The White House must be expecting this morning's report on economic growth to be good - because the President is scheduled to comment, in the Rose Garden, at 10:35. In real terms, GDP probably grew at a 3.2% annual rate in the first three months of the year, down from 5.6% in the fourth quarter, according to a survey of economists. Joining Obama for the event are workers from two U.S. manufacturers, Itron, a Washington state based maker of smart energy meters, and A123 Systems, a Massachusetts based advanced battery manufacturer.
In the afternoon, Obama visits a Secret Service training facility in suburban Washington. He'll thank the men and women who protect him and other government officials - and get to see how they train.
Looking ahead: tomorrow Obama delivers the commencement address at the University of Michigan at Ann Arbor and in the evening attends Washington's equivalent of the Academy Awards: the White House Correspondents Dinner.
In-Town Travel Pool
Wires: AP, Reuters, Bloomberg
Wire Photos: AP, Reuters, AFP
TV Corr & Crew: NBC
Print: BNA
Radio: ABC
EDT
9:30AM Pool Call Time
10:35AM THE PRESIDENT makes a statement on the first quarter 2010 GDP numbers
Rose Garden
Open Press (Pre-set 9:35AM - Final Gather 10:05AM - North Doors of the Palm Room)
12:30PM THE PRESIDENT departs the White House en route Beltsville, Maryland
South Lawn
Open Press (Pre-set 12:00PM - Final Gather 12:15PM - North Doors of the Palm Room)
12:45PM THE PRESIDENT arrives in Beltsville, Maryland and visits the James J. Rowley Training Center
James J. Rowley Training Center, Beltsville, Maryland
Closed Press (Travel Pool Gather Time 11:30AM - Stakeout Location)
4:00PM THE PRESIDENT arrives at the White House
South Lawn
Open Press (Pre-set 3:30PM - Final Gather 3:45PM - North Doors of the Palm Room)
*****
On This Day
1789: George Washington is sworn in as the first American president and delivers the first inaugural speech at Federal Hall in New York City. Elements of the ceremony set tradition; presidential inaugurations have deviated little in the two centuries since Washington s inauguration. - from History.com
Presidential Quote
"To be prepared for war is one of the most effectual means of preserving peace."
- George Washington
##
Friday, April 30, 2010
Thursday, April 29, 2010
Today in the West Wing: Thursday, April 29
Flags are flying at half-staff above the White House and federal buildings today. It is to honor the civil rights leader Dr. Dorothy Height, whose funeral is this morning at National Cathedral. President Obama will deliver remarks.
After his weekly lunch with Vice-President Biden, Obama will honor the National Teacher of the Year - and teachers from across the country at a Rose Garden ceremony. It's a tradition going back to the Truman era.
Obama also meets with Secretary of State Clinton and then motors to a private residence here in Washington for a fundraising dinner.
Quick Hits
...Obama said he's skeptical that he'll sign an immigration reform bill this year: "In the wake of health care there may not be an appetite immediately to dive into another controversial issue. There's still work that has to be done on energy. Midterms are coming up.”
...Paul Volcker, the former Fed Chairman who is now an economic advisor to the President, knocked down the idea of a value added tax (or VAT) as a way of reducing deficits, saying the idea was too unpopular to be under consideration “now or for the indefinite future.”
...Latest Polls. Gallup: 49% approve of Obama's job performance, 44% don't. Rasmussen: 47%-52%; Pew: 47%-42%; ABC-Washington Post: 54%-44%. Average of all recent polls as compiled by Real Clear Politics.com: 47.9% approve, 45.7% don't.
*****
In-Town Travel Pool
Wires: AP, Reuters, Bloomberg
Wire Photos: AP, Reuters, AFP
TV Corr & Crew: FOX
Print: Baltimore Sun
Radio: VOA
EDT
9:00AM Pool Call Time
9:00AM THE PRESIDENT receives the Presidential Daily Briefing
Oval Office
Closed Press
10:00AM THE PRESIDENT, THE VICE PRESIDENT and THE FIRST LADY attend Dorothy Height’s funeral; THE PRESIDENT delivers remarks
National Cathedral
Open to pre-credentialed media (Travel Pool Gather Time 9:20AM – North Doors of the Palm Room)
12:30PM THE PRESIDENT and THE VICE PRESIDENT have lunch
Private Dining Room
Closed Press
1:40PM THE PRESIDENT delivers remarks at an event honoring the 2010 National Teacher of the Year
Rose Garden
Open Press (Pre-set 10:30AM – Final Gather 1:10PM – North Doors of the Palm Room)
4:30PM THE PRESIDENT and THE VICE PRESIDENT meet with Secretary of State Clinton
Oval Office
Closed Press
7:35PM THE PRESIDENT attends a DNC fundraising dinner
Private Residence
Closed Press (Travel Pool Gather Time 7:00PM – North Doors of the Palm Room)
Briefing Schedule
12:00PM Briefing by Press Secretary Robert Gibbs
*****
On This Day
1974: President Richard Nixon announces to the public that he will release transcripts of 46 taped White House conversations in response to a Watergate trial subpoena issued in July 1973. The House Judiciary committee accepted 1,200 pages of transcripts the next day, but insisted that the tapes themselves be turned over as well.
In his announcement, Nixon took elaborate pains to explain to the public his reluctance to comply with the subpoena, and the nature of the content he planned to release. He cited his right to executive privilege to protect state secrets and stated that the transcripts were edited by him and his advisors to omit anything "irrelevant" to the Watergate investigation or critical to national security. He invited committee members to review the actual tapes to determine whether or not the president had omitted incriminating evidence in the transcripts. "I want there to be no question remaining," Nixon insisted, "about the fact that the President has nothing to hide in this matter" and "I made clear there was to be no cover up."
- from History.com
Presidential Quote
"I like the job I have, but if I had to live my life over again, I would like to have ended up a sports writer." - Richard Nixon
After his weekly lunch with Vice-President Biden, Obama will honor the National Teacher of the Year - and teachers from across the country at a Rose Garden ceremony. It's a tradition going back to the Truman era.
Obama also meets with Secretary of State Clinton and then motors to a private residence here in Washington for a fundraising dinner.
Quick Hits
...Obama said he's skeptical that he'll sign an immigration reform bill this year: "In the wake of health care there may not be an appetite immediately to dive into another controversial issue. There's still work that has to be done on energy. Midterms are coming up.”
...Paul Volcker, the former Fed Chairman who is now an economic advisor to the President, knocked down the idea of a value added tax (or VAT) as a way of reducing deficits, saying the idea was too unpopular to be under consideration “now or for the indefinite future.”
...Latest Polls. Gallup: 49% approve of Obama's job performance, 44% don't. Rasmussen: 47%-52%; Pew: 47%-42%; ABC-Washington Post: 54%-44%. Average of all recent polls as compiled by Real Clear Politics.com: 47.9% approve, 45.7% don't.
*****
In-Town Travel Pool
Wires: AP, Reuters, Bloomberg
Wire Photos: AP, Reuters, AFP
TV Corr & Crew: FOX
Print: Baltimore Sun
Radio: VOA
EDT
9:00AM Pool Call Time
9:00AM THE PRESIDENT receives the Presidential Daily Briefing
Oval Office
Closed Press
10:00AM THE PRESIDENT, THE VICE PRESIDENT and THE FIRST LADY attend Dorothy Height’s funeral; THE PRESIDENT delivers remarks
National Cathedral
Open to pre-credentialed media (Travel Pool Gather Time 9:20AM – North Doors of the Palm Room)
12:30PM THE PRESIDENT and THE VICE PRESIDENT have lunch
Private Dining Room
Closed Press
1:40PM THE PRESIDENT delivers remarks at an event honoring the 2010 National Teacher of the Year
Rose Garden
Open Press (Pre-set 10:30AM – Final Gather 1:10PM – North Doors of the Palm Room)
4:30PM THE PRESIDENT and THE VICE PRESIDENT meet with Secretary of State Clinton
Oval Office
Closed Press
7:35PM THE PRESIDENT attends a DNC fundraising dinner
Private Residence
Closed Press (Travel Pool Gather Time 7:00PM – North Doors of the Palm Room)
Briefing Schedule
12:00PM Briefing by Press Secretary Robert Gibbs
*****
On This Day
1974: President Richard Nixon announces to the public that he will release transcripts of 46 taped White House conversations in response to a Watergate trial subpoena issued in July 1973. The House Judiciary committee accepted 1,200 pages of transcripts the next day, but insisted that the tapes themselves be turned over as well.
In his announcement, Nixon took elaborate pains to explain to the public his reluctance to comply with the subpoena, and the nature of the content he planned to release. He cited his right to executive privilege to protect state secrets and stated that the transcripts were edited by him and his advisors to omit anything "irrelevant" to the Watergate investigation or critical to national security. He invited committee members to review the actual tapes to determine whether or not the president had omitted incriminating evidence in the transcripts. "I want there to be no question remaining," Nixon insisted, "about the fact that the President has nothing to hide in this matter" and "I made clear there was to be no cover up."
- from History.com
Presidential Quote
"I like the job I have, but if I had to live my life over again, I would like to have ended up a sports writer." - Richard Nixon
Wednesday, April 28, 2010
President's Schedule: Wednesday, April 28
President Obama wakes up in Des Moines, Iowa today, where he'll continue his so-called "White House to Main Street" tour. First stop: Macon, Missouri and a tour of a biorefining plant. He'll then visit a farm.
In the afternoon, Obama will speak on financial reform ("Wall Street reform" in White House parlance) at a town hall in Quincy, Illinois. Obama returns to the White House in the evening.
Yesterday, Obama blasted Senate Republicans for blocking open debate on a financial reform bill. He said opposing reform is one thing - but refusing to even talk about it is another. "The American people deserve an honest debate on this bill,” he said.
The President also took another shot at Arizona’s new immigration law, saying the measure - that allows police to ask anyone to show ID to prove they're not here illegally - could result in the harassment of Hispanic-Americans. At the same time, Obama said it underscores the need to tighten the porous U.S.-Mexican border.
*****
In-Town Travel Pool
Wires: AP, Reuters, Bloomberg
Wire Photos: AP, Reuters, AFP
TV Corr & Crew: CNN
Print: Washington Times
Radio: Talk Radio
Out-of-Town Travel Pool
Wires: AP, Reuters, Bloomberg
Wire Photos: AP, Reuters, AFP
TV Corr & Crew: CNN
Print: New York Times
CDT
9:30AM THE PRESIDENT departs Des Moines, Iowa en route Quincy, Illinois
Des Moines International Airport
Open Press
10:15AM THE PRESIDENT arrives in Quincy, Illinois
Quincy Regional Airport
Open Press
12:20PM THE PRESIDENT tours POET Biorefining
Macon, Missouri
Travel Pool Coverage
1:00PM THE PRESIDENT delivers remarks on rebuilding our economy
POET Biorefining, Macon, Missouri
Open Press
2:20PM THE PRESIDENT tours a local farm and visits with the family that operates the farm
Palmyra, Missouri
Travel Pool Coverage
4:00PM THE PRESIDENT delivers remarks on the urgent need to pass Wall Street reform
Oakley Lindsay Civic Center, Quincy, Illinois
Open Press
5:15PM THE PRESIDENT departs Quincy, Illinois en route Andrews Air Force Base
Quincy Regional Airport
Open Press
Briefing Schedule
Deputy Press Secretary Bill Burton will gaggle aboard Air Force One
*****
On This Day
1758: James Monroe was born. He was the fifth President, serving between 1817-1825. He is most remembered for his "Monroe Doctrine," which stated that the United States would not tolerate European intervention in the Western hemisphere.
Presidential Quote
"National honor is a national property of the highest value." - James Monroe
In the afternoon, Obama will speak on financial reform ("Wall Street reform" in White House parlance) at a town hall in Quincy, Illinois. Obama returns to the White House in the evening.
Yesterday, Obama blasted Senate Republicans for blocking open debate on a financial reform bill. He said opposing reform is one thing - but refusing to even talk about it is another. "The American people deserve an honest debate on this bill,” he said.
The President also took another shot at Arizona’s new immigration law, saying the measure - that allows police to ask anyone to show ID to prove they're not here illegally - could result in the harassment of Hispanic-Americans. At the same time, Obama said it underscores the need to tighten the porous U.S.-Mexican border.
*****
In-Town Travel Pool
Wires: AP, Reuters, Bloomberg
Wire Photos: AP, Reuters, AFP
TV Corr & Crew: CNN
Print: Washington Times
Radio: Talk Radio
Out-of-Town Travel Pool
Wires: AP, Reuters, Bloomberg
Wire Photos: AP, Reuters, AFP
TV Corr & Crew: CNN
Print: New York Times
CDT
9:30AM THE PRESIDENT departs Des Moines, Iowa en route Quincy, Illinois
Des Moines International Airport
Open Press
10:15AM THE PRESIDENT arrives in Quincy, Illinois
Quincy Regional Airport
Open Press
12:20PM THE PRESIDENT tours POET Biorefining
Macon, Missouri
Travel Pool Coverage
1:00PM THE PRESIDENT delivers remarks on rebuilding our economy
POET Biorefining, Macon, Missouri
Open Press
2:20PM THE PRESIDENT tours a local farm and visits with the family that operates the farm
Palmyra, Missouri
Travel Pool Coverage
4:00PM THE PRESIDENT delivers remarks on the urgent need to pass Wall Street reform
Oakley Lindsay Civic Center, Quincy, Illinois
Open Press
5:15PM THE PRESIDENT departs Quincy, Illinois en route Andrews Air Force Base
Quincy Regional Airport
Open Press
Briefing Schedule
Deputy Press Secretary Bill Burton will gaggle aboard Air Force One
*****
On This Day
1758: James Monroe was born. He was the fifth President, serving between 1817-1825. He is most remembered for his "Monroe Doctrine," which stated that the United States would not tolerate European intervention in the Western hemisphere.
Presidential Quote
"National honor is a national property of the highest value." - James Monroe
Tuesday, April 27, 2010
President's Schedule: Tuesday, April 27
President Obama begins his day with a meeting of his deficit reduction commission (formally known as the "National Commission on Fiscal Responsibility and Reform;") afterwards he'll deliver remarks in the Rose Garden.
Then it's wheels up for the heartland, in the latest installment of Obama's White House to Main Street tour. First stop: the Siemens Wind Turbine Blade Manufacturing Plant in Fort Madison, Iowa. The President will then speak with workers and share his views on growing the economy and putting Americans back to work.
The President will later tour a local business in Mt. Pleasant, Iowa and hold a town hall meeting at Indian Hills Community College in Ottumwa. He'll spend the night in Des Moines.
Speaking of the deficit commission, it holds its first formal meeting at the White House Conference Center where they will hear remarks from Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke, OMB Director Peter Orszag, and Former OMB Directors Robert Reischauer and Rudolph Penner.
In-Town Travel Pool
Wires: AP, Reuters, Bloomberg
Wire Photos: AP, Reuters, AFP
TV Corr & Crew: CBS
Print: Washington Post
Radio: SRN
Out-of-Town Travel Pool
Wires: AP, Reuters, Bloomberg
Wire Photos: AP, Reuters, AFP
TV Corr & Crew: CBS
Print: AFP
Radio: NPR
EDT
8:30AM In-Town Travel Pool Call Time
9:30AM THE PRESIDENT greets members of the National Commission on Fiscal Responsibility and Reform
Roosevelt Room
Still Photographer Pool spray at the top (Gather time 9:25AM – Briefing Room)
9:45AM THE PRESIDENT delivers remarks underscoring the importance of forging bipartisan consensus around recommendations to meaningfully improve our long-run fiscal health
Rose Garden
Open Press (Pre-set 8:45AM – Final Gather 9:30AM – North Doors of the Palm Room)
CDT
12:30PM THE PRESIDENT tours the Siemens Wind Turbine Blade Manufacturing Plant
Fort Madison, Iowa
Travel Pool Coverage
1:10PM THE PRESIDENT delivers remarks on how to grow the economy and put Americans back to work
Siemens Wind Turbine Blade Manufacturing Plant
Open Press
2:00PM THE PRESIDENT tours a local business
Mt. Pleasant, Iowa
Travel Pool Coverage
4:35PM THE PRESIDENT holds town hall meeting
Indian Hills Community College, Ottumwa, Iowa
Open Press
Briefing Schedule
Deputy Press Secretary Bill Burton will gaggle aboard Air Force One
##
On This Day
1822: Ulysses S. Grant was born. He was the 18th President, serving between 1869-77.
1861: President Lincoln suspended the writ of habeas corpus, giving the federal government the extraordinary power to hold opponents in prison without appeal or judicial review.
Presidential Quote:
"A man is known by the company he keeps, and also by the company from which he is kept out."
- Grover Cleveland
Then it's wheels up for the heartland, in the latest installment of Obama's White House to Main Street tour. First stop: the Siemens Wind Turbine Blade Manufacturing Plant in Fort Madison, Iowa. The President will then speak with workers and share his views on growing the economy and putting Americans back to work.
The President will later tour a local business in Mt. Pleasant, Iowa and hold a town hall meeting at Indian Hills Community College in Ottumwa. He'll spend the night in Des Moines.
Speaking of the deficit commission, it holds its first formal meeting at the White House Conference Center where they will hear remarks from Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke, OMB Director Peter Orszag, and Former OMB Directors Robert Reischauer and Rudolph Penner.
In-Town Travel Pool
Wires: AP, Reuters, Bloomberg
Wire Photos: AP, Reuters, AFP
TV Corr & Crew: CBS
Print: Washington Post
Radio: SRN
Out-of-Town Travel Pool
Wires: AP, Reuters, Bloomberg
Wire Photos: AP, Reuters, AFP
TV Corr & Crew: CBS
Print: AFP
Radio: NPR
EDT
8:30AM In-Town Travel Pool Call Time
9:30AM THE PRESIDENT greets members of the National Commission on Fiscal Responsibility and Reform
Roosevelt Room
Still Photographer Pool spray at the top (Gather time 9:25AM – Briefing Room)
9:45AM THE PRESIDENT delivers remarks underscoring the importance of forging bipartisan consensus around recommendations to meaningfully improve our long-run fiscal health
Rose Garden
Open Press (Pre-set 8:45AM – Final Gather 9:30AM – North Doors of the Palm Room)
CDT
12:30PM THE PRESIDENT tours the Siemens Wind Turbine Blade Manufacturing Plant
Fort Madison, Iowa
Travel Pool Coverage
1:10PM THE PRESIDENT delivers remarks on how to grow the economy and put Americans back to work
Siemens Wind Turbine Blade Manufacturing Plant
Open Press
2:00PM THE PRESIDENT tours a local business
Mt. Pleasant, Iowa
Travel Pool Coverage
4:35PM THE PRESIDENT holds town hall meeting
Indian Hills Community College, Ottumwa, Iowa
Open Press
Briefing Schedule
Deputy Press Secretary Bill Burton will gaggle aboard Air Force One
##
On This Day
1822: Ulysses S. Grant was born. He was the 18th President, serving between 1869-77.
1861: President Lincoln suspended the writ of habeas corpus, giving the federal government the extraordinary power to hold opponents in prison without appeal or judicial review.
Presidential Quote:
"A man is known by the company he keeps, and also by the company from which he is kept out."
- Grover Cleveland
Monday, April 26, 2010
President's Schedule: Monday, April 26
Back from some r & r at a North Carolina resort - and a moving visit with the families of those deceased West Virginia coal miners - President Obama is back in the White House this foggy Monday morning, and he's got a lot on his plate.
FINANCIAL REFORM
Obama is keeping a close eye on Capitol Hill, where a key legislative goal, reforming the financial industry, comes up for a crucial test vote in the Senate.
Democrats have reached a tentative deal that would restrict trading of derivatives - the murky financial instruments that played such a big role in the economy's meltdown. Even so, both Republicans and Democrats think today's "test" vote won't pass, because no GOP senators as of this morning support the measure. Democrats will get to say the GOP is standing in the way of reform; Republicans will counter by charging the bill's flaws will do the economy more harm than good. But both sides say the bill's long-term prospects are pretty good.
ENERGY UNPLUGGED
Today was supposed to have been the day that a sweeping energy and climate bill was unveiled in the Senate. Primarily the work of John Kerry (D-Mass), Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) and Joseph Lieberman (I-Conn.), the bill would focus on curbing emissions from power plants and blocking the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) from regulating carbon dioxide as a pollutant. It would also create a way for industries to "trade" credits allowing them to emit CO2 and other greenhouse gases.
But it won't be introduced today after all, because Graham is angry that the Senate is moving immigration reform efforts up the priority ladder.
DAMN YANKEES
Obama also welcomes the World Series champion New York Yankees to the White House. Don't look for the POTUS - a die-hard Chicago White Sox fan - to wear a Yankees cap.
MUSLIM OUTREACH
This evening Obama speaks at the "Presidential Summit on Entrepreneurship" - an event designed to strengthen U.S. ties links with business leaders, foundations, and entrepreneurs in the Muslim world.
*****
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 and THE VICE PRESIDENT receive the Economic Daily Briefing
Oval Office
Closed Press
10:40AM THE PRESIDENT meets with senior advisors
Oval Office
Closed Press
3:00PM THE PRESIDENT welcomes World Series Champion New York Yankees to the White House.
South Portico
Open Press (Pre-set 2:00PM – Final Gather 2:30PM – North Doors of the Palm Room)
4:30PM THE PRESIDENT and THE VICE PRESIDENT meet with Secretary of Defense Gates
Oval Office
Closed Press
6:00PM THE PRESIDENT delivers remarks at the Presidential Summit on Entrepreneurship
Ronald Reagan Building
Pooled TV, Open to pre-credentialed correspondents & still photographers (Pool Gather time 5:15PM– North Doors of the Palm Room)
Briefing Schedule
1:00PM Briefing by Press Secretary Robert Gibbs
*****
On This Day
1984: President Ronald Reagan arrives in China for a summit with Chinese President Li Xiannian. It was the first time a U.S. president had traveled to China since President Richard Nixon s historic trip in 1972. Reagan's trip highlighted his administration s desire to improve diplomacy with China in light of the growing economic relationship between the two nations. Other topics of discussion between the two leaders over the course of the six-day trip included the development of commercial nuclear power in China and China s displeasure with continuing U.S. support for nationalists in Taiwan.
Presidential Quote
"If we cannot end now our differences, at least we can help make the world safe for diversity."
- John F. Kennedy
FINANCIAL REFORM
Obama is keeping a close eye on Capitol Hill, where a key legislative goal, reforming the financial industry, comes up for a crucial test vote in the Senate.
Democrats have reached a tentative deal that would restrict trading of derivatives - the murky financial instruments that played such a big role in the economy's meltdown. Even so, both Republicans and Democrats think today's "test" vote won't pass, because no GOP senators as of this morning support the measure. Democrats will get to say the GOP is standing in the way of reform; Republicans will counter by charging the bill's flaws will do the economy more harm than good. But both sides say the bill's long-term prospects are pretty good.
ENERGY UNPLUGGED
Today was supposed to have been the day that a sweeping energy and climate bill was unveiled in the Senate. Primarily the work of John Kerry (D-Mass), Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) and Joseph Lieberman (I-Conn.), the bill would focus on curbing emissions from power plants and blocking the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) from regulating carbon dioxide as a pollutant. It would also create a way for industries to "trade" credits allowing them to emit CO2 and other greenhouse gases.
But it won't be introduced today after all, because Graham is angry that the Senate is moving immigration reform efforts up the priority ladder.
DAMN YANKEES
Obama also welcomes the World Series champion New York Yankees to the White House. Don't look for the POTUS - a die-hard Chicago White Sox fan - to wear a Yankees cap.
MUSLIM OUTREACH
This evening Obama speaks at the "Presidential Summit on Entrepreneurship" - an event designed to strengthen U.S. ties links with business leaders, foundations, and entrepreneurs in the Muslim world.
*****
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 and THE VICE PRESIDENT receive the Economic Daily Briefing
Oval Office
Closed Press
10:40AM THE PRESIDENT meets with senior advisors
Oval Office
Closed Press
3:00PM THE PRESIDENT welcomes World Series Champion New York Yankees to the White House.
South Portico
Open Press (Pre-set 2:00PM – Final Gather 2:30PM – North Doors of the Palm Room)
4:30PM THE PRESIDENT and THE VICE PRESIDENT meet with Secretary of Defense Gates
Oval Office
Closed Press
6:00PM THE PRESIDENT delivers remarks at the Presidential Summit on Entrepreneurship
Ronald Reagan Building
Pooled TV, Open to pre-credentialed correspondents & still photographers (Pool Gather time 5:15PM– North Doors of the Palm Room)
Briefing Schedule
1:00PM Briefing by Press Secretary Robert Gibbs
*****
On This Day
1984: President Ronald Reagan arrives in China for a summit with Chinese President Li Xiannian. It was the first time a U.S. president had traveled to China since President Richard Nixon s historic trip in 1972. Reagan's trip highlighted his administration s desire to improve diplomacy with China in light of the growing economic relationship between the two nations. Other topics of discussion between the two leaders over the course of the six-day trip included the development of commercial nuclear power in China and China s displeasure with continuing U.S. support for nationalists in Taiwan.
Presidential Quote
"If we cannot end now our differences, at least we can help make the world safe for diversity."
- John F. Kennedy
Friday, April 23, 2010
President's Schedule: Friday, April 23
It's a pretty quiet day for the President. He'll deliver remarks at a naturalization ceremony for active duty service members. Rose Garden at 10am. Obama and Mrs. Obama later fly down to Ashville, NC for a bit of R & R. But their "weekend" will be cut short by Sunday's trip to West Virginia, where the President will deliver the eulogy at a memorial service for the 29 coal miners recently killed.
Looking ahead to next week: the President heads to the heartland, for the latest stops on his so-called "Main Street" tour. He'll visit Iowa, Missouri and Illinois on Tuesday and Wednesday. We'll probably get details on the rest of the week ahead later today.
Immigration Top Priority
With Hispanics - two-thirds of whom voted for Obama in 2008 but are wobbly on Democrats this election year - House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid have reversed course and now put immigration reform at the top of their to-do list. Reid says he'll bring a Senate bill to the floor later this year, and Pelosi says she'll follow suit. It's no coincidence that several Democratic Senators in uphill reelection fights are from states with large Hispanic populations: California's Barbara Boxer, Colorado's Michael Bennet and Reid's Nevada, where 15% of the voters are Hispanic.
The core of immigration legislation would include yet another effort to beef up the Mexican border, create a guest worker program, and develop e biometric ID card to help verify that only legal workers are hired by U.S. firms. The bill would also create a path to U.S. citizenship for millions already here illegaly.
Energy Bill on Monday
Meantime, a new energy and climate bill will be introduced in the Senate on Monday. Unlike the House energy/climate bill that passed a year ago, this legislation - crafted by John Kerry (D-Mass), Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) and Joseph Lieberman (I-Conn.), will focus on curbing emissions from power plants and block the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) from regulating carbon dioxide as a pollutant. It will also create a wayfor industries to "trade" credits allowing them to emit CO2 and other greenhouse gases.
The bill won't include higher gasoline taxes - an idea shot down by President Obama and Sens. Graham and Kerry.
*****
In-Town Travel Pool
Wires: AP, Reuters, Bloomberg
Wire Photos: AP, Reuters, AFP
TV Corr & Crew: CNN
Print: Tribune
Radio: AURN
Out-of-Town Travel Pool
Wires: AP, Reuters, Bloomberg
Wire Photos: AP, Reuters, AFP
TV Corr & Crew: CNN
Print: Politico
Radio: CBS
EDT
8:45AM In-Town Travel Pool Call Time
10:00AM THE PRESIDENT delivers remarks at a naturalization ceremony for active duty service members
Rose Garden
Open Press (Pre-set 9:00AM – Final Gather 9:30AM – North Doors of the Palm Room)
*****
On This Day
1789: President Washington moved into New York's Franklin House. It was the first official presidential home, before the White House was built.
1908: President Theodore Roosevelt signed an act creating the U.S. Army Reserve.
Presidential Quote
"May our country be always successful, but whether successful or otherwise, always right."
- John Quincy Adams
Looking ahead to next week: the President heads to the heartland, for the latest stops on his so-called "Main Street" tour. He'll visit Iowa, Missouri and Illinois on Tuesday and Wednesday. We'll probably get details on the rest of the week ahead later today.
Immigration Top Priority
With Hispanics - two-thirds of whom voted for Obama in 2008 but are wobbly on Democrats this election year - House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid have reversed course and now put immigration reform at the top of their to-do list. Reid says he'll bring a Senate bill to the floor later this year, and Pelosi says she'll follow suit. It's no coincidence that several Democratic Senators in uphill reelection fights are from states with large Hispanic populations: California's Barbara Boxer, Colorado's Michael Bennet and Reid's Nevada, where 15% of the voters are Hispanic.
The core of immigration legislation would include yet another effort to beef up the Mexican border, create a guest worker program, and develop e biometric ID card to help verify that only legal workers are hired by U.S. firms. The bill would also create a path to U.S. citizenship for millions already here illegaly.
Energy Bill on Monday
Meantime, a new energy and climate bill will be introduced in the Senate on Monday. Unlike the House energy/climate bill that passed a year ago, this legislation - crafted by John Kerry (D-Mass), Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) and Joseph Lieberman (I-Conn.), will focus on curbing emissions from power plants and block the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) from regulating carbon dioxide as a pollutant. It will also create a wayfor industries to "trade" credits allowing them to emit CO2 and other greenhouse gases.
The bill won't include higher gasoline taxes - an idea shot down by President Obama and Sens. Graham and Kerry.
*****
In-Town Travel Pool
Wires: AP, Reuters, Bloomberg
Wire Photos: AP, Reuters, AFP
TV Corr & Crew: CNN
Print: Tribune
Radio: AURN
Out-of-Town Travel Pool
Wires: AP, Reuters, Bloomberg
Wire Photos: AP, Reuters, AFP
TV Corr & Crew: CNN
Print: Politico
Radio: CBS
EDT
8:45AM In-Town Travel Pool Call Time
10:00AM THE PRESIDENT delivers remarks at a naturalization ceremony for active duty service members
Rose Garden
Open Press (Pre-set 9:00AM – Final Gather 9:30AM – North Doors of the Palm Room)
*****
On This Day
1789: President Washington moved into New York's Franklin House. It was the first official presidential home, before the White House was built.
1908: President Theodore Roosevelt signed an act creating the U.S. Army Reserve.
Presidential Quote
"May our country be always successful, but whether successful or otherwise, always right."
- John Quincy Adams
Thursday, April 22, 2010
President's Schedule: Thursday, April 22
Financial reform - Wall Street reform - tops the President's agenda today. He'll give a much anticipated speech at New York's Cooper Union on why it is essential.
Here are some excerpts from the President's speech today:
"I believe in a strong financial sector that helps people to raise capital and get loans and invest their savings. But a free market was never meant to be a free license to take whatever you can get, however you can get it," Obama will say. "Some on Wall Street forgot that behind every dollar traded or leveraged, there is family looking to buy a house, pay for an education, open a business, or save for retirement. What happens here has real consequences across our country."
In an interview on CNBC yesterday, Obama emphasized he's a free marketeer - but not so "laissez faire" as to allow markets to run amok and bring the U.S. economy to its knees, like it did two years ago - and leaving American taxpayers holding the bag. To that end, he wants a new consumer protection agency, ends the concept that big banks are "too big to fail" and to subject derivatives - the murky financial products that are widely blamed for igniting the market collapse - under greater control and transparency.
It looks like there will be some Republican support for Obama here. Not much, but probably enough to have his way - a second major legislative victory for the White House appears likely here.
The trip to New York is a quick one. Obama has an afternoon meeting in the Oval Office with Treasury Secretary Tim Geithner in the Oval Office. Then, this being Earth Day, he'll deliver remarks at a Rose Garden reception.
The Schedule
In-Town Travel Pool
Wires: AP, Reuters, Bloomberg
Wire Photos: AP, Reuters, AFP
TV Corr & Crew: CBS
Print: Talking Points Memo
Radio: AP
Out-of-Town Travel Pool
Wires: AP, Reuters, Bloomberg
Wire Photos: AP, Reuters, AFP
TV Corr & Crew: CBS
Print: AFP
Radio: FOX
EDT
11:55AM THE PRESIDENT delivers remarks on Wall Street reform
Cooper Union
Pooled TV, Open to pre-credentialed correspondents & still photographers
3:30PM THE PRESIDENT meets with Secretary of the Treasury Geithner
Oval Office
Closed Press
5:30PM THE PRESIDENT delivers remarks at Earth Day reception
Rose Garden
Pooled Press (Pre-set 4:30PM – Final Gather 5:10PM – North Doors of the Palm Room)
Press Briefing: Robert Gibbs will brief on Air Force One.
*****
On This Day
1994: Richard Nixon died. He was the 37th President, serving between 1969-74. Nixon, of course, was the only President to resign from office.
Presidential Quote:
"Don't get the impression that you arouse my anger. You see, one can only be angry with those he respects." - Richard Nixon
Here are some excerpts from the President's speech today:
"I believe in a strong financial sector that helps people to raise capital and get loans and invest their savings. But a free market was never meant to be a free license to take whatever you can get, however you can get it," Obama will say. "Some on Wall Street forgot that behind every dollar traded or leveraged, there is family looking to buy a house, pay for an education, open a business, or save for retirement. What happens here has real consequences across our country."
In an interview on CNBC yesterday, Obama emphasized he's a free marketeer - but not so "laissez faire" as to allow markets to run amok and bring the U.S. economy to its knees, like it did two years ago - and leaving American taxpayers holding the bag. To that end, he wants a new consumer protection agency, ends the concept that big banks are "too big to fail" and to subject derivatives - the murky financial products that are widely blamed for igniting the market collapse - under greater control and transparency.
It looks like there will be some Republican support for Obama here. Not much, but probably enough to have his way - a second major legislative victory for the White House appears likely here.
The trip to New York is a quick one. Obama has an afternoon meeting in the Oval Office with Treasury Secretary Tim Geithner in the Oval Office. Then, this being Earth Day, he'll deliver remarks at a Rose Garden reception.
The Schedule
In-Town Travel Pool
Wires: AP, Reuters, Bloomberg
Wire Photos: AP, Reuters, AFP
TV Corr & Crew: CBS
Print: Talking Points Memo
Radio: AP
Out-of-Town Travel Pool
Wires: AP, Reuters, Bloomberg
Wire Photos: AP, Reuters, AFP
TV Corr & Crew: CBS
Print: AFP
Radio: FOX
EDT
11:55AM THE PRESIDENT delivers remarks on Wall Street reform
Cooper Union
Pooled TV, Open to pre-credentialed correspondents & still photographers
3:30PM THE PRESIDENT meets with Secretary of the Treasury Geithner
Oval Office
Closed Press
5:30PM THE PRESIDENT delivers remarks at Earth Day reception
Rose Garden
Pooled Press (Pre-set 4:30PM – Final Gather 5:10PM – North Doors of the Palm Room)
Press Briefing: Robert Gibbs will brief on Air Force One.
*****
On This Day
1994: Richard Nixon died. He was the 37th President, serving between 1969-74. Nixon, of course, was the only President to resign from office.
Presidential Quote:
"Don't get the impression that you arouse my anger. You see, one can only be angry with those he respects." - Richard Nixon
Wednesday, April 21, 2010
President's Schedule: Wednesday, April 21
President Obama wants a Senate vote by August on his nominee for the Supreme Court vacancy left by the retirement of Justice John Paul Stevens. But who should that nominee be? He'll get some input today from bipartisan leaders of the Senate and the Judiciary Committee. Expected to attend: Majority Leader Harry Reid, Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, Committee Chairman Patrick Leahy, and the ranking Republican on the committee, Jeff Sessions.
In the afternoon, the President and the Vice President will have lunch in the Private Dining Room. The President then attends a reception for G-20 labor ministers in the Diplomatic Reception Room.
The President and Mrs. Obama with the White House Office on Olympic, Paralympic and Youth Sport, will host members of the United States Olympic and Paralympic teams on the South Portico. The President and First Lady will congratulate Olympians and Paralympians on their performance and thank them for representing the United States during the Vancouver Winter Games. They will also discuss the First Lady’s Let’s Move! campaign to solve the childhood obesity epidemic within a generation. The Vice President and Dr. Jill Biden will also attend.
Last on Obama;s schedule today are meetings with Secretary of Defense Robert Gates, and a meeting with Secretary Geithner and Secretary Sebelius.
*****
In-Town Travel Pool
Wires: AP, Reuters, Bloomberg
Wire Photos: AP, Reuters, AFP
TV Corr & Crew: ABC
Print: Scripps Howard
Radio: ABC
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 and THE VICE PRESIDENT receive the Economic Daily Briefing
Oval Office
Closed Press
10:30AM THE PRESIDENT and THE VICE PRESIDENT meet with bipartisan leaders of the Senate and the Senate Judiciary Committee
Oval Office
Pool spray at the top (Gather time 10:25AM – Briefing Room)
12:30PM THE PRESIDENT and THE VICE PRESIDENT have lunch
Oval Office
Closed Press
2:15PM THE PRESIDENT attends reception for G-20 labor ministers
Diplomatic Reception Room
Closed Press
2:50PM THE PRESIDENT meets with senior advisors
Oval Office
Closed Press
3:50PM THE PRESIDENT and THE FIRST LADY welcome members of the United States Olympic and Paralympic teams to the White House
South Portico
Open Press (Pre-set 2:00PM – Final Gather 3:20PM – North Doors of the Palm Room)
4:30PM THE PRESIDENT and THE VICE PRESIDENT meet with Secretary of Defense Gates
Oval Office
Closed Press
5:45PM THE PRESIDENT and THE VICE PRESIDENT meet with Secretary Geithner and Secretary Sebelius
Oval Office
Closed Press
Briefing Schedule
12:00PM Briefing by Press Secretary Robert Gibbs
*****
"There is nothing wrong with America that the faith, love of freedom, intelligence and energy of her citizens cannot cure." - Dwight D. EIsenhower
In the afternoon, the President and the Vice President will have lunch in the Private Dining Room. The President then attends a reception for G-20 labor ministers in the Diplomatic Reception Room.
The President and Mrs. Obama with the White House Office on Olympic, Paralympic and Youth Sport, will host members of the United States Olympic and Paralympic teams on the South Portico. The President and First Lady will congratulate Olympians and Paralympians on their performance and thank them for representing the United States during the Vancouver Winter Games. They will also discuss the First Lady’s Let’s Move! campaign to solve the childhood obesity epidemic within a generation. The Vice President and Dr. Jill Biden will also attend.
Last on Obama;s schedule today are meetings with Secretary of Defense Robert Gates, and a meeting with Secretary Geithner and Secretary Sebelius.
*****
In-Town Travel Pool
Wires: AP, Reuters, Bloomberg
Wire Photos: AP, Reuters, AFP
TV Corr & Crew: ABC
Print: Scripps Howard
Radio: ABC
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 and THE VICE PRESIDENT receive the Economic Daily Briefing
Oval Office
Closed Press
10:30AM THE PRESIDENT and THE VICE PRESIDENT meet with bipartisan leaders of the Senate and the Senate Judiciary Committee
Oval Office
Pool spray at the top (Gather time 10:25AM – Briefing Room)
12:30PM THE PRESIDENT and THE VICE PRESIDENT have lunch
Oval Office
Closed Press
2:15PM THE PRESIDENT attends reception for G-20 labor ministers
Diplomatic Reception Room
Closed Press
2:50PM THE PRESIDENT meets with senior advisors
Oval Office
Closed Press
3:50PM THE PRESIDENT and THE FIRST LADY welcome members of the United States Olympic and Paralympic teams to the White House
South Portico
Open Press (Pre-set 2:00PM – Final Gather 3:20PM – North Doors of the Palm Room)
4:30PM THE PRESIDENT and THE VICE PRESIDENT meet with Secretary of Defense Gates
Oval Office
Closed Press
5:45PM THE PRESIDENT and THE VICE PRESIDENT meet with Secretary Geithner and Secretary Sebelius
Oval Office
Closed Press
Briefing Schedule
12:00PM Briefing by Press Secretary Robert Gibbs
*****
"There is nothing wrong with America that the faith, love of freedom, intelligence and energy of her citizens cannot cure." - Dwight D. EIsenhower
Tuesday, April 20, 2010
President's Schedule: Tuesday, April 20
President Obama flies home from Los Angeles today after a series of fundraisers for Sen. Barbara Boxer and the Democratic National Committee. Some of those who paid to see Obama heckled him over what they say is his foot-dragging over repealing "Don't Ask Don't Tell" - the military's policy for gays and lesbians. Here's the transcript of the event as released by the White House press office:
AUDIENCE MEMBER: Repeal “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell!”
THE PRESIDENT: We are going to do that. Hey, hold on a second, hold on a second. We are going to do that.
AUDIENCE: Yes, we can! Yes, we can! Yes, we can! Yes, we can!
THE PRESIDENT: Here we go. All right -- guys, guys, all right. I agree, I agree, I agree. (Applause.) Now --
AUDIENCE MEMBER: (Inaudible.)
THE PRESIDENT: No, no, no, no, listen. What the young man was talking about was we need to -- we need to repeal “Don’t Ask, Don't Tell,” which I agree with and which we have begun to do. (Applause.) But let me say this: When you’ve got an ally like Barbara Boxer and you’ve got an ally like me who are standing for the same thing, then you don't know exactly why you’ve got to holler, because we already hear you, all right? (Applause.) I mean, it would have made more sense to holler that at the people who oppose it. (Applause.)
...and a few minutes later:
AUDIENCE MEMBER: It’s time for equality for all Americans!
THE PRESIDENT: I’m sorry, do you want to come up here? (Applause.) You know, the -- all right, because can I just say, once again, Barbara and I are supportive of repealing “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell,” so I don't know why you’re hollering.
Supreme Court and Financial Reform
On Air Force One today, the President may be reviewing what the White House calls a lengthening list of names to replace retiring Supreme Court Justice John Paul Stevens (who turns 90 today, incidentally). Tomorrow, Obama will hold a meeting with Republican and Democratic leaders of the Senate Judiciary Committee to get their input.
Looking ahead, Obama heads to New York on Thursday for a speech on financial reform; he wants swift Senate action and he wants the bill to include tough regulation of derivatives, which are widely blamed for igniting the near-economic collapse.
*****
On This Day
1898 - President McKinley asked Congress to declare war on Spain. This followed the famous sinking of the battleship USS Maine in Havana, Cuba (then a Spanish colony) which killed 252 people. According to the History.com, "Hawks in the media and within the government immediately blamed Spain, and President McKinley, abandoning his hopes for neutrality in the Cuban-Spanish conflict, bowed to Congressional calls for war. (It was later discovered that the explosion was caused by the spontaneous ignition of faulty ammunitions onboard the Maine.)"
Presidential Quote
"That's all a man can hope for during his lifetime - to set an example - and when he is dead, to be an inspiration for history." - William McKinley
*****
AUDIENCE MEMBER: Repeal “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell!”
THE PRESIDENT: We are going to do that. Hey, hold on a second, hold on a second. We are going to do that.
AUDIENCE: Yes, we can! Yes, we can! Yes, we can! Yes, we can!
THE PRESIDENT: Here we go. All right -- guys, guys, all right. I agree, I agree, I agree. (Applause.) Now --
AUDIENCE MEMBER: (Inaudible.)
THE PRESIDENT: No, no, no, no, listen. What the young man was talking about was we need to -- we need to repeal “Don’t Ask, Don't Tell,” which I agree with and which we have begun to do. (Applause.) But let me say this: When you’ve got an ally like Barbara Boxer and you’ve got an ally like me who are standing for the same thing, then you don't know exactly why you’ve got to holler, because we already hear you, all right? (Applause.) I mean, it would have made more sense to holler that at the people who oppose it. (Applause.)
...and a few minutes later:
AUDIENCE MEMBER: It’s time for equality for all Americans!
THE PRESIDENT: I’m sorry, do you want to come up here? (Applause.) You know, the -- all right, because can I just say, once again, Barbara and I are supportive of repealing “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell,” so I don't know why you’re hollering.
Supreme Court and Financial Reform
On Air Force One today, the President may be reviewing what the White House calls a lengthening list of names to replace retiring Supreme Court Justice John Paul Stevens (who turns 90 today, incidentally). Tomorrow, Obama will hold a meeting with Republican and Democratic leaders of the Senate Judiciary Committee to get their input.
Looking ahead, Obama heads to New York on Thursday for a speech on financial reform; he wants swift Senate action and he wants the bill to include tough regulation of derivatives, which are widely blamed for igniting the near-economic collapse.
*****
On This Day
1898 - President McKinley asked Congress to declare war on Spain. This followed the famous sinking of the battleship USS Maine in Havana, Cuba (then a Spanish colony) which killed 252 people. According to the History.com, "Hawks in the media and within the government immediately blamed Spain, and President McKinley, abandoning his hopes for neutrality in the Cuban-Spanish conflict, bowed to Congressional calls for war. (It was later discovered that the explosion was caused by the spontaneous ignition of faulty ammunitions onboard the Maine.)"
Presidential Quote
"That's all a man can hope for during his lifetime - to set an example - and when he is dead, to be an inspiration for history." - William McKinley
*****
Monday, April 19, 2010
President's Schedule: Monday, April 19
California Dreamin'?
Topping the President's agenda today: a trip to Los Angeles, where he'll try and bolster the shaky reelection prospects of Sen. Barbara Boxer.
Boxer needs all the help she can get. The three-term Democrat has seen her poll numbers dragged down by California's wobbly economy. Unemployment in the so-called Golden State tops 12%, well above the national average, and the state is in a deep fiscal crisis. Three GOP candidates are battling for the right to oppose her in November: former Rep. Tom Campbell, former Hewlett-Packard CEO Carly Fiorina and Assemblyman Chuck DeVore.
Obama will speak at an evening fundraising reception for Boxer and the DNC at the California Science Center in L.A. Tickets go for for the event are between $250-$2,500. Then it's off to a a more exclusive fundraising dinner at the Museum of Natural History, where the tickets sold for a reported $35,200 a couple, with $4,800 going to Boxer's Senate campaign and the rest directed to the DNC, according to the Los Angeles Times.
The President will spend the night in Los Angeles and return to Washington on Tuesday.
Focus on Sudan
Before leaving for the West coast, Obama will meet with his special envoy to Sudan, General Scott Gration.
The Schedule
In-Town Travel Pool
Wires: AP, Reuters, Bloomberg
Wire Photos: AP, Reuters, AFP
TV Corr & Crew: FOX
Print: Salon
Radio: Talk Radio
Out-of-Town Travel Pool
Wires: AP, Reuters, Bloomberg
Wire Photos: AP, Reuters, AFP
TV Corr & Crew: FOX
Print: Washington Times
EDT
12:30PM THE PRESIDENT meets with senior advisors
Oval Office
Closed Press
1:00PM THE PRESIDENT meets with Sudan Special Envoy General Scott Gration
Oval Office
Closed Press
PDT
6:00PM THE PRESIDENT delivers remarks at fundraising reception for Senator Boxer and the DNC
California Science Center
Print Pool Coverage
6:40PM THE PRESIDENT delivers remarks at fundraising event for Senator Boxer and the DNC California Science Center
Travel Pool Coverage
8:45PM THE PRESIDENT delivers remarks at fundraising dinner for Senator Boxer and the DNC Museum of Natural History
Travel Pool Coverage
Briefing Schedule
1:30PM Briefing by Press Secretary Robert Gibbs
*****
On This Day
1861 - President Abraham Lincoln ordered a blockade against southern ports, effectively shutting them off from imports during the Civil War.
1933 - President Franklin Roosevelt ordered the U.S. removed from the gold standard.
Presidential Quote
"If I were two-faced, would I be wearing this one?"
- Abraham Lincoln
Friday, April 16, 2010
President's Schedule: Friday, April 16
Step Forward for Same-sex Partners
President Obama has ordered the government to issue new medical rules that would give them the right to visit their partner in the hospital.
The White House says the rule changes would also make it easier for gay men and lesbians to make medical decisions on behalf of their partners; Obama says the new rules would affect any hospital that participates in Medicare or Medicaid.
Mr. Obama said: “Every day, all across America, patients are denied the kindness and caring of a loved one at their sides,” adding that the rules could also help widows and widowers who rely on friends and members of religious orders who care for one another.
Jobless Aid
With unemployment remaining stubbornly high, Congress has passed - and Obama quickly signed into law last night - legislation maintaining jobless benefits.
The $18 billion measure extends federal benefits through June 2; it means Americans out of work can get up to 99 weeks of assistance in some states. Although the measure passed the House in a bipartisan 289-112 vote, it was held up in the Senate over concerns it will add to the ballooning deficit.
*****
The President's Day
After his usual intelligence briefing, the President delivers remarks at the White House Conference on America’s Great Outdoors, which will be held indoors at the Department of the Interior.
WWR has never heard of such an event. The White House press office says: "He will address the challenges, opportunities, and innovations surrounding modern-day land conservation and the importance of reconnecting Americans and American families to the outdoors."
OK.
After returning to the White House, Obama will meet with his national security team on Afghanistan and Pakistan in the Situation Room. Expected attendees include:
* Vice President Joe Biden
* Secretary of State Hillary Clinton
* Ambassador Susan Rice, Permanent U.S. Representative to the United Nations (via videoconference)
* USAID Administrator Rajiv Shah
* Deputy Secretary of State James Steinberg
* Deputy Secretary of State Jack Lew
* Deputy Secretary of the Treasury Neal Wolin
* Under Secretary of Defense Michele Flournoy
* Ambassador Richard Holbrooke, U.S. Special Representative for Afghanistan and Pakistan
* Karl Eikenberry, U.S. Ambassador to Afghanistan (via videoconference)
* Anne Patterson, U.S. Ambassador to Pakistan (via videoconference)
* Admiral Michael Mullen, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff
* General James E. Cartwright, USMC, Vice Chairman, Joint Chiefs of Staff
* General David Petraeus, U.S. Central Command
* General Stanley McChrystal, U.S. Commander in Afghanistan (via videoconference)
* Admiral Dennis Blair, Director of National Intelligence
* CIA Director Leon Panetta
* General James Jones, National Security Advisor
* Tom Donilon, Deputy National Security Advisor
* John Brennan, Assistant to the President for Counterterrorism and Homeland Security
* Tony Blinken, National Security Advisor to the Vice President
* Lieutenant General Douglas Lute, Special Assistant to the President for Afghanistan and Pakistan
The U.S. troop surge in Afghanistan, incidentally, is still underway. When it is complete, it will bring U.S. force levels there to 100,000. And then they will begin coming home - with withdrawals starting, the White House maintains, in July 2011. But many Republicans say a deadline they consider to be arbitrary is risky and will just strengthen the hand of the Taliban and al-Qaeda.
After the meeting breaks up, Obama and Vice-President Biden will have their weekly lunch in the Private Dining Room.
In the afternoon, the President will convene a meeting of his Economic Recovery Advisory Board (PERAB) in the Roosevelt Room. On the agenda: a range of economic issues, including financial reform, job creation and the President’s proposal to double U.S. exports over the next five years.
*****
In-Town Travel Pool
Wires: AP, Reuters, Bloomberg
Wire Photos: AP, Reuters, AFP
TV Corr & Crew: ABC
Print: Politics Daily/Sun Times
Radio: FOX
EDT
9:30AM Pool Call Time
9:30AM THE PRESIDENT and THE VICE PRESIDENT receive the Presidential Daily Briefing
Oval Office
Closed Press
10:15AM THE PRESIDENT delivers remarks at the White House Conference on America’s Great Outdoors
Department of the Interior
Pooled for TV and still photographers and open to pre-credentialed correspondents (Travel Pool Gather Time 9:45AM – North Doors of the Palm Room)
11:00AM THE PRESIDENT meets with his national security team on Afghanistan and Pakistan
Situation Room
Closed Press
12:45PM THE PRESIDENT and THE VICE PRESIDENT have lunch
Private Dining Room
Closed Press
1:30PM THE PRESIDENT and THE VICE PRESIDENT meet with the PERAB
Roosevelt Room
Pool spray at the top (Gather Time 1:20PM –Briefing Room)
*****
Presidential Quote
"Associate with men of good quality if you esteem your own reputation; for it is better to be alone than in bad company." - George Washington
President Obama has ordered the government to issue new medical rules that would give them the right to visit their partner in the hospital.
The White House says the rule changes would also make it easier for gay men and lesbians to make medical decisions on behalf of their partners; Obama says the new rules would affect any hospital that participates in Medicare or Medicaid.
Mr. Obama said: “Every day, all across America, patients are denied the kindness and caring of a loved one at their sides,” adding that the rules could also help widows and widowers who rely on friends and members of religious orders who care for one another.
Jobless Aid
With unemployment remaining stubbornly high, Congress has passed - and Obama quickly signed into law last night - legislation maintaining jobless benefits.
The $18 billion measure extends federal benefits through June 2; it means Americans out of work can get up to 99 weeks of assistance in some states. Although the measure passed the House in a bipartisan 289-112 vote, it was held up in the Senate over concerns it will add to the ballooning deficit.
*****
The President's Day
After his usual intelligence briefing, the President delivers remarks at the White House Conference on America’s Great Outdoors, which will be held indoors at the Department of the Interior.
WWR has never heard of such an event. The White House press office says: "He will address the challenges, opportunities, and innovations surrounding modern-day land conservation and the importance of reconnecting Americans and American families to the outdoors."
OK.
After returning to the White House, Obama will meet with his national security team on Afghanistan and Pakistan in the Situation Room. Expected attendees include:
* Vice President Joe Biden
* Secretary of State Hillary Clinton
* Ambassador Susan Rice, Permanent U.S. Representative to the United Nations (via videoconference)
* USAID Administrator Rajiv Shah
* Deputy Secretary of State James Steinberg
* Deputy Secretary of State Jack Lew
* Deputy Secretary of the Treasury Neal Wolin
* Under Secretary of Defense Michele Flournoy
* Ambassador Richard Holbrooke, U.S. Special Representative for Afghanistan and Pakistan
* Karl Eikenberry, U.S. Ambassador to Afghanistan (via videoconference)
* Anne Patterson, U.S. Ambassador to Pakistan (via videoconference)
* Admiral Michael Mullen, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff
* General James E. Cartwright, USMC, Vice Chairman, Joint Chiefs of Staff
* General David Petraeus, U.S. Central Command
* General Stanley McChrystal, U.S. Commander in Afghanistan (via videoconference)
* Admiral Dennis Blair, Director of National Intelligence
* CIA Director Leon Panetta
* General James Jones, National Security Advisor
* Tom Donilon, Deputy National Security Advisor
* John Brennan, Assistant to the President for Counterterrorism and Homeland Security
* Tony Blinken, National Security Advisor to the Vice President
* Lieutenant General Douglas Lute, Special Assistant to the President for Afghanistan and Pakistan
The U.S. troop surge in Afghanistan, incidentally, is still underway. When it is complete, it will bring U.S. force levels there to 100,000. And then they will begin coming home - with withdrawals starting, the White House maintains, in July 2011. But many Republicans say a deadline they consider to be arbitrary is risky and will just strengthen the hand of the Taliban and al-Qaeda.
After the meeting breaks up, Obama and Vice-President Biden will have their weekly lunch in the Private Dining Room.
In the afternoon, the President will convene a meeting of his Economic Recovery Advisory Board (PERAB) in the Roosevelt Room. On the agenda: a range of economic issues, including financial reform, job creation and the President’s proposal to double U.S. exports over the next five years.
*****
In-Town Travel Pool
Wires: AP, Reuters, Bloomberg
Wire Photos: AP, Reuters, AFP
TV Corr & Crew: ABC
Print: Politics Daily/Sun Times
Radio: FOX
EDT
9:30AM Pool Call Time
9:30AM THE PRESIDENT and THE VICE PRESIDENT receive the Presidential Daily Briefing
Oval Office
Closed Press
10:15AM THE PRESIDENT delivers remarks at the White House Conference on America’s Great Outdoors
Department of the Interior
Pooled for TV and still photographers and open to pre-credentialed correspondents (Travel Pool Gather Time 9:45AM – North Doors of the Palm Room)
11:00AM THE PRESIDENT meets with his national security team on Afghanistan and Pakistan
Situation Room
Closed Press
12:45PM THE PRESIDENT and THE VICE PRESIDENT have lunch
Private Dining Room
Closed Press
1:30PM THE PRESIDENT and THE VICE PRESIDENT meet with the PERAB
Roosevelt Room
Pool spray at the top (Gather Time 1:20PM –Briefing Room)
*****
Presidential Quote
"Associate with men of good quality if you esteem your own reputation; for it is better to be alone than in bad company." - George Washington
Thursday, April 15, 2010
President's Schedule: Thursday, April 15
"Happy" Tax Day! Well, not really. But if it makes you feel any better, the Obamas (and Bidens) will release their 2009 returns for all to see around noon. No question the President and First Lady, being in a sky-high bracket, will write a hefty check to the IRS (last year they paid $855,323 on a total income of $2,736,107). So they won't be getting a tax cut like you hopefully are.
Speaking of sky high, the future of NASA and the U.S. space program dominates Obama's agenda today. He'll fly down to Cape Canaveral for a 2:50 speech.
It's an out-of-this-world controversy. Obama is scrapping George W. Bush's plans to return to the moon (a base for an eventual Mars landing) and shifting towards a space program more reliant on the private sector, while it develops a big, new government rocket. But icons from America's glory days of yesteryear - including the first man to walk on the moon, Neil Armstrong - are angry. They accuse Obama of ceding U.S. leadership in space to the Chinese and Russians.
But younger space cadets say Obama's shift makes sense. There are big bucks to made in space; and entrepreneurs are already itching to build their own launch vehicles. These younger folks say Obama's plan is the best way to get to Mars. They have older allies, by the way, including Buzz Aldrin, who was the second man to walk on the moon.
After the 2:50 speech, Obama hops down to Miami for a pair of fundraising events. He returns to Washington late tonight.
*****
In-Town Travel Pool
Wires: AP, Reuters, Bloomberg
Wire Photos: AP, Reuters, AFP
TV Corr & Crew: NBC
Print: Politico
Radio: CBS
Out-of-Town Travel Pool
Wires: AP, Reuters, Bloomberg
Wire Photos: AP, Reuters, AFP
TV Corr & Crew: NBC
Print: Washington Post
Radio: NPR
EDT
9:30AM In-Town Travel Pool Call Time
9:30AM THE PRESIDENT receives the Presidential Daily Briefing
Oval Office
Closed Press
10:15AM THE PRESIDENT meets with Secretary of Labor Solis and Mine Safety and Health Administrator Main
Oval Office
Closed Press
10:50AM THE PRESIDENT delivers remarks on mine safety
Rose Garden
Open Press (Pre-set 9:50AM – Final Gather 10:20AM – North Doors of the Palm Room)
1:55PM THE PRESIDENT tours a commercial rocket processing facility
Cape Canaveral Air Force Station
Travel Pool Coverage
2:50PM THE PRESIDENT delivers remarks on the bold new course the Administration is charting for NASA and the future of U.S. leadership in human space flight
Kennedy Space Center
Open Press
5:00PM THE PRESIDENT attends DNC fundraiser
Private Residence
Closed Press
7:10PM THE PRESIDENT delivers remarks at DNC fundraiser
Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts
Travel Pool Coverage
Briefing Schedule
Deputy Press Secretary Bill Burton will gaggle aboard Air Force One.
*****
On This Day
1865 - Vice-President Andrew Johnson became the 17th President, following the death of Abraham Lincoln. Johnson served until 1869. He also became the first president to be impeached, but was acquitted by a single vote in the Senate.
Presidential Quote
"The goal to strive for is a poor government but a rich people." - Andrew Johnson
Speaking of sky high, the future of NASA and the U.S. space program dominates Obama's agenda today. He'll fly down to Cape Canaveral for a 2:50 speech.
It's an out-of-this-world controversy. Obama is scrapping George W. Bush's plans to return to the moon (a base for an eventual Mars landing) and shifting towards a space program more reliant on the private sector, while it develops a big, new government rocket. But icons from America's glory days of yesteryear - including the first man to walk on the moon, Neil Armstrong - are angry. They accuse Obama of ceding U.S. leadership in space to the Chinese and Russians.
But younger space cadets say Obama's shift makes sense. There are big bucks to made in space; and entrepreneurs are already itching to build their own launch vehicles. These younger folks say Obama's plan is the best way to get to Mars. They have older allies, by the way, including Buzz Aldrin, who was the second man to walk on the moon.
After the 2:50 speech, Obama hops down to Miami for a pair of fundraising events. He returns to Washington late tonight.
*****
In-Town Travel Pool
Wires: AP, Reuters, Bloomberg
Wire Photos: AP, Reuters, AFP
TV Corr & Crew: NBC
Print: Politico
Radio: CBS
Out-of-Town Travel Pool
Wires: AP, Reuters, Bloomberg
Wire Photos: AP, Reuters, AFP
TV Corr & Crew: NBC
Print: Washington Post
Radio: NPR
EDT
9:30AM In-Town Travel Pool Call Time
9:30AM THE PRESIDENT receives the Presidential Daily Briefing
Oval Office
Closed Press
10:15AM THE PRESIDENT meets with Secretary of Labor Solis and Mine Safety and Health Administrator Main
Oval Office
Closed Press
10:50AM THE PRESIDENT delivers remarks on mine safety
Rose Garden
Open Press (Pre-set 9:50AM – Final Gather 10:20AM – North Doors of the Palm Room)
1:55PM THE PRESIDENT tours a commercial rocket processing facility
Cape Canaveral Air Force Station
Travel Pool Coverage
2:50PM THE PRESIDENT delivers remarks on the bold new course the Administration is charting for NASA and the future of U.S. leadership in human space flight
Kennedy Space Center
Open Press
5:00PM THE PRESIDENT attends DNC fundraiser
Private Residence
Closed Press
7:10PM THE PRESIDENT delivers remarks at DNC fundraiser
Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts
Travel Pool Coverage
Briefing Schedule
Deputy Press Secretary Bill Burton will gaggle aboard Air Force One.
*****
On This Day
1865 - Vice-President Andrew Johnson became the 17th President, following the death of Abraham Lincoln. Johnson served until 1869. He also became the first president to be impeached, but was acquitted by a single vote in the Senate.
Presidential Quote
"The goal to strive for is a poor government but a rich people." - Andrew Johnson
Wednesday, April 14, 2010
President's Schedule: Wednesday, April 14
The President wrapped up yesterday's nuclear security summit with a very ambitious goal: with each of the 47 nations attending promising to lock down hundreds of thousands of tons of weapons-usable nuclear fuel by 2014.
But the promises are non-binding, with leaders saying only that they'll work together "as appropriate" to secure nuclear material, or to convert reactors that use highly enriched uranium to less-dangerous fuel "where technically and economically feasible," according to the summit's final communique.
Still the summit - the largest gathering hosted by a U.S. President since Harry Truman hosted the 1945 founding of the United Nations - succeeded in one critical area. It raised public awareness of a very critical issue - one that undeniably poses a grave and ongoing threat to the security of the American people.
"We have seized this opportunity," Mr. Obama said, "and because of steps we've taken, the American people will be safer, and the world will be more secure."
The White House says the summit also advanced U.S. efforts to get Russia and China on board with U.S. sanctions against Iran. But while agreeing that both the U.S. and China should work together on the sanctions issue, Chinese President Hu Jintao was noticeably circumspect on the issue - what kind of sanctions, how tough and so forth. While Hu was in town, the Chinese Foreign Ministry back in Beijing said "Sanctions and pressure cannot fundamentally resolve the issues.”
A followup meeting to strengthen the nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) is set for next month in New York. South Korea has agreed to host the next nuclear security summit in 2012.
*****
Today the President moves on to a very different threat: a financial industry that he says needs to be regulated more to prevent the kind of collapse that recently brought the U.S. economy to its knees.
He and Vice President Biden meet with bipartisan Congressional leaders to discuss financial regulatory reform. Scheduled to attend: House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, Majority Leader Steny Hoyer, Minority Leader John Boehner, Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid and Minority Leader Mitch McConnell.
The Schedule
In-Town Travel Pool
Wires: AP, Reuters, Bloomberg
Wire Photos: AP, Reuters, AFP
TV Corr & Crew: FOX
Print: New York Times
Radio: AURN
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 and THE VICE PRESIDENT receive the Economic Daily Briefing
Oval Office
Closed Press
10:45AM THE PRESIDENT and THE VICE PRESIDENT meet with bipartisan Congressional leadership to discuss financial reform
Cabinet Room
Pool spray at the top (Gather time 10:40AM – Briefing Room)
12:30PM THE PRESIDENT meets with senior advisors
Oval Office
Closed Press
4:15PM THE PRESIDENT and THE VICE PRESIDENT meet with Secretary of State Clinton
Oval Office
Closed Press
Briefing Schedule
2:00PM Briefing by Press Secretary Robert Gibbs
*****
On This Day
1865 - President Abraham Lincoln was shot as he attended a play at Ford's Theater in Washington, D.C. The attack came just five days after the end of the Civil War. Mr. Lincoln, widely regarded as America's greatest President, died the next morning.
1986 - President Reagan ordered U.S. air strikes on Libya. The attack was ordered after a bomb - linked to Libyan agents - exploded in a West Berlin nightclub, killing an American soldier. Reagan said: “Self-defense is not only our right, it is our duty."
Presidential Quote
"Am I not destroying my enemies when I make friends of them?" - Abraham Lincoln
But the promises are non-binding, with leaders saying only that they'll work together "as appropriate" to secure nuclear material, or to convert reactors that use highly enriched uranium to less-dangerous fuel "where technically and economically feasible," according to the summit's final communique.
Still the summit - the largest gathering hosted by a U.S. President since Harry Truman hosted the 1945 founding of the United Nations - succeeded in one critical area. It raised public awareness of a very critical issue - one that undeniably poses a grave and ongoing threat to the security of the American people.
"We have seized this opportunity," Mr. Obama said, "and because of steps we've taken, the American people will be safer, and the world will be more secure."
The White House says the summit also advanced U.S. efforts to get Russia and China on board with U.S. sanctions against Iran. But while agreeing that both the U.S. and China should work together on the sanctions issue, Chinese President Hu Jintao was noticeably circumspect on the issue - what kind of sanctions, how tough and so forth. While Hu was in town, the Chinese Foreign Ministry back in Beijing said "Sanctions and pressure cannot fundamentally resolve the issues.”
A followup meeting to strengthen the nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) is set for next month in New York. South Korea has agreed to host the next nuclear security summit in 2012.
*****
Today the President moves on to a very different threat: a financial industry that he says needs to be regulated more to prevent the kind of collapse that recently brought the U.S. economy to its knees.
He and Vice President Biden meet with bipartisan Congressional leaders to discuss financial regulatory reform. Scheduled to attend: House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, Majority Leader Steny Hoyer, Minority Leader John Boehner, Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid and Minority Leader Mitch McConnell.
The Schedule
In-Town Travel Pool
Wires: AP, Reuters, Bloomberg
Wire Photos: AP, Reuters, AFP
TV Corr & Crew: FOX
Print: New York Times
Radio: AURN
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 and THE VICE PRESIDENT receive the Economic Daily Briefing
Oval Office
Closed Press
10:45AM THE PRESIDENT and THE VICE PRESIDENT meet with bipartisan Congressional leadership to discuss financial reform
Cabinet Room
Pool spray at the top (Gather time 10:40AM – Briefing Room)
12:30PM THE PRESIDENT meets with senior advisors
Oval Office
Closed Press
4:15PM THE PRESIDENT and THE VICE PRESIDENT meet with Secretary of State Clinton
Oval Office
Closed Press
Briefing Schedule
2:00PM Briefing by Press Secretary Robert Gibbs
*****
On This Day
1865 - President Abraham Lincoln was shot as he attended a play at Ford's Theater in Washington, D.C. The attack came just five days after the end of the Civil War. Mr. Lincoln, widely regarded as America's greatest President, died the next morning.
1986 - President Reagan ordered U.S. air strikes on Libya. The attack was ordered after a bomb - linked to Libyan agents - exploded in a West Berlin nightclub, killing an American soldier. Reagan said: “Self-defense is not only our right, it is our duty."
Presidential Quote
"Am I not destroying my enemies when I make friends of them?" - Abraham Lincoln
Tuesday, April 13, 2010
President's Schedule: Tuesday, April 13
It's day two of the Nuclear Security Summit and and it looks like the administration is gaining a bit of ground on its efforts to isolate Iran and impose economic sanctions.
The key phrase here is "a bit." Although White House officials say Chinese President Hu Jintao has agreed to negotiate with the U.S. on tightening the screws on Iran, the question is: What kind of sanctions, exactly? The Chinese aren't saying - at least publicly - and there are no indications they'll go along with anything as tough as what the U.S. and allies like France are calling for.
Indeed, there have been signs that to get the Chinese and Russians - both of whom hold critical veto power in the U.N. Security Council - on board, that the Obama administration has been watering down its position, in hopes of eventually getting Beijing and Moscow on board. WWR recently asked presidential press secretary Robert Gibbs, for instance, if cutting off gasoline shipments to Iran was still on the table. Gibbs demurred (Iran is a giant oil producer but can't refine much of it, which is why it has to import much of its gasoline).
To underscore China's reluctance to back Obama on Iran, while Hu was here in Washington yesterday, a foreign ministry official back in Beijing said "Sanctions and pressure cannot fundamentally resolve the issues.”
Earlier, the White House counterterrorism advisor, John Brennan, told reporters that both al- Qaeda and organized criminal networks remain focused on getting their hands on highly enriched uranium or plutonium - essential to making a nuclear weapon - and warned, ominously, that the clock was ticking.
"We cannot wait any longer," he said, "Before we lock down these stockpiles, because we don't want to have any type of materials that fall into the hands of terrorist groups because the results would be devastating."
*****
The Schedule
The final day of the nuclear security summit begins with the usual group photo with Heads of Delegation (also known as the "Class Photo"). President Obama will then deliver remarks at the first Plenary Session; after a working lunch there will be a second Plenary.
Heads of state who will sit down with the President today include Turkish Prime Minster Erdogan Argentina's President Fernandez and German Chancellor Merkel.
Obama will also squeeze in a news conference at 4:30 this afternoon.
EDT
9:20AM THE PRESIDENT participates in Heads of Delegation Group Photo
Washington Convention Center
9:30AM THE PRESIDENT and THE VICE PRESIDENT attend Plenary Session I of the Nuclear Security Summit, THE PRESIDENT delivers opening remarks
12:00PM THE PRESIDENT attends Heads of Delegation working lunch
Washington Convention Center Dining Room
1:30PM THE PRESIDENT meets with Prime Minster Erdogan of Turkey
Washington Convention Center
2:00PM THE PRESIDENT attends Plenary Session II of the Nuclear Security Summit
Washington Convention Center
4:00PM THE PRESIDENT meets with President Fernandez de Kirchner of Argentina
4:30PM THE PRESIDENT holds a press conference
Washington Convention Center
5:15PM THE PRESIDENT attends Heads of Delegation reception
Washington Convention Center Dining Room
6:00PM THE PRESIDENT holds bilateral meeting with Chancellor Merkel of Germany
Washington Convention Center
*****
On This Day:
1743: Thomas Jefferson was born. He was the 3d President, serving between 1801-1809. But the great man didn't consider that significant enough to put on his tombstone. If you have ever visited his grave at Monticello, Virginia, it reads:
"Here was buried Thomas Jefferson. Author of the Declaration of American Independence of the Statue of Virginia for Religious Freedom and Father of the University of Virginia."
Presidential Quote:
"A democracy is nothing more than mob rule, where fifty-one percent of the people may take away the rights of the other forty-nine." - Thomas Jefferson
The key phrase here is "a bit." Although White House officials say Chinese President Hu Jintao has agreed to negotiate with the U.S. on tightening the screws on Iran, the question is: What kind of sanctions, exactly? The Chinese aren't saying - at least publicly - and there are no indications they'll go along with anything as tough as what the U.S. and allies like France are calling for.
Indeed, there have been signs that to get the Chinese and Russians - both of whom hold critical veto power in the U.N. Security Council - on board, that the Obama administration has been watering down its position, in hopes of eventually getting Beijing and Moscow on board. WWR recently asked presidential press secretary Robert Gibbs, for instance, if cutting off gasoline shipments to Iran was still on the table. Gibbs demurred (Iran is a giant oil producer but can't refine much of it, which is why it has to import much of its gasoline).
To underscore China's reluctance to back Obama on Iran, while Hu was here in Washington yesterday, a foreign ministry official back in Beijing said "Sanctions and pressure cannot fundamentally resolve the issues.”
Earlier, the White House counterterrorism advisor, John Brennan, told reporters that both al- Qaeda and organized criminal networks remain focused on getting their hands on highly enriched uranium or plutonium - essential to making a nuclear weapon - and warned, ominously, that the clock was ticking.
"We cannot wait any longer," he said, "Before we lock down these stockpiles, because we don't want to have any type of materials that fall into the hands of terrorist groups because the results would be devastating."
*****
The Schedule
The final day of the nuclear security summit begins with the usual group photo with Heads of Delegation (also known as the "Class Photo"). President Obama will then deliver remarks at the first Plenary Session; after a working lunch there will be a second Plenary.
Heads of state who will sit down with the President today include Turkish Prime Minster Erdogan Argentina's President Fernandez and German Chancellor Merkel.
Obama will also squeeze in a news conference at 4:30 this afternoon.
EDT
9:20AM THE PRESIDENT participates in Heads of Delegation Group Photo
Washington Convention Center
9:30AM THE PRESIDENT and THE VICE PRESIDENT attend Plenary Session I of the Nuclear Security Summit, THE PRESIDENT delivers opening remarks
12:00PM THE PRESIDENT attends Heads of Delegation working lunch
Washington Convention Center Dining Room
1:30PM THE PRESIDENT meets with Prime Minster Erdogan of Turkey
Washington Convention Center
2:00PM THE PRESIDENT attends Plenary Session II of the Nuclear Security Summit
Washington Convention Center
4:00PM THE PRESIDENT meets with President Fernandez de Kirchner of Argentina
4:30PM THE PRESIDENT holds a press conference
Washington Convention Center
5:15PM THE PRESIDENT attends Heads of Delegation reception
Washington Convention Center Dining Room
6:00PM THE PRESIDENT holds bilateral meeting with Chancellor Merkel of Germany
Washington Convention Center
*****
On This Day:
1743: Thomas Jefferson was born. He was the 3d President, serving between 1801-1809. But the great man didn't consider that significant enough to put on his tombstone. If you have ever visited his grave at Monticello, Virginia, it reads:
"Here was buried Thomas Jefferson. Author of the Declaration of American Independence of the Statue of Virginia for Religious Freedom and Father of the University of Virginia."
Presidential Quote:
"A democracy is nothing more than mob rule, where fifty-one percent of the people may take away the rights of the other forty-nine." - Thomas Jefferson
Sunday, April 11, 2010
President's Schedule: Monday, April 12
Washington, a city that has seen its fair share of spectacles, is witnessing another one over the next two days. It is the Nuclear Security Summit, a gathering of leaders from 47 countries. It's the biggest event hosted by a U.S. President since Harry Truman welcomed leaders to the founding of the United Nations in 1945. It's so big, the White House moved the whole thing to the cavernous Washington Convention Center, and a big chunk of downtown DC is essentially one giant security zone.
President Obama - the Nobel Peace Prize winner - wants to rid the world of nuclear weapons, although he admits this probably won't happen in in his lifetime. But another goal is, he thinks, within reach: keeping nuclear materials from falling into the hands of terrorists.
Speaking with reporters Sunday, Obama said the nightmare scenario of a "loose nuke" falling into the hands of, say, al-Qaeda, is the #1 national security threat to the United States.
"We know that organizations like al Qaeda are in the process of trying to secure a nuclear weapon -- a weapon of mass destruction that they have no compunction at using. There (is) a lot of loose nuclear material around the world," he said, adding if a nuclear weapon ever went off in New York, London or elsewhere, "The ramifications economically, politically, and from a security perspective would be devastating."
But what about actual countries like North Korea, which has successfully tested a nuclear weapon, and Iran, which is believed to be working on one? They're not invited. But their behavior and nuclear programs are likely to be discussed in depth.
“We fear North Korea and Iran because their behavior as -- in the first case, North Korea being -- already having nuclear weapons, and Iran seeking them -- is that they are unpredictable,” said Clinton on ABC's “This Week”.
The summit officially begins today. But Sunday Obama walked across the street from the White House to Blair House, for a series of meetings with leaders from India, Pakistan (both have nuclear weapons of their own), South Africa, Kazakhstan (which have given up nuclear programs) and Nigeria.
Among the leaders Obama will meet one-on-one with today: King Abdullah II of Jordan, Prime Minister Mohammed Najib Abdul Razak of Malaysia, President Viktor Yanukovich of Ukraine, President Serzh Sargsian of Armenia, and President Hu Jintao of China.
In the evening, the President will also welcome each head of delegation to the National Security Summit. Later, he'll host a working dinner for Heads of Delegation in the Washington Convention Center Dining Room.
The Schedule
EDT
10:15AM THE PRESIDENT arrives at the Convention Center to attend the Nuclear Security Summit
10:45AM THE PRESIDENT holds a bilateral meeting with King Abdullah II of Jordan
Washington Convention Center
11:45AM THE PRESIDENT holds a bilateral meeting with Prime Minister Mohammed Najib Abdul Razak of Malaysia
Washington Convention Center
12:55PM THE PRESIDENT holds a bilateral meeting with President Viktor Yanukovich of Ukraine
Washington Convention Center
1:30PM THE PRESIDENT holds a bilateral meeting with President Serzh Sargsian of Armenia
Washington Convention Center
2:30PM THE PRESIDENT holds a bilateral meeting with President Hu Jintao of China
Washington Convention Center
5:00PM THE PRESIDENT welcomes Heads of Delegation to the National Security Summit
Washington Convention Center
6:30PM THE PRESIDENT holds a working dinner with Heads of Delegation
Washington Convention Center Dining Room
Briefing Schedule
1:30 PM Press Secretary Robert Gibbs and Assistant to the President for Counterterrorism and Homeland Security John Brennan Briefing
Washington Convention Center Press File
*****
On This Day
In 1945, President Franklin D. Roosevelt died. Elected four times, he led America through the Depression and World War II. After his death, the Constitution was changed so future Presidents could serve just two consecutive terms.
Presidential Quote:
"I am neither bitter nor cynical but I do wish there was less immaturity in political thinking." - FDR
###
President Obama - the Nobel Peace Prize winner - wants to rid the world of nuclear weapons, although he admits this probably won't happen in in his lifetime. But another goal is, he thinks, within reach: keeping nuclear materials from falling into the hands of terrorists.
Speaking with reporters Sunday, Obama said the nightmare scenario of a "loose nuke" falling into the hands of, say, al-Qaeda, is the #1 national security threat to the United States.
"We know that organizations like al Qaeda are in the process of trying to secure a nuclear weapon -- a weapon of mass destruction that they have no compunction at using. There (is) a lot of loose nuclear material around the world," he said, adding if a nuclear weapon ever went off in New York, London or elsewhere, "The ramifications economically, politically, and from a security perspective would be devastating."
But what about actual countries like North Korea, which has successfully tested a nuclear weapon, and Iran, which is believed to be working on one? They're not invited. But their behavior and nuclear programs are likely to be discussed in depth.
“We fear North Korea and Iran because their behavior as -- in the first case, North Korea being -- already having nuclear weapons, and Iran seeking them -- is that they are unpredictable,” said Clinton on ABC's “This Week”.
The summit officially begins today. But Sunday Obama walked across the street from the White House to Blair House, for a series of meetings with leaders from India, Pakistan (both have nuclear weapons of their own), South Africa, Kazakhstan (which have given up nuclear programs) and Nigeria.
Among the leaders Obama will meet one-on-one with today: King Abdullah II of Jordan, Prime Minister Mohammed Najib Abdul Razak of Malaysia, President Viktor Yanukovich of Ukraine, President Serzh Sargsian of Armenia, and President Hu Jintao of China.
In the evening, the President will also welcome each head of delegation to the National Security Summit. Later, he'll host a working dinner for Heads of Delegation in the Washington Convention Center Dining Room.
The Schedule
EDT
10:15AM THE PRESIDENT arrives at the Convention Center to attend the Nuclear Security Summit
10:45AM THE PRESIDENT holds a bilateral meeting with King Abdullah II of Jordan
Washington Convention Center
11:45AM THE PRESIDENT holds a bilateral meeting with Prime Minister Mohammed Najib Abdul Razak of Malaysia
Washington Convention Center
12:55PM THE PRESIDENT holds a bilateral meeting with President Viktor Yanukovich of Ukraine
Washington Convention Center
1:30PM THE PRESIDENT holds a bilateral meeting with President Serzh Sargsian of Armenia
Washington Convention Center
2:30PM THE PRESIDENT holds a bilateral meeting with President Hu Jintao of China
Washington Convention Center
5:00PM THE PRESIDENT welcomes Heads of Delegation to the National Security Summit
Washington Convention Center
6:30PM THE PRESIDENT holds a working dinner with Heads of Delegation
Washington Convention Center Dining Room
Briefing Schedule
1:30 PM Press Secretary Robert Gibbs and Assistant to the President for Counterterrorism and Homeland Security John Brennan Briefing
Washington Convention Center Press File
*****
On This Day
In 1945, President Franklin D. Roosevelt died. Elected four times, he led America through the Depression and World War II. After his death, the Constitution was changed so future Presidents could serve just two consecutive terms.
Presidential Quote:
"I am neither bitter nor cynical but I do wish there was less immaturity in political thinking." - FDR
###
Thursday, April 8, 2010
President's Schedule: Thursday, April 8
"I call upon the scientific community in our country, those who gave us nuclear weapons, to turn their great talents now to the cause of mankind and world peace, to give us the means of rendering those nuclear weapons impotent and obsolete."
- President Ronald Reagan, March 23, 1983
Ever since that first blinding flash and mushroom cloud appeared in the New Mexico dawn 65 years ago, all American Presidents have spoken of the dangers of nuclear weapons - and the need to control them. The terrifying specter of nuclear holocaust - which has seemingly faded from the minds of many Americans - is with us still, and probably always will be.
The U.S. and Russia today took an important step towards reducing this danger. President Obama and Russian President Dmitry Medvedev signed the so-called "New Start" treaty that requires each country to cut its arsenal of strategic nuclear weapons to 1,550 warheads each - a cut of nearly a third. If ratified by the Senate (67 votes needed) and Russia's legislature, it would be the first major arms reduction treaty with the Kremlin in nearly two decades.
Speaking after the treaty signing, Obama - who would like to see the total elimination of nuclear weapons - said the pact with the Kremlin "will move us further beyond the Cold War, strengthen the global non-proliferation regime, and make the United States, and the world, safer and more secure."
Today's amity isn't guaranteed to last. The Russians say they could withdraw over a planned U.S. missile-defense system, which the Kremlin sees as a threat - though Washington says it's meant to protect Europe from a potential Iranian attack.
Speaking of Iran, Obama and Medvedev will discuss ongoing efforts to ratchet up sanctions against Tehran today. But White House press secretary Robert Gibbs, briefing reporters on Air Force One, cautioned that there wouldn't be any breakthrough announcement.
But even as though the U.S. and Russia cut their arsenals, most analysts think the real threat of a nuclear holocaust today comes from rogue states (like Iran or North Korea) or terror groups. Next week Obama hosts a conference of 47 nations with a very lofty goal: an agreement to secure all weapons-grade nuclear materials - which would lower the odds of them falling into the wrong hands - and to establish international nuclear fuel banks that would allow countries to build nuclear power plants without having to enrich uranium or plutonium on their own.
"A nuclear weapon in the hands of a terrorist is a danger to people everywhere," the President said.
The Schedule
CEST (6 hours ahead of Eastern time)
9:25AM THE PRESIDENT arrives in Prague, Czech Republic
Prague Ruzyně Airport
9:45AM THE PRESIDENT arrives at Prague Castle and is greeted by President Klaus of the Czech Republic
Prague Castle
9:55AM THE PRESIDENT takes family photo with President Klaus and President Medvedev of Russia
Prague Castle
10:05AM THE PRESIDENT holds bilateral meeting with President Medvedev
Prague Castle
10:45AM THE PRESIDENT holds expanded meeting with President Medvedev
Prague Castle
11:50AM THE PRESIDENT and President Medvedev attend New START Treaty signing ceremony and hold a press conference
Prague Castle
1:00PM THE PRESIDENT and President Medvedev attend ceremonial lunch hosted by President Klaus; THE PRESIDENT delivers toast remarks
Prague Castle
6:30PM THE PRESIDENT greets Central and Eastern European leaders on arrival
Ambassador’s Residence
7:15PM THE PRESIDENT hosts dinner for Central and Eastern European leaders
Ambassador’s Residence
- President Ronald Reagan, March 23, 1983
Ever since that first blinding flash and mushroom cloud appeared in the New Mexico dawn 65 years ago, all American Presidents have spoken of the dangers of nuclear weapons - and the need to control them. The terrifying specter of nuclear holocaust - which has seemingly faded from the minds of many Americans - is with us still, and probably always will be.
The U.S. and Russia today took an important step towards reducing this danger. President Obama and Russian President Dmitry Medvedev signed the so-called "New Start" treaty that requires each country to cut its arsenal of strategic nuclear weapons to 1,550 warheads each - a cut of nearly a third. If ratified by the Senate (67 votes needed) and Russia's legislature, it would be the first major arms reduction treaty with the Kremlin in nearly two decades.
Speaking after the treaty signing, Obama - who would like to see the total elimination of nuclear weapons - said the pact with the Kremlin "will move us further beyond the Cold War, strengthen the global non-proliferation regime, and make the United States, and the world, safer and more secure."
Today's amity isn't guaranteed to last. The Russians say they could withdraw over a planned U.S. missile-defense system, which the Kremlin sees as a threat - though Washington says it's meant to protect Europe from a potential Iranian attack.
Speaking of Iran, Obama and Medvedev will discuss ongoing efforts to ratchet up sanctions against Tehran today. But White House press secretary Robert Gibbs, briefing reporters on Air Force One, cautioned that there wouldn't be any breakthrough announcement.
But even as though the U.S. and Russia cut their arsenals, most analysts think the real threat of a nuclear holocaust today comes from rogue states (like Iran or North Korea) or terror groups. Next week Obama hosts a conference of 47 nations with a very lofty goal: an agreement to secure all weapons-grade nuclear materials - which would lower the odds of them falling into the wrong hands - and to establish international nuclear fuel banks that would allow countries to build nuclear power plants without having to enrich uranium or plutonium on their own.
"A nuclear weapon in the hands of a terrorist is a danger to people everywhere," the President said.
The Schedule
CEST (6 hours ahead of Eastern time)
9:25AM THE PRESIDENT arrives in Prague, Czech Republic
Prague Ruzyně Airport
9:45AM THE PRESIDENT arrives at Prague Castle and is greeted by President Klaus of the Czech Republic
Prague Castle
9:55AM THE PRESIDENT takes family photo with President Klaus and President Medvedev of Russia
Prague Castle
10:05AM THE PRESIDENT holds bilateral meeting with President Medvedev
Prague Castle
10:45AM THE PRESIDENT holds expanded meeting with President Medvedev
Prague Castle
11:50AM THE PRESIDENT and President Medvedev attend New START Treaty signing ceremony and hold a press conference
Prague Castle
1:00PM THE PRESIDENT and President Medvedev attend ceremonial lunch hosted by President Klaus; THE PRESIDENT delivers toast remarks
Prague Castle
6:30PM THE PRESIDENT greets Central and Eastern European leaders on arrival
Ambassador’s Residence
7:15PM THE PRESIDENT hosts dinner for Central and Eastern European leaders
Ambassador’s Residence
Tuesday, April 6, 2010
President's Schedule: Tuesday, April 6
The White House releases President Obama's nuclear strategy - the "Nuclear Posture Review" today. It makes major changes to longstanding U.S. policy - changes that overturn decades of policies that have been in place since the beginning of the Cold War.
Obama's policy: the U.S. will not use nuclear weapons on a non-nuclear state that is in compliance with the nuclear nonproliferation treaty - even if that country launches a devastating biological, chemical or cyber attack on the U.S.
Obama's policy also ends decades of deliberate vagueness about how it would respond to an enemy attack. Prior administrations have always thought it best to keep a potential opponent guessing. But the President is making an exception for what he calls "outliers like Iran & North Korea" that have violated or renounced the NPF treaty.
The nuclear strategy comes on the eve of Obama's trip to Prague to sign a new START pact with Moscow cutting strategic nuclear arms.
And next week, the U.S. hosts dozens of world leaders at a nuclear security summit here in Washington.
Also today:
Obama hosts an Easter Prayer Breakfast at the White House. He will comment on yesterday's coal mining tragedy in West Virginia - the worst in the U.S. in a quarter-century - that has claimed at least 25 lives. Joining the President will be Christian leaders from around the country for a time of prayer, reflection, and celebration of Easter. The President will also highlight the important role that Christian organizations play in serving our country.
Later, the President will receive the Presidential Daily Briefing in the Oval Office. The President and the Vice President will then receive the Economic Daily Briefing in the Oval Office. These briefings are closed press.
In the afternoon, the President and the Vice President will have lunch in the Private Dining Room. This lunch is closed press.
Later, the President will meet separately with senior advisors and Secretary of Defense Gates in the Oval Office. These meetings are closed press.
In-Town Travel Pool
Wires: AP, Reuters, Bloomberg
Wire Photos: AP, Reuters, AFP
TV Corr & Crew: ABC
Print: Houston Chronicle
Radio: CBS
EDT
8:00AM Pool Call Time
9:40AM THE PRESIDENT hosts an Easter Prayer Breakfast
East Room
Pooled press (Pre-set 8:00AM – Final Gather 9:20AM – North Doors of the Palm Room)
10:45AM THE PRESIDENT receives the Presidential Daily Briefing
Oval Office
Closed Press
12:00PM THE PRESIDENT and THE VICE PRESIDENT receive the Economic Daily Briefing
Oval Office
Closed Press
12:30PM THE PRESIDENT and THE VICE PRESIDENT have lunch
Private Dining Room
Closed Press
2:00PM THE PRESIDENT meets with senior advisors
Oval Office
Closed Press
4:30PM THE PRESIDENT meets with Secretary of Defense Gates
Oval Office
Closed Press
Briefing Schedule
1:00PM Briefing by Press Secretary Robert Gibbs
Obama's policy: the U.S. will not use nuclear weapons on a non-nuclear state that is in compliance with the nuclear nonproliferation treaty - even if that country launches a devastating biological, chemical or cyber attack on the U.S.
Obama's policy also ends decades of deliberate vagueness about how it would respond to an enemy attack. Prior administrations have always thought it best to keep a potential opponent guessing. But the President is making an exception for what he calls "outliers like Iran & North Korea" that have violated or renounced the NPF treaty.
The nuclear strategy comes on the eve of Obama's trip to Prague to sign a new START pact with Moscow cutting strategic nuclear arms.
And next week, the U.S. hosts dozens of world leaders at a nuclear security summit here in Washington.
Also today:
Obama hosts an Easter Prayer Breakfast at the White House. He will comment on yesterday's coal mining tragedy in West Virginia - the worst in the U.S. in a quarter-century - that has claimed at least 25 lives. Joining the President will be Christian leaders from around the country for a time of prayer, reflection, and celebration of Easter. The President will also highlight the important role that Christian organizations play in serving our country.
Later, the President will receive the Presidential Daily Briefing in the Oval Office. The President and the Vice President will then receive the Economic Daily Briefing in the Oval Office. These briefings are closed press.
In the afternoon, the President and the Vice President will have lunch in the Private Dining Room. This lunch is closed press.
Later, the President will meet separately with senior advisors and Secretary of Defense Gates in the Oval Office. These meetings are closed press.
In-Town Travel Pool
Wires: AP, Reuters, Bloomberg
Wire Photos: AP, Reuters, AFP
TV Corr & Crew: ABC
Print: Houston Chronicle
Radio: CBS
EDT
8:00AM Pool Call Time
9:40AM THE PRESIDENT hosts an Easter Prayer Breakfast
East Room
Pooled press (Pre-set 8:00AM – Final Gather 9:20AM – North Doors of the Palm Room)
10:45AM THE PRESIDENT receives the Presidential Daily Briefing
Oval Office
Closed Press
12:00PM THE PRESIDENT and THE VICE PRESIDENT receive the Economic Daily Briefing
Oval Office
Closed Press
12:30PM THE PRESIDENT and THE VICE PRESIDENT have lunch
Private Dining Room
Closed Press
2:00PM THE PRESIDENT meets with senior advisors
Oval Office
Closed Press
4:30PM THE PRESIDENT meets with Secretary of Defense Gates
Oval Office
Closed Press
Briefing Schedule
1:00PM Briefing by Press Secretary Robert Gibbs
Monday, April 5, 2010
President's Schedule: Monday, April 5
Good morning --
Spring has arrived in Washington in a big way. Today, President Obama throws out the ceremonial first pitch at the Washington Nationals home opener – but first, he participates in the White House Easter Egg Roll.
Both are steeped in tradition. The Easter Egg Roll will be attended in shifts by 30,000 visitors from around the country. There are all kinds of games, sports, exercise pavilions, music and of course a big bunny and lots of eggs. In keeping with Mrs. Obama’s emphasis on eating right and getting in shape, this year’s theme is: “Ready Set Go!” The “Rock ‘n’ Egg Roll” Stage will feature live music with performances by Sara Bareilles, Justin Bieber, the cast of TV show Glee, Yo Gabba Gabba, Sesame Street and more. J.K. Rowling, ReeseWitherspoon, Apolo Ohno, Mariska Hargitay, Dylan and Cole Sprouse, Elmo and Maria of Sesame Street and Betty DeGeneres will read on the Storytime Stage.
Later the President heads to the ballpark, where the perennial cellar dwelling Washington Nationals open their 2010 baseball season against the Philadelphia Phillies. It is the 100th anniversary of the ceremonial first pitch. In 1910, President William Howard Taft tossed a ball to Washington Senators great Walter Johnson, who then went out and threw a one-hitter to beat the Philadelphia Athletics, 3-0. Since that day, nearly every president has continued the tradition.
The Schedule
EDT
9:30AM THE PRESIDENT receives the Presidential Daily Briefing
Oval Office
10:00AM THE PRESIDENT receives the Economic Daily Briefing
Oval Office
10:45AM THE FIRST FAMILY attends the Easter Egg Roll; THE PRESIDENT and THE FIRST LADY deliver remarks
South Lawn
12:55PM THE PRESIDENT throws out the first pitch on Opening Day
Nationals Park
5:15PM THE PRESIDENT meets with senior advisors
*****
On This Day
On This Day. 1792 - George Washington cast the first presidential veto. It concerned apportioning representatives among the states.
Presidential Quote: "The struggle of today, is not altogether for today - it is for a vast future also." - Abraham Lincoln
Spring has arrived in Washington in a big way. Today, President Obama throws out the ceremonial first pitch at the Washington Nationals home opener – but first, he participates in the White House Easter Egg Roll.
Both are steeped in tradition. The Easter Egg Roll will be attended in shifts by 30,000 visitors from around the country. There are all kinds of games, sports, exercise pavilions, music and of course a big bunny and lots of eggs. In keeping with Mrs. Obama’s emphasis on eating right and getting in shape, this year’s theme is: “Ready Set Go!” The “Rock ‘n’ Egg Roll” Stage will feature live music with performances by Sara Bareilles, Justin Bieber, the cast of TV show Glee, Yo Gabba Gabba, Sesame Street and more. J.K. Rowling, ReeseWitherspoon, Apolo Ohno, Mariska Hargitay, Dylan and Cole Sprouse, Elmo and Maria of Sesame Street and Betty DeGeneres will read on the Storytime Stage.
Later the President heads to the ballpark, where the perennial cellar dwelling Washington Nationals open their 2010 baseball season against the Philadelphia Phillies. It is the 100th anniversary of the ceremonial first pitch. In 1910, President William Howard Taft tossed a ball to Washington Senators great Walter Johnson, who then went out and threw a one-hitter to beat the Philadelphia Athletics, 3-0. Since that day, nearly every president has continued the tradition.
The Schedule
EDT
9:30AM THE PRESIDENT receives the Presidential Daily Briefing
Oval Office
10:00AM THE PRESIDENT receives the Economic Daily Briefing
Oval Office
10:45AM THE FIRST FAMILY attends the Easter Egg Roll; THE PRESIDENT and THE FIRST LADY deliver remarks
South Lawn
12:55PM THE PRESIDENT throws out the first pitch on Opening Day
Nationals Park
5:15PM THE PRESIDENT meets with senior advisors
*****
On This Day
On This Day. 1792 - George Washington cast the first presidential veto. It concerned apportioning representatives among the states.
Presidential Quote: "The struggle of today, is not altogether for today - it is for a vast future also." - Abraham Lincoln
Friday, April 2, 2010
Economy Gained Jobs in March, Govt. Says
Two years of devastating job losses for the U.S. economy are over. The Labor Department says the economy grew by 162,000 jobs in March, with the unemployment rate holding steady at 9.7%.
Now for some context. Of the 162,000 new jobs added to the economy in March, 48,000 are temporary census jobs. So net net, it's fair to say true payrolls grew by 114,000. It generally takes 125,000-150,000 new jobs each month just to keep up with population growth.
Slicing up the unemployment data further by race and sex:
* Adult men: 10.0%
* Adult women: 8.0%
* Teenagers: 26.1%
* Whites: 8.8%
* Blacks: 16.5%
* Asians: 7.5%
* Hispanics: 12.6%
Obama will comment on the job numbers at 11:55, when he visits a N.C. maker of components for lithium-ion batteries. - WWR
Now for some context. Of the 162,000 new jobs added to the economy in March, 48,000 are temporary census jobs. So net net, it's fair to say true payrolls grew by 114,000. It generally takes 125,000-150,000 new jobs each month just to keep up with population growth.
Slicing up the unemployment data further by race and sex:
* Adult men: 10.0%
* Adult women: 8.0%
* Teenagers: 26.1%
* Whites: 8.8%
* Blacks: 16.5%
* Asians: 7.5%
* Hispanics: 12.6%
Obama will comment on the job numbers at 11:55, when he visits a N.C. maker of components for lithium-ion batteries. - WWR
President's Schedule: Friday, April 2
Good morning -
Jobs, jobs, jobs. President Obama says he won't rest until every American who wants a job can find one. We'll find out how many of them got one - or lost one - at 8:30, when the Labor Dept. releases the March unemployment report.
It could be good news for the White House - and for 200,000 people, because that's the number of jobs most analysts expect the economy added last month. That would end two years of job losses - more than eight million since Feb. 2008, the government says. That would likely bring the unemployment rate down from its current 9.7%. But keep in mind that's the U3 rate; the broader U6 rate, which some analysts think better reflects the true health of the U.S. labor market, is 16.8%.
Look for Obama to talk about all this when he visits Celgard LLC, a Charlotte, NC manufacturer of components for lithium-ion batteries. He'll take a brief tour and also hold a q&a with workers.
That's the only public event on Obama's schedule tomorrow. He returns to Washington after that and, far as we know, will remain in Washington over the weekend - unless there's another secret trip to Afghanistan or Iraq.
*****
China Chat
Is the U.S. making progress in its efforts to get China on board with sanctions against Iran? Last night, Obama spent an hour on the phone with Chinese President Hu Jintao - keeping everyone waiting on Air Force One as he wrapped up the call - trying to persuade Beijing, which has been reluctant thus far to back Washington. China isn't confirming U.S. reports that it had dropped its opposition to possible new U,N. sanctions against Iran - but Beijing continues to say it is "concerned about the current situation."
*****
New Airport Security
Changes in the way the U.S. looks for potential terrorists on U.S. bound planes: Instead of using nationality as the sole factor in determining which air travelers should be subject to additional security screening, passengers will be selected based on possible matches to intelligence information, including physical descriptions, particular travel patterns - even the numbers in their passport.
The upgraded security screening replaces a system that was rushed into place after the attempted Christmas Day bombing of a Detroit bound jet. That system, where passengers from 14 specific countries would be subjected to secondary searches, was criticized by some as a discriminatory.
*****
On This Day
1877 - The first Easter Egg Roll was held on the White House grounds.
1917 - President Woodrow Wilson asked Congress to declare war against Germany; and the U.S. entered World War I.
*****
Presidential Quote
"Happiness lies in the joy of achievement and the thrill of creative effort." - Franklin D. Roosevelt.
Jobs, jobs, jobs. President Obama says he won't rest until every American who wants a job can find one. We'll find out how many of them got one - or lost one - at 8:30, when the Labor Dept. releases the March unemployment report.
It could be good news for the White House - and for 200,000 people, because that's the number of jobs most analysts expect the economy added last month. That would end two years of job losses - more than eight million since Feb. 2008, the government says. That would likely bring the unemployment rate down from its current 9.7%. But keep in mind that's the U3 rate; the broader U6 rate, which some analysts think better reflects the true health of the U.S. labor market, is 16.8%.
Look for Obama to talk about all this when he visits Celgard LLC, a Charlotte, NC manufacturer of components for lithium-ion batteries. He'll take a brief tour and also hold a q&a with workers.
That's the only public event on Obama's schedule tomorrow. He returns to Washington after that and, far as we know, will remain in Washington over the weekend - unless there's another secret trip to Afghanistan or Iraq.
*****
China Chat
Is the U.S. making progress in its efforts to get China on board with sanctions against Iran? Last night, Obama spent an hour on the phone with Chinese President Hu Jintao - keeping everyone waiting on Air Force One as he wrapped up the call - trying to persuade Beijing, which has been reluctant thus far to back Washington. China isn't confirming U.S. reports that it had dropped its opposition to possible new U,N. sanctions against Iran - but Beijing continues to say it is "concerned about the current situation."
*****
New Airport Security
Changes in the way the U.S. looks for potential terrorists on U.S. bound planes: Instead of using nationality as the sole factor in determining which air travelers should be subject to additional security screening, passengers will be selected based on possible matches to intelligence information, including physical descriptions, particular travel patterns - even the numbers in their passport.
The upgraded security screening replaces a system that was rushed into place after the attempted Christmas Day bombing of a Detroit bound jet. That system, where passengers from 14 specific countries would be subjected to secondary searches, was criticized by some as a discriminatory.
*****
On This Day
1877 - The first Easter Egg Roll was held on the White House grounds.
1917 - President Woodrow Wilson asked Congress to declare war against Germany; and the U.S. entered World War I.
*****
Presidential Quote
"Happiness lies in the joy of achievement and the thrill of creative effort." - Franklin D. Roosevelt.
Thursday, April 1, 2010
President's Schedule: Thursday, April 1
Good morning...
No, it's no April Fool's joke. The president is holding another health care event today, this one in Portland, Maine. Didn't he win? Isn't his health care bill now the law of the land?
Well, yes. But Obama continues to hammer away, trying to sell it to the millions of Americans who remain skeptical. How skeptical? The RealClearPolitics.com average of all recent polls puts Obama's job approval at 48.6%, with 46.3% disapproving. Neither figure has budged much for weeks. Among major polls, CNN/Opinion Research has him up three points in a week - but Gallup says Obama's numbers are exactly where they were a month ago.
Om the way home from Maine, Obama will stop off in soggy Boston for a pair of Democratic fundraisers. And that's it for Thursday.
Looking ahead to Friday, the president travels to Charlotte, NC to talk about jobs and the economy. The big March unemployment report will be released at 8:30, and many analysts think it'll show very good news for the White House: actual job growth. The February rate (U3 rate): 9.7%. But the broader U6 rate, which some analysts say better reflects the true health of the U.S. labor market, is 16.8%.
*****
The Schedule
EDT
9:30AM THE PRESIDENT receives the Presidential Daily Briefing
Oval Office
1:20PM THE PRESIDENT departs Andrews Air Force Base en route Portsmouth, New Hampshire
3:25PM THE PRESIDENT delivers remarks on health insurance reform
Portland Expo Center
4:55PM THE PRESIDENT departs Portland, Maine en route Boston, Massachusetts
Portland International Jetport
5:40PM THE PRESIDENT arrives in Boston, Massachusetts
Logan Boston International Airport
6:05PM THE PRESIDENT delivers remarks at DNC fundraising reception
8:05PM THE PRESIDENT delivers remarks at DNC fundraising dinner
Boston Opera House
Briefing Schedule
Deputy Press Secretary Bill Burton will gaggle aboard Air Force One
*****
On This Day
1970 - President Nixon signed the bill that banned cigarette advertisements to be effective on January 1, 1971.
1987 - President Reagan told doctors in Philadelphia, "We've declared AIDS public health enemy No. 1."
*****
Presidential Quote
"The only man who makes no mistake is the man who does nothing." - Theodore Roosevelt
No, it's no April Fool's joke. The president is holding another health care event today, this one in Portland, Maine. Didn't he win? Isn't his health care bill now the law of the land?
Well, yes. But Obama continues to hammer away, trying to sell it to the millions of Americans who remain skeptical. How skeptical? The RealClearPolitics.com average of all recent polls puts Obama's job approval at 48.6%, with 46.3% disapproving. Neither figure has budged much for weeks. Among major polls, CNN/Opinion Research has him up three points in a week - but Gallup says Obama's numbers are exactly where they were a month ago.
Om the way home from Maine, Obama will stop off in soggy Boston for a pair of Democratic fundraisers. And that's it for Thursday.
Looking ahead to Friday, the president travels to Charlotte, NC to talk about jobs and the economy. The big March unemployment report will be released at 8:30, and many analysts think it'll show very good news for the White House: actual job growth. The February rate (U3 rate): 9.7%. But the broader U6 rate, which some analysts say better reflects the true health of the U.S. labor market, is 16.8%.
*****
The Schedule
EDT
9:30AM THE PRESIDENT receives the Presidential Daily Briefing
Oval Office
1:20PM THE PRESIDENT departs Andrews Air Force Base en route Portsmouth, New Hampshire
3:25PM THE PRESIDENT delivers remarks on health insurance reform
Portland Expo Center
4:55PM THE PRESIDENT departs Portland, Maine en route Boston, Massachusetts
Portland International Jetport
5:40PM THE PRESIDENT arrives in Boston, Massachusetts
Logan Boston International Airport
6:05PM THE PRESIDENT delivers remarks at DNC fundraising reception
8:05PM THE PRESIDENT delivers remarks at DNC fundraising dinner
Boston Opera House
Briefing Schedule
Deputy Press Secretary Bill Burton will gaggle aboard Air Force One
*****
On This Day
1970 - President Nixon signed the bill that banned cigarette advertisements to be effective on January 1, 1971.
1987 - President Reagan told doctors in Philadelphia, "We've declared AIDS public health enemy No. 1."
*****
Presidential Quote
"The only man who makes no mistake is the man who does nothing." - Theodore Roosevelt
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