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.