Week Nine

Presidential Archive    3/25 – 3/31/09

By Linnie Frank Bailey

With still high approval ratings, the President got tough with the automakers this past week, forcing the departure of General Motors Chairman Rick Wagoner.  Meanwhile, as global economic conditions continue to prevent growth in developed countries, the President prepared to meet with world leaders at the G-20 economic summit in London.  Accompanied by the First Lady, the eight-day European trip will be Obama’s first as President.

Wednesday, March 25, 2009

Obama Monitors Flooding in North Dakota

In a pro-active action, President Obama signed a Major Disaster Declaration for North Dakota and met with Senators and Representatives from North Dakota and Minnesota to discuss the record level flooding that was expected.

National Medal of Honor Day

The President participated in a wreath-laying ceremony for National Medal of Honor Day at Arlington National Cemetery, along with more than 30 of the 98 living Medal of Honor recipients. His statement included, “Since it was first awarded during the Civil War to the current battlefields of Iraq and Afghanistan, Medal of Honor recipients have displayed tremendous courage, an unfailing determination to succeed, and a humbling willingness to make the ultimate sacrifice. “

Thursday, March 26, 2009

The First Online Town Hall

In a continuing effort to make use of today’s technology in government, the President conducted the first ever “virtual town hall”  with almost a hundred thousand participants and more than three and a half million votes on questions.  The session mixed online participants with a White House audience of about a hundred. The President answered questions from both groups.

Outreach in Spanish

Continuing his outreach to the Spanish-speaking public, The President taped a greeting in Spanish that was broadcast on Spanish-language TV station – Univision.

Friday, March 27, 2009

New strategy for Afghanistan

Flanked by Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and Defense Secretary Robert Gates, President Obama outlined his plan to deploy 4,000 more troops to Afghanistan. Describing our purpose in Afghanistan as increasingly dangerous and unstable, the President stated, “let me be clear: al Qaeda and its allies—the terrorists who planned and supported the 9/11 attacks—are in Pakistan and Afghanistan,” he continued. “Multiple intelligence estimates have warned that al Qaeda is actively planning attacks on the U.S. homeland from its safe-haven in Pakistan.” Obama also lobbied Congress for more aid to Pakistan to help stabilize the region.

Issa Wants Tabs on First Lady

House Republicans, led by California’s own Representative Darrell Issa (R-Vista), the ranking Republican member of the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee, are pushing for a change in federal law that could force First Lady Michelle Obama to publicly disclose more of her policy work.

In a debate on the issue Rep. William Clay (D-Mo.) suggested the legislation might be regarded as an attack on the Obamas, stating, “I think that, no matter what you’re intending with this amendment, that the president may view this as an attack on his wife. And I’m just saying, you know, let’s be careful--if we want to open up that can of worms. Let’s not go in that direction.”

Referring to the President Obama’s oft-stated transparency goals, Issa responded, “I believe this is open government at its finest.”

Issa initially proposed the change early last year (when many in Washington believed Bill Clinton might become the first spouse). He ultimately withdrew the amendment, but may reintroduce it at a later time.

Monday, March 30, 2009

Changes at GM and Chrysler

This morning the President announced that his Auto Task Force has completed a thorough review of the viability of General Motors and Chrysler – companies that have requested additional federal assistance to continue operating. The President set tough conditions for another government bailout and raised the possibility of a structured bankruptcy to get the companies on the road to profitability. Signifying the departure of General Motors Chairman and CEO Rick Wagoner, the President said that GM would be under new leadership as the company struggles to reinvent itself. "We cannot make the survival of our auto industry dependent on an unending flow of tax dollars. These companies — and this industry — must ultimately stand on their own, not as wards of the state," Obama said. CEO Wagoner will leave General Motors with a financial package worth an estimated $23 million.

Tuesday, March 31, 2009

Financial Transparency for Bailout Funds

The Treasury Department has launched FinancialStability.gov, a website dedicated to showing the public how monies are spent and documenting the administration’s economic actions.

First Presidential Visit to Europe

President Obama, along with the First Lady, departed for an eight-day, five-country trip to Europe—Obama’s first visit overseas since taking office. First stop is the G-20 summit in London, an annual meeting of the leaders of the world’s largest economies.

Week Eight

Presidential Archive    3/18 – 3/24/09

By Linnie Frank Bailey

Leaving the “bubble of the White House” as he calls it, the President visited Southern California last week.  His stops included town hall meetings in Orange County and Los Angeles, an appearance on the Tonight Show with Jay Leno, and in his only Inland Empire visit -- a tour of the Edison Electric Vehicle facility in Pomona.

Wednesday, March 18, 2009

Obama Meets with the Congressional Hispanic Caucus

The President held a meeting with members of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus to discuss immigration and the US-Mexico relationship, including how the two countries can work together to stem Mexico’s drug-related violence. President Obama, who supports comprehensive immigration reform, announced that he will travel to Mexico next month to meet with President Calderon.

March Madness at the White House

Before leaving on his well-anticipated trip to Southern California, the President joined legions of NCAA Basketball fans by completing his picks for the finals.  His Final Four include: Louisville, Memphis, Pittsburgh, and North Carolina. The President believes the North Carolina Tar Heels will be this year's national champs.

The President Visits Orange County

President Barack Obama led a town hall meeting in an auditorium on the Orange County Fairgrounds in Costa Mesa.  The purpose of the meeting was to drum up support for his economic plans while reassuring “average” Americans that he understands the economic challenges they are facing.  Attendees waited in long lines overnight to get seats to the event.

Thursday, March 19, 2009

MakingHomeAffordable.gov

As part of the Administration’s desire to disseminate needed information on the economic stimulus, the Treasury Department launched a website called -- MakingHomeAffordable.gov. The purpose of the site is to ensure that everybody who can take advantage of the President’s housing plan has access to information which explains how the plan works and who qualifies.  The site is one of several tools the Administration is using to slow down the foreclosure crisis that has gripped the nation. The site includes a calculator that allows homeowners to estimate the reduction to their monthly mortgage payment that the plan provides. Another tool for distressed homeowners is the Homeowner's HOPE Hotline (888-995-HOPE).

The President Visits Pomona

In his only Inland appearance, President Obama toured the Edison Electric Vehicle Technical Center in Pomona. The Center "provides a broad range of electric transportation services, focusing on solutions for automakers, battery manufacturers, government agencies, business and industrial fleet customers, residential customers and more."  During the visit the President explained that the kind of green industries and jobs being created by the center will be a focus of his economic plan throughout his presidency. He stated, “Over the next three years, we will double this nation's supply of renewable energy.  We will invest $15 billion a year to develop technologies like wind power and solar power, advanced biofuels, clean coal, and fuel-efficient cars and trucks that are built right here in the United States of America.”

The First Lady—and Friends—Encourage High School Students

As the President met with residents at a town hall in Los Angeles, First Lady Michelle Obama continued her community outreach and celebration of Women’s History Month. She met with a racially diverse group of over 100 young women from D.C. high schools.  The First Lady invited the girls to join her for dinner, along with celebrated women including musicians—Alicia Keys and Sheryl Crowe; actresses—Debbie Allen, Phylicia Rashad, Kerry Washington, Alfre Woodard, and Fran Drescher, businesswomen—CEO  Bobbi Brown and BET executive Debra Lee; opera singer—Denyce Graves; athletes—the WNBA’s Lisa Leslie and Olympic gymnast Dominique Dawes, the first female four-star general in the military—General Ann Dunwoody, the first African-American woman to be the Ambassador to the United Nations—Susan Rice, and the first woman of color to go to space—Astronaut Mae Jemison. Mrs. Obama’s mother, Marian Robinson, and daughters Sasha and Malia were also in attendance.

The event capped off a day of outreach by the First Lady and the accomplished women as they fanned out to area high schools. Mrs. Obama surprised students at Anacostia High School in Southeast DC. In an impromptu visit, she related her own background and similarities to them, while stressing the importance of hard work and discipline.  Recapping later, Mrs. Obama stated: “In the DC schools, many of these kids need to see us. There's nothing more powerful than going into their space and talking to them.”

Friday, March 20, 2009

Obama Signals New Beginning to Iran

President Obama released a video message, subtitled in Farsi, for all those celebrating “Nowruz” or the beginning of the New Year for millions in Iran and other communities around the world.  Acknowledging the strain in US—Iranian  relations over the last few decades, he stated, “At this holiday we are reminded of the common humanity that binds us together, we have serious differences that have grown over time.” Stressing the need to move forward Obama continued, “my administration is now committed to diplomacy that addresses the full range of issues before us and to pursuing constructive ties among the United States, Iran, and the international community.”

The White House Garden

“This is a big day!” stated First Lady Michelle Obama, as she and chefs from the White House kitchen and 26 fifth graders from Bancroft Elementary School in DC, broke ground on the White House Kitchen Garden on the South Lawn of the White House. “We've been talking about it since the day we moved in," said the First Lady. The students will be involved in the garden as it develops and grows, producing delicious, healthy vegetables to be cooked in the White House Kitchen and given to Miriam's Kitchen, which serves the homeless in Washington, DC. The first lady used the occasion to encourage nutritious eating.

Lessons Learned in California

While meeting representatives from the National Conference of State Legislatures, President Obama described lessons from his town halls in California, namely—on the heels of the AIG bonus scandal—the need for accountability. The President stated, “Over the last two days I've been traveling in California, talking with Americans about the challenges they're facing as a result of this economic crisis.” He stressed the importance of responsible investing by the Legislators saying, “Decisions about how Recovery Act dollars are spent will be based on the merits. Let me repeat that:  Decisions about how Recovery money will be spent will be based on the merits.”

Saturday, March 21, 2009

President Obama sat down for a wide-ranging interview with 60 Minutes correspondent Steve Kroft in which he stressed his support for Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner and defended himself against criticism from former Vice President Dick Cheney regarding Guantanamo Bay. Last week Cheney argued that the President’s decision to shut down the detention center and end certain interrogation practices made the nation less safe. The President countered that the interrogation practices only fuel anti-American sentiment in the Arab world and were an ineffective measure for getting convictions. Further he added that he had the support of both liberals and conservatives on the issue.

Monday, March 23, 2009

The Importance of Green Jobs to American Recovery

The President hosted an event focused on “Investing in Our Clean Energy Future,” with experts from the business world and the government. As part of the program, African-American Van Jones, newly minted as the Senior Advisor for Green Jobs, Innovation, and Enterprise, led a discussion about how to help companies and technologies make the leap to energy efficiency and develop new products.

Tuesday, March 24, 2009

The President Calls the Space Station

President Obama, joined by Congressional leaders and middle school students from the Washington, DC area, called the astronauts on the International Space Station and the Space Shuttle Discovery to congratulate them on their successful ongoing mission.

Obama’s Op-Ed and Televised News Conference

The President published a rare “simultaneous op-ed” in thirty papers around the world, calling for “a collective effort” to address the economic peril found in all corners of the globe. “The United States is ready to lead, and we call upon our partners to join us with a sense of urgency and common purpose,” he writes. His op-ed appeared in the following publications: 

Al Watan (Gulf States), Arab Times (Gulf States), Asharq Al Awsat (Arab-wide paper in Arabic), The Australian (Australia), Bangkok Post (Thailand), Chicago Tribune (United States), Clarin (Argentina), Corriere della Sera (Italy), Die Welt (Germany), El Pais (Madrid), El Mercurio (Chile), Eleftyropiea (Greece), Estado de Sao Paulo (Brazil), Gulf News (Gulf States), The Hindustan Times/ The Hindu (India), International Herald Tribune (London), Kristeligt Dagblad (Denmark), Le Monde (Paris), Lidove Noviny (Czech), Los Angeles Times (United States), The News (Pakistan), NRC Handelsblad (Netherlands), Saudi Gazette (Saudi Arabia), South China Morning Post (Hong Kong), Straits Times (Singapore), Sunday Times (South Africa), Svenska Dagbladet (Sweden), Sydney Morning Herald (Australia), WProst (Poland), Yomiuri Shimbun (Japan)

The President is pitching his Recovery Plan to Americans in a televised speech this evening.

Week Seven

Presidential Archive    3/11 – 3/17/09

By Linnie Frank Bailey

As the Administration’s Middle Class Task Force travels the country explaining the Recovery Act, the President made it clear to Wall Street giant AIG he is not happy with the bonuses they paid to executives after receiving taxpayer money.

The popularity of the new President remains high as thousands of Southern Californians camp out for tickets to his town hall meeting in Costa Mesa and anxiously await his first official visit to California as President.

Wednesday, March 11, 2009

President Creates Council on Women and Girls

Surrounded by powerful women, including political commentator Donna Brazile, Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee, Olympic gymnast Dominique Dawes, Congresswoman Donna Edwards, and retired WNBA player Lisa Leslie, President Obama signed an executive order creating the White House Council on Women and Girls. The President invoked memories of the women in his life, stating: “I sign this order not just as a President, but as a son, a grandson, a husband, and a father.”

The Council on Women and Girls will be chaired by Senior Advisor Valerie Jarrett and will focus on: women’s economic empowerment and financial security, work and family balance for women, and ways to prevent violence against women.

First Lady Honors Courageous Women

First Lady Michelle Obama joined Secretary of State Hillary Clinton in honoring women from around the world who lead the fight for women’s rights. Eight women were presented with the State Department’s International Women of Courage Award. Mrs. Obama saluted the women saying, “The women we honor today teach us three very important lessons. One, that as women, we must stand up for ourselves. The second, as women, we must stand up for each other. And finally, as women, we must stand up for justice for all.”

Thursday, March 12, 2009

President Meets Chinese Foreign Minister

President Obama met with the Chinese Foreign Minister Yang Jieche  in the Oval Office.  The administration reported the two leaders discussed the overall state of U.S.-China relations, agreeing to work together to stabilize the global economy.

Obama Gives Marching Orders for Federal Money

The President dropped in on a meeting of State Officials during the White House Conference on American Recovery and Reinvestment Act Implementation.  He stressed that accountability will never fall by the wayside, saying: “We're going to need to work really hard and we're going to have to make sure that every single dollar is well spent.  We've got to go above and beyond what I think is the typical ways of doing business in order to make sure that the American people get the help that they need and that our economy gets the boost that it needs.”

The White House Recovery and Reinvestment Act Implementation Conference, led by Vice President Joe Biden, is part of a large effort to ensure that dollars invested and spent as part of the Recovery Act are effective, transparent, and efficient. 

Later in the afternoon, the President made a similar point of accountability to a  Business Roundtable at the St. Regis Hotel in Washington.:

Saturday, March 14, 2009

The President Addresses Food Safety in America

Calling the nation's food safety system a “hazard to public health” the President used his weekly radio address to announce the nomination of former New York City Health Commissioner Margaret Hamburg as agency commissioner of the Food and Drug Administration. Obama is also creating a special advisory group to coordinate food safety laws and recommend how to update them stating, “Many of these laws have not changed since they were written early in the last century.”  Emphasizing government responsibility the President continued, “There are certain things only a government can do, and one of those things is ensuring that the foods we eat, and the medicines we take, are safe and do not cause us harm.”

President Barack Obama greets President of Brazil

President Barack Obama and Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva discussed the economy, energy and the environment Saturday during their first White House meeting. President Obama described their conversation as “A wonderful meeting of the minds.” Silva, who spoke through a translator, stressed “the importance of President Obama's election, what it represents to the world and especially to Latin America.”

Monday, March 16, 2009

AIG Bonuses Anger Obama

Speaking to a group of small business owners, Obama contrasted their hard work with the greed and excess displayed in reports of tens of millions of dollars in bonuses being given out to employees of AIG, stating: “I've asked Secretary Geithner to use leverage and pursue every single legal avenue to block these bonuses,” President Obama made it clear that he was not happy with executive bonuses paid by the insurance conglomerate after receiving a massive bailout from the federal government.

The President continued, “Everybody involved needs to understand this is not just a matter of dollars and cents.  All across the country, there are people who are working hard and meeting their responsibilities every day, without the benefit of government bailouts or multi-million dollar bonuses.  You've got a bunch of small business people here who are struggling just to keep their credit line open -- they are foregoing pay, as one of our entrepreneurs talked about, they are in some cases mortgaging their homes, and doing a whole host of things just in order to keep things afloat.  All they ask is that everyone, from Main Street to Wall Street to Washington, play by the same rules.” 

Tuesday, March 17, 2009

St. Patrick’s Day Meeting With Irish Prime Minister

President Obama met with Brian Cowen the Prime Minister of Ireland. The meeting was followed by the appointment of NFL Pittsburgh Steelers owner Dan Rooney as United States Ambassador to Ireland.

Week Six

Presidential Archive    3/4 – 3/10/09

By Linnie Frank Bailey

As Barack Obama completes his first 50 days in office—and while critics are suggesting his agenda is too ambitious—the President continues to tackle the major issues of our time.  Introducing new proposals for health care reform, stem cell research, and an overhaul of the education system, Obama stressed the need for government leaders to multi-task. Acknowledging a change from business-as-usual in Washington, Obama insists all of these issues, as well as the economic crisis, need to be addressed simultaneously to move America forward.

Could it be this generation of Americans are not used to a working President?

Wednesday, March 4, 2009

Reforming Government Spending

The President signed a memorandum that will reform government contracting, particularly by the Defense Department, by strengthening oversight and management of taxpayer dollars, stating “The American people's money must be spent to advance their priorities -- not to line the pockets of contractors or to maintain projects that don't work.” He was joined by a bipartisan group of legislators including Senators John McCain (R-AZ), Carl Levin (D-MI), and Claire McCaskill (D-Mo), and Representatives Edolphus Towns (D-NY) and Peter Welch.(D-VT).

Thursday, March 5, 2009

Bringing Everyone to the Table to Address Healthcare

In the East Room of the White House, President Obama addressed an assembled group consisting of medical personnel, members of Congress, health care lobbyists, business owners, insurers, and everyday Americans - all with a stake in the health reform effort. After joking, “This was the hottest ticket in town,” the President made the agenda clear to the invited guests, stressing, “Our goal will be to enact comprehensive health reform by the end of this year.” After the President’s remarks the attendees met in break-out sessions to plot their course.

The First Lady Serves Meals to DC Homeless

First Lady Michelle Obama served food at Miriam’s’ Kitchen in Washington, D.C. while discussing the need to support food banks and soup kitchens around the country.  The non-profit organization, located in the basement of Western Presbyterian Church, provides nutritious meals to the area’s poor and homeless.  Mrs. Obama, who surprised diners with her presence, lauded the organization saying, Miriam’s Kitchen “is an example of what we can do, as a country and as a community, to help folks when they’re down. We’re all going to need one another in these times. We’re going to need to keep lifting each other up, in prayer and in hope.”

Entertaining at “The People’s House”

The President and First Lady continued their ‘hospitality initiative’ by hosting another gathering in what they call “The People’s House.”  This dinner was for Congressional leaders from both parties and the President welcomed them explaining, “Given how hard so many of you are working on both sides of the aisle, day in, day out, we thought it was important for us to be able to step back for a moment, remind ourselves that we have things in common—family, friends, laughter—and hopefully, we'll have a chance to appreciate each other a little bit, take a timeout before we dive back into the game,” he said. “So we hope you have a wonderful evening—not to mention the fact that this is a pretty big house, so we get lonely.”

Friday, March 6, 2009

The President Visits Columbus, Ohio

President Obama went to Columbus, Ohio for the Graduation of the Columbus Police Division’s 114th Class.  Earlier in the year, it was doubtful the recruits would be hired by the police department due to budget restraints, however last week Columbus Mayor Michael Coleman announced that he would use money from the economic recovery package to pay for their salaries.  The city received funding from the Department of Justice as part of their $2 billion in Justice Assistance Grants from the recovery act.  The funding is for law enforcement, including personnel and equipment.

Sunday, March 8, 2009

Happy Birthday to Ted Kennedy

In a surprise appearance, President Obama led a chorus of “Happy Birthday” for Senator Ted Kennedy at the Kennedy Center, celebrating the senator's 77th birthday this past February.  The event featured dignitaries from the world of politics and entertainment, including Bill Cosby, Lauren Bacall, and members of Senator Kennedy’s family.  Kennedy, who has been battling brain cancer, was presented the  Profile in Courage Award.

Monday, March 9, 2009

Ban on Stem Cell Research Reversed

Fulfilling a campaign promise, President Barack Obama removed restrictions on the federal funding of embryonic stem cell research put in place by the Bush administration. Acknowledging that there are those that strongly oppose his move, the President stated, “Medical miracles do not happen simply by accident. They result from painstaking and costly research; from years of lonely trial and error, much of which never bears fruit; and from a government willing to support that work.” Continuing, he said, “As a person of faith, I believe we are called to care for each other and work to ease human suffering.” He also issued a presidential memorandum intended to further separate politics and science.

Invoking the memory of the paralyzed actor Christopher Reeve, and his late wife Dana, who both fought hard for stem cell research, the President stated, “we honor those we know, who used their influence to help others and bring attention to this cause – people like Christopher and Dana Reeve, who we wish could be here to see this moment.” 

Many believe the research will greatly improve the prognosis for patients with spinal cord injuries, as well as neuro-based diseases.

Tuesday, March 10, 2009

President Speaks to the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce

Speaking to members of the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce at their annual Conference, the President took on critics who say he is changing too much, too fast. Giving them a history lesson, he stated, “I know there are some who believe we can only handle one challenge at a time. They forget that Lincoln helped lay down the transcontinental railroad, passed the Homestead Act, and created the National Academy of Sciences in the midst of Civil War. Likewise, President Roosevelt didn’t have the luxury of choosing between ending a depression and fighting a war. President Kennedy didn’t have the luxury of choosing between civil rights and sending us to the moon. And we don’t have the luxury of choosing between getting our economy moving now and rebuilding it over the long term.”

Obama continued by explaining why, on education in particular, we cannot afford to wait, noting that even within a few years America will see a different reality: “By 2016, four out of every ten new jobs will require at least some advanced education or training.” He outlined a new approach to education that would reward good teachers, remove limits on charter schools, strengthen early-education, and lengthen both the school day and the school year. Obama acknowledged that some of his proposals would be unpopular with both parties, however he stated an over-hauling of the education system is “an economic imperative that can't wait despite the urgency of the financial crisis and other matters.”

Week Five

Presidential Archive 2/25 – 3/3/09

By Linnie Frank Bailey

President Barack Obama continues to ride high in the polls, with Americans not blaming him for the state of the economy. In a recently released poll by NBC News and the Wall Street Journal, the President’s approval rating remains above 60%. Obama’s major activities this past week included submitting a budget for the fiscal year and outlining a plan for troop withdrawal from Iraq.

Wednesday, February 25, 2009

President Welcomes Japanese Prime Minister

Japanese Prime Minister Taro Aso became the first foreign leader to meet with the President in the White House. The two discussed economic and foreign policy issues.

New Commerce Secretary Designee

Former Washington Governor Gary Locke was introduced as a nominee for the Commerce Department cabinet position. Locke, the son of Chinese immigrants, grew up in Seattle public housing and subsequently attended Yale and Boston University. He replaces GOP governor Judd Gregg who withdrew his nomination.

In announcing his choice of Gregg, President Obama stated: “Gary knows the American Dream. He's lived it. And that's why he shares my commitment to do whatever it takes to keep it alive in our time.” As Commerce Secretary, one of Locke’s responsibilities will be overseeing the 2010 census.

Thursday, February 26, 2009

Fiscal Year 2010 Budget Released

President Obama sent a budget to Congress for the coming fiscal year. The budget projects a $1.75 trillion deficit and calls for more than $3.5 trillion in spending. The budget reflects the administration’s attempt to turnaround the country’s financial crisis.

Chicago Bulls Visit the President

President Obama greeted members of the Chicago Bulls, his hometown basketball team. The President was presented with a team jersey.

Stevie Wonder Honored at the White House

Stevie Wonder was presented with the 2nd annual Gershwin Award for Lifetime Achievement from the Library of Congress during an intimate White House Ceremony. Entertainers, including Tony Bennett, Mary Mary, India Arie, and Paul Simon, sang Wonder songs during the tribute. Wonder himself performed the classic “Signed, Sealed, Delivered,” an anthem at all Obama campaign events.

First Lady Visits Environmental Protection Agency

First Lady Michelle Obama continued her visits to Federal departments with a stop at the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). As with her other visits, the First Lady was met by hundreds of enthusiastic employees.

President meets Congressional Black Caucus

President Obama met with the Congressional Black Caucus (CBC) to discuss his economic recovery plan.

Friday, February 27, 2009

President Outlines End of Iraq War

Fulfilling a promise he made during his campaign, the President outlined a plan for troop withdrawal from Iraq. He stated, "Let me say this as plainly as I can: by August 31, 2010, our combat mission in Iraq will end,." The President made his remarks at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina.

Monday, March 2, 2009

Sebelius Nominated for Health and Human Services

Kansas Governor Kathleen Sebelius was nominated to serve as Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services. The President stated, “Kathleen Sebelius has a remarkable intellect, unquestioned integrity, and the kind of pragmatic wisdom you’ll tend to find in a Kansan. I know she will bring some much-needed grace and good humor to Washington, and she will be a tremendous asset to my cabinet.” Sebelius replaces nominee Tom Daschle who resigned over to tax issues.

Tuesday, March 3, 2009

British Prime Minister Meets the President

“I think that there are a set of shared values and shared assumptions between us,” President Obama said during a meeting with British Prime Minister Gordon Brown. “That we believe in the free market, we believe in a government that is not overbearing and allows entrepreneurs and businesses to thrive, but we also share a common belief that there have to be sufficient regulatory structures in place so that the market doesn't spin out of control.”

First Lady Visits Women’s War Memorial

First Lady Michelle Obama visited the Women's Memorial at Arlington National Cemetery in honor of women in the military and military families—a cause she has championed. The event marked Women’s History Month, and Mrs. Obama began her remarks by highlighting the achievements of U.S. military women throughout history and thanking them for their service to the country.