West Wing Report, August 6, 2010

The President is back in Washington this morning after a birthday trip to Chicago - he'll comment today on the July unemployment report - which shows the economy creating more private sector jobs, but not enough to bring down the unemployment rate itself.

The expectation of most analysts is that some 100,000 private sector jobs were created in July, with the unemployment rate inching up to 9.6% from 9.5%. This is the narrow U3 rate; the broader U6 rate which many economists say is a more accurate snapshot of the U.S. labor market, is 16.5%.

While Obama talks jobs, his top economic advisor is leaving hers. Christina Romer, chairman of the council of economic advisors, is said to be frustrated about her access - or lack thereof - to the President. Obama ignored questions about Romer's resignation last night.

One person who does have access to the President, at least for today: Elena Kagan. She's the guest of honor at an East Room reception this afternoon - before she is sworn in as the newest member of the Supreme Court tomorrow.

Meantime, there has been buzz that another Justice - Ruth Bader Ginsburg - may retire soon. Ginsburg, 77, has been battling cancer, and her husband died recently. Ginsburg denies the rumors, but if she were to leave, President Obama would get his third opportunity to appoint a Justice to the high court. After Ginsburg, the oldest Supreme Court Justices are Antonin Scalia, 74; Anthony Kennedy, 73; Stephen Breyer, 71; Clarence Thomas, 62; Samuel Alito, 60; Sonia Sotomayor, 56 and the baby of the group, Chief Justice John Roberts, 55.

President's Schedule

9:00AM Pool Call Time

9:30AM THE PRESIDENT receives the Presidential Daily Briefing
Oval Office
Closed Press

10:30AM THE PRESIDENT receives the Economic Daily Briefing
Oval Office
Closed Press

11:20AM THE PRESIDENT departs the White House en route landing zone near Gelberg Signs
South Lawn
Open Press (Pre-set 10:50AM – Final Gather 11:05AM – North Doors of the Palm Room)

11:40AM THE PRESIDENT tours Gelberg Signs
Gelberg Signs, Washington, DC
Travel Pool Coverage (Travel Pool Gather Time 10:00AM – Stakeout Location)

11:55AM THE PRESIDENT delivers remarks at Gelberg Signs
Gelberg Signs, Washington, DC
Travel Pool Coverage

12:35PM THE PRESIDENT arrives at the White House
South Lawn
Open Press (Pre-set 12:05PM – Final Gather 12:20PM – North Doors of the Palm Room)

1:10PM THE PRESIDENT meets with Secretary of State Clinton
Oval Office
Closed Press

2:35PM THE PRESIDENT hosts a reception marking the Senate confirmation of Elena Kagan’s nomination to the Supreme Court
East Room
Open Press (Pre-set 1:35PM – Final Gather 2:05PM – North Doors of the Palm Room)