Gather 1:20PM – North Doors of the Palm Room)
Briefing Schedule
10:00AM Press Secretary Robert Gibbs will convene an off-camera gaggle in the Brady Press Briefing Room
TBD Briefing by Press Secretary Robert Gibbs
Tuesday, October 12, 2010
Back to school for President Obama. He'll hold a town hall this evening on the campus of George Washington University. The theme: "Moving America Forward." It's part of a big Democratic push to get young voters to the polls on election day. The 18-24 crowd was a source of big support for candidate Obama two years ago, but have not shown much interest in the midterms.
As for the rest of hsi day, after his usual intelligence and economic briefings, the meets with student finalists of the NFTE National Youth Entrepreneurship Challenge. These students – four of whom are still in high school – have all started new businesses and
competed against 24,000 other young people in the competition.
EDT
9:00AM Pool Call Time
10:00AM THE PRESIDENT receives the Presidential Daily Briefing
Oval Office
Closed Press
10:30AM THE PRESIDENT receives the Economic Daily Briefing
Oval Office
Closed Press
11:00AM THE PRESIDENT meets with senior advisors
Oval Office
Closed Press
2:45PM THE PRESIDENT meets with student finalists of the NFTE National Youth Entrepreneurship Challenge
Oval Office
Closed Press
7:00PM THE PRESIDENT hosts a “Moving America Forward” town hall meeting
George Washington University
Travel Pool Coverage (Gather Time 6:25PM – North Doors of the Palm Room)
Briefing Schedule
9:45AM Press Secretary Robert Gibbs will convene an off-camera gaggle in the Brady Press Briefing Room
2:30PM Briefing by Press Secretary Robert Gibbs
As for the rest of hsi day, after his usual intelligence and economic briefings, the meets with student finalists of the NFTE National Youth Entrepreneurship Challenge. These students – four of whom are still in high school – have all started new businesses and
competed against 24,000 other young people in the competition.
EDT
9:00AM Pool Call Time
10:00AM THE PRESIDENT receives the Presidential Daily Briefing
Oval Office
Closed Press
10:30AM THE PRESIDENT receives the Economic Daily Briefing
Oval Office
Closed Press
11:00AM THE PRESIDENT meets with senior advisors
Oval Office
Closed Press
2:45PM THE PRESIDENT meets with student finalists of the NFTE National Youth Entrepreneurship Challenge
Oval Office
Closed Press
7:00PM THE PRESIDENT hosts a “Moving America Forward” town hall meeting
George Washington University
Travel Pool Coverage (Gather Time 6:25PM – North Doors of the Palm Room)
Briefing Schedule
9:45AM Press Secretary Robert Gibbs will convene an off-camera gaggle in the Brady Press Briefing Room
2:30PM Briefing by Press Secretary Robert Gibbs
Sunday, October 10, 2010
West Wing Report, Oct. 11, 2010
22 days to go and the White House is in full campaign mode, as President Obama and the Democrats try to slow down what's expected to be a Republican juggernaut on election night.
After a Philadelphia rally yesterday, the President is on the road for much of the week, beginning with today's fundraising trip to Miami. Tomorrow and Thursday, he'll focus on getting young adults to vote - crucial to his 2008 victory - with one town hall at George Washington University here in Washington, and another on Thursday that'll be aired live on MTV, the Country Music Television and Black Entertainment TV.
Friday, Obama and Delaware's favorite son, Vice-President Biden, campaign in Wilmington for Senate candidate Chris Coons - who leads Republican nominee Christine O'Donnell by a double-digit margin. They're running for Biden's old seat.
Saturday, the President travels to Boston, where he'll campaign with Governor Deval Patrick and raise some cash.
And on Sunday, Obama will be joined by First Lady Michelle Obama in Ohio, where they'll campaign with Governor Ted Strickland - and raise more cash still.
THE SCHEDULE
Later, the President will hold a meeting with Cabinet secretaries, former secretaries of Transportation and mayors and governors on infrastructure investment in the State Dining Room. This meeting is closed press. The President will then deliver a statement to the press in the Rose Garden. This statement is open press.
Later in the morning, the President will meet with senior advisors in the Oval Office. This meeting is closed press.
In the afternoon, the President will meet with the students from the movie Waiting for Superman in the Oval Office. There will be a spray for pool still photographers only.
Later in the afternoon, the President will travel to Miami, Florida. The departure from the South Lawn and the arrival at Miami International Airport are open press.
In the evening, the President will deliver remarks at a DCCC reception and then at a dinner for the DCCC at a private residence in Miami, Florida. There will be print pool coverage of the President’s remarks.
The President will return to Washington, DC at night. The departure from Miami International Airport and the arrival on the South Lawn are open press.
EDT
9:40AM THE PRESIDENT receives the Presidential Daily Briefing
Oval Office
Closed Press
10:15AM THE PRESIDENT holds a meeting on infrastructure investment
State Dining Room
Closed Press
10:50AM THE PRESIDENT delivers a statement to the press
Rose Garden
Open Press (Pre-set 9:50AM – Final Gather 10:20AM – North Doors of the Room)
11:10AM THE PRESIDENT meets with senior advisors
Oval Office
Closed Press
1:30PM THE PRESIDENT meets with the students from Waiting for Superman
Oval Office
Pool Stills Only Spray (Gather Time 1:20PM – North Doors of the Palm Room)
4:30PM THE PRESIDENT arrives in Miami, Florida
Miami International Airport
Open Press
5:45PM THE PRESIDENT delivers remarks at a DCCC reception
Private Residence, Miami, Florida
Print Pool Coverage
6:00PM THE PRESIDENT delivers remarks at a DCCC dinner
Private Residence, Miami, Florida
Print Pool Coverage
After a Philadelphia rally yesterday, the President is on the road for much of the week, beginning with today's fundraising trip to Miami. Tomorrow and Thursday, he'll focus on getting young adults to vote - crucial to his 2008 victory - with one town hall at George Washington University here in Washington, and another on Thursday that'll be aired live on MTV, the Country Music Television and Black Entertainment TV.
Friday, Obama and Delaware's favorite son, Vice-President Biden, campaign in Wilmington for Senate candidate Chris Coons - who leads Republican nominee Christine O'Donnell by a double-digit margin. They're running for Biden's old seat.
Saturday, the President travels to Boston, where he'll campaign with Governor Deval Patrick and raise some cash.
And on Sunday, Obama will be joined by First Lady Michelle Obama in Ohio, where they'll campaign with Governor Ted Strickland - and raise more cash still.
THE SCHEDULE
Later, the President will hold a meeting with Cabinet secretaries, former secretaries of Transportation and mayors and governors on infrastructure investment in the State Dining Room. This meeting is closed press. The President will then deliver a statement to the press in the Rose Garden. This statement is open press.
Later in the morning, the President will meet with senior advisors in the Oval Office. This meeting is closed press.
In the afternoon, the President will meet with the students from the movie Waiting for Superman in the Oval Office. There will be a spray for pool still photographers only.
Later in the afternoon, the President will travel to Miami, Florida. The departure from the South Lawn and the arrival at Miami International Airport are open press.
In the evening, the President will deliver remarks at a DCCC reception and then at a dinner for the DCCC at a private residence in Miami, Florida. There will be print pool coverage of the President’s remarks.
The President will return to Washington, DC at night. The departure from Miami International Airport and the arrival on the South Lawn are open press.
EDT
9:40AM THE PRESIDENT receives the Presidential Daily Briefing
Oval Office
Closed Press
10:15AM THE PRESIDENT holds a meeting on infrastructure investment
State Dining Room
Closed Press
10:50AM THE PRESIDENT delivers a statement to the press
Rose Garden
Open Press (Pre-set 9:50AM – Final Gather 10:20AM – North Doors of the Room)
11:10AM THE PRESIDENT meets with senior advisors
Oval Office
Closed Press
1:30PM THE PRESIDENT meets with the students from Waiting for Superman
Oval Office
Pool Stills Only Spray (Gather Time 1:20PM – North Doors of the Palm Room)
4:30PM THE PRESIDENT arrives in Miami, Florida
Miami International Airport
Open Press
5:45PM THE PRESIDENT delivers remarks at a DCCC reception
Private Residence, Miami, Florida
Print Pool Coverage
6:00PM THE PRESIDENT delivers remarks at a DCCC dinner
Private Residence, Miami, Florida
Print Pool Coverage
Friday, October 8, 2010
West Wing Report: Oct. 8, 2010
The White House claims it pays no attention to the polls - which certainly isn't true - but it absolutely pays attention, with a laser-like focus, to the unemployment rate. The final pre-election reading on this crucial figure comes out today and it is expected to show the jobless rate increasing from 9.6% to 9.7% - or more. The broader rate that some analysts say better reflects the U.S. labor market, now 16.7%, is expected to rise as well.
Obama will put his spin on this when he visits a small business in Bladensburg, Md. After returning to the White House, he'll sign the 21st Century Communications and Video Accessibility Act, which will make it easier for blind and deaf citizens to access the internet, cable TV and other communication platforms.
No word yet on the President's weekend plans.
THE SCHEDULE
EDT
10:30AM THE PRESIDENT receives the Presidential Daily Briefing
Oval Office
11:25AM THE PRESIDENT tours a small business
Bladensburg, MD
11:40AM THE PRESIDENT delivers remarks on the monthly jobs numbers
Bladensburg, MD
1:40PM THE PRESIDENT meets with senior advisors
Oval Office
2:05PM THE PRESIDENT signs the Twenty-First Century Communications and Video Accessibility Act of 2010
East Room
Briefing Schedule
TBD
Obama will put his spin on this when he visits a small business in Bladensburg, Md. After returning to the White House, he'll sign the 21st Century Communications and Video Accessibility Act, which will make it easier for blind and deaf citizens to access the internet, cable TV and other communication platforms.
No word yet on the President's weekend plans.
THE SCHEDULE
EDT
10:30AM THE PRESIDENT receives the Presidential Daily Briefing
Oval Office
11:25AM THE PRESIDENT tours a small business
Bladensburg, MD
11:40AM THE PRESIDENT delivers remarks on the monthly jobs numbers
Bladensburg, MD
1:40PM THE PRESIDENT meets with senior advisors
Oval Office
2:05PM THE PRESIDENT signs the Twenty-First Century Communications and Video Accessibility Act of 2010
East Room
Briefing Schedule
TBD
Thursday, October 7, 2010
West Wing Report: Oct. 7, 2010
President Obama signs two bills today designed to bring greater transparency and accountability to the U.S. government's massive and shadowy intelligence gathering system. The first is the Intelligence Authorization Bill, which subjects America's 16 intelligence agencies - that's right, 16 - to many of the same oversight measures that other executive agencies have. For the first time they will also have an inspector general, overseen by the General Accounting Office.
Obama will also sign the Over-Classification Act. This will require the Department of Homeland Security to figure out how to stop classifying so much information and to share more information with Congress and the American people.
ON THE TRAIL
In the afternoon the President hits the campaign trail. He'll appear with Maryland Gov. Martin O'Malley in suburban Washington, then fly to Chicago, where he'll appear at two fundraisers for Senate candidate Alexi Giannoulias. Polls show Gov. O'Malley ahead in his race, and Giannoulias slightly ahead - at best - in his. Obama returns to Washington late tonight - and no, he won't be campaigning with Chicago mayoral hopeful Rahm Emanuel. White House Press Secretary Robert Gibbs says that election isn't until February.
AFGHAN ANNIVERSARY
It was nine years ago today that President Bush announced Operation Enduring Freedom - the U.S. and NATO operation to topple the Taliban and drive Al Qaeda out of Afghanistan. That mission, launched 26 days after the Sept. 11, 2001 attacks, is now the longest active military campaign in American history. There are some 100,000 U.S. forces there, and since 2001, 1,321 Americans have died - 374 of them this year alone. President Obama says the U.S. is still on schedule to begin withdrawing forces next summer - though at what rate remains unknown. The Pentagon, while publicly supportive of the commander-in-chief's policy, is privately concerned about setting what some officers consider to be arbitrary timelines disconnected to conditions on the ground.
THE SCHEDULE (All Times Eastern)
10:15-intelligence briefing
10:45-senior advisors
12:05-signs the Intel Authorization Bill
12:20-signs the Reducing Over Classification Bill
1:30-Treasury Sec. Geithner
3:15-campaigns w/Md. Gov. O'Malley
7:00-Chicago fundraiser for Senate candidate Giannoulias
7:40-Chicago fundraiser for Senate candidate Giannoulias
*****
What's YOUR question for the President of the United States? Call us: 1-866-USA-0021 (872-0021), or e-mail: westwingrpt@gmail.com.
West Wing Report..."one of the top Washington insiders you should follow on Twitter." - The Atlantic http://bit.ly/aFWkXm
Obama will also sign the Over-Classification Act. This will require the Department of Homeland Security to figure out how to stop classifying so much information and to share more information with Congress and the American people.
ON THE TRAIL
In the afternoon the President hits the campaign trail. He'll appear with Maryland Gov. Martin O'Malley in suburban Washington, then fly to Chicago, where he'll appear at two fundraisers for Senate candidate Alexi Giannoulias. Polls show Gov. O'Malley ahead in his race, and Giannoulias slightly ahead - at best - in his. Obama returns to Washington late tonight - and no, he won't be campaigning with Chicago mayoral hopeful Rahm Emanuel. White House Press Secretary Robert Gibbs says that election isn't until February.
AFGHAN ANNIVERSARY
It was nine years ago today that President Bush announced Operation Enduring Freedom - the U.S. and NATO operation to topple the Taliban and drive Al Qaeda out of Afghanistan. That mission, launched 26 days after the Sept. 11, 2001 attacks, is now the longest active military campaign in American history. There are some 100,000 U.S. forces there, and since 2001, 1,321 Americans have died - 374 of them this year alone. President Obama says the U.S. is still on schedule to begin withdrawing forces next summer - though at what rate remains unknown. The Pentagon, while publicly supportive of the commander-in-chief's policy, is privately concerned about setting what some officers consider to be arbitrary timelines disconnected to conditions on the ground.
THE SCHEDULE (All Times Eastern)
10:15-intelligence briefing
10:45-senior advisors
12:05-signs the Intel Authorization Bill
12:20-signs the Reducing Over Classification Bill
1:30-Treasury Sec. Geithner
3:15-campaigns w/Md. Gov. O'Malley
7:00-Chicago fundraiser for Senate candidate Giannoulias
7:40-Chicago fundraiser for Senate candidate Giannoulias
*****
What's YOUR question for the President of the United States? Call us: 1-866-USA-0021 (872-0021), or e-mail: westwingrpt@gmail.com.
West Wing Report..."one of the top Washington insiders you should follow on Twitter." - The Atlantic http://bit.ly/aFWkXm
Tuesday, October 5, 2010
West Wing Report: October 5, 2010
A month to go until election day and polls show the Republicans remain in the drivers seat - though their lead over the Democrats is eroding a bit. A Washington Post-ABC News poll says that among likely voters, the GOP holds a 49%-43% edge on congressional races. This time four years ago, Democrats led by 12 points. That being said, both parties remain in the voter doghouse. Disapproval of Congressional Dems. is 61%; Disapproval of Congressional GOP is even higher: 67%.
Meantime, polls show slight gains for President Obama. ABC-WashPost: 50% approve of the President, 47% don't (a month ago this was 46%-52%). Gallup: 46% approve, 48% don't (44%-48%); Rasmussen: 48%-51% (45%-55%)
As for the President's schedule today, he starts with the usual intelligence and economic briefings in the Oval Office.
Later, he'll sign S.1055, a bill to grant the Congressional Gold Medal, collectively, to the 100th Infantry Battalion and 442nd Regimental Combat Team in recognition of their dedicated service during World War II.
This afternoon, the President joins Dr. Jill Biden (a longtime teacher) at the first-ever White House Summit on Community Colleges. The White House says the event "will highlight the critical role that community colleges play in developing America’s workforce and reaching our educational goals." Obama said yesterday that he wants five million more Americans to get community college degrees - along with the job skills for the positions of tomorrow.
Later in the afternoon, the President and the First Lady will host the Diplomatic Corps Reception for the foreign diplomatic corps in the East Room.
Obama's evening wraps up with an address to the 2010 Fortune Most Powerful Women Summit. He'll talk about the impact of women in business on the economy and the steps we can take together to ensure that America remains competitive over the long term.
EDT
9:30AM Pool Call Time
9:45AM THE PRESIDENT receives the Presidential Daily Briefing
Oval Office
Closed Press
10:15AM THE PRESIDENT receives the Economic Daily Briefing
Oval Office
Closed Press
10:45AM THE PRESIDENT meets with senior advisors
Oval Office
Closed Press
11:30AM THE PRESIDENT signs the Gold Medal Bill
Oval Office
Closed Press
12:15PM THE PRESIDENT delivers remarks at the Community College Summit with Dr. Biden
East Room
Pooled TV, Open to correspondents & still photographers (Pre-set 11:15AM – Final Gather 11:45AM – North Doors of the Palm Room)
4:30PM THE PRESIDENT and THE FIRST LADY host the Diplomatic Corps Reception
East Room
Pooled Press (Final Gather 4:00PM – North Doors of the Palm Room)
7:50PM THE PRESIDENT delivers remarks to the 2010 Fortune Most Powerful Women Summit
Carnegie Mellon Auditorium
Pooled TV & still photographers, Open to correspondents (Travel Pool Gather Time 7:10PM – North Doors of the Palm Room)
Briefing Schedule
1:30PM Briefing by Press Secretary Robert Gibbs
*****
A month to go until election day and polls show the Republicans remain in the drivers seat - though their lead over the Democrats is eroding a bit. A Washington Post-ABC News poll says that among likely voters, the GOP holds a 49%-43% edge on congressional races. This time four years ago, Democrats led by 12 points. That being said, both parties remain in the voter doghouse. Disapproval of Congressional Dems. is 61%; Disapproval of Congressional GOP is even higher: 67%.
Meantime, polls show slight gains for President Obama. ABC-WashPost: 50% approve of the President, 47% don't (a month ago this was 46%-52%). Gallup: 46% approve, 48% don't (44%-48%); Rasmussen: 48%-51% (45%-55%)
Meantime, polls show slight gains for President Obama. ABC-WashPost: 50% approve of the President, 47% don't (a month ago this was 46%-52%). Gallup: 46% approve, 48% don't (44%-48%); Rasmussen: 48%-51% (45%-55%)
As for the President's schedule today, he starts with the usual intelligence and economic briefings in the Oval Office.
Later, he'll sign S.1055, a bill to grant the Congressional Gold Medal, collectively, to the 100th Infantry Battalion and 442nd Regimental Combat Team in recognition of their dedicated service during World War II.
This afternoon, the President joins Dr. Jill Biden (a longtime teacher) at the first-ever White House Summit on Community Colleges. The White House says the event "will highlight the critical role that community colleges play in developing America’s workforce and reaching our educational goals." Obama said yesterday that he wants five million more Americans to get community college degrees - along with the job skills for the positions of tomorrow.
Later in the afternoon, the President and the First Lady will host the Diplomatic Corps Reception for the foreign diplomatic corps in the East Room.
Obama's evening wraps up with an address to the 2010 Fortune Most Powerful Women Summit. He'll talk about the impact of women in business on the economy and the steps we can take together to ensure that America remains competitive over the long term.
EDT
9:30AM Pool Call Time
9:45AM THE PRESIDENT receives the Presidential Daily Briefing
Oval Office
Closed Press
10:15AM THE PRESIDENT receives the Economic Daily Briefing
Oval Office
Closed Press
10:45AM THE PRESIDENT meets with senior advisors
Oval Office
Closed Press
11:30AM THE PRESIDENT signs the Gold Medal Bill
Oval Office
Closed Press
12:15PM THE PRESIDENT delivers remarks at the Community College Summit with Dr. Biden
East Room
Pooled TV, Open to correspondents & still photographers (Pre-set 11:15AM – Final Gather 11:45AM – North Doors of the Palm Room)
4:30PM THE PRESIDENT and THE FIRST LADY host the Diplomatic Corps Reception
East Room
Pooled Press (Final Gather 4:00PM – North Doors of the Palm Room)
7:50PM THE PRESIDENT delivers remarks to the 2010 Fortune Most Powerful Women Summit
Carnegie Mellon Auditorium
Pooled TV & still photographers, Open to correspondents (Travel Pool Gather Time 7:10PM – North Doors of the Palm Room)
Briefing Schedule
1:30PM Briefing by Press Secretary Robert Gibbs
*****
A month to go until election day and polls show the Republicans remain in the drivers seat - though their lead over the Democrats is eroding a bit. A Washington Post-ABC News poll says that among likely voters, the GOP holds a 49%-43% edge on congressional races. This time four years ago, Democrats led by 12 points. That being said, both parties remain in the voter doghouse. Disapproval of Congressional Dems. is 61%; Disapproval of Congressional GOP is even higher: 67%.
Meantime, polls show slight gains for President Obama. ABC-WashPost: 50% approve of the President, 47% don't (a month ago this was 46%-52%). Gallup: 46% approve, 48% don't (44%-48%); Rasmussen: 48%-51% (45%-55%)
Sunday, October 3, 2010
West Wing Report: October 4, 2010
In the morning, the President will receive the Presidential Daily Briefing then meet with senior advisors in the Oval Office. These meetings are closed press.
In the afternoon, the President will host a meeting of the President’s Economic Recovery Advisory Board (PERAB) in the Roosevelt Room to discuss a range of economic issues. Dr. Jill Biden will also attend. There will be a pool spray at the top of the meeting. The entire meeting will be streamed live at www.WhiteHouse.gov/live.
PERAB MEMBERS EXPECTED TO ATTEND
Anna Burger, Former Chair, Change to Win
John Doerr, Partner, Kleiner, Perkins, Caufield & Byers
William H. Donaldson, Chairman, SEC (2003-2005)
Martin Feldstein, George F. Baker Professor of Economics, Harvard University
Roger W. Ferguson, Jr., President & CEO, TIAA-CREF
Mark T. Gallogly, Founder & Managing Partner, Centerbridge Partners L.P.
Jeffrey R. Immelt, CEO, GE
Monica C. Lozano, Publisher & Chief Executive Officer, La Opinión
Jim Owens, Chairman, Caterpillar Inc.
Penny Pritzker, Chairman & Founder, Pritzker Realty Group
David F. Swensen, CIO, Yale University
Richard L. Trumka, Secretary-Treasurer, AFL-CIO
Laura D'Andrea Tyson, Dean, Haas School of Business at the University of California at Berkeley
Paul Volker, Chairman, PERAB
Robert Wolf, Chairman & CEO, UBS Group Americas
CABINET MEMBERS EXPECTED TO ATTEND
Secretary of the Treasury Tim Geithner
Secretary of Commerce Gary Locke
Secretary of Education Arne Duncan
CEA Chair Austan Goolsbee
Following the meeting, PERAB members, Anna Burger, former chair of Change to Win, and Penny Pritzker, chairman & founder of Pritzker Realty Group, will address reporters at the West Wing Stakeout Location at approximately 3:30PM EDT.
EDT
10:00AM THE PRESIDENT receives the Presidential Daily Briefing
Oval Office
Closed Press
11:30AM THE PRESIDENT meets with senior advisors
Oval Office
Closed Press
2:00PM THE PRESIDENT meets with the PERAB
State Dining Room
Briefing Schedule
1:00PM Briefing by Press Secretary Robert Gibbs
###
In the afternoon, the President will host a meeting of the President’s Economic Recovery Advisory Board (PERAB) in the Roosevelt Room to discuss a range of economic issues. Dr. Jill Biden will also attend. There will be a pool spray at the top of the meeting. The entire meeting will be streamed live at www.WhiteHouse.gov/live.
PERAB MEMBERS EXPECTED TO ATTEND
Anna Burger, Former Chair, Change to Win
John Doerr, Partner, Kleiner, Perkins, Caufield & Byers
William H. Donaldson, Chairman, SEC (2003-2005)
Martin Feldstein, George F. Baker Professor of Economics, Harvard University
Roger W. Ferguson, Jr., President & CEO, TIAA-CREF
Mark T. Gallogly, Founder & Managing Partner, Centerbridge Partners L.P.
Jeffrey R. Immelt, CEO, GE
Monica C. Lozano, Publisher & Chief Executive Officer, La Opinión
Jim Owens, Chairman, Caterpillar Inc.
Penny Pritzker, Chairman & Founder, Pritzker Realty Group
David F. Swensen, CIO, Yale University
Richard L. Trumka, Secretary-Treasurer, AFL-CIO
Laura D'Andrea Tyson, Dean, Haas School of Business at the University of California at Berkeley
Paul Volker, Chairman, PERAB
Robert Wolf, Chairman & CEO, UBS Group Americas
CABINET MEMBERS EXPECTED TO ATTEND
Secretary of the Treasury Tim Geithner
Secretary of Commerce Gary Locke
Secretary of Education Arne Duncan
CEA Chair Austan Goolsbee
Following the meeting, PERAB members, Anna Burger, former chair of Change to Win, and Penny Pritzker, chairman & founder of Pritzker Realty Group, will address reporters at the West Wing Stakeout Location at approximately 3:30PM EDT.
EDT
10:00AM THE PRESIDENT receives the Presidential Daily Briefing
Oval Office
Closed Press
11:30AM THE PRESIDENT meets with senior advisors
Oval Office
Closed Press
2:00PM THE PRESIDENT meets with the PERAB
State Dining Room
Briefing Schedule
1:00PM Briefing by Press Secretary Robert Gibbs
###
Friday, October 1, 2010
West Wing Report: October 1, 2010
This much is true: The Obama White House will never be the same.
Blunt, outspoken, hyper-aggressive chief of staff Rahm Emanuel is leaving. He'll be replaced, at least for now, by Pete Rouse, whose demeanor is the exact opposite of Emanuel's quiet, soft-spoken, self-effacing.
Rouse, who has served Obama quietly for years, has expressed reservations about doing the job for very long. But if asked by the President to stay on for the long-term, Rouse would likely do so.
“There’s a complete loyalty and trust with somebody like Pete,” says White House press secretary Robert Gibbs.
The President, Emanuel and Rouse will meet reporters in the East Room at 11am Eastern. The White House is billing it as a "personnel announcement."
THE SCHEDULE
EDT
10:00AM THE PRESIDENT receives the Presidential Daily Briefing
Oval Office
Closed Press
11:05AM THE PRESIDENT makes a personnel announcement
East Room
Open Press (Pre-set 10:05AM – Final Gather 10:35AM – North Doors of the Palm Room)
11:30AM THE PRESIDENT meets with Secretary of State Clinton
Oval Office
Closed Press
2:00PM THE PRESIDENT attends Justice Kagan’s Investiture Ceremony
Supreme Court
Travel Pool Coverage (Gather Time 1:10PM – North Doors of the Palm Room)
3:20PM THE PRESIDENT receives the Economic Daily Briefing
Oval Office
Closed Press
4:00PM THE PRESIDENT meets with Secretary of Defense Gates
Oval Office
Closed Press
Blunt, outspoken, hyper-aggressive chief of staff Rahm Emanuel is leaving. He'll be replaced, at least for now, by Pete Rouse, whose demeanor is the exact opposite of Emanuel's quiet, soft-spoken, self-effacing.
Rouse, who has served Obama quietly for years, has expressed reservations about doing the job for very long. But if asked by the President to stay on for the long-term, Rouse would likely do so.
“There’s a complete loyalty and trust with somebody like Pete,” says White House press secretary Robert Gibbs.
The President, Emanuel and Rouse will meet reporters in the East Room at 11am Eastern. The White House is billing it as a "personnel announcement."
THE SCHEDULE
EDT
10:00AM THE PRESIDENT receives the Presidential Daily Briefing
Oval Office
Closed Press
11:05AM THE PRESIDENT makes a personnel announcement
East Room
Open Press (Pre-set 10:05AM – Final Gather 10:35AM – North Doors of the Palm Room)
11:30AM THE PRESIDENT meets with Secretary of State Clinton
Oval Office
Closed Press
2:00PM THE PRESIDENT attends Justice Kagan’s Investiture Ceremony
Supreme Court
Travel Pool Coverage (Gather Time 1:10PM – North Doors of the Palm Room)
3:20PM THE PRESIDENT receives the Economic Daily Briefing
Oval Office
Closed Press
4:00PM THE PRESIDENT meets with Secretary of Defense Gates
Oval Office
Closed Press
Wednesday, September 29, 2010
West Wing Report: September 29, 2010
Waking up in a place he knows quite well - Des Moines, Iowa - a suddenly (or at least publicly) revitalized President Obama continues his backyard town hall road show today. He'll spend 10 minutes talking about the economy with a family at their home; after this a larger discussion with the neighbors.
Obama then moves on to Richmond, Virginia - a blue state two years ago but now returning to its traditional red-purpleish hue. He'll meet a local Richmond family, then chat with the neighbors. The President returns to Washington late this afternoon.
Obama last night signaled that although he and Democrats are down, they're not out. Speaking before tens of thousands of students at the University of Wisconsin/Madison, he said if Republicans win in November, they'll take the country back to the Bush-era - which Obama says led to the economic meltdown.
"You've got to stick with me," he implored. "You can't lose heart."
Obama's comments echoed those made in a Rolling Stone interview, in which he blasted what he sees as Democratic apathy. In that interview, the President indicated he has kept some 70% of his campaign promises - and says the biggest danger for Democrats now is voter apathy.
But will young voters - who helped sweep Obama into office two years ago - get the message? A Wall Street Journal/NBC News poll says just 35% of voters aged 18-34 are interested in the midterm vote - far fewer than senior citizens. Look for the President to visit more college campuses between now and November.
The Schedule
CDT
10:05AM THE PRESIDENT meets with Des Moines family
Private Residence, Des Moines, Iowa
10:15AM THE PRESIDENT holds a discussion on the economy
Private Residence, Des Moines, Iowa
EDT
3:20PM THE PRESIDENT meets with a Richmond, Va. family
Southampton Recreation Association, Richmond, Virginia
3:35PM THE PRESIDENT holds a discussion on the economy
Southampton Recreation Association, Richmond, Virginia
PM: Returns to Washington
ON THIS DAY
...1789: President Washington appointed Thomas Jefferson to be the first
Secretary of State
...1907: With President Theodore Roosevelt watching, the foundation stone
for Washington National Cathedral was laid. The last finial was placed 83
years later in the presence of President George H. W. Bush.
QUOTE OF THE DAY
“Far and away the best prize that life has to offer is the chance to work hard at work
worth doing.” - Theodore Roosevelt
Obama then moves on to Richmond, Virginia - a blue state two years ago but now returning to its traditional red-purpleish hue. He'll meet a local Richmond family, then chat with the neighbors. The President returns to Washington late this afternoon.
Obama last night signaled that although he and Democrats are down, they're not out. Speaking before tens of thousands of students at the University of Wisconsin/Madison, he said if Republicans win in November, they'll take the country back to the Bush-era - which Obama says led to the economic meltdown.
"You've got to stick with me," he implored. "You can't lose heart."
Obama's comments echoed those made in a Rolling Stone interview, in which he blasted what he sees as Democratic apathy. In that interview, the President indicated he has kept some 70% of his campaign promises - and says the biggest danger for Democrats now is voter apathy.
But will young voters - who helped sweep Obama into office two years ago - get the message? A Wall Street Journal/NBC News poll says just 35% of voters aged 18-34 are interested in the midterm vote - far fewer than senior citizens. Look for the President to visit more college campuses between now and November.
The Schedule
CDT
10:05AM THE PRESIDENT meets with Des Moines family
Private Residence, Des Moines, Iowa
10:15AM THE PRESIDENT holds a discussion on the economy
Private Residence, Des Moines, Iowa
EDT
3:20PM THE PRESIDENT meets with a Richmond, Va. family
Southampton Recreation Association, Richmond, Virginia
3:35PM THE PRESIDENT holds a discussion on the economy
Southampton Recreation Association, Richmond, Virginia
PM: Returns to Washington
ON THIS DAY
...1789: President Washington appointed Thomas Jefferson to be the first
Secretary of State
...1907: With President Theodore Roosevelt watching, the foundation stone
for Washington National Cathedral was laid. The last finial was placed 83
years later in the presence of President George H. W. Bush.
QUOTE OF THE DAY
“Far and away the best prize that life has to offer is the chance to work hard at work
worth doing.” - Theodore Roosevelt
Wednesday, September 1, 2010
West Wing Report: September 1, 2010
The President turns his attention towards the most elusive of goals - peace in the Middle East.
Good morning - it's West Wing Report - and the leaders of Israel, Egypt, Jordan and the Palestinian Authority are here today - they'll meet separately with President Obama and then all have dinner together - this ahead of tomorrow's peace talks.
The White House goal seems beyond ambitious: it wants a peace deal between Israel and the Palestinians within 12 months.
The rough outlines are well known of course - the U.S. wants the so-called two-state solution - that will enable ISrael and the Palestinians to live side by side in peace - but the underlying dynamics are complex and, to some emotional - Secretary of State Clinton says the 12-month goal can be met - though she is lowering expectations by saying - if not understating - that there have been problems in the past and there will be in the future.
A Mideast peace deal is central to Obama's broader goal of, in his words, "lowering the temperature" in the region. He thinks that'll help with other Mideast messes - like Iran and the expanding U.S. war in Afghanistan.
- Paul Brandus at the White House
Good morning - it's West Wing Report - and the leaders of Israel, Egypt, Jordan and the Palestinian Authority are here today - they'll meet separately with President Obama and then all have dinner together - this ahead of tomorrow's peace talks.
The White House goal seems beyond ambitious: it wants a peace deal between Israel and the Palestinians within 12 months.
The rough outlines are well known of course - the U.S. wants the so-called two-state solution - that will enable ISrael and the Palestinians to live side by side in peace - but the underlying dynamics are complex and, to some emotional - Secretary of State Clinton says the 12-month goal can be met - though she is lowering expectations by saying - if not understating - that there have been problems in the past and there will be in the future.
A Mideast peace deal is central to Obama's broader goal of, in his words, "lowering the temperature" in the region. He thinks that'll help with other Mideast messes - like Iran and the expanding U.S. war in Afghanistan.
- Paul Brandus at the White House
Tuesday, August 31, 2010
West Wing Report: August 31, 2010
It is August 31. After 7 years, 5 months and 11 days -- and 4,416 American lives -- the official U.S. combat mission in Iraq is over.
Good morning from West Wing Report, and President Obama will address the nation from the Oval Office tonight about Iraq. He'll outline the situation to the American people and also pay tribute to the men and women who served. Today he'll visit the troops in Ft. Bliss, Texas.
Yesterday, he pinned Purple Hearts on 11 wounded vets at Walter Reed hospital here in Washington.
One thing you won't hear from the President tonight are the words -- "Mission Accomplished" -- that phrase, of course, used prematurely by the Bush White House back in 2003. But Obama will call his predecessor to brief him on the speech.
But keep in mind just because the White House says the combat role is over, it's really not. There are still 50,000 American troops there - including special forces and intelligence units -- who will remain for another 16 months to support the final transition to Iraqi authorities. And they will go into harm's way from time to time.
So even if the official combat role comes to and end today - the fighting -- and the dying -- probably will not.
In addition to the 4,416 American lives lost since 2003, another 31,882 servicemen and women were wounded. Then there are the countless number of Iraqis who have been killed and wounded. Also among the dead: an estimated 135 journalists.
- Paul Brandus at the White House
Good morning from West Wing Report, and President Obama will address the nation from the Oval Office tonight about Iraq. He'll outline the situation to the American people and also pay tribute to the men and women who served. Today he'll visit the troops in Ft. Bliss, Texas.
Yesterday, he pinned Purple Hearts on 11 wounded vets at Walter Reed hospital here in Washington.
One thing you won't hear from the President tonight are the words -- "Mission Accomplished" -- that phrase, of course, used prematurely by the Bush White House back in 2003. But Obama will call his predecessor to brief him on the speech.
But keep in mind just because the White House says the combat role is over, it's really not. There are still 50,000 American troops there - including special forces and intelligence units -- who will remain for another 16 months to support the final transition to Iraqi authorities. And they will go into harm's way from time to time.
So even if the official combat role comes to and end today - the fighting -- and the dying -- probably will not.
In addition to the 4,416 American lives lost since 2003, another 31,882 servicemen and women were wounded. Then there are the countless number of Iraqis who have been killed and wounded. Also among the dead: an estimated 135 journalists.
- Paul Brandus at the White House
Monday, August 30, 2010
West Wing Report: August 30, 2010
The President's vacation is over -- and it's back to work -- with a long to do list.
Good morning from West Wing Report - and the White House is bracing for what's expected to be another poor unemployment report this week.
The economy has to create at least 125,000 jobs each month just to keep up with population growth, but the August report, which comes out Friday, is expected to show about 10,000 private sector jobs were created, with the unemployment report inching up to 9.6% from July's 9.5%.
The President will comment on the economy this morning when the press pool is allowed into the Oval Office for a few minutes after Obama's economic briefing.
In New Orleans last night, where he spoke at events marking the 5th anniversary of Hurricane Katrina, the President told NBC there's no question the economy isn't growing fast enough - this as election day looms ever nearer, now just nine weeks away.
Obama also has some big foreign policy items on his plate this week. Tomorrow night: an Oval Office address to the nation on the end of U.S. combat operations in Iraq - even though 50,000 troops remain and will continue to go into harm's way for another 16 months.
And on Thursday: peace talks with leaders of Israel and the Palestinian Authority. The White House has an ambitious goal here - a peace deal within 12 months.
Have a question for the President? Send it to WWR: westwingrpt@gmail.com and we'll try and get an answer.
- Paul Brandus at the White House
Good morning from West Wing Report - and the White House is bracing for what's expected to be another poor unemployment report this week.
The economy has to create at least 125,000 jobs each month just to keep up with population growth, but the August report, which comes out Friday, is expected to show about 10,000 private sector jobs were created, with the unemployment report inching up to 9.6% from July's 9.5%.
The President will comment on the economy this morning when the press pool is allowed into the Oval Office for a few minutes after Obama's economic briefing.
In New Orleans last night, where he spoke at events marking the 5th anniversary of Hurricane Katrina, the President told NBC there's no question the economy isn't growing fast enough - this as election day looms ever nearer, now just nine weeks away.
Obama also has some big foreign policy items on his plate this week. Tomorrow night: an Oval Office address to the nation on the end of U.S. combat operations in Iraq - even though 50,000 troops remain and will continue to go into harm's way for another 16 months.
And on Thursday: peace talks with leaders of Israel and the Palestinian Authority. The White House has an ambitious goal here - a peace deal within 12 months.
Have a question for the President? Send it to WWR: westwingrpt@gmail.com and we'll try and get an answer.
- Paul Brandus at the White House
Thursday, August 19, 2010
Vacation? What Vacation?
When President Obama boards Marine One this afternoon for a ten-day vacation with his family on Martha’s Vineyard, a military officer will board as well. He’ll be carrying two thick briefcases and, like everyone but the First Family, will slip on board via the steps towards the rear of the aircraft. Because all eyes are on the President, few will even notice the officer or the bulky bags he’s lugging in each hand.
Those bags are known as “the football” – and inside are the top-secret nuclear codes the President needs to launch a nuclear attack. For decades, an officer has gone everywhere with the Commander-in-Chief and is always available instantly, should it come to Armageddon.
Martha’s Vineyard for Obama, Crawford for George W. Bush, Rancho del Cielo for Reagan, Hyannisport for JFK. The football goes along – a symbol that no matter where the President is, the crushing burden of the job is always – and – literally – present.
“Presidents don’t get vacations,” Nancy Reagan once said. “They just get a change of scenery. The job goes with you.”
The criticism goes with them too. With two wars, unemployment stubbornly hovering near 10%, Iran, the oil spill and all the rest, many of President Obama’s detractors have made fodder of his frequent golf outings – nearly every weekend – and mini-getaways to places like Maine, Florida and Chicago, where he spent a bachelor weekend with his buddies.
But some Obama opponents like Ari Fleischer, once George W. Bush’s spokesman, say give the man a break.
“Presidencies wear people out,’’ Fleischer told the Boston Globe. “And they just simply deserve a break, especially a president with a couple little kids.’’
And even on Martha's Vineyard, Obama will still be working, says deputy White House spokesman Bill Burton.
“Whenever you talk about a presidential vacation you ought to put the word “vacation” in quotes because you can bet that there will still be work that he’s doing every day,” Burton says. “He'll continue to get his daily intelligence brief from (counterterrorism advisor) John Brennan, who will be there. He'll be getting constant updates on what’s happening in the economy and other issues.”
But what about all the golf Obama plays? The President has come under criticism for spending what some feel is too much time on the links – practically every weekend.
“This question has come up since the Eisenhower era,” points out pollster Charles Franklin of Pollster.com, who says any criticism is usually linked to how Americans think the nation is doing.
“For the most part, people, on balance, say ‘the president isn’t spending too much time on vacation,’” Franklin says. “But if a president becomes a little less popular, as the current president is, voters become a little more critical of their vacation or golf outings.”
Take Eisenhower, for instance, who played golf every chance he got.
“Early in his term, in 1953, 17% of Americans said he was playing too much. But by the late part of his presidency, 1958, that number more than doubled, to 36%. Interestingly, his popularity had fallen during the same time from 74% to 52%. So the issue here is people criticize the golf when they also don’t feel good about the president.”
And given the pressures of the job, the unimaginable stress that goes with it, it is necessary for any president to clear his head. Herbert Hoover fished. Ronald Reagan cleared brush. Barack Obama plays golf.
“The idea that a president is somehow permanently chained to the desk in the Oval Office 24/7 really is a wrong notion of how human beings cope with that kind of pressure,” Franklin says.
It’s not necessary for the president to be chained to that desk anyway, Franklin points out.
“The president doesn’t run the government; he delegates the running of it to others. Where we really need the president is on momentous decisions whether it’s foreign policy or legislative approaches or regulation. Only on the big calls does the president really have to make those decisions, and that’s really not every moment of every day.”
- Paul Brandus at the White House
Those bags are known as “the football” – and inside are the top-secret nuclear codes the President needs to launch a nuclear attack. For decades, an officer has gone everywhere with the Commander-in-Chief and is always available instantly, should it come to Armageddon.
Martha’s Vineyard for Obama, Crawford for George W. Bush, Rancho del Cielo for Reagan, Hyannisport for JFK. The football goes along – a symbol that no matter where the President is, the crushing burden of the job is always – and – literally – present.
“Presidents don’t get vacations,” Nancy Reagan once said. “They just get a change of scenery. The job goes with you.”
The criticism goes with them too. With two wars, unemployment stubbornly hovering near 10%, Iran, the oil spill and all the rest, many of President Obama’s detractors have made fodder of his frequent golf outings – nearly every weekend – and mini-getaways to places like Maine, Florida and Chicago, where he spent a bachelor weekend with his buddies.
But some Obama opponents like Ari Fleischer, once George W. Bush’s spokesman, say give the man a break.
“Presidencies wear people out,’’ Fleischer told the Boston Globe. “And they just simply deserve a break, especially a president with a couple little kids.’’
And even on Martha's Vineyard, Obama will still be working, says deputy White House spokesman Bill Burton.
“Whenever you talk about a presidential vacation you ought to put the word “vacation” in quotes because you can bet that there will still be work that he’s doing every day,” Burton says. “He'll continue to get his daily intelligence brief from (counterterrorism advisor) John Brennan, who will be there. He'll be getting constant updates on what’s happening in the economy and other issues.”
But what about all the golf Obama plays? The President has come under criticism for spending what some feel is too much time on the links – practically every weekend.
“This question has come up since the Eisenhower era,” points out pollster Charles Franklin of Pollster.com, who says any criticism is usually linked to how Americans think the nation is doing.
“For the most part, people, on balance, say ‘the president isn’t spending too much time on vacation,’” Franklin says. “But if a president becomes a little less popular, as the current president is, voters become a little more critical of their vacation or golf outings.”
Take Eisenhower, for instance, who played golf every chance he got.
“Early in his term, in 1953, 17% of Americans said he was playing too much. But by the late part of his presidency, 1958, that number more than doubled, to 36%. Interestingly, his popularity had fallen during the same time from 74% to 52%. So the issue here is people criticize the golf when they also don’t feel good about the president.”
And given the pressures of the job, the unimaginable stress that goes with it, it is necessary for any president to clear his head. Herbert Hoover fished. Ronald Reagan cleared brush. Barack Obama plays golf.
“The idea that a president is somehow permanently chained to the desk in the Oval Office 24/7 really is a wrong notion of how human beings cope with that kind of pressure,” Franklin says.
It’s not necessary for the president to be chained to that desk anyway, Franklin points out.
“The president doesn’t run the government; he delegates the running of it to others. Where we really need the president is on momentous decisions whether it’s foreign policy or legislative approaches or regulation. Only on the big calls does the president really have to make those decisions, and that’s really not every moment of every day.”
- Paul Brandus at the White House
Monday, August 16, 2010
Friday, August 6, 2010
West Wing Report, August 6, 2010
The President is back in Washington this morning after a birthday trip to Chicago - he'll comment today on the July unemployment report - which shows the economy creating more private sector jobs, but not enough to bring down the unemployment rate itself.
The expectation of most analysts is that some 100,000 private sector jobs were created in July, with the unemployment rate inching up to 9.6% from 9.5%. This is the narrow U3 rate; the broader U6 rate which many economists say is a more accurate snapshot of the U.S. labor market, is 16.5%.
While Obama talks jobs, his top economic advisor is leaving hers. Christina Romer, chairman of the council of economic advisors, is said to be frustrated about her access - or lack thereof - to the President. Obama ignored questions about Romer's resignation last night.
One person who does have access to the President, at least for today: Elena Kagan. She's the guest of honor at an East Room reception this afternoon - before she is sworn in as the newest member of the Supreme Court tomorrow.
Meantime, there has been buzz that another Justice - Ruth Bader Ginsburg - may retire soon. Ginsburg, 77, has been battling cancer, and her husband died recently. Ginsburg denies the rumors, but if she were to leave, President Obama would get his third opportunity to appoint a Justice to the high court. After Ginsburg, the oldest Supreme Court Justices are Antonin Scalia, 74; Anthony Kennedy, 73; Stephen Breyer, 71; Clarence Thomas, 62; Samuel Alito, 60; Sonia Sotomayor, 56 and the baby of the group, Chief Justice John Roberts, 55.
President's Schedule
9:00AM Pool Call Time
9:30AM THE PRESIDENT receives the Presidential Daily Briefing
Oval Office
Closed Press
10:30AM THE PRESIDENT receives the Economic Daily Briefing
Oval Office
Closed Press
11:20AM THE PRESIDENT departs the White House en route landing zone near Gelberg Signs
South Lawn
Open Press (Pre-set 10:50AM – Final Gather 11:05AM – North Doors of the Palm Room)
11:40AM THE PRESIDENT tours Gelberg Signs
Gelberg Signs, Washington, DC
Travel Pool Coverage (Travel Pool Gather Time 10:00AM – Stakeout Location)
11:55AM THE PRESIDENT delivers remarks at Gelberg Signs
Gelberg Signs, Washington, DC
Travel Pool Coverage
12:35PM THE PRESIDENT arrives at the White House
South Lawn
Open Press (Pre-set 12:05PM – Final Gather 12:20PM – North Doors of the Palm Room)
1:10PM THE PRESIDENT meets with Secretary of State Clinton
Oval Office
Closed Press
2:35PM THE PRESIDENT hosts a reception marking the Senate confirmation of Elena Kagan’s nomination to the Supreme Court
East Room
Open Press (Pre-set 1:35PM – Final Gather 2:05PM – North Doors of the Palm Room)
The expectation of most analysts is that some 100,000 private sector jobs were created in July, with the unemployment rate inching up to 9.6% from 9.5%. This is the narrow U3 rate; the broader U6 rate which many economists say is a more accurate snapshot of the U.S. labor market, is 16.5%.
While Obama talks jobs, his top economic advisor is leaving hers. Christina Romer, chairman of the council of economic advisors, is said to be frustrated about her access - or lack thereof - to the President. Obama ignored questions about Romer's resignation last night.
One person who does have access to the President, at least for today: Elena Kagan. She's the guest of honor at an East Room reception this afternoon - before she is sworn in as the newest member of the Supreme Court tomorrow.
Meantime, there has been buzz that another Justice - Ruth Bader Ginsburg - may retire soon. Ginsburg, 77, has been battling cancer, and her husband died recently. Ginsburg denies the rumors, but if she were to leave, President Obama would get his third opportunity to appoint a Justice to the high court. After Ginsburg, the oldest Supreme Court Justices are Antonin Scalia, 74; Anthony Kennedy, 73; Stephen Breyer, 71; Clarence Thomas, 62; Samuel Alito, 60; Sonia Sotomayor, 56 and the baby of the group, Chief Justice John Roberts, 55.
President's Schedule
9:00AM Pool Call Time
9:30AM THE PRESIDENT receives the Presidential Daily Briefing
Oval Office
Closed Press
10:30AM THE PRESIDENT receives the Economic Daily Briefing
Oval Office
Closed Press
11:20AM THE PRESIDENT departs the White House en route landing zone near Gelberg Signs
South Lawn
Open Press (Pre-set 10:50AM – Final Gather 11:05AM – North Doors of the Palm Room)
11:40AM THE PRESIDENT tours Gelberg Signs
Gelberg Signs, Washington, DC
Travel Pool Coverage (Travel Pool Gather Time 10:00AM – Stakeout Location)
11:55AM THE PRESIDENT delivers remarks at Gelberg Signs
Gelberg Signs, Washington, DC
Travel Pool Coverage
12:35PM THE PRESIDENT arrives at the White House
South Lawn
Open Press (Pre-set 12:05PM – Final Gather 12:20PM – North Doors of the Palm Room)
1:10PM THE PRESIDENT meets with Secretary of State Clinton
Oval Office
Closed Press
2:35PM THE PRESIDENT hosts a reception marking the Senate confirmation of Elena Kagan’s nomination to the Supreme Court
East Room
Open Press (Pre-set 1:35PM – Final Gather 2:05PM – North Doors of the Palm Room)
Thursday, August 5, 2010
West Wing Report, August 5, 2010
There's no mission accomplished banner, no boasting - just a sober announcement hat the oil leak has stopped and the worst is over.
Good morning - it's West Wing Report - and after 107 days, the worst environmental disaster in American history finally appears to be over. But the clean up continues and the White House expects BP to make good on its obligations to the people of the Gulf.
The sense of relief throughout the West Wing was evident - as a major crisis for the President eased. It was, perhaps, the best birthday present Obama could ask for. He celebrated by having dinner with Oprah at a trendy Chicago restaurant and then visiting a friend's home. The President today visits a Ford factory and holds two fundraisers, then it's back to Washington. He may also comment today on the big legal ruling in California striking down a ban on same-sex marriage. Legal experts say the case will probably go to the Supreme Court.
By the way, Obama's a bachelor President for the next few days, since Mrs. Obama and youngest daughter Sasha are in Spain and Malia's at summer camp. Mrs. Obama. by the way, has provoked criticism for choosing Spain as a vacation spot. Spanish media says the First Lady's party booked 30 rooms at a five-star resort.
The Schedule
CDT
9:55AM THE PRESIDENT tours the Ford Motor Company Assembly Plant
Ford Motor Company Assembly Plant
Travel Pool Coverage
10:15AM THE PRESIDENT delivers remarks at the Ford Motor Company Assembly Plant
Ford Motor Company Assembly Plant
Open Press
12:45PM THE PRESIDENT delivers remarks on behalf of Senate Candidate Giannoulias
Palmer House Hilton
Travel Pool Coverage
5:15PM THE PRESIDENT delivers remarks at a DNC finance event
Chicago Cultural Center
Travel Pool Coverage
6:00PM THE PRESIDENT attends a DNC finance event
Private Residence
Closed Press
7:50PM THE PRESIDENT departs Chicago, Illinois en route Andrews Air Force Base
Chicago O’Hare International Airport
Open Press
EDT
9:00PM In-Town Travel Pool Call Time
10:25PM THE PRESIDENT arrives at Andrews Air Force Base
Out-of-Town Travel Pool
10:40PM THE PRESIDENT arrives at the White House
South Lawn
Open Press (Pre-set 10:10PM – Final Call 10:25PM – North Doors of the Palm Room)
Good morning - it's West Wing Report - and after 107 days, the worst environmental disaster in American history finally appears to be over. But the clean up continues and the White House expects BP to make good on its obligations to the people of the Gulf.
The sense of relief throughout the West Wing was evident - as a major crisis for the President eased. It was, perhaps, the best birthday present Obama could ask for. He celebrated by having dinner with Oprah at a trendy Chicago restaurant and then visiting a friend's home. The President today visits a Ford factory and holds two fundraisers, then it's back to Washington. He may also comment today on the big legal ruling in California striking down a ban on same-sex marriage. Legal experts say the case will probably go to the Supreme Court.
By the way, Obama's a bachelor President for the next few days, since Mrs. Obama and youngest daughter Sasha are in Spain and Malia's at summer camp. Mrs. Obama. by the way, has provoked criticism for choosing Spain as a vacation spot. Spanish media says the First Lady's party booked 30 rooms at a five-star resort.
The Schedule
CDT
9:55AM THE PRESIDENT tours the Ford Motor Company Assembly Plant
Ford Motor Company Assembly Plant
Travel Pool Coverage
10:15AM THE PRESIDENT delivers remarks at the Ford Motor Company Assembly Plant
Ford Motor Company Assembly Plant
Open Press
12:45PM THE PRESIDENT delivers remarks on behalf of Senate Candidate Giannoulias
Palmer House Hilton
Travel Pool Coverage
5:15PM THE PRESIDENT delivers remarks at a DNC finance event
Chicago Cultural Center
Travel Pool Coverage
6:00PM THE PRESIDENT attends a DNC finance event
Private Residence
Closed Press
7:50PM THE PRESIDENT departs Chicago, Illinois en route Andrews Air Force Base
Chicago O’Hare International Airport
Open Press
EDT
9:00PM In-Town Travel Pool Call Time
10:25PM THE PRESIDENT arrives at Andrews Air Force Base
Out-of-Town Travel Pool
10:40PM THE PRESIDENT arrives at the White House
South Lawn
Open Press (Pre-set 10:10PM – Final Call 10:25PM – North Doors of the Palm Room)
Wednesday, August 4, 2010
West Wing Report, August 4, 2010
It's the President's 49th birthday, and he'll celebrate with a trip home.
Good morning from the White House - it's West Wing Report - and while the 49-year old Obama complains about all his new gray hair, aides say he's enjoying the job despite the enormous and never-ending pressure.
The President will celebrate with friends tonight in Chicago - but not with his family. Michelle Obama and younger daughter Sasha will be in Spain, while older daughter Malia is away at camp.
Before leaving, the President speaks to the executive committee of the AFL-CIO and later awards 13 Americans the Civilian Medal - it's the second highest civilian honor - given to those who've done good deeds in their community.
He'll also have lunch with Senators - and has a one-on-one meeting with the top Senate Republican, Mitch McConnell - upcoming legislation tops their agenda. Obama also says he expects the Senate to confirm Elena Kagan for the Supreme Court before it goes on August recess.
*****
EDT
9:30AM In-Town Travel Pool Call Time
9:30AM THE PRESIDENT receives the Presidential Daily Briefing
Oval Office
Closed Press
10:00AM THE PRESIDENT meets with senior advisors
Oval Office
Closed Press
11:05AM THE PRESIDENT delivers remarks at the AFL-CIO Executive Council Meeting
Washington Convention Center
Pooled Press (Gather Time 10:35AM – North Doors of the Palm Room)
12:00PM THE PRESIDENT has lunch with Senators
Roosevelt Room
Closed Press
2:15PM THE PRESIDENT delivers remarks and present the 2010 Citizens Medal to 13 winners from across the country
East Room
Open Press (Pre-set 1:15PM – Final Gather 1:45PM – North Doors of the Palm Room)
3:10PM THE PRESIDENT meets with Senator Mitch McConnell
Oval Office
Closed Press
4:00PM THE PRESIDENT departs the White House en route Andrews Air Force Base
South Lawn
Open Press (Pre-set 3:30PM – Final Call 3:45PM - North Doors of the Palm Room)
4:15PM THE PRESIDENT departs Andrews Air Force Base en route Chicago, Illinois
Andrews Air Force Base
Out-of-Town Travel Pool (Call Time 3:00PM – Virginia Gate, Andrews Air Force Base)
CDT
5:00PM THE PRESIDENT arrives in Chicago, Illinois
Chicago O’Hare International Airport
Open Press
Briefing Schedule
1:00PM Press Briefing by Press Secretary Robert Gibbs
Good morning from the White House - it's West Wing Report - and while the 49-year old Obama complains about all his new gray hair, aides say he's enjoying the job despite the enormous and never-ending pressure.
The President will celebrate with friends tonight in Chicago - but not with his family. Michelle Obama and younger daughter Sasha will be in Spain, while older daughter Malia is away at camp.
Before leaving, the President speaks to the executive committee of the AFL-CIO and later awards 13 Americans the Civilian Medal - it's the second highest civilian honor - given to those who've done good deeds in their community.
He'll also have lunch with Senators - and has a one-on-one meeting with the top Senate Republican, Mitch McConnell - upcoming legislation tops their agenda. Obama also says he expects the Senate to confirm Elena Kagan for the Supreme Court before it goes on August recess.
*****
EDT
9:30AM In-Town Travel Pool Call Time
9:30AM THE PRESIDENT receives the Presidential Daily Briefing
Oval Office
Closed Press
10:00AM THE PRESIDENT meets with senior advisors
Oval Office
Closed Press
11:05AM THE PRESIDENT delivers remarks at the AFL-CIO Executive Council Meeting
Washington Convention Center
Pooled Press (Gather Time 10:35AM – North Doors of the Palm Room)
12:00PM THE PRESIDENT has lunch with Senators
Roosevelt Room
Closed Press
2:15PM THE PRESIDENT delivers remarks and present the 2010 Citizens Medal to 13 winners from across the country
East Room
Open Press (Pre-set 1:15PM – Final Gather 1:45PM – North Doors of the Palm Room)
3:10PM THE PRESIDENT meets with Senator Mitch McConnell
Oval Office
Closed Press
4:00PM THE PRESIDENT departs the White House en route Andrews Air Force Base
South Lawn
Open Press (Pre-set 3:30PM – Final Call 3:45PM - North Doors of the Palm Room)
4:15PM THE PRESIDENT departs Andrews Air Force Base en route Chicago, Illinois
Andrews Air Force Base
Out-of-Town Travel Pool (Call Time 3:00PM – Virginia Gate, Andrews Air Force Base)
CDT
5:00PM THE PRESIDENT arrives in Chicago, Illinois
Chicago O’Hare International Airport
Open Press
Briefing Schedule
1:00PM Press Briefing by Press Secretary Robert Gibbs
Thursday, July 29, 2010
West Wing Report, July 29, 2010
Good morning from the White House, which is pleased with that big court ruling yesterday that effectively guts an Arizona crackdown on illegal immigrants. But the legal fight goes on, as the pressure on the White House and Congress to pass a national law grows.
Out goes the most controversial part of the law, which, starting today, would have required police to try and determine the immigration status of anyone they stop, detain or arrest, if they suspect that person is in the U.S. illegally.
The White House said from the get go that such a law was unconstitutional and would lead to racial profiling and harassment of American citizens, legal immigrants and foreign visitors.
U.S. District Judge Susan R. Bolton agreed, saying in a 36-page ruling that it was "not in the public interest" for Arizona to preempt federal enforcement of immigration law.
Also out are provisions in the Arizona law that would have required foreigners to apply for or carry certain documents and make it a crime for illegals "to solicit, apply for or perform work."
Although Judge Bolton upheld other parts of the law, Arizona Gov. Jan Brewer (R), says she'll appeal, calling the ruling "A little bump in the road."
Sherrod Comments?
The President tackles another thorny issue today - race - when he makes a much anticipated speech to the National Urban League. We're told he'll make his first public comments on Shirley Sherrod - remember her? - that was last week's big story.
Wikileaks
And one of this week's big stories - the Wikileaks release of documents on the Afghan war - is certain to come up during a National Security meeting on Afghanistan and Pakistan.
The FBI is now helping the Pentagon identify the leaker of those 91,000 documents; Director Robert Mueller told a Senate panel yesterday the investigation could go in any direction.
But that direction appears headed straight for Army Pfc. Bradley E. Manning. The 22-year-old
intelligence specialist is already behind bars, charged earlier this month with passing classified information to an "unauthorized source" while stationed in Iraq. A former hacker in whom Manning has confided tells the Washington Post that Manning passed documents and videos to WikiLeaks. The former hacker, Adrian Lamo, said "the overwhelming probability" is that Manning was WikiLeaks' source for the documents.
Ups and Downs
Meantime, President Obama tells the ABC talk show "The View" that his 20 months in office have been a series of ups and downs> Barbara Walters asked him about the downs:
Obama: "Where do I begin?"
After the laughter died down, the President got serious:
"Look, the country has gone through a tough stretch. Since I took office when I was sworn in ... the last 20 months have been a nonstop effort to restart the economy, to stabilize the financial system, to make sure we are creating jobs and not losing them."
Obama also mentioned the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, the oil spill and last winter's swine flu scare.
What about the ups?
"In the last month the rose has to be a couple of days we took in Maine with Michelle, Sasha and Malia," he said. "They're full of opinions and ideas and observations and it's just a great age ... Malia just turned 12 and Sasha 9. Couldn't been a better couple of days."
*****
President's Schedule
10:05AM THE PRESIDENT delivers a major education reform speech at the National Urban League 100th Anniversary Convention
Washington Convention Center
Open to pre-credentialed media (In-Town Travel Pool Gather Time 9:30AM – North Doors of the Palm Room)
11:10AM THE PRESIDENT meets with his national security team for his monthly meeting on Afghanistan and Pakistan
Situation Room
Closed Press
12:35PM THE PRESIDENT and THE VICE PRESIDENT have lunch
Private Dining Room
Closed Press
1:45PM THE PRESIDENT receives the Presidential Daily Briefing
Oval Office
Closed Press
4:50PM THE PRESIDENT signs the Tribal Law and Order Act
East Room
Open Press (Pre-set 3:50PM – Final Gather 4:20PM – North Doors of the Palm Room)
7:05PM THE PRESIDENT attends a DNC finance event
Private Residence
Closed Press (In-Town Travel Pool Gather Time 6:30PM – North Doors of the Palm Room)
Briefing Schedule
2:00PM Briefing by Press Secretary Robert Gibbs
- Paul Brandus at the White House
Out goes the most controversial part of the law, which, starting today, would have required police to try and determine the immigration status of anyone they stop, detain or arrest, if they suspect that person is in the U.S. illegally.
The White House said from the get go that such a law was unconstitutional and would lead to racial profiling and harassment of American citizens, legal immigrants and foreign visitors.
U.S. District Judge Susan R. Bolton agreed, saying in a 36-page ruling that it was "not in the public interest" for Arizona to preempt federal enforcement of immigration law.
Also out are provisions in the Arizona law that would have required foreigners to apply for or carry certain documents and make it a crime for illegals "to solicit, apply for or perform work."
Although Judge Bolton upheld other parts of the law, Arizona Gov. Jan Brewer (R), says she'll appeal, calling the ruling "A little bump in the road."
Sherrod Comments?
The President tackles another thorny issue today - race - when he makes a much anticipated speech to the National Urban League. We're told he'll make his first public comments on Shirley Sherrod - remember her? - that was last week's big story.
Wikileaks
And one of this week's big stories - the Wikileaks release of documents on the Afghan war - is certain to come up during a National Security meeting on Afghanistan and Pakistan.
The FBI is now helping the Pentagon identify the leaker of those 91,000 documents; Director Robert Mueller told a Senate panel yesterday the investigation could go in any direction.
But that direction appears headed straight for Army Pfc. Bradley E. Manning. The 22-year-old
intelligence specialist is already behind bars, charged earlier this month with passing classified information to an "unauthorized source" while stationed in Iraq. A former hacker in whom Manning has confided tells the Washington Post that Manning passed documents and videos to WikiLeaks. The former hacker, Adrian Lamo, said "the overwhelming probability" is that Manning was WikiLeaks' source for the documents.
Ups and Downs
Meantime, President Obama tells the ABC talk show "The View" that his 20 months in office have been a series of ups and downs> Barbara Walters asked him about the downs:
Obama: "Where do I begin?"
After the laughter died down, the President got serious:
"Look, the country has gone through a tough stretch. Since I took office when I was sworn in ... the last 20 months have been a nonstop effort to restart the economy, to stabilize the financial system, to make sure we are creating jobs and not losing them."
Obama also mentioned the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, the oil spill and last winter's swine flu scare.
What about the ups?
"In the last month the rose has to be a couple of days we took in Maine with Michelle, Sasha and Malia," he said. "They're full of opinions and ideas and observations and it's just a great age ... Malia just turned 12 and Sasha 9. Couldn't been a better couple of days."
*****
President's Schedule
10:05AM THE PRESIDENT delivers a major education reform speech at the National Urban League 100th Anniversary Convention
Washington Convention Center
Open to pre-credentialed media (In-Town Travel Pool Gather Time 9:30AM – North Doors of the Palm Room)
11:10AM THE PRESIDENT meets with his national security team for his monthly meeting on Afghanistan and Pakistan
Situation Room
Closed Press
12:35PM THE PRESIDENT and THE VICE PRESIDENT have lunch
Private Dining Room
Closed Press
1:45PM THE PRESIDENT receives the Presidential Daily Briefing
Oval Office
Closed Press
4:50PM THE PRESIDENT signs the Tribal Law and Order Act
East Room
Open Press (Pre-set 3:50PM – Final Gather 4:20PM – North Doors of the Palm Room)
7:05PM THE PRESIDENT attends a DNC finance event
Private Residence
Closed Press (In-Town Travel Pool Gather Time 6:30PM – North Doors of the Palm Room)
Briefing Schedule
2:00PM Briefing by Press Secretary Robert Gibbs
- Paul Brandus at the White House
Wednesday, July 28, 2010
West Wing Report, July 28, 2010
The President hits the road today - he's visiting the Tastee Sub shop in Edison NJ - where he'll talk with small business owners. It's a common theme for Obama, and today he'll use the stop to renew his call for more tax cuts and loans for small businesses. The Senate is expected to vote this week on both; the White House accuses Republicans of holding both "hostage."
After the sub shop - maybe the President will get a foot-long to go - he hops across the Hudson River to tape "The View," the female chat fest on ABC. It's the first time a sitting President has appeared on a daytime talk show.
Obama also has two fundraisers in New York. One at the Four Seasons Hotel, the other at the home of fashion diva Anna Wintour. The President returns to the White House tonight.
The President's fundraisers come as the Fall campaign heats up. Mr. Obama will hit the trail selectively for Democrats this Fall, though some Democrats from vulnerable districts have quietly let the White House know they don't want Obama - whose slow but steady erosion in the polls is a source of growing concern - campaigning for them.
Also on the agenda today: the President meets Mass. Sen. John Kerry. Two things are on the agenda: Kerry is Chairman of Senate Foreign Relations, and wants to talk about Afghanistan and the Wikileaks documents mess; he is also the co-author of the energy/climate bill now before the Senate and will discuss legislative strategy with the President.
EDT
9:30AM In-Town Travel Pool Call Time
9:30AM THE PRESIDENT receives the Presidential Daily Briefing
Oval Office
Closed Press
10:00AM THE PRESIDENT meets with senior advisors
Oval Office
Closed Press
10:40AM THE PRESIDENT meets with Senator John Kerry
Oval Office
Closed Press
11:45AM THE PRESIDENT departs the White House en route Andrews Air Force Base
South Lawn
Open Press (Pre-set 11:15AM – Final Call 11:30AM - North Doors of the Palm Room)
12:00PM THE PRESIDENT departs Andrews Air Force Base en route Newark, New Jersey
Andrews Air Force Base
Out-of-Town Travel Pool (Call Time 10:45AM – Virginia Gate, Andrews Air Force Base)
12:50PM THE PRESIDENT arrives in Newark, New Jersey
Newark Liberty International Airport
Open Press
1:30PM THE PRESIDENT meets with a group of small business owners to discuss the economy and urge Congress to pass support for small businesses
Tastee Sub Shop, Edison, New Jersey
Travel Pool Coverage
2:20PM THE PRESIDENT delivers a statement to the press
Tastee Sub Shop, Edison, New Jersey
Travel Pool Coverage
5:40PM THE PRESIDENT attends a DNC finance event
Four Seasons Hotel, New York City
Closed Press
7:20PM THE PRESIDENT attends a DNC finance event
Private Residence, New York City
Closed Press
8:50PM THE PRESIDENT departs Newark, New Jersey en route Andrews Air Force Base
Newark Liberty International Airport
Open Press
9:40PM THE PRESIDENT arrives at Andrews Air Force Base
Out-of-Town Travel Pool
9:55PM THE PRESIDENT arrives at the White House
South Lawn
Open Press (Pre-set 9:30PM – Final Gather 9:45PM – North Doors of the Palm Room)
Briefing Schedule
Deputy Press Secretary Bill Burton will gaggle aboard Air Force One
- Paul Brandus at the White House
After the sub shop - maybe the President will get a foot-long to go - he hops across the Hudson River to tape "The View," the female chat fest on ABC. It's the first time a sitting President has appeared on a daytime talk show.
Obama also has two fundraisers in New York. One at the Four Seasons Hotel, the other at the home of fashion diva Anna Wintour. The President returns to the White House tonight.
The President's fundraisers come as the Fall campaign heats up. Mr. Obama will hit the trail selectively for Democrats this Fall, though some Democrats from vulnerable districts have quietly let the White House know they don't want Obama - whose slow but steady erosion in the polls is a source of growing concern - campaigning for them.
Also on the agenda today: the President meets Mass. Sen. John Kerry. Two things are on the agenda: Kerry is Chairman of Senate Foreign Relations, and wants to talk about Afghanistan and the Wikileaks documents mess; he is also the co-author of the energy/climate bill now before the Senate and will discuss legislative strategy with the President.
EDT
9:30AM In-Town Travel Pool Call Time
9:30AM THE PRESIDENT receives the Presidential Daily Briefing
Oval Office
Closed Press
10:00AM THE PRESIDENT meets with senior advisors
Oval Office
Closed Press
10:40AM THE PRESIDENT meets with Senator John Kerry
Oval Office
Closed Press
11:45AM THE PRESIDENT departs the White House en route Andrews Air Force Base
South Lawn
Open Press (Pre-set 11:15AM – Final Call 11:30AM - North Doors of the Palm Room)
12:00PM THE PRESIDENT departs Andrews Air Force Base en route Newark, New Jersey
Andrews Air Force Base
Out-of-Town Travel Pool (Call Time 10:45AM – Virginia Gate, Andrews Air Force Base)
12:50PM THE PRESIDENT arrives in Newark, New Jersey
Newark Liberty International Airport
Open Press
1:30PM THE PRESIDENT meets with a group of small business owners to discuss the economy and urge Congress to pass support for small businesses
Tastee Sub Shop, Edison, New Jersey
Travel Pool Coverage
2:20PM THE PRESIDENT delivers a statement to the press
Tastee Sub Shop, Edison, New Jersey
Travel Pool Coverage
5:40PM THE PRESIDENT attends a DNC finance event
Four Seasons Hotel, New York City
Closed Press
7:20PM THE PRESIDENT attends a DNC finance event
Private Residence, New York City
Closed Press
8:50PM THE PRESIDENT departs Newark, New Jersey en route Andrews Air Force Base
Newark Liberty International Airport
Open Press
9:40PM THE PRESIDENT arrives at Andrews Air Force Base
Out-of-Town Travel Pool
9:55PM THE PRESIDENT arrives at the White House
South Lawn
Open Press (Pre-set 9:30PM – Final Gather 9:45PM – North Doors of the Palm Room)
Briefing Schedule
Deputy Press Secretary Bill Burton will gaggle aboard Air Force One
- Paul Brandus at the White House
Monday, July 26, 2010
Wikileaks: Big Deal - or Big Yawn?
The White House this morning is trying to downplay the significance of the nearly 92,000 page Wikileaks report on U.S. involvement in the Afghan war. But if it’s so insignificant, then why yesterday's angry statement by National Security Advisor Jim Jones? Here's what he said:
"The United States strongly condemns the disclosure of classified information by individuals and organizations which could put the lives of Americans and our partners at risk, and threaten our national security. Wikileaks made no effort to contact us about these documents – the United States government learned from news organizations that these documents would be posted. These irresponsible leaks will not impact our ongoing commitment to deepen our partnerships with Afghanistan and Pakistan; to defeat our common enemies; and to support the aspirations of the Afghan and Pakistani people."
Pretty strong stuff for something that others in the West Wing are spinning as "insignificant."
What does the President think? Mr. Obama so far has not ordered an investigation into who's behind the leaks - perhaps the largest of its kind in history. Wikileaks, not surprisingly, isn't saying. It may not even know for sure. Its founder, Julian Assange, has said the names of leakers are generally unknown, even to his organization.
Meantime, WWR isn't sure that we're learning much that is truly new. For example, the Wikileaks report says that elements within Pakistan’s spy service – the ISI – have been helping the Taliban for years. This has been widely known and reported for quite some time. Also: U.S. special ops have been targeting insurgent leaders and that civilians have been killed in such missions. There is fresh information on the number of civilians allegedly killed during such raids, however.
One thing that apparently is disclosed for the first time: the Taliban appears to have surface-to-air missiles capable of shooting down American helicopters, though not in large numbers.
Leaks related to the nearly decade-long U.S. war in Afghanistan are hardly new. Last year someone leaked a report from the former commander of the Afghan war – Gen. Stanley McChrystal – angering Obama and forcing a three-month review of the war, that culminated in the President's decision to double down on the conflict.
We'll get more from this afternoon's White House briefing, slated to begin at 1:00.
- Paul Brandus at the White House
"The United States strongly condemns the disclosure of classified information by individuals and organizations which could put the lives of Americans and our partners at risk, and threaten our national security. Wikileaks made no effort to contact us about these documents – the United States government learned from news organizations that these documents would be posted. These irresponsible leaks will not impact our ongoing commitment to deepen our partnerships with Afghanistan and Pakistan; to defeat our common enemies; and to support the aspirations of the Afghan and Pakistani people."
Pretty strong stuff for something that others in the West Wing are spinning as "insignificant."
What does the President think? Mr. Obama so far has not ordered an investigation into who's behind the leaks - perhaps the largest of its kind in history. Wikileaks, not surprisingly, isn't saying. It may not even know for sure. Its founder, Julian Assange, has said the names of leakers are generally unknown, even to his organization.
Meantime, WWR isn't sure that we're learning much that is truly new. For example, the Wikileaks report says that elements within Pakistan’s spy service – the ISI – have been helping the Taliban for years. This has been widely known and reported for quite some time. Also: U.S. special ops have been targeting insurgent leaders and that civilians have been killed in such missions. There is fresh information on the number of civilians allegedly killed during such raids, however.
One thing that apparently is disclosed for the first time: the Taliban appears to have surface-to-air missiles capable of shooting down American helicopters, though not in large numbers.
Leaks related to the nearly decade-long U.S. war in Afghanistan are hardly new. Last year someone leaked a report from the former commander of the Afghan war – Gen. Stanley McChrystal – angering Obama and forcing a three-month review of the war, that culminated in the President's decision to double down on the conflict.
We'll get more from this afternoon's White House briefing, slated to begin at 1:00.
- Paul Brandus at the White House
West Wing Report: July 26, 2010
Good morning from the White House press room on what looks to be another hot sticky week in Washington. Bring on Autumn!
Here's what's in store for President Obama this week:
Today: the Wikileaks bombshell...92,000 pages of what is literally a blow-by-blow account of the Afghan war, covering Jan. 2004 to Dec. 2009. The White House is outraged, Congress is asking questions and the early take on all this is that it could change - or shortchange - America's nearly decade-long involvement in Afghanistan -Pakistan. There is a national security team meeting in the Situation Room on Thursday and this is sure to be a part of it. In a statement released yesterday, National Security advisor James Jones could barely contain his anger:
"The United States strongly condemns the disclosure of classified information by individuals and organizations which could put the lives of Americans and our partners at risk, and threaten our national security. Wikileaks made no effort to contact us about these documents – the United States government learned from news organizations that these documents would be posted. These irresponsible leaks will not impact our ongoing commitment to deepen our partnerships with Afghanistan and Pakistan; to defeat our common enemies; and to support the aspirations of the Afghan and Pakistani people."
How did Wikileaks obtain nearly 92,000 pages of documents anyway? It has, not surprisingly, declined to say. Its founder, Julian Assange has said the names of leakers are generally unknown, even to the organization.
Wednesday: Obama will hold a jobs/economy event in New Jersey, and attend two fundraisers in Manhattan. One's at the home of fashion diva Anna Wintour, the other at The Four Seasons. The president will also make an appearance on the ABC talk show "The View," which will air on Thursday - an attempt to reach out to the show's female viewers.
Thursday: After last week's racially-charged Shirley Sherrod matter, Obama speaks to the National Urban League Convention here in Washington. It'll be his first public comments on the incident - if he addresses it. Also the afore-mentioned national security team meeting in the Situation Room on Afghanistan-Pakistan.
Friday: Obama visits General Motors and Chrysler plants in Michigan. The automakers were bailed out in 2008-09 and are now doing better, in some cases hiring again. Next week, Obama also visits a Ford plant - Ford was the only one of the so-called "Big Three" that did not dip into the bailout trough.
Saturday: The White House denies it, but the President may attend Chelsea Clinton's wedding.
Quick Bytes
...it looks like BP's CEO Tony Hayward will get his life back. White House sources say he'll be given the boot today by the company's board.
...Vice President Biden has a god assignment: he's visiting the Grand Canyon today and Yellowstone tomorrow, to highlight $25 million in stimulus projects that are sprucing up the iconic National Parks. Biden's office says over 1,000 workers are involved.
- Paul Brandus at the White House
Here's what's in store for President Obama this week:
Today: the Wikileaks bombshell...92,000 pages of what is literally a blow-by-blow account of the Afghan war, covering Jan. 2004 to Dec. 2009. The White House is outraged, Congress is asking questions and the early take on all this is that it could change - or shortchange - America's nearly decade-long involvement in Afghanistan -Pakistan. There is a national security team meeting in the Situation Room on Thursday and this is sure to be a part of it. In a statement released yesterday, National Security advisor James Jones could barely contain his anger:
"The United States strongly condemns the disclosure of classified information by individuals and organizations which could put the lives of Americans and our partners at risk, and threaten our national security. Wikileaks made no effort to contact us about these documents – the United States government learned from news organizations that these documents would be posted. These irresponsible leaks will not impact our ongoing commitment to deepen our partnerships with Afghanistan and Pakistan; to defeat our common enemies; and to support the aspirations of the Afghan and Pakistani people."
How did Wikileaks obtain nearly 92,000 pages of documents anyway? It has, not surprisingly, declined to say. Its founder, Julian Assange has said the names of leakers are generally unknown, even to the organization.
Wednesday: Obama will hold a jobs/economy event in New Jersey, and attend two fundraisers in Manhattan. One's at the home of fashion diva Anna Wintour, the other at The Four Seasons. The president will also make an appearance on the ABC talk show "The View," which will air on Thursday - an attempt to reach out to the show's female viewers.
Thursday: After last week's racially-charged Shirley Sherrod matter, Obama speaks to the National Urban League Convention here in Washington. It'll be his first public comments on the incident - if he addresses it. Also the afore-mentioned national security team meeting in the Situation Room on Afghanistan-Pakistan.
Friday: Obama visits General Motors and Chrysler plants in Michigan. The automakers were bailed out in 2008-09 and are now doing better, in some cases hiring again. Next week, Obama also visits a Ford plant - Ford was the only one of the so-called "Big Three" that did not dip into the bailout trough.
Saturday: The White House denies it, but the President may attend Chelsea Clinton's wedding.
Quick Bytes
...it looks like BP's CEO Tony Hayward will get his life back. White House sources say he'll be given the boot today by the company's board.
...Vice President Biden has a god assignment: he's visiting the Grand Canyon today and Yellowstone tomorrow, to highlight $25 million in stimulus projects that are sprucing up the iconic National Parks. Biden's office says over 1,000 workers are involved.
- Paul Brandus at the White House
Friday, July 23, 2010
West Wing Report: July 23, 2010
A quiet day here at the White House. We won't be seeing the President - he has no public events on his schedule:
11:00 - Intelligence Briefing, Oval Office
11:30 - Senior Advisors, Oval Office
There's no press briefing, either - not uncommon in the summertime. A few items this sticky Friday morning:
Jobless Benefits
The President has signed a bill extending jobless benefits through the end of November - a desperately needed lifeline for some 2.5 million Americans. But the cost - 34-billon dollars - is now added to the government's already record deficit. And it runs counter to Obama's prior insistence that any new spending must be paid for. The White House says this is different - it's an emergency. This means, of course, the debate over benefits will be revived just after Thanksgiving.
Vacation Plans
We've also learned that the First Family will spend the weekend of Aug. 14th on the Gulf Coast - Florida, specifically. The trip is seen as blunting some of the criticism directed at the Obamas for encouraging Americans to vacation in the oil spill region - but going to Maine themselves last weekend. The Obamas will also take a longer breather on Martha's Vineyard, like they did last year.
Another Court Vacancy?
Looking ahead to next week: Supreme Court nominee Elena Kagan is expected to be confirmed by the Senate. This as speculation increases that yet another Justice may step down soon. It is Ruth Bader Ginsburg. She is 77 and battling cancer; the Clinton appointee has been on the court since 1993.
- Paul Brandus at the White House
11:00 - Intelligence Briefing, Oval Office
11:30 - Senior Advisors, Oval Office
There's no press briefing, either - not uncommon in the summertime. A few items this sticky Friday morning:
Jobless Benefits
The President has signed a bill extending jobless benefits through the end of November - a desperately needed lifeline for some 2.5 million Americans. But the cost - 34-billon dollars - is now added to the government's already record deficit. And it runs counter to Obama's prior insistence that any new spending must be paid for. The White House says this is different - it's an emergency. This means, of course, the debate over benefits will be revived just after Thanksgiving.
Vacation Plans
We've also learned that the First Family will spend the weekend of Aug. 14th on the Gulf Coast - Florida, specifically. The trip is seen as blunting some of the criticism directed at the Obamas for encouraging Americans to vacation in the oil spill region - but going to Maine themselves last weekend. The Obamas will also take a longer breather on Martha's Vineyard, like they did last year.
Another Court Vacancy?
Looking ahead to next week: Supreme Court nominee Elena Kagan is expected to be confirmed by the Senate. This as speculation increases that yet another Justice may step down soon. It is Ruth Bader Ginsburg. She is 77 and battling cancer; the Clinton appointee has been on the court since 1993.
- Paul Brandus at the White House
Wednesday, July 21, 2010
West Wing Report: July 21, 2010
President Obama savors another legislative win today: he'll sign the Wall Street reform bill. It's going to be such a big event, the White House has moved it a few blocks away so more people can attend.
It's the biggest overhaul of the nation's financial industry since the Great Depression. Obama hopes it'll prevent the kind of meltdown that nearly brought the economy to its knees just two years ago. It also creates a new consumer protection agency designed to safeguard individuals against everything from predatory lending to bank overdraft fees.
Unemployment Benefits, Kagan Confirmation
Obama has other reasons to celebrate today as well - the Senate is poised for a final vote on extending unemployment benefits for several million Americans. And his choice for the Supreme Court - Elena Kagan - has cleared the Senate Judiciary committee - her nomination now goes to the full Senate for a vote - her confirmation is not in doubt.
And even before a final vote on Kagan, there is buzz that another Justice - Ruth Bader Ginsburg - wants to retire soon. Ginsburg, 77, has been battling cancer, and her husband died recently. If she were to leave, President Obama would get his third opportunity to appoint a Justice to the high court. After Ginsburg, the oldest Supreme Court Justices are Antonin Scalia, 74; Anthony Kennedy, 73; Stephen Breyer, 71; Clarence Thomas, 62; Samuel Alito, 60; Sonia Sotomayor, 56 and the baby of the group, Chief Justice John Roberts, 55.
President's Schedule
EDT
9:30AM Pool Call Time
9:30AM THE PRESIDENT and THE VICE PRESIDENT receive the Presidential Daily Briefing
Oval Office
Closed Press
10:00AM THE PRESIDENT receives the Economic Daily Briefing
Oval Office
Closed Press
10:45AM THE PRESIDENT meets with THE VICE PRESIDENT
Oval Office
Closed Press
11:30AM THE PRESIDENT signs the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act; THE VICE PRESIDENT also attends
Ronald Reagan Building
Pooled TV, Open to pre-credentialed correspondents (In-Town Travel Pool Gather Time 10:55AM – North Doors of the Palm Room)
12:45PM THE PRESIDENT and THE VICE PRESIDENT have lunch with House Members
Roosevelt Room
Closed Press
2:30PM THE PRESIDENT meets with senior advisors
Oval Office
Closed Press
3:45PM THE PRESIDENT receives a briefing on the BP Deepwater Horizon oil spill
Situation Room
Closed Press
Briefing Schedule
1:00PM Briefing by Press Secretary Robert Gibbs
It's the biggest overhaul of the nation's financial industry since the Great Depression. Obama hopes it'll prevent the kind of meltdown that nearly brought the economy to its knees just two years ago. It also creates a new consumer protection agency designed to safeguard individuals against everything from predatory lending to bank overdraft fees.
Unemployment Benefits, Kagan Confirmation
Obama has other reasons to celebrate today as well - the Senate is poised for a final vote on extending unemployment benefits for several million Americans. And his choice for the Supreme Court - Elena Kagan - has cleared the Senate Judiciary committee - her nomination now goes to the full Senate for a vote - her confirmation is not in doubt.
And even before a final vote on Kagan, there is buzz that another Justice - Ruth Bader Ginsburg - wants to retire soon. Ginsburg, 77, has been battling cancer, and her husband died recently. If she were to leave, President Obama would get his third opportunity to appoint a Justice to the high court. After Ginsburg, the oldest Supreme Court Justices are Antonin Scalia, 74; Anthony Kennedy, 73; Stephen Breyer, 71; Clarence Thomas, 62; Samuel Alito, 60; Sonia Sotomayor, 56 and the baby of the group, Chief Justice John Roberts, 55.
President's Schedule
EDT
9:30AM Pool Call Time
9:30AM THE PRESIDENT and THE VICE PRESIDENT receive the Presidential Daily Briefing
Oval Office
Closed Press
10:00AM THE PRESIDENT receives the Economic Daily Briefing
Oval Office
Closed Press
10:45AM THE PRESIDENT meets with THE VICE PRESIDENT
Oval Office
Closed Press
11:30AM THE PRESIDENT signs the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act; THE VICE PRESIDENT also attends
Ronald Reagan Building
Pooled TV, Open to pre-credentialed correspondents (In-Town Travel Pool Gather Time 10:55AM – North Doors of the Palm Room)
12:45PM THE PRESIDENT and THE VICE PRESIDENT have lunch with House Members
Roosevelt Room
Closed Press
2:30PM THE PRESIDENT meets with senior advisors
Oval Office
Closed Press
3:45PM THE PRESIDENT receives a briefing on the BP Deepwater Horizon oil spill
Situation Room
Closed Press
Briefing Schedule
1:00PM Briefing by Press Secretary Robert Gibbs
Tuesday, July 20, 2010
Unemployment Benefits: Round 4
The Senate votes on unemployment benefits for millions of Americans today - an issue that has become a political football in this election year.
Standing shoulder to shoulder with three citizens who are having trouble finding work, President Obama points out that the Senate has tried three times in recent weeks to extend jobless benefits - and come up short each time.
"Each time, a partisan minority in the Senate has used parliamentary maneuvers to block a vote, denying millions of people who are out of work much-needed relief. These leaders in the Senate who are advancing a misguided notion that emergency relief somehow discourages people from looking for a job should talk to these folks," he said.
Obama calls this misguided, but Republicans say it's a matter of dollars and cents. Their view: the cost of extending those benefits - about $35 billion - must be offset with spending cuts. Democrats call that hypocrisy, because Republicans also want to spend much more - $650 billion - to extend Bush-era tax cuts for the rich without any offsets.
Republicans say the tax cuts are needed to get the economy moving; Democrats say you had thse tax cuts for nearly a decade and there was a recession anyway.
But today's vote - the fourth attempt - is expected to pass - as is a package of tax cuts and small business lending.
BP - and the Pan Am 103 Bombing
On the President's schedule today: British Prime Minister David Cameron visits. They'll hold a news conference. Near the top of their agenda: Afghanistan, BP - and what role the British energy company played in helping free a Libyan man convicted in the 1988 bombing of Pan Am flight 103 over Scotland - most of the victims in that that attack were Americans and the White House last year was outraged at the release.
BP claims it was not involved in discussions with the British government or Scottish government about the case (it was the latter which held and ultimately freed the Libyan convict, Abdel Baset al-Megrahi). But BP admits it was concerned "with the slow progress" being made with al-Megrahi's release, which it said could have a "negative impact" on business. Within weeks after the 2007 transfer agreement's signing, the Libyan government formally ratified a $900 million with BP to drill deep water wells off the Libyan coast. But BP experienced what the Wall Street Journal reports as "bureaucratic hurdles" until Megrahi was finally released in August 2009.
Of the 270 victims of Pan Am flight 103, 190 were Americans. It was the second worst terror attack on Americans prior to Sept. 11.
*****
President's Schedule
EDT
9:30AM Pool Call Time
9:45AM THE PRESIDENT receives the Presidential Daily Briefing
Oval Office
Closed Press
10:15AM THE PRESIDENT meets with senior advisors
Oval Office
Closed Press
11:00AM THE PRESIDENT holds a bilateral meeting with Prime Minister Cameron of the United Kingdom
Oval Office
Pool spray at the top for still photographers (Gather Time 10:50AM – Brady Press Briefing Room)
12:20PM THE PRESIDENT and THE VICE PRESIDENT host a working lunch with Prime Minister Cameron of the United Kingdom
State Dining Room
Closed Press
2:00PM THE PRESIDENT holds a joint press conference with Prime Minister Cameron of the United Kingdom
East Room
Open Press (Pre-set 1:00PM – Final Gather 1:30PM – North Doors of the Palm Room)
- Paul Brandus at the White House
The Senate votes on unemployment benefits for millions of Americans today - an issue that has become a political football in this election year.
Standing shoulder to shoulder with three citizens who are having trouble finding work, President Obama points out that the Senate has tried three times in recent weeks to extend jobless benefits - and come up short each time.
"Each time, a partisan minority in the Senate has used parliamentary maneuvers to block a vote, denying millions of people who are out of work much-needed relief. These leaders in the Senate who are advancing a misguided notion that emergency relief somehow discourages people from looking for a job should talk to these folks," he said.
Obama calls this misguided, but Republicans say it's a matter of dollars and cents. Their view: the cost of extending those benefits - about $35 billion - must be offset with spending cuts. Democrats call that hypocrisy, because Republicans also want to spend much more - $650 billion - to extend Bush-era tax cuts for the rich without any offsets.
Republicans say the tax cuts are needed to get the economy moving; Democrats say you had thse tax cuts for nearly a decade and there was a recession anyway.
But today's vote - the fourth attempt - is expected to pass - as is a package of tax cuts and small business lending.
BP - and the Pan Am 103 Bombing
On the President's schedule today: British Prime Minister David Cameron visits. They'll hold a news conference. Near the top of their agenda: Afghanistan, BP - and what role the British energy company played in helping free a Libyan man convicted in the 1988 bombing of Pan Am flight 103 over Scotland - most of the victims in that that attack were Americans and the White House last year was outraged at the release.
BP claims it was not involved in discussions with the British government or Scottish government about the case (it was the latter which held and ultimately freed the Libyan convict, Abdel Baset al-Megrahi). But BP admits it was concerned "with the slow progress" being made with al-Megrahi's release, which it said could have a "negative impact" on business. Within weeks after the 2007 transfer agreement's signing, the Libyan government formally ratified a $900 million with BP to drill deep water wells off the Libyan coast. But BP experienced what the Wall Street Journal reports as "bureaucratic hurdles" until Megrahi was finally released in August 2009.
Of the 270 victims of Pan Am flight 103, 190 were Americans. It was the second worst terror attack on Americans prior to Sept. 11.
*****
President's Schedule
EDT
9:30AM Pool Call Time
9:45AM THE PRESIDENT receives the Presidential Daily Briefing
Oval Office
Closed Press
10:15AM THE PRESIDENT meets with senior advisors
Oval Office
Closed Press
11:00AM THE PRESIDENT holds a bilateral meeting with Prime Minister Cameron of the United Kingdom
Oval Office
Pool spray at the top for still photographers (Gather Time 10:50AM – Brady Press Briefing Room)
12:20PM THE PRESIDENT and THE VICE PRESIDENT host a working lunch with Prime Minister Cameron of the United Kingdom
State Dining Room
Closed Press
2:00PM THE PRESIDENT holds a joint press conference with Prime Minister Cameron of the United Kingdom
East Room
Open Press (Pre-set 1:00PM – Final Gather 1:30PM – North Doors of the Palm Room)
- Paul Brandus at the White House
Monday, July 19, 2010
West Wing Report: July 19, 2010
Front and center at the White House this week: the economy. President Obama will appear in the Rose Garden this morning to blast Republicans for refusing to spend $30 billion to extend unemployment benefits for 2.5 million Americans. The President will have "strong words" for the GOP, we're told.
A White House aide says one of those words could be "hypocrisy." That's because, the aide points out, Republicans say the U.S. simply can't afford that $30 billion, but can afford $650 billion to extend the Bush tax cuts for the wealthy.
It's not that the U.S. can't afford $30 billion for the unemployed, says Sen. Jon Kyl, the #2 Republican in the Senate. But “You do need to offset the cost of increased spending. And that’s what Republicans object to."
Then shouldn't that $650 billion in tax cuts for the wealthy be offset too? No, says Kyl: "You should never have to offset the cost of a deliberate decision to reduce tax rates on Americans.”
Besides, Republicans say, these tax cuts will stimulate the economy. The Democrats answer: You had these tax cuts over the last decade and we fell into a nasty recession anyway.
Also on the President's agenda this week, he'll welcome British Prime Minister David Cameron to the White House tomorrow (they'll hold a news conference); and Wednesday he'll sign that big Wall Street reform bill. It's Obama's second big legislative win in just four months. The White House is now turning its sights on an energy/climate bill and an immigration reform bill. Nothing's going to happen on either front until after the November mid-terms.
*****
The President's Schedule
10:30: Rose Garden remarks on the economy
12:00-senior advisors
1:40: WNBA champion Phoenix Mercury
2:05: Sen. John Glenn (ret).
7:00: White House Music Series
A White House aide says one of those words could be "hypocrisy." That's because, the aide points out, Republicans say the U.S. simply can't afford that $30 billion, but can afford $650 billion to extend the Bush tax cuts for the wealthy.
It's not that the U.S. can't afford $30 billion for the unemployed, says Sen. Jon Kyl, the #2 Republican in the Senate. But “You do need to offset the cost of increased spending. And that’s what Republicans object to."
Then shouldn't that $650 billion in tax cuts for the wealthy be offset too? No, says Kyl: "You should never have to offset the cost of a deliberate decision to reduce tax rates on Americans.”
Besides, Republicans say, these tax cuts will stimulate the economy. The Democrats answer: You had these tax cuts over the last decade and we fell into a nasty recession anyway.
Also on the President's agenda this week, he'll welcome British Prime Minister David Cameron to the White House tomorrow (they'll hold a news conference); and Wednesday he'll sign that big Wall Street reform bill. It's Obama's second big legislative win in just four months. The White House is now turning its sights on an energy/climate bill and an immigration reform bill. Nothing's going to happen on either front until after the November mid-terms.
*****
The President's Schedule
10:30: Rose Garden remarks on the economy
12:00-senior advisors
1:40: WNBA champion Phoenix Mercury
2:05: Sen. John Glenn (ret).
7:00: White House Music Series
Tuesday, July 13, 2010
West Wing Report: July 13, 2010
The Cap: Will It Work?
The White House is cautious, but hopeful, that the cap put in place last night by BP is a turning point in the 84-day crisis – the worst environmental disaster in U.S. history. Press secretary Robert Gibbs calls it a turning point:
"Well, I think obviously a turning point in the sense that our containment capacity is likely to be equal to what is coming out of the damaged blowout preventer. Obviously, I think - well, twofold; obviously, we still, at some point, believe the permanent solution to that well is to cap it. And obviously that's going to - I wouldn’t change the original time frame of intersecting the well and capping it by mid-August."
But the White House cautions that the long, dirty work of cleaning up the muck, restoring once pristine beaches and wetlands goes on – and will go on for the forseeable future.
Meantime, the administration has issued new rules for a six-month ban on deepwater drilling in the Gulf. Some rigs will be allowed to drill if they’re proven to be safe – meaning if they can shut down quickly in an emergency. A prior moratorium on drilling was struck down in court.
On the President’s schedule today: he’ll host Senate Democratic leaders – they’ll talk about the energy/climate bill, an immigration bill – and also the next big item that could be checked off Obama’s to-do-list within days – the landmark financial reform bill.
*****
President's Schedule
In the morning, the President and the Vice President will receive the Presidential Daily Briefing in the Oval Office. The President will then meet with senior advisors in the Oval Office. These meetings are closed press.
Later in the morning, the President and the Vice President will meet with the Senate Democratic Leadership Team in the Roosevelt Room to discuss legislative priorities before the August recess. This meeting is closed press. Expected attendees at the meeting include:
Senator Harry Reid (D-NV), Majority Leader
Senator Daniel Inouye (D-HI), President pro tempore
Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL), Majority Whip
Senator Chuck Schumer (D-NY), Vice Chairman of the Conference
Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), Secretary of the Conference
Senator Jeff Bingaman (D-NM), Chairman of the Outreach Committee
Senator Barbara Boxer (D-CA), Chief Deputy Whip
Senator Tom Carper (D-DE), Deputy Whip
Senator Byron Dorgan (D-ND), Chairman of the Policy Committee
Senator Russ Feingold (D-WI), Deputy Whip
Senator Blanche Lincoln (D-AR), Chair of Rural Outreach
Senator Bob Menendez (D-NJ), Chairman of the Campaign Committee
Senator Bill Nelson (D-FL), Deputy Whip
Senator Mark Pryor (D-AR), Vice Chairman of Committee Outreach
Senator Debbie Stabenow (D-MI), Chair of Steering and Outreach Committee
In the afternoon, the President and the Vice President will have lunch in the Private Dining Room. This lunch is closed press. Later in the afternoon, the President and the Vice President will meet with Secretary of Defense Gates in the Oval Office. This meeting is closed press.
In the evening, the President will discuss the National HIV/AIDS Strategy during remarks at a pooled-press reception to honor the work of the HIV/AIDS Community. The National HIV/AIDS Strategy is committed to making the United States a place where new HIV infections are rare, and when they do occur, every person, regardless of age, gender, race/ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender identity, or socio-economic circumstance will have unfettered access to high-quality, life-extending care, free from stigma and discrimination. To make this vision a reality, the Obama Administration is launching a comprehensive plan for fighting HIV in our country.
In-Town Travel Pool
Wires: AP, Reuters, Bloomberg
Wire Photos: AP, Reuters, AFP
TV Corr & Crew: FOX
Print: BNA
Radio: AURN
EDT
9:30AM In-Town Travel Pool Call Time
9:45AM THE PRESIDENT and THE VICE PRESIDENT receive the Presidential Daily Briefing
Oval Office
Closed Press
10:15AM THE PRESIDENT meets with senior advisors
Oval Office
Closed Press
11:00AM THE PRESIDENT and THE VICE PRESIDENT meet with the Senate Democratic Leadership Team
Roosevelt Room
Closed Press
12:20PM THE PRESIDENT and THE VICE PRESIDENT have lunch
Private Dining Room
Closed Press
4:30PM THE PRESIDENT and THE VICE PRESIDENT meet with Secretary of Defense Gates
Oval Office
Closed Press
5:50PM THE PRESIDENT delivers remarks on the National HIV/AIDS Strategy
East Room
Pooled Press (Pre-set 5:00PM – Final Gather 5:30PM – North Doors of the Palm Room)
Briefing Schedule
3:00PM Briefing by Press Secretary Robert Gibbs
The White House is cautious, but hopeful, that the cap put in place last night by BP is a turning point in the 84-day crisis – the worst environmental disaster in U.S. history. Press secretary Robert Gibbs calls it a turning point:
"Well, I think obviously a turning point in the sense that our containment capacity is likely to be equal to what is coming out of the damaged blowout preventer. Obviously, I think - well, twofold; obviously, we still, at some point, believe the permanent solution to that well is to cap it. And obviously that's going to - I wouldn’t change the original time frame of intersecting the well and capping it by mid-August."
But the White House cautions that the long, dirty work of cleaning up the muck, restoring once pristine beaches and wetlands goes on – and will go on for the forseeable future.
Meantime, the administration has issued new rules for a six-month ban on deepwater drilling in the Gulf. Some rigs will be allowed to drill if they’re proven to be safe – meaning if they can shut down quickly in an emergency. A prior moratorium on drilling was struck down in court.
On the President’s schedule today: he’ll host Senate Democratic leaders – they’ll talk about the energy/climate bill, an immigration bill – and also the next big item that could be checked off Obama’s to-do-list within days – the landmark financial reform bill.
*****
President's Schedule
In the morning, the President and the Vice President will receive the Presidential Daily Briefing in the Oval Office. The President will then meet with senior advisors in the Oval Office. These meetings are closed press.
Later in the morning, the President and the Vice President will meet with the Senate Democratic Leadership Team in the Roosevelt Room to discuss legislative priorities before the August recess. This meeting is closed press. Expected attendees at the meeting include:
Senator Harry Reid (D-NV), Majority Leader
Senator Daniel Inouye (D-HI), President pro tempore
Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL), Majority Whip
Senator Chuck Schumer (D-NY), Vice Chairman of the Conference
Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), Secretary of the Conference
Senator Jeff Bingaman (D-NM), Chairman of the Outreach Committee
Senator Barbara Boxer (D-CA), Chief Deputy Whip
Senator Tom Carper (D-DE), Deputy Whip
Senator Byron Dorgan (D-ND), Chairman of the Policy Committee
Senator Russ Feingold (D-WI), Deputy Whip
Senator Blanche Lincoln (D-AR), Chair of Rural Outreach
Senator Bob Menendez (D-NJ), Chairman of the Campaign Committee
Senator Bill Nelson (D-FL), Deputy Whip
Senator Mark Pryor (D-AR), Vice Chairman of Committee Outreach
Senator Debbie Stabenow (D-MI), Chair of Steering and Outreach Committee
In the afternoon, the President and the Vice President will have lunch in the Private Dining Room. This lunch is closed press. Later in the afternoon, the President and the Vice President will meet with Secretary of Defense Gates in the Oval Office. This meeting is closed press.
In the evening, the President will discuss the National HIV/AIDS Strategy during remarks at a pooled-press reception to honor the work of the HIV/AIDS Community. The National HIV/AIDS Strategy is committed to making the United States a place where new HIV infections are rare, and when they do occur, every person, regardless of age, gender, race/ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender identity, or socio-economic circumstance will have unfettered access to high-quality, life-extending care, free from stigma and discrimination. To make this vision a reality, the Obama Administration is launching a comprehensive plan for fighting HIV in our country.
In-Town Travel Pool
Wires: AP, Reuters, Bloomberg
Wire Photos: AP, Reuters, AFP
TV Corr & Crew: FOX
Print: BNA
Radio: AURN
EDT
9:30AM In-Town Travel Pool Call Time
9:45AM THE PRESIDENT and THE VICE PRESIDENT receive the Presidential Daily Briefing
Oval Office
Closed Press
10:15AM THE PRESIDENT meets with senior advisors
Oval Office
Closed Press
11:00AM THE PRESIDENT and THE VICE PRESIDENT meet with the Senate Democratic Leadership Team
Roosevelt Room
Closed Press
12:20PM THE PRESIDENT and THE VICE PRESIDENT have lunch
Private Dining Room
Closed Press
4:30PM THE PRESIDENT and THE VICE PRESIDENT meet with Secretary of Defense Gates
Oval Office
Closed Press
5:50PM THE PRESIDENT delivers remarks on the National HIV/AIDS Strategy
East Room
Pooled Press (Pre-set 5:00PM – Final Gather 5:30PM – North Doors of the Palm Room)
Briefing Schedule
3:00PM Briefing by Press Secretary Robert Gibbs
Monday, July 12, 2010
West Wing Report, July 12, 2010
Speaker Boehner?
Less than four months to go 'til election day and the White House now acknowledges the Republicans could take over the House of Representatives.
"I think there is no doubt there are enough seats in play - that could cause Republicans to gain control. There's no doubt about that," White House press secretary Robert Gibbs told NBC's "Meet the Press." Gibbs then asked if Americans are really ready for House Speaker...John Boehner?
That frank admission could serve as a warning to Democratic voters that they'll have to fight harder than ever to fend off what appears to be a rising Republican tide. And it's not just the House that's in jeopardy: the GOP will also chip away at the Democrats' 59-seat Senate majority.
Meantime, the White House is still trying to work with Republicans. The President will host a bipartisan meeting of Congressional leaders tomorrow; Obama wants to chart a course for an energy/climate bill, and an immigration reform bill. Though at this point, those bills will most likely be dealt with in 2011 - certainly not this year.
Overall, it's looking like a quiet week for Obama. He'll host the leader of the Dominican Republic today, visit a battery plant in Michigan on Thursday and the First Family heads to Maine for some R & R this weekend.
*****
President's Schedule
11:00AM THE PRESIDENT and THE VICE PRESIDENT receive the Presidential Daily Briefing
Oval Office
Closed Press
11:30AM THE PRESIDENT and THE VICE PRESIDENT receive the Economic Daily Briefing
Oval Office
Closed Press
12:00PM THE PRESIDENT meets with senior advisors
Oval Office
Closed Press
2:10PM THE PRESIDENT holds a bilateral meeting with President Fernandez of the Dominican Republic
Oval Office
Closed Press
2:40PM THE PRESIDENT holds a joint press availability with President Fernandez of the Dominican Republic
Oval Office
Pooled Press (Gather Time 2:20PM – Brady Press Briefing Room)
Briefing Schedule
1:30PM Press Briefing by Press Secretary Robert Gibbs
Less than four months to go 'til election day and the White House now acknowledges the Republicans could take over the House of Representatives.
"I think there is no doubt there are enough seats in play - that could cause Republicans to gain control. There's no doubt about that," White House press secretary Robert Gibbs told NBC's "Meet the Press." Gibbs then asked if Americans are really ready for House Speaker...John Boehner?
That frank admission could serve as a warning to Democratic voters that they'll have to fight harder than ever to fend off what appears to be a rising Republican tide. And it's not just the House that's in jeopardy: the GOP will also chip away at the Democrats' 59-seat Senate majority.
Meantime, the White House is still trying to work with Republicans. The President will host a bipartisan meeting of Congressional leaders tomorrow; Obama wants to chart a course for an energy/climate bill, and an immigration reform bill. Though at this point, those bills will most likely be dealt with in 2011 - certainly not this year.
Overall, it's looking like a quiet week for Obama. He'll host the leader of the Dominican Republic today, visit a battery plant in Michigan on Thursday and the First Family heads to Maine for some R & R this weekend.
*****
President's Schedule
11:00AM THE PRESIDENT and THE VICE PRESIDENT receive the Presidential Daily Briefing
Oval Office
Closed Press
11:30AM THE PRESIDENT and THE VICE PRESIDENT receive the Economic Daily Briefing
Oval Office
Closed Press
12:00PM THE PRESIDENT meets with senior advisors
Oval Office
Closed Press
2:10PM THE PRESIDENT holds a bilateral meeting with President Fernandez of the Dominican Republic
Oval Office
Closed Press
2:40PM THE PRESIDENT holds a joint press availability with President Fernandez of the Dominican Republic
Oval Office
Pooled Press (Gather Time 2:20PM – Brady Press Briefing Room)
Briefing Schedule
1:30PM Press Briefing by Press Secretary Robert Gibbs
Thursday, July 8, 2010
Headed for the Heartland - and Vegas, Baby
Wheels up this morning for Kansas City: President Obama will visit a factory there that makes electric trucks. The company - Smith Electric Vehicles – is an all-electric, zero emissions commercial truck manufacturer that received a $32 million Recovery Act grant last year. It hopes to open 20 manufacturing plants around the country. Jobs AND vehicles that don't use gas - that’s a two-for-one deal for Obama, who sees such projects as the key to rebuilding America’s economy.
He’ll also drop in on two fundraisers for Robin Carnahan, a Senate candidate in Missouri. Polls show her five or six points behind her GOP rival, longtime Congressman Roy Blunt.
The President then heads to Nevada for two more fundraisers – these for Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid. Reid needs all the help he can get. Polls show him behind GOP candidate Sharron Angle by a three-to-seven point margin.
The President will spend the night in Las Vegas; don't look for him to show up in any casinos, we're told.
As for the President’s poll numbers – some slight erosion this week. A new Gallup survey puts his approval at 44%, but his disapproval at 46. And for the first time, the Real Clear Politics avg. of nine major polls puts Obama’s approval below his disapproval: not by much, just a tenth of a point at 46.3% approve vs. 46.4% disapproval. Still, troubling news for the White House.
*****
President's Thursday Schedule
CDT
11:55AM THE PRESIDENT arrives in Kansas City, Missouri
Kansas City International Airport
Open Press
12:10PM THE PRESIDENT tours Smith Electric Vehicles
Kansas City, Missouri
Travel Pool Coverage
12:30PM THE PRESIDENT delivers remarks on the economy
Smith Electric Vehicles
Open Press
2:05PM THE PRESIDENT delivers remarks at a fundraiser for Senate candidate Robin Carnahan
Kansas City Marriot
Travel Pool Coverage
2:45PM THE PRESIDENT delivers remarks at a grass roots event for Senate candidate Robin Carnahan
Folly Theater
Open Press
4:25PM THE PRESIDENT departs Kansas City, Missouri en route Las Vegas, Nevada
Kansas City International Airport
Open Press
PDT
5:00PM THE PRESIDENT arrives Las Vegas, Nevada
McCarran International Airport
Open Press
6:15PM THE PRESIDENT delivers remarks at a fundraiser event for Senator Harry Reid
Aria Resort and Casino
Open Press
7:30PM THE PRESIDENT attends a dinner fundraiser for Senator Harry Reid
Aria Resort and Casino
Closed Press
Briefing Schedule
Deputy Press Secretary Bill Burton will gaggle aboard Air Force One
He’ll also drop in on two fundraisers for Robin Carnahan, a Senate candidate in Missouri. Polls show her five or six points behind her GOP rival, longtime Congressman Roy Blunt.
The President then heads to Nevada for two more fundraisers – these for Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid. Reid needs all the help he can get. Polls show him behind GOP candidate Sharron Angle by a three-to-seven point margin.
The President will spend the night in Las Vegas; don't look for him to show up in any casinos, we're told.
As for the President’s poll numbers – some slight erosion this week. A new Gallup survey puts his approval at 44%, but his disapproval at 46. And for the first time, the Real Clear Politics avg. of nine major polls puts Obama’s approval below his disapproval: not by much, just a tenth of a point at 46.3% approve vs. 46.4% disapproval. Still, troubling news for the White House.
*****
President's Thursday Schedule
CDT
11:55AM THE PRESIDENT arrives in Kansas City, Missouri
Kansas City International Airport
Open Press
12:10PM THE PRESIDENT tours Smith Electric Vehicles
Kansas City, Missouri
Travel Pool Coverage
12:30PM THE PRESIDENT delivers remarks on the economy
Smith Electric Vehicles
Open Press
2:05PM THE PRESIDENT delivers remarks at a fundraiser for Senate candidate Robin Carnahan
Kansas City Marriot
Travel Pool Coverage
2:45PM THE PRESIDENT delivers remarks at a grass roots event for Senate candidate Robin Carnahan
Folly Theater
Open Press
4:25PM THE PRESIDENT departs Kansas City, Missouri en route Las Vegas, Nevada
Kansas City International Airport
Open Press
PDT
5:00PM THE PRESIDENT arrives Las Vegas, Nevada
McCarran International Airport
Open Press
6:15PM THE PRESIDENT delivers remarks at a fundraiser event for Senator Harry Reid
Aria Resort and Casino
Open Press
7:30PM THE PRESIDENT attends a dinner fundraiser for Senator Harry Reid
Aria Resort and Casino
Closed Press
Briefing Schedule
Deputy Press Secretary Bill Burton will gaggle aboard Air Force One
Wednesday, July 7, 2010
Jobs, Jobs, Jobs
This could fix the ailing economy in a hurry: double American exports by 2015. The White House thinks it could create two million jobs - but that, of course, is easier said than done.
That ambitious goal was first outlined by Obama during his State of the Union address back in January. Since then, we haven't heard much about it. Today we'll get some details.
But experts say most of the ideas are either unrealistic or simply out of Obama's control. For example, China could allow its currency to rise 40%, which would make U.S. exports more competitive. China is moving in that direction - but but not that much and not that fast.
Obama could also lower taxes on American companies that do business abroad, but that contradicts his pledge to lower the deficit by ending tax breaks for big U.S. firms.
One thing Obama does get credit for so far: he has resisted efforts to ignite trade wars with countries that have unfair trade policies - the president thinks that would hurt Americans just as much as foreigners.
Looking ahead: Obama hits the road tomorrow and Friday. He'll talk jobs and the economy in Kansas City and Las Vegas - and also campaign for Democratic candidates - including struggling Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid.
*****
The Schedule
EDT
9:30AM In-Town Travel Pool Call Time
10:00AM THE PRESIDENT and THE VICE PRESIDENT receive the Presidential Daily Briefing
Oval Office
Closed Press
10:30AM THE PRESIDENT meets with senior advisors
Oval Office
Closed Press
11:25AM THE PRESIDENT delivers remarks on the administration’s commitment to export promotion to grow the economy and support new American jobs
East Room
Open Press (Pre-set 10:30AM – Gather Time 10:55AM – North Doors of the Palm Room)
12:00PM THE PRESIDENT and THE VICE PRESIDENT receive a briefing on the BP Deepwater Horizon oil spill
Oval Office
Closed Press
12:30PM THE PRESIDENT and THE VICE PRESIDENT have lunch
Private Dining Room
Closed Press
2:00PM THE PRESIDENT and THE VICE PRESIDENT meet with Secretary of the Treasury Geithner
Oval Office
Closed Press
3:30PM THE PRESIDENT and THE VICE PRESIDENT meet with Secretary of State Clinton
Oval Office
Closed Press
Briefing Schedule
1:30PM Briefing by Press Secretary Robert Gibbs
This could fix the ailing economy in a hurry: double American exports by 2015. The White House thinks it could create two million jobs - but that, of course, is easier said than done.
That ambitious goal was first outlined by Obama during his State of the Union address back in January. Since then, we haven't heard much about it. Today we'll get some details.
But experts say most of the ideas are either unrealistic or simply out of Obama's control. For example, China could allow its currency to rise 40%, which would make U.S. exports more competitive. China is moving in that direction - but but not that much and not that fast.
Obama could also lower taxes on American companies that do business abroad, but that contradicts his pledge to lower the deficit by ending tax breaks for big U.S. firms.
One thing Obama does get credit for so far: he has resisted efforts to ignite trade wars with countries that have unfair trade policies - the president thinks that would hurt Americans just as much as foreigners.
Looking ahead: Obama hits the road tomorrow and Friday. He'll talk jobs and the economy in Kansas City and Las Vegas - and also campaign for Democratic candidates - including struggling Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid.
*****
The Schedule
EDT
9:30AM In-Town Travel Pool Call Time
10:00AM THE PRESIDENT and THE VICE PRESIDENT receive the Presidential Daily Briefing
Oval Office
Closed Press
10:30AM THE PRESIDENT meets with senior advisors
Oval Office
Closed Press
11:25AM THE PRESIDENT delivers remarks on the administration’s commitment to export promotion to grow the economy and support new American jobs
East Room
Open Press (Pre-set 10:30AM – Gather Time 10:55AM – North Doors of the Palm Room)
12:00PM THE PRESIDENT and THE VICE PRESIDENT receive a briefing on the BP Deepwater Horizon oil spill
Oval Office
Closed Press
12:30PM THE PRESIDENT and THE VICE PRESIDENT have lunch
Private Dining Room
Closed Press
2:00PM THE PRESIDENT and THE VICE PRESIDENT meet with Secretary of the Treasury Geithner
Oval Office
Closed Press
3:30PM THE PRESIDENT and THE VICE PRESIDENT meet with Secretary of State Clinton
Oval Office
Closed Press
Briefing Schedule
1:30PM Briefing by Press Secretary Robert Gibbs
Tuesday, July 6, 2010
West Wing Report, July 6, 2010
Netanyahu Visit: Make Up Session?
The Mideast peace process, or lack thereof, is center stage today when Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu visits the White House.
Netanyahu and President Obama have a love-hate relationship: they need each other, and have to deal with each other, but agree to disagree on the big issues like Iran and the Mideast peace process.
Israel's top concern is the nuclear menace of Iran, and the Mideast peace process second. Israel sees itself as living in a bad neighborhood, with one neighbor - Tehran - threatening to destroy it with nuclear weapons most of the world is convinced it is rushing to construct.
The White House agrees that Iran is a threat; Obama is ratcheting up what the administration hopes will be tough new sanctions designed to weaken the Iranian regime and bring it to the negotiating table. Even so, the White House priority - for now - appears to be getting Israel to the negotiating table. Obama wants a two-state solution that would establish another Palestinian nation. This, the President feels, is the key to everything. It would, to use one of his favorite phrases, "lower the temperature" in the region, placate Israel's Arab neighbors and thus enhance regional security for all.
The tension between the two men is evident in the theatrics behind today's meeting. When recent world leaders have visited the White House - like France's Nicolas Sarkozy, Afghanistan's Hamid Karzai or, most recently, Russia's Dmitry Medvedev - there has been a full blown news conference in the East Room, with both leaders standing side by side before the cameras.
Today, there'll be just a short Oval Office statement and maybe a question or two from the press pool - a small group of reporters.
Chilly as that is, at least it's an improvement from May, when Obama left the Israeli leader alone for hours in the West Wing and allowed no photos of them together.
Obama is unhappy with continued construction of Israeli housing in territory claimed by Palestinians - and that recent raid on a ship carrying aid to Gaza aid ship didn't improve his mood either.
But Obama's displeasure has its limits. Republicans and Jewish groups are questioning the President's commitment to Israel and think it'll hurt already vulnerable Democrats in November.
The White House sees it differently, characterizing the rift as just a disagreement among friends. By pressuring Israeli to the negotiating table, Obama thinks he's acting in the best long-term interests of the Jewish state - making a peace deal, the President thinks - is essential to its survival.
President's Schedule
EDT
9:30AM In-Town Travel Pool Call Time
9:30AM THE PRESIDENT receives the Presidential Daily Briefing
Oval Office
Closed Press
10:00AM THE PRESIDENT receives the Economic Daily Briefing
Oval Office
Closed Press
11:00AM THE PRESIDENT meets with Prime Minister Netanyahu of Israel
Oval Office
Closed Press
12:00PM THE PRESIDENT holds a joint press availability with Prime Minister Netanyahu
Oval Office
Pooled Press (Gather Time 11:50AM – Brady Press Briefing Room)
12:35PM THE PRESIDENT has a working lunch with Prime Minister Netanyahu
Cabinet Room
Closed Press
4:30PM THE PRESIDENT meets with Secretary of Defense Gates
Oval Office
Closed Press
The Mideast peace process, or lack thereof, is center stage today when Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu visits the White House.
Netanyahu and President Obama have a love-hate relationship: they need each other, and have to deal with each other, but agree to disagree on the big issues like Iran and the Mideast peace process.
Israel's top concern is the nuclear menace of Iran, and the Mideast peace process second. Israel sees itself as living in a bad neighborhood, with one neighbor - Tehran - threatening to destroy it with nuclear weapons most of the world is convinced it is rushing to construct.
The White House agrees that Iran is a threat; Obama is ratcheting up what the administration hopes will be tough new sanctions designed to weaken the Iranian regime and bring it to the negotiating table. Even so, the White House priority - for now - appears to be getting Israel to the negotiating table. Obama wants a two-state solution that would establish another Palestinian nation. This, the President feels, is the key to everything. It would, to use one of his favorite phrases, "lower the temperature" in the region, placate Israel's Arab neighbors and thus enhance regional security for all.
The tension between the two men is evident in the theatrics behind today's meeting. When recent world leaders have visited the White House - like France's Nicolas Sarkozy, Afghanistan's Hamid Karzai or, most recently, Russia's Dmitry Medvedev - there has been a full blown news conference in the East Room, with both leaders standing side by side before the cameras.
Today, there'll be just a short Oval Office statement and maybe a question or two from the press pool - a small group of reporters.
Chilly as that is, at least it's an improvement from May, when Obama left the Israeli leader alone for hours in the West Wing and allowed no photos of them together.
Obama is unhappy with continued construction of Israeli housing in territory claimed by Palestinians - and that recent raid on a ship carrying aid to Gaza aid ship didn't improve his mood either.
But Obama's displeasure has its limits. Republicans and Jewish groups are questioning the President's commitment to Israel and think it'll hurt already vulnerable Democrats in November.
The White House sees it differently, characterizing the rift as just a disagreement among friends. By pressuring Israeli to the negotiating table, Obama thinks he's acting in the best long-term interests of the Jewish state - making a peace deal, the President thinks - is essential to its survival.
President's Schedule
EDT
9:30AM In-Town Travel Pool Call Time
9:30AM THE PRESIDENT receives the Presidential Daily Briefing
Oval Office
Closed Press
10:00AM THE PRESIDENT receives the Economic Daily Briefing
Oval Office
Closed Press
11:00AM THE PRESIDENT meets with Prime Minister Netanyahu of Israel
Oval Office
Closed Press
12:00PM THE PRESIDENT holds a joint press availability with Prime Minister Netanyahu
Oval Office
Pooled Press (Gather Time 11:50AM – Brady Press Briefing Room)
12:35PM THE PRESIDENT has a working lunch with Prime Minister Netanyahu
Cabinet Room
Closed Press
4:30PM THE PRESIDENT meets with Secretary of Defense Gates
Oval Office
Closed Press
Friday, July 2, 2010
West Wing Report, July 2, 2010
June Unemployment: Mixed Bag
The June unemployment rate fell to 9.5% from May's 9.7%; on the surface that looks good. But the drop was driven largely by 652,000 Americans dropping out of the job market. Private-sector jobs grew by 83,000, but because census workers are now being laid off, total payrolls declined by 125,000.
The broader U6 measure of unemployment, which many analysts say better reflects the U.S. labor market, ticked down to 16.5% from May's 16.6%.
Slicing the data still further, June unemployment rates were: Men: 9.9%; Women: 7.8%; Whites: 8.6%; Blacks 15.4%; Hispanics: 12.4%, Teens 25.7%l Asians (unadjusted): 7.7% The number of long-term unemployed (jobless for 27+ weeks) was 6.8 million, or 45.5% of of unemployed persons, the government says.
The bottom line: the June report shows continued weakness in the labor market. It's a big worry for the White House, which now admits its concerned about a double-dip recession. But unemployment is, as they say on Wall Street, a lagging economic indicator.
President Obama is trying to win the Friday news cycle by announcing 66 more stimulus projects, that will create an estimated 5,000 jobs. They’re all broadband projects: the administration wants to bring high-speed internet to parts of the country that don’t have it now.
Services for Senator Byrd
The President and Vice-President this Morning head to West Virginia for a memorial service for Senator Robert Byrd. Obama will say how much Byrd helped him when he was a junior Senator from Illinois. Biden’s story is the eloquent one. He’ll talk about how Byrd was there for him during the darkest days of Biden’s life: Right after Biden was first elected to the Senate in 1972, his wife and daughter were killed by a drunk driver. Biden hadn’t even been sworn in yet, but Byrd came to the funeral, and, as Biden recalls, stood with him in the pouring freezing rain.
After the memorial service, President Obama and his family head to Camp David. They'll return to the White House Sunday evening – to catch the 4th of July fireworks.
- Paul Brandus at the White House
Tuesday, June 29, 2010
West Wing Report, June 29, 2010
Nearly a quarter of the Senate – 23 members from both sides of the aisle – come to the White House today. The agenda: an energy and climate bill. The President wants one by the end of the year – now the House passed a bill last year and a similar Senate bill – sponsored by John Kerry and Joe Lieberman – was introduced last month.
But like healthcare, the number of Republicans supporting the bill is a big fat zero. Even Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid thinks an energy & climate bill will be tougher than health care – if you can believe that. The BP oil spill is a complicating factor, but one the White House is using to make its case for 21st-century energy - wind and solar power, for instance - as opposed to oil.
Speaking of the oil spill, Vice-President Biden makes his first visit to the spill zone today. He'll visit New orleans and Pensacola, FL - but no beaches, visits to marshland or boat trips appear to be on the agenda.
In the afternoon – another tough bill is on Obama’s radar: immigration. The Congressional Hispanic Caucus will visit. The dilemma for both Republicans and Democrats here: crack down on illegals and risk the election-year wrath of the fast-growing Hispanic bloc – or woo them by making concessions – which may alienate other voters.
Obama has another guest today – one who’s come a lot farther than Capitol Hill – it’s Saudi King Abdullah. The agenda includes everything from the Mideast peace process to Iran – the Saudis are very nervous about Iran and its growing power in the region. The Saudis have signaled privately they’d like to see Iran contained – a goal the White House certainly shares.
Day two of confirmation hearings for Supreme Court nominee Elena Kagan. Today she'll take questions from the Senate Judiciary Committee. Kagan's mission: answer questions respectfully, while saying as little as possible. She and her White House handlers have been practicing answers to anticipated questions for weeks.
Meantime, Vice-President Biden makes his first visit to the oil spill zone today. He'll visit New Orleans and Pensacola, FL - but no beaches, visits to marshland or boat trips appear to be on the agenda.
*****
President's Schedule
EDT
9:00AM In-Town Travel Pool Call Time
9:30AM THE PRESIDENT receives the Presidential Daily Briefing
Oval Office
Closed Press
10:00AM THE PRESIDENT receives the Economic Daily Briefing
Oval Office
Closed Press
10:50AM THE PRESIDENT meets with a bipartisan group of senators to discuss passing comprehensive energy and climate legislation this year
Cabinet Room
Pool spray at the bottom (Gather Time 11:30AM – Brady Press Briefing Room)
12:00PM THE PRESIDENT receives a briefing on the BP Deepwater Horizon oil spill
Oval Office
Closed Press
1:05PM THE PRESIDENT has a working lunch with King Abdullah of Saudi Arabia
Old Family Dining Room
Closed Press
2:10PM THE PRESIDENT holds a meeting with King Abdullah of Saudi Arabia
Oval Office
Pool Spray at the Top (Gather Time 2:00PM – Brady Press Briefing Room)
3:40PM THE PRESIDENT meets with members of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus
State Dining Room
Closed Press
Briefing Schedule
2:30PM Briefing by Press Secretary Robert Gibbs
*****
Telephone service for West Wing Report – is made possible by Grasshopper.com. Supporting entrepreneurs nationwide – Grasshopper.com. http://bit.ly/9i93mH
But like healthcare, the number of Republicans supporting the bill is a big fat zero. Even Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid thinks an energy & climate bill will be tougher than health care – if you can believe that. The BP oil spill is a complicating factor, but one the White House is using to make its case for 21st-century energy - wind and solar power, for instance - as opposed to oil.
Speaking of the oil spill, Vice-President Biden makes his first visit to the spill zone today. He'll visit New orleans and Pensacola, FL - but no beaches, visits to marshland or boat trips appear to be on the agenda.
In the afternoon – another tough bill is on Obama’s radar: immigration. The Congressional Hispanic Caucus will visit. The dilemma for both Republicans and Democrats here: crack down on illegals and risk the election-year wrath of the fast-growing Hispanic bloc – or woo them by making concessions – which may alienate other voters.
Obama has another guest today – one who’s come a lot farther than Capitol Hill – it’s Saudi King Abdullah. The agenda includes everything from the Mideast peace process to Iran – the Saudis are very nervous about Iran and its growing power in the region. The Saudis have signaled privately they’d like to see Iran contained – a goal the White House certainly shares.
Day two of confirmation hearings for Supreme Court nominee Elena Kagan. Today she'll take questions from the Senate Judiciary Committee. Kagan's mission: answer questions respectfully, while saying as little as possible. She and her White House handlers have been practicing answers to anticipated questions for weeks.
Meantime, Vice-President Biden makes his first visit to the oil spill zone today. He'll visit New Orleans and Pensacola, FL - but no beaches, visits to marshland or boat trips appear to be on the agenda.
*****
President's Schedule
EDT
9:00AM In-Town Travel Pool Call Time
9:30AM THE PRESIDENT receives the Presidential Daily Briefing
Oval Office
Closed Press
10:00AM THE PRESIDENT receives the Economic Daily Briefing
Oval Office
Closed Press
10:50AM THE PRESIDENT meets with a bipartisan group of senators to discuss passing comprehensive energy and climate legislation this year
Cabinet Room
Pool spray at the bottom (Gather Time 11:30AM – Brady Press Briefing Room)
12:00PM THE PRESIDENT receives a briefing on the BP Deepwater Horizon oil spill
Oval Office
Closed Press
1:05PM THE PRESIDENT has a working lunch with King Abdullah of Saudi Arabia
Old Family Dining Room
Closed Press
2:10PM THE PRESIDENT holds a meeting with King Abdullah of Saudi Arabia
Oval Office
Pool Spray at the Top (Gather Time 2:00PM – Brady Press Briefing Room)
3:40PM THE PRESIDENT meets with members of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus
State Dining Room
Closed Press
Briefing Schedule
2:30PM Briefing by Press Secretary Robert Gibbs
*****
Telephone service for West Wing Report – is made possible by Grasshopper.com. Supporting entrepreneurs nationwide – Grasshopper.com. http://bit.ly/9i93mH
Monday, June 28, 2010
West Wing Report: June 28, 2010
President's Schedule
After a long weekend in Toronto at the G-8 and G-20 summits, President Obama is out of the public eye today. In addition to his usual intelligence, economic and staff briefings, he'll meet at 3:15 with what the White House calls "grassroots leaders" to discuss immigration legislation.
Tuesday: he'll meet with bipartisan Senate leaders to discuss energy/climate legislation. He'll also welcome Saudi King Abdullah to the White House.
Wednesday: Obama travels to Wisconsin for another of his "White House to Main Street"events designed to focus on jobs and the economy.
Friday: we'll get the big June unemployment report. The jobless rate is expected to remain at 9.7%.
The Death of Senator Byrd
The week is off to a sad start, with the dawn announcement that Sen. Robert Byrd, (D-W.Va.) has passed away. While hardly unexpected - Byrd was 92 and in failing health - his death still comes as a bit of a shock, as the passing of such a momentous figure usually does.
And what a figure he was. The longest-serving member of Congress in American history. Elected to the Senate nine times. A parliamentary titan who will go down in the history books as one of the most consequential of Senators. Flags over the Capitol and White House were quickly lowered to half-staff, and tributes from both sides of the aisle poured in.
In a statement this morning, President Obama said: "The people of West Virginia have lost a true champion, the United States Senate has lost a venerable institution, and America has lost a voice of principle and reason with the passing of Robert C. Byrd." The President added "Senator Byrd’s story was uniquely American. He was born into wrenching poverty, but educated himself to become an authoritative scholar, respected leader, and unparalleled champion of our Constitution. He scaled the summit of power, but his mind never strayed from the people of his beloved West Virginia. He had the courage to stand firm in his principles, but also the courage to change over time."
Vice-President Biden was equally eloquent. Speaking in Kentucky, he remembered what Byrd did for him back in 1972 - after the tragic accident that took the life of Biden's wife and daughter. Byrd, he said, was "a guy who was there when I was a 29-year-old kid being sworn into the United States Senate shortly thereafter; a guy who stood in the rain, in a pouring rain, freezing rain outside a church as I buried my daughter and my wife before I got sworn in, Robert C. Byrd. He passed away today. He was the -- we lost the dean of the United States Senate, but also the state of West Virginia lost its most fierce advocate and, as I said, I lost a dear friend."
Arrangements haven't been made public yet, but the President and Vice-President will certainly participate.
Kagan Hearings Underway
Although Elena Kagan is expected to be confirmed for the Supreme Court, don't think her hearings, which began today, will lack for drama. Kagan has never been a judge and therefore has no record for Republicans to pick apart. So instead they'll say this lack of a paper trail shows she doesn't have the experience to sit on the high court. They'll also paint her as - gasp - a liberal and say she'll inject her personal views into her judicial rulings.
Kagan and her White House handlers know all of this, of course, and have spent weeks practicing answers to a wide range of anticipated questions. At the end of the day, he advice given to the solicitor general and former dean of the Harvard Law School is simple: answer the Senate's questions respectfully - while saying as little as possible.
Petaraeus Cakewalk
Speaking of confirmation hearings, even Republicans predict Gen. David Petraeus - Obama's choice to replace Gen. Stanley McChrystal as commander of U.S. and allied forces in Afghanistan - will be quickly and easily confirmed. Senate Armed Services Committee hearings begin tomorrow.
- Paul Brandus at the White House
After a long weekend in Toronto at the G-8 and G-20 summits, President Obama is out of the public eye today. In addition to his usual intelligence, economic and staff briefings, he'll meet at 3:15 with what the White House calls "grassroots leaders" to discuss immigration legislation.
Tuesday: he'll meet with bipartisan Senate leaders to discuss energy/climate legislation. He'll also welcome Saudi King Abdullah to the White House.
Wednesday: Obama travels to Wisconsin for another of his "White House to Main Street"events designed to focus on jobs and the economy.
Friday: we'll get the big June unemployment report. The jobless rate is expected to remain at 9.7%.
The Death of Senator Byrd
The week is off to a sad start, with the dawn announcement that Sen. Robert Byrd, (D-W.Va.) has passed away. While hardly unexpected - Byrd was 92 and in failing health - his death still comes as a bit of a shock, as the passing of such a momentous figure usually does.
And what a figure he was. The longest-serving member of Congress in American history. Elected to the Senate nine times. A parliamentary titan who will go down in the history books as one of the most consequential of Senators. Flags over the Capitol and White House were quickly lowered to half-staff, and tributes from both sides of the aisle poured in.
In a statement this morning, President Obama said: "The people of West Virginia have lost a true champion, the United States Senate has lost a venerable institution, and America has lost a voice of principle and reason with the passing of Robert C. Byrd." The President added "Senator Byrd’s story was uniquely American. He was born into wrenching poverty, but educated himself to become an authoritative scholar, respected leader, and unparalleled champion of our Constitution. He scaled the summit of power, but his mind never strayed from the people of his beloved West Virginia. He had the courage to stand firm in his principles, but also the courage to change over time."
Vice-President Biden was equally eloquent. Speaking in Kentucky, he remembered what Byrd did for him back in 1972 - after the tragic accident that took the life of Biden's wife and daughter. Byrd, he said, was "a guy who was there when I was a 29-year-old kid being sworn into the United States Senate shortly thereafter; a guy who stood in the rain, in a pouring rain, freezing rain outside a church as I buried my daughter and my wife before I got sworn in, Robert C. Byrd. He passed away today. He was the -- we lost the dean of the United States Senate, but also the state of West Virginia lost its most fierce advocate and, as I said, I lost a dear friend."
Arrangements haven't been made public yet, but the President and Vice-President will certainly participate.
Kagan Hearings Underway
Although Elena Kagan is expected to be confirmed for the Supreme Court, don't think her hearings, which began today, will lack for drama. Kagan has never been a judge and therefore has no record for Republicans to pick apart. So instead they'll say this lack of a paper trail shows she doesn't have the experience to sit on the high court. They'll also paint her as - gasp - a liberal and say she'll inject her personal views into her judicial rulings.
Kagan and her White House handlers know all of this, of course, and have spent weeks practicing answers to a wide range of anticipated questions. At the end of the day, he advice given to the solicitor general and former dean of the Harvard Law School is simple: answer the Senate's questions respectfully - while saying as little as possible.
Petaraeus Cakewalk
Speaking of confirmation hearings, even Republicans predict Gen. David Petraeus - Obama's choice to replace Gen. Stanley McChrystal as commander of U.S. and allied forces in Afghanistan - will be quickly and easily confirmed. Senate Armed Services Committee hearings begin tomorrow.
- Paul Brandus at the White House
Friday, June 25, 2010
West Wing Report: June 25, 2010
President Obama heads to Toronto this morning for weekend meetings with leaders from the world's top industrialized nations - the so-called G-8 and broader G-20 summits. Obama has been working the phones for the last week or so, telling other leaders he’s worried that the global economy is still weak, and that the U.S. and other countries should not back away too quickly on stimulus plans.
Obama will arrive knowing that a key goal of his administration is a step closer to fruition: a landmark bill overhauling financial regulations. It would be th ebiggest overhaul since the Great Depression and change the way markets and the government interact for decades to come. Both the House and Senate are expected to vote on final legislation within days, and the President could sign a bill by July 4th. Here are the key points:
Derivatives: For most of the 20th century, there was a wall - called the Glass-Steagall Act - between your bank and big Wall Street investment banks; one couldn't dabble in the other's business. That wall came down in 1999 and a decade later came the near collapse of the U.S. economy. That wall is now being rebuilt, meaning commercial lenders won't be able to underwrite or trade things like mortgage-backed securities or collateralized debt obligations that are widely blamed for the market collapse.
Consumer Bureau: The bill would create an independent Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, which would would write and enforce rules for most banks, mortgage lenders, credit-card and private student loan companies. The "CFPB" would be part of the Federal Reserve.
Credit Scores: You've always been able to get free credit reports from private-sector companies like Equifax or Eperian. Now you'll be able to see if your credit score (your FICO) has been hurt by anything in these reports, which will help when and if you apply for a loan.
Mortgages: Those "liar loans" that helped banks give hundreds of thousands of dollars to applicants who couldn't afford them are a thing of the past. Sensible as it may seem, lenders will have to check borrowers’ income and assets. Many lenders that didn't do this during the real estate boom are now out of business. Other rules include a ban on prepayment penalties for people with adjustable rate and other more complex types of mortgages. And mortgage brokers will no longer be able to earn bonuses based on the type of loan they put you in.
Fiduciary Duty: The Securities and Exchange Commission will create a a new rule for brokers that requires them to put their clients’ interests first - as opposed to trying to generate fees for themselves by sell clients products they don't need.
*****
Unemployment Benefits Expiring
Speaking of the economy, the White House this morning is blasting what it calls “obstructionism” by Senate Republicans for blocking more benefits for the unemployed. The Republicans say that’s not accurate. What IS accurate is that 1.3 million Americans will lose their final assistance this week, unless something is done.
Here’s the broader issue: States are looking at budget gaps of $127 billion dollars thru 2012. The gaps are so big, the Pew Center on the States is warning of "havoc" as they try and stem all the red ink. One top Wall Street analyst says the states may have to layoff some two million people.
The dilemma for the federal government: help the states again, and run up the deficit still more, or slash federal aid - and let the states cut all those jobs - including those of firemen, cops and teachers.
*****
President's Schedule
10:30AM THE PRESIDENT arrives in Toronto, Canada
Lester B. Pearson International Airport
Travel Pool Coverage
11:20AM THE PRESIDENT arrives in Muskoka, Canada
Deerhurst Resort Landing Zone, Muskoka, Canada
Travel Pool Coverage
12:15PM THE PRESIDENT attends the G8 working lunch
Deerhurst Resort
Closed Press
2:00PM THE PRESIDENT and G8 Leaders take a G8 Family Photo
Deerhurst Resort
Limited Pool Spray at the top
2:45PM THE PRESIDENT participates in G8 Session with African Outreach Leaders
Deerhurst Resort
Limited Pool spray at the top
4:45PM THE PRESIDENT participates in a G8 working session with African Outreach Leaders and Expanded Outreach Leaders
Deerhurst Resort
Limited Pool spray at the top
5:45PM THE PRESIDENT, G8 Leaders, African Outreach Leaders and Extended Outreach Leaders take a G8 Family Photo
Deerhurst Resort
Limited Pool spray at the top
7:30PM THE PRESIDENT and G8 Leaders meet with My Summit 2010 Youth
Deerhurst Resort
Limited Pool spray at the top
7:45PM THE PRESIDENT attends the G8 Working Dinner
Deerhurst Resort
Closed Press
9:15PM THE PRESIDENT attends the G8 Working Dinner
Deerhurst Resort
Closed Press
Obama will arrive knowing that a key goal of his administration is a step closer to fruition: a landmark bill overhauling financial regulations. It would be th ebiggest overhaul since the Great Depression and change the way markets and the government interact for decades to come. Both the House and Senate are expected to vote on final legislation within days, and the President could sign a bill by July 4th. Here are the key points:
Derivatives: For most of the 20th century, there was a wall - called the Glass-Steagall Act - between your bank and big Wall Street investment banks; one couldn't dabble in the other's business. That wall came down in 1999 and a decade later came the near collapse of the U.S. economy. That wall is now being rebuilt, meaning commercial lenders won't be able to underwrite or trade things like mortgage-backed securities or collateralized debt obligations that are widely blamed for the market collapse.
Consumer Bureau: The bill would create an independent Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, which would would write and enforce rules for most banks, mortgage lenders, credit-card and private student loan companies. The "CFPB" would be part of the Federal Reserve.
Credit Scores: You've always been able to get free credit reports from private-sector companies like Equifax or Eperian. Now you'll be able to see if your credit score (your FICO) has been hurt by anything in these reports, which will help when and if you apply for a loan.
Mortgages: Those "liar loans" that helped banks give hundreds of thousands of dollars to applicants who couldn't afford them are a thing of the past. Sensible as it may seem, lenders will have to check borrowers’ income and assets. Many lenders that didn't do this during the real estate boom are now out of business. Other rules include a ban on prepayment penalties for people with adjustable rate and other more complex types of mortgages. And mortgage brokers will no longer be able to earn bonuses based on the type of loan they put you in.
Fiduciary Duty: The Securities and Exchange Commission will create a a new rule for brokers that requires them to put their clients’ interests first - as opposed to trying to generate fees for themselves by sell clients products they don't need.
*****
Unemployment Benefits Expiring
Speaking of the economy, the White House this morning is blasting what it calls “obstructionism” by Senate Republicans for blocking more benefits for the unemployed. The Republicans say that’s not accurate. What IS accurate is that 1.3 million Americans will lose their final assistance this week, unless something is done.
Here’s the broader issue: States are looking at budget gaps of $127 billion dollars thru 2012. The gaps are so big, the Pew Center on the States is warning of "havoc" as they try and stem all the red ink. One top Wall Street analyst says the states may have to layoff some two million people.
The dilemma for the federal government: help the states again, and run up the deficit still more, or slash federal aid - and let the states cut all those jobs - including those of firemen, cops and teachers.
*****
President's Schedule
10:30AM THE PRESIDENT arrives in Toronto, Canada
Lester B. Pearson International Airport
Travel Pool Coverage
11:20AM THE PRESIDENT arrives in Muskoka, Canada
Deerhurst Resort Landing Zone, Muskoka, Canada
Travel Pool Coverage
12:15PM THE PRESIDENT attends the G8 working lunch
Deerhurst Resort
Closed Press
2:00PM THE PRESIDENT and G8 Leaders take a G8 Family Photo
Deerhurst Resort
Limited Pool Spray at the top
2:45PM THE PRESIDENT participates in G8 Session with African Outreach Leaders
Deerhurst Resort
Limited Pool spray at the top
4:45PM THE PRESIDENT participates in a G8 working session with African Outreach Leaders and Expanded Outreach Leaders
Deerhurst Resort
Limited Pool spray at the top
5:45PM THE PRESIDENT, G8 Leaders, African Outreach Leaders and Extended Outreach Leaders take a G8 Family Photo
Deerhurst Resort
Limited Pool spray at the top
7:30PM THE PRESIDENT and G8 Leaders meet with My Summit 2010 Youth
Deerhurst Resort
Limited Pool spray at the top
7:45PM THE PRESIDENT attends the G8 Working Dinner
Deerhurst Resort
Closed Press
9:15PM THE PRESIDENT attends the G8 Working Dinner
Deerhurst Resort
Closed Press
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