Today in the West Wing: Friday, May 14

A lot of extra security at the White House today. Nothing to be concerned about. President Obama is hosting a ceremony honoring the National Association of Police Organizations (NAPO) in the Rose Garden; he'll present awards to NAPO's "TOP COPS."

Later, Obama meets with members of his Cabinet and other senior administration officials to determine next steps in the ongoing effort to stop the BP oil spill, contain its spread, and help affected communities. After the meeting, he'll deliver remarks in the Rose Garden. The President is said to be "beyond livid" about the oil spill and BP's inability thus far, to stop it.

No plans, at least for now, for the President to go to Camp David this weekend. WWR suspects a little golf may be in the cards for tomorrow.

No formal press briefing today. There could be an informal briefing - known as a "gaggle" - in press secretary Robert Gibbs's office.

Next week: another State Dinner, this time for the President of Mexico. A big tent is on the South Lawn for the soiree. Pretty sure there won't be any gate crashers this time.

The Schedule

EDT


10:10AM THE PRESIDENT honors the TOP COPS award recipients in a ceremony
Rose Garden
Open Press (Pre-set 9:10AM – Final Gather 9:40AM – North Doors of the Palm Room)

11:15AM THE PRESIDENT meets with members of his Cabinet and other administration officials to discuss the ongoing efforts to stop the BP oil spill and help affected communities
Roosevelt Room
Closed Press

11:50AM THE PRESIDENT makes a statement to the press about the meeting
Rose Garden
Open Press (Pre-set 10:50AM – Final Gather 11:30AM – North Doors of the Palm Room)

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On This Day

1999: President Clinton apologizes directly to Chinese President Jiang Zemin on the phone for the accidental NATO bombing of the Chinese embassy in Belgrade, Yugoslavia, that had taken place six days earlier. Clinton called the bombing an "isolated and tragic event" and insisted it was not deliberate, contrary to what Chinese officials were claiming. At the time, American forces were part of a U.N. effort to help end a bloody sectarian war in Yugoslavia. - from History.com

Presidential Quote

"I believe there are more instances of the abridgement of the freedom of the people by gradual and silent encroachments of those in power than by violent and sudden usurpations." - James Madison