Today in the West Wing: Friday, April 30

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)

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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


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