West Wing Report, July 12, 2010

Speaker Boehner?

Less than four months to go 'til election day and the White House now acknowledges the Republicans could take over the House of Representatives.

"I think there is no doubt there are enough seats in play - that could cause Republicans to gain control. There's no doubt about that," White House press secretary Robert Gibbs told NBC's "Meet the Press." Gibbs then asked if Americans are really ready for House Speaker...John Boehner?

That frank admission could serve as a warning to Democratic voters that they'll have to fight harder than ever to fend off what appears to be a rising Republican tide. And it's not just the House that's in jeopardy: the GOP will also chip away at the Democrats' 59-seat Senate majority.

Meantime, the White House is still trying to work with Republicans. The President will host a bipartisan meeting of Congressional leaders tomorrow; Obama wants to chart a course for an energy/climate bill, and an immigration reform bill. Though at this point, those bills will most likely be dealt with in 2011 - certainly not this year.

Overall, it's looking like a quiet week for Obama. He'll host the leader of the Dominican Republic today, visit a battery plant in Michigan on Thursday and the First Family heads to Maine for some R & R this weekend.

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President's Schedule


11:00AM THE PRESIDENT and THE VICE PRESIDENT receive the Presidential Daily Briefing
Oval Office
Closed Press


11:30AM THE PRESIDENT and THE VICE PRESIDENT receive the Economic Daily Briefing
Oval Office
Closed Press


12:00PM THE PRESIDENT meets with senior advisors
Oval Office
Closed Press


2:10PM THE PRESIDENT holds a bilateral meeting with President Fernandez of the Dominican Republic
Oval Office
Closed Press


2:40PM THE PRESIDENT holds a joint press availability with President Fernandez of the Dominican Republic
Oval Office
Pooled Press (Gather Time 2:20PM – Brady Press Briefing Room)

Briefing Schedule
1:30PM Press Briefing by Press Secretary Robert Gibbs