on Bill Maher....here it is....h/t to JJP for the video, I watched this last night and just shook my head on the shear lunacy of Joe the Plumber...in other words he was a complete joke....
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Saturday, April 4, 2009
For those who missed the "Joe the Plumber" interview...
Unemployment rate jumps (Video)
The rate is 8.5%, 660,000 new claims. This is not good. For any turnaround from this recession or depression, these numbers MUST TURN AROUND.
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Obama's Nato Summit and Michelle (Pictures)
Other Pics, Vids
Nato Meeting and Spouses Dinner Pictures
Obamas Meet the Sarkozys in France, Pictures
Obama and Sarkozy Press Conference, Video and Transcript
Obama's Town Hall Meeting in France, April 3, 2009
First Lady Michelle Obama is the new "Princess Diana", Pictures, Video
Long Live the Queen!!! The Obamas meet Queen Elizabeth II and Reception, G-20 Dinner Pictures, Too....
Obamas, Browns @ 10 Downing Street & London (Pictures)
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President Obama's Weekly Radio Address, April 4, 2009 (Video and Transcript)
The Challenges of Our Time, filmed aboard Air Force One
Transcript
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Friday, April 3, 2009
Nato Meeting and Spouses Evening Pictures
France's President Nicolas Sarkozy (L), Denmark's Prime Minister Anders Fogh Rasmussen (2nd L), German Chancellor Angela Merkel and U.S. President Barack Obama (R) arrive for a working dinner at the Kurhaus in Baden-Baden
Obamas Meet the Sarkozys in France, Pictures
Obama and Sarkozy Press Conference, Video and Transcript
Obama's Town Hall Meeting in France, April 3, 2009
Obama's Nato Meeting and Michelle, Pictures
First Lady Michelle Obama is the new "Princess Diana", Pictures, Video
Long Live the Queen!!! The Obamas meet Queen Elizabeth II and Reception, G-20 Dinner Pictures, Too....
Obamas, Browns @ 10 Downing Street & London (Pictures)
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The Obamas Arrive in France and Meet The Sarkozys (Pictures)
The Obamas and The Sarkozys (Barack, Michelle, Carla, Nicholas)
Chic First Ladies Meet
more pictures up later
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Thursday, April 2, 2009
Takes Obama to smooth things over with France and China
Can anyone imagine or see former President Bush doing the following?
The exchange between Sarkozy and Hu got so heated, said a source -- who is not a member of the Obama administration -- it was threatening the unity of the G-20 leaders' meeting.
"They were going through the revised draft," a senior Obama administration official said.
The issue: Sarko wanted "a list of non-compliant jurisdictions," tones that allow tax havens, he senior official said. "Other countries wanted it too, but (Sarkozy) was the most outspoken."
Sarkozy specifically was pushing for a list from the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) to be included in the G-20 Leaders' Statement.
Headquartered in Paris, the OECD has 30 member countries -- all capitalist democracies.
China opposed any such list being included in the final Leaders' Statement.
"China tends to have a problem endorsing the documents of organizations like the OECD that they're not a party to," the senior administration official said.
But Mr. Obama, according to this account, stepped between the two men, urging them to try to find consensus, and giving them a "pep talk" about the importance of working together.
The senior adminstration official said that Mr. Obama pulled Mr. Sarkozy aside, took him to a corner, "and discussed possible alternatives," the senior official said.
Once they arrived at one, President Obama "sent a message to the Chinese" that a counter-offer was on the table. The Chinese spent some time considering the offer. But they took a few minutes.
So Mr. Obama, with the assistance of translators, suggested that he and Mr. Hu have a conversation as well. They, too went to the corner to talk. After a few minutes, Mr. Obama called upon Mr. Sarkozy to join them.
"Translators and sherpas in tow, they reached an agreement," the official said. "There was a multiple shaking of hands."
President Bush just was not that into foreign affairs, unless it was about the Iraq or Afghanistan Wars. He never tried consensus or tried to find that one something to bring folks together, sorry he just did not. And after seeing the mastery of Obama, one wonders how in the hell did George W. Bush ever get elected president? It is damn refreshing to have someone of intellect, one who understands people in the White House. President George W. Bush is a reminder of what we never should have as a leader in charge of this country ever again.
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Governor Tim Pawlenty needs to certify Al Franken as Minnesota's next senator
...and Norm Coleman? He needs to CONCEDE. IT.IS.OVER.
The legal fight between Al Franken and Norm Coleman is headed to the desk of Gov. Tim Pawlenty — a no-win predicament for a Minnesota Republican with his eye on a White House run in 2012.
Franken won big Tuesday when a three-judge panel allowed the review of no more than 400 absentee ballots in a race he currently leads by 225 votes. Coleman’s camp says an appeal to the Minnesota Supreme Court is coming; once that’s done, the dispute lands in Pawlenty’s lap.
If Franken’s ahead at that point, Pawlenty will have a choice: sign the election certificate that will allow Democrats to seat Franken in the Senate or play to the Republicans whose support he’d need in 2012 by withholding the certificate while Coleman challenges the election in the federal court system.
Will Pawlenty play politics here? Will he let this drag out? The vote total has NOT CHANGED, we are 4 months past the election in November. It is time for partisian politics to be put aside and time for Governor Pawlenty to do what the people of Minnesota voted him to do, govern and govern fairly.
Norm Coleman it is over. To even attempt to run this and keep this going to the Supreme Court is ridiculous. Again, the vote total has not moved and it is not in your favor. The Minnesota Supreme Court judges who is overseeing this is one democrat, one republican and one independent. If your own man is voting against you, your case is OVER.
Democrats accuse Coleman, Cornyn and other Republicans of stalling — denying Minnesotans their second senator so as to deny Democrats their 59th vote in the Senate.
Several Democratic aides and senators said Wednesday that Senate Democrats would probably try to seat Franken if he gets an election certificate even if Coleman seemed likely to keep pursuing his challenges. But the aides and senators said that, without a certificate, Democrats are unlikely to try to seat Franken since the GOP would probably attempt to filibuster such a move.
That leaves Pawlenty in the hot seat — and whatever he decides could have implications in 2010 and 2012. Up for a third term next year, Pawlenty risks angering Minnesota Democrats and independents if he refuses to sign an election document for Franken — and a loss if he runs in the governor’s race would imperil a presidential run in 2012. But if he signs the certificate and Coleman seeks a federal appeal, he risks infuriating conservatives who despise Franken — and thereby imperiling his chances in the Republican presidential primary.
Again, Governor Pawlenty, DO THE RIGHT THING. Sign Al Franken's certificate so he can be seated in the senate and this travesty is OVER.
Source
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First Lady Michelle Obama is the new "Princess Diana" (Pictures, Video)
A friend of mine's called me today while I was at work. She talked about Michelle Obama. How the London school children LOVED HER.
The fascination with our First Lady has skyrocketed like a shooting star. She is the star, she is our, American, Princess Diana.
I would not state this, but as my friend was talking, she could not stop but compare Michelle and Diana. I always felt that way about Michelle. The nastiness of the GOP trying to paint her this past election made many stomachs turn, but to look at her now brings tears to my face. She is glamorous, approachable, humble, smart, athletic, svelte, practical, and beautiful. She is the woman we all are, but she is on the national stage. She represents all of us, the working women with children, a husband and home. She has shown and proven that we can tackle the huge issues down to the little ones, just like us, ladies do it every single day.
I am proud of Michelle Obama, she surely makes each one of us proud to have her as the First Lady of the United States, and Barack Obama is damn lucky.
FLOTUS Visit to London Girls School
School Girls in London LOVE Michelle, it will touch your heart
Al Rodgers great pictures of Barack and Michelle Obama, with Michelle being mobbed by the London school children
More Obamas in London pics w/The Queen and G20 Dinner
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Blago Indicted, that is former Governor Rod Blagojevich
Blago was corrupt, he is going down, but who is he taking down with him is my burning question.....
Former Gov. Rod Blagojevich, his brother Rob and Christopher Kelly, a former top fundraiser for Blagojevich, were all indicted today on corruption charges, the U.S. attorney's office in Chicago announced.
Also charged in the indictment were Lon Monk, a lobbyist and former Blagojevich chief of staff; John Harris, also a former chief of staff to Blagojevich; and William Cellini, a Springfield insider for decades.
The indictment comes four months after Blagojevich was arrested and charged with engaging in pay-to-play politics in a sweeping federal complaint that accused him of trading state jobs, contracts and regulatory favors for campaign contributions.
The criminal complaint charged Blagojevich with attempting to sell the U.S. Senate seat vacated by Barack Obama and seeking the firing of Tribune editorial writers in return for state help on the sale of Wrigley Field. The ballpark and newspaper are owned by Tribune Co.
Blagojevich's brother, Rob, took over as head of the governor's campaign fund last August, just two months before federal authorities won court authorization to wiretap the then-governor's home phone and campaign office.
Monk was also caught on the recordings.
This marks the third time Kelly has been charged by federal authorities but the first time for alleged wrongdoing with the former governor. In January the wealthy roofing contractor pleaded guilty to tax fraud for concealing his use of corporate funds to cover gambling debts, but just weeks later, he was charged in connection with a kickback scheme at O'Hare International Airport.
Authorities have alleged that Harris tried to carry out the governor's plan to have Tribune editorial writers fired for critical editorials of Blagojevich.
Cellini was indicted last fall on charges he extorted a Hollywood producer to make a Blagojevich campaign donation.
Read the indictment here
Source
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Michelle Obama's Faux Pas? The Real Faux Pas Was Prince Philip.
There is much ado about nothing, in my mind, about First Lady Michelle Obama briefly touching the Queen after the Queen first touched her.
The rules are set in stone, and so the eagerly watching British media sputtered when the First Lady of the United States, Michelle Obama, briefly put her hand on the back of Queen Elizabeth II as the two chatted at a reception. Etiquette is quite stern about this ("Whatever you do, don't touch the Queen!").
[snip]
On Wednesday, Michelle Obama put her hand on the Queen only after the Queen had placed her own hand on the First Lady's back as part of their conversation. So there is room for theological argument as to whether the American reciprocity of touch was allowable given the social dynamics of the situation. (Less explicable was when President George W. Bush winked at the Queen.) Still, the sight of anyone apparently touching the Queen with anything more than a limp handshake is enough to send the British (or traditionalists in the old Commonwealth) twittering.
OK, Queen Elizabeth touched Michelle, first, but the British are talking about this, or are they?
I am American and I am not a study of knowing all protocol, but I do know if someone touches you out of endearment it is human nature to reciprocate. I saw the tape and Her Majesty did not look shocked, in awe, shuttered or tried to run away, in fact she smiled as if nothing happened. And from looking at all the tape that has been run on television, it appears that the Queen and Prince Philip liked the Obamas.
The Michelle faux pas is nothing in my book and most Americans, to be honest, don't care. I am not trying to be harsh on British protocol, but there is just too much other things like the economy and job loss to get riled up about a touch.
The real faux pas was Prince Philip.
And are you even caring about that?
Cross-posted @ Daily Kos
Time Magazine
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"Big Eddy", Ed Schultz gets a show on MSNBC (Video)
This was rumored for a while, now it comes to light....
1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, hosted by David Shuster will move to the 4PM/ET slot, before Hardball.
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Wednesday, April 1, 2009
Obama Accepts Invitation to Visit China in the Fall (Video)
President Barack Obama will visit China this year after being invited by Chinese President Hu Jintao today, and both leaders agreed to set up regular talks.
Obama and Hu agreed to establish a “U.S.-China Strategic and Economic Dialogue” to discuss financial, trade and other issues between the two countries, the White House said in a statement. Both sides vowed to combat protectionism that may be arising amid the global recession.
“The relationship between the U.S. and China has become extremely constructive,” Obama said. “Our economic relationships are very strong.”
Obama and Hu met at Winfield House, the residence of the U.S. ambassador to the U.K., where Obama is staying. Obama, Hu and other leaders of the Group of 20 developed and emerging economies are in London to discuss a unified response to the global financial crisis.
“Good relations with the U.S. are not only in the interests of the two peoples, but also beneficial to peace, stability and prosperity of the Asia-Pacific region, and the world at large,” Hu said, according to the official Xinhua News Agency.
Bloomberg
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President Obama and Russia President Dmitry Medvedev Ready to Talk Nukes and Obama Accepts the Invitation from Medvedev, Russia Bound This Summer
The United States and Russia committed Wednesday to resetting strained relations, as presidents Barack Obama and Dmitry Medvedev issued sweeping statements on global cooperation, including a headline-grabbing agreement to quickly negotiate a new treaty to limit nuclear weapons.
As they sat down for their first face-to-face meeting, Obama and Medvedev declared in their joint statements that the "era when our countries viewed each other as enemies is long over."
While agreeing to work overtime to negotiate a replacement for the seminal 1991 Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty, or START, which expires at year's end, the two leaders vowed at the same time to jointly confront other perceived threats. They specifically mentioned the nuclear programs in Iran and North Korea and al-Qaida militants who have found refuge in Pakistan.
I hope they can work together and work it out because Putin was not one to be trusted and Russia, always have one eye on your back dealing with them.
Both men directed their negotiating teams to finish the task of setting broad outlines for a treaty to replace START by the end of July. That conceivably would leave time to get the new treaty approved in the U.S. Senate by the December expiration of the current agreement. But arms control experts say December is not a hard deadline so long as there is progress.
"The parties have gone from words to action," said Sergei Rogov, the head of USA and Canada Institute.
RIA Novosti reported that Rogov believed quickly reopening arms-control talks "offers a real prospect that a new treaty will be signed before the year's end."
Rogov said that arms-control talks will help create "favorable conditions for reaching agreements on a host of other issues, including the Iranian nuclear problem and cooperation in fighting the Taliban and al-Qaida."
Currently, the United States has 2,200 strategic nuclear warheads deployed; Russia has 2,800. Under the subsequent 2002 Treaty of Moscow, a plan negotiated under the Bush administration, the two sides committed to reducing their nuclear warheads to between 1,700 and 2,200.
But that treaty did not establish its own system for verifying compliance; instead it said verification would rest upon the existing provisions of the START treaty. But if START expires in December without a replacement in place, the Moscow Treaty would be left with no legally binding system for verification.
Obama has declared his belief that the United States and Russia should take the lead in ridding the world of nuclear weapons altogether. Russian and American arms-control experts believe that the START replacement treaty would seek initially to cut strategic warhead arsenals to 1,500 on each side.
And Obama will visit Russia this summer
President Barack Obama says he has accepted an invitation from Russia President Dmitry Medvedev (dih-MEE'-tree med-VYEH'-dyev) to visit Moscow and will make the trip in July.
Obama was hailing a new agreement between the two leaders to reach a new nuclear arms deal before the existing treaty between the countries expires in December.
Source
AP
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Long Live the Queen!!! The Obamas meet Queen Elizabeth II and Reception, G-20 Dinner Pictures, Too....
Obamas, Browns @ 10 Downing Street, London, Pictures
Arrival at Buckingham Palace
G20 Summit Dinner
The First Wives Club
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President Obama and Prime Minister Brown Full Press Conference, London, England (Video and Transcript)
FLOTUS, Michelle Obama visits a cancer center in London
Michelle Obama wished a cancer care center a happy first birthday on Wednesday during her first full day in London before the G20 summit.
The U.S. first lady, who visited the center with Sarah Brown, wife of British Prime Minister Gordon Brown, blew out a single candle on a chocolate-frosted sponge cake, and then joined others for tea.
"This is pretty amazing," Mrs. Obama said of the Maggie's Cancer Caring Centre, which Mrs. Brown opened last year.
"It's an oasis, an oasis that's necessary for people who are struggling. The building actualizes their journey in so many ways," he said. read more here......
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Tuesday, March 31, 2009
Even though he was FIRED, former GM CEO walks away with about 23M
Are you tired of this yet?
Former General Motors Corp. Chairman and Chief Executive Rick Wagoner won’t get a severance payment from the automaker, but he’ll still get a pension and other benefits worth an estimated $23 million.
In nearly 32 years with the company, Wagoner accrued pension benefits that the company valued at $22.1 million at the end of last year. The actual amount Wagoner will receive could vary because it will be paid in installments over the rest of his life.
Wagoner, 56, also is entitled to $366,602 in unvested stock awards and $534,627 in deferred compensation as of Dec. 31, according to GM’s annual report.
Sigh.
These CEOs represent the worst of leadership and the anger of greed.
Here is Keith Olbermann's take on this:
And Republicans? They need to get on the side of the middle class instead of taking up and defending a CEO that was one of the problems of GMs demise.
Source
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Minnesota Supreme Court Says No More Counting for Norm Coleman
ABOUT TIME. I MEAN ABOUT DAMN TIME.
A three-judge panel has dealt a blow to Norm Coleman’s efforts to retake the lead in the Minnesota Senate race, putting at most 400 ballots in play — far fewer than what the Republican pushed for during the seven-week recount trial.
In its third week of deliberations, the court issued a ruling Tuesday afternoon ordering absentee ballots to be turned over to the Minnesota Secretary of State’s Office by April 6. The ballots would then by be counted in open court by April 7.
In the minutes after the ruling was issued, Democrats began trumpeting the decision, saying that Coleman’s ability now to retake the lead is a tall order. Franken currently holds a 225 vote edge.
"We are obviously pleased," said Mark Elias, chief legal counsel for Franken, in a conference call with reporters.
It is now TIME for Norm Coleman to do the right thing, CONCEDE. This has dragged on long enough.
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Obamas off to Europe this morning
All briefings on Air Force One, Gibbs presser on Air Force One.
Look to the left and view the President's calendar.
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Polls are with Obama (USAToday, NBC, WAPO/ABC)
Obama made folks mad yesterday about the auto industry, but the fact is that many Americans are standing with him. As we all know, the problems of this economy did not pop up as a surprise, but was there for a very long time. Getting out of all this mess and with many companies now wanting a bailout to sustain, will take time. Not everyone will be saved, look at the auto industry. GM or Chrysler is going to fall and that means with no help from the government into bankruptcy. That is just a fact. While folks may be hopping mad, overall the poll numbers are with Obama.
The number of Americans who believe that the nation is headed in the right direction has roughly tripled since Barack Obama's election, and the public overwhelmingly blames the excesses of the financial industry, rather than the new president, for turmoil in the economy, according to a new Washington Post-ABC News poll.
At this early stage in his presidency, Obama continues to benefit from a broadly held perception that others should bear the bulk of responsibility for the severe economic problems that confront his administration. Americans see plenty of offenders, but only about a quarter blame the president and his team for an economy that's in the ditch.
[snip]
Overall perceptions about the country parallel a rapid increase in the percentage of Americans who say the economy is improving. For the first time since late 2004, the gap between the numbers saying the economy is getting better and those saying it's getting worse is in the single digits (27 percent to 36 percent).
Two-thirds of Americans approve of the way Obama is handling the country's top job, and six in 10 give him good marks on issue No. 1, the flagging economy. Those figures are little changed from last month. But he receives lower marks for dealing with the federal budget deficit after submitting a plan that would see continued huge deficits over the next decade. Fifty-two percent back Obama on his approach to the deficit, with the public split about evenly over whether belt-tightening or big increases in spending should be used to try to improve the economy.
WAPO/ABC Poll
NBC Poll
USAToday/Gallup
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Monday, March 30, 2009
Michigan has to take responsibility, too.
I know everyone is up in arms over the Obama speech, but there is much more going on here.
The Automotive Industry, the big three, knew this was coming, this is nothing new.
Folks working for the big three saw folks not buying these cars, not with the price tag or bad mileage attached.
The economy is part of this, but folks had already started to ease away from those SUVs, Trucks, fancy price tags. This is nothing new, this was coming a while ago.
Al Gore got laughed in his face from the big wigs in Michigan. He told them about CAFE standards and they laughed him out of Michigan.
These fat cats did not want to change. They wanted to remain the same.
Well, when you come to the government for help to not prop you up, but pick you up before you hit the garbage heap, you must conform.
I feel the pain for those who are losing jobs, lost jobs, won't get jobs back, etc. But, the decisions in Michigan must be dealt with.
I know many are also angered at President Obama about not doing enough to Wall Street. I don't know how many times I must write this, Obama does nothing without all the facts. The banks have not opened up all their books, the stress tests on these banks are not done. When this is complete and they need more money, as the car industry does, you will hear the Obama blast to them, as we heard today to the car industry.
Also politicians in Michigan must take heat also. All of them. They have protected the car industry for decades. For Granholm to act shocked is a joke. There is no one on here who can write that Granholm did not know what was about to happen. She knew. This is about salvaging what she can. Both senators from Michigan are great, but they have stood with an industry that has REFUSED to change. This industry's refusal put them where we are at now.
Where is the UAW? I can tell you where they are at. Numb and quiet. They have seen the books and know that there is either concessions or bankruptcy. It is as plain and clear as that. The suppliers? It won't be like it used to be and there will be fewer of them when this is over. Retirees? They will see some cuts in benefits. It is either that or go bankrupt. Go bankrupt, who will cut your check then? Car dealerships will shrink tremendously in this country. And there will be more unemployment. Folks up in arms, keep the jobs!! What jobs? How can we keep the jobs when the supply is more than the demand and has been that way BEFORE the September hit? Who is out there buying a 30,000 car? NOBODY. Hard decisions down the immediate road.
None of us like what has happened but this is the reality of now. You can't suck blood from a turnip when it is dry or dead already. The auto industry put this country on the map of innovation, but in the end refused to innovate themselves. Now it is either bankruptcy or conform and change. They can either take it or leave it.
And the Republicans? They don't have a pot to piss in, nor a window to throw it out of. They can not come back to Michigan and say, "I was for you, saving your jobs", when they are on video saying let the automotive industry go bankrupt. Which do we want? The Republican way or the Obama Administration way to help this industry get back in the saddle?
This is tough love. This is what we voted for, leadership, this is what we are getting the hard decisions. And Waggoner had to go.
cross-posted @ Daily Kos
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Europe rebuffs stimulus spending
I am not surprised at Europe and its rebuff, for now, and neither should.
Looking at this in a basic, practical manner Europe rebuffed invading Iraq and in doing so watched from the sidelines as we spent billions of money on a war that damned near killed us financially in this country, along with the unregulated housing/mortgage fiasco.
Europe is not surprised at our demise, though some countries had gotten greedy and got into bed with the mortgage scheme, but it has not derailed Europe as it has derailed the United States.
Obama has a heavy task ahead because he does need these countries to stroke the stimulus, for it to work hand in hand over here. But Europe is shaking its finger at the United States and saying we have lived beyond our means and they are correct.
The last time President Obama went to Europe, he was greeted with raucous applause and 200,000 Europeans choking a Berlin square, chanting "Obama" and "Yes We Can."
President Barack Obama smiles during his prime time news conference in the East Room of the White House in Washington, March 24, 2009.
(Jason Reed/Reuters )This time, as the president heads to London this week to press the Group of 20 nations for a global economic stimulus plan, he's likely to get a warm reception but cold comfort from many European leaders.
European Union chief Mirek Topolanek, the recently ousted leader of the Czech Republic, calls the plan the Obama administration has been pushing "a way to hell."
Germany Chancellor Angela Merkel is also a skeptic.
"We must look at the causes of this crisis," she said. "It happened because we were living beyond our means. ... We cannot repeat this mistake."
That sounds a lot like Obama's Republican critics at home.
Yes, the Republican critics. The reason that Obama's numbers are not in the tank and have held up is because of Republican critics. The same critics that did nothing about the spending under former President George W. Bush, the very same critics that must shoulder some of this blame because Barack Obama did not walk into the White House and all of a sudden the economy was in the tank. We were having homes foreclosed on in 2005 at the clip of 10,000 a day, the former Bush Administration knew this and did nothing about it. The Republicans at this point has lost credibility on any financial matters, their record has spoken for them.
The Europeans gave Obama a great reception last summer, but that was when he was candidate Obama, now as President Obama it is a different story. Expect all the excitement, all the photos of President Obama and the First Lady all over Europe, the video and audio clips, but what is most important of all is behind those hard closed doors. What is being said behind those doors and how every leader will emerge from those doors. That is what this summit is all about.
Source
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Sunday, March 29, 2009
FLOTUS, Michelle Obama prepares for her first international rollout
Europe is holding its breath for First Lady Michelle Obama. Literally.
The first couple’s trip to Europe Tuesday takes Michelle Obama to a land that likes her husband but seems positively fascinated by her.
The British press in particular has followed Michelle Obama’s every move breathlessly, from her dresses to the “kitchen garden” behind the White House. One London paper tracked down her high-school prom date. Another asked plaintively, “Why Doesn’t the UK Have a Michelle Obama?”
When was the last time we heard any country over the moon, not just for the President but moreso, for the First Lady? Not since, Jacqueline Kennedy.
I have noticed that Michelle Obama is slowly coming into her own as First Lady. She is unafraid of going all over Washington, D.C. She is candid, funny, and as many say, just naturally real. So, Europe, but specifically London is awaiting the First Lady.
“Her every ensemble will be front page news and endlessly interpreted and decoded,” said Patricia McDonald, a London-based editor for the Michelle Obama fashion blog, www.Mrs- O.org. “Will she break out a new wardrobe, or in deference to the economy, recycle her greatest hits?”
Michelle Obama’s official schedule says she will accompany the president to many of his events – they both will have tea with Queen Elizabeth II, for instance – but she’ll have some solo outings as well. She’ll visit an all-girls school in London where the population is mostly minority and the second language is English — an echo of her work in Washington, DC.
Sarah Brown, Britain’s first lady, will give Michelle Obama a tour of a health facility in London Wednesday and will take her and other spouses on a tour in London Thursday during the G-20 economic summit.
In France, Obama will join NATO spouses in visiting a hospital and a cathedral. And at all of these events, she'll stand next to some of the world’s most high-profile political spouses— including Bruni-Sarkozy, the Italian-born ex-supermodel who is an admirer of the self-described girl from the Chicago’s South Side.
“She looks like she’s a great, strong, intelligent woman,” Bruni-Sarkozy said in one recent interview. “I must say that she doesn’t look like she [needs] advice … I think it would probably be better for me to be getting advice from her.”
Ahh, Michelle the microscope will be out in full force on you. Even though she is there as support for her husband, it will feel like she is the only goldfish in that bowl. But never fear, Europe is eager and awaiting you. FLOTUS, you will be alright.
Source
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Obama will be doin' it U.S. style while in London and the rest of Europe
Well, the U.K. paper, The Guardian has all the details of how Obama will emerge in London.
With an entourage of 500 staff, an armour-plated limousine and a fleet of decoy helicopters, America's new president will arrive for his first visit to Britain amid huge razzmatazz on Tuesday for the G20 summit. But it will be his closed-door meetings with world leaders that are likely to prove the most significant of the trip
Britain will get its first chance to see Barack Obama this week when a White House cavalcade - complete with armoured limousines, helicopters, 200 US secret service staff and a six-doctor medical team - sweeps into the UK.
Wow. I not surprised at all the armour, I am in awe of the six-doctor medical team. What do you have to do to get hired as a doctor to work for the President?
More than 500 officials and staff will accompany the president on his tour this week - along with a mass of high-tech security equipment, including the $300,000 presidential limousine, known as The Beast. Fitted with night-vision camera, reinforced steel plating, tear- gas cannon and oxygen tanks, the vehicle is the ultimate in heavy armoured transport.
In addition, a team from the White House kitchen will travel with the president to prepare his food. As one official put it: "When the president travels, the White House travels with him, right down to the car he drives, the water he drinks, the gasoline he uses, the food he eats. America is still the sole superpower and the president must have the ability to handle any crisis, anywhere, any time."
Wow. This is just not for Barack Obama, but this treatment is for any elected President of the United States, only the fascination is at an all time peak, especially in Europe.
Obama will start his first presidential visit to Europe when he steps down from the US presidential jet, Air Force One, at Stansted airport on Tuesday. The Boeing 747-200B is fitted with its own gym, electronic defence units and shielding to protect its complex communication devices from radiation from nuclear blasts. Among the officials on the flight will be a military officer carrying America's nuclear missile launch codes.
Obama will then be flown to central London in a VH-3D helicopter known as Marine One. Again, high-tech security will dominate his journey. Marine One is fitted with flares that can be fired to confuse heat-seeking missiles and always flies in groups containing several identical decoy helicopters.
While in town, the president will be guarded by more than 200 US secret servicemen - easily identifiable by their shirt-cuff radios and Ray-Ban sunglasses. Obama has already had some time to get used their attention. It was decided 18 months ago, when he was still a presidential candidate, that his African-American background put him at particular risk of an assassination attempt and he was provided with his security guards.
And should anything befall the President, a White House medical unit will be at hand to provide emergency care. The team consists of surgeons, nurses and other medical personnel and carries supplies of blood of the type AB, the president's blood group. At the same time, Obama will be constantly minded by his personal aide Reggie Love, who dials his BlackBerry, fetches his jacket and tie and supplies him with snacks. First Lady Michelle Obama will also have a coterie of assistants, including a secretary, a press officer and several bodyguards.
OK, you have to read the full article to get the jist of it. While I am not shocked at all of this, because this does befall to any sitting U.S. President, one can not be removed or not reminded that Barack Obama is African-American and we do have walking crazies all over this world, so precaution is of the utmost.
Ok, London and the rest of Europe enjoy President Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama, as we do here in the United States, everyday.
The Guardian Article
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Obama Adminstration asked GM CEO to resign, he's out
Well, he was in charge.
Ran the company into the ground.
No one is purchasing these cars.
Out of the big three, GM has the most debt.
Letting him go, is a start.
The Obama administration asked Rick Wagoner, the chairman and CEO of General Motors, to step down and he agreed, a White House official said.
On Monday, President Obama is to unveil his plans for the auto industry, including a response to a request for additional funds by GM and Chrysler. The plan is based on recommendations from the Presidential Task Force on the Auto Industry, headed by the Treasury Department.
The White House confirmed Wagoner was leaving at the government's behest after The Associated Press reported his immediate departure, without giving a reason.
General Motors issued a vague statement Sunday night that did not officially confirm Wagoner's departure.
"We are anticipating an announcement soon from the Administration regarding the restructuring of the U.S. auto industry. We continue to work closely with members of the Task Force and it would not be appropriate for us to speculate on the content of any announcement," the company said.The surprise announcement about the classically iconic American corporation is perhaps the most vivid sign yet of the tectonic change in the relationship between business and government in this era of subsidies and bailouts.
Wagoner has been CEO for 8 years and at GM for more than 30. It is not yet clear who would replace him, or what role the administration would play in that process. GM has received $13.4 billion in government aid, and has been seeking $16.6 billion more.
Industry sources had said the White House planned very tough medicine in Monday's announcement, which turned out to be an understatement. And it went to the very top. The measures to be imposed by the government will have a dramatic effect on workers, unions, suppliers, bondholders, shareholders, retirees and the communities where plants are located, the sources said.
GM and Chrysler have to prove their viability as a condition of a federal bailout released under former President George W. Bush, and both have asked the current administration for more money. Ford has not sought federal funds because it had secured a line of credit just before money dried up.
As many say let the banks fail, which I agree for some, the auto makers are something else. Letting this industry fail means many who are getting retirement checks from one of the big three, probably won't any longer. Suppliers will have to cut thousands of jobs, many will go out of business. The automotive industry is a vicious circle. Too many hands in the pot and it can all go under. And this leaks down to the very citizen who owns a GM car or truck. Bankrupt means, what happens to your warranty and who will honor it? Do you see anyone stepping up to the plate for that one? I don't.
Obama will have a major speech tomorrow on the automotive industry, the last big one before he leaves Tuesday for Europe and the G20 Summit. Everyone will listen very closely to what Obama has to say about the automotive industry.
Source
Wall Street Journal
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President Barack Obama on Face the Nation, CBS, March 29, 2009 (Video and Transcript)
Bob Schieffer spoke with President Barack Obama about ending the war in Afganistan; Mexico's drug violence and restoring the economy and the American dream.
Transcript
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Meet the Press, March 29, 2009 (Video and Transcript)
The economic crisis and the President's plan to shore up the banking system: In his first live Sunday morning interview, we speak with the man charged with heading up the effort, Treasury Secretary Tim Geithner. Plus, an exclusive interview on the economy and foreign policy with President Obama's former rival for the White House, Sen. John McCain (R-AZ).
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Some are mad at Michelle and that Easter Egg Roll (Hunt) at the White House
Some are getting their panties in a knot because the White House decided to have the drawing of participants in the Easter Egg Roll (Hunt) on the internet, instead of the traditional way of standing in line.
To be honest, what difference does it make? The online drawing means many from around the country may have a chance to bring their kids to the Easter Egg Roll. But there are some, primarily from the D.C. Beltway who are angered that it was changed.
The switch to online distribution from standing in line all night on the Ellipse the weekend before the "roll" for first come first serve tickets touched a nerve with readers of my blog,(original March 23 post) triggering a passionate debate on a subject not inconsequential to many people across the country.
"Having camped out since my baby was born (he will be 4 this year) I must say I am disappointed that this administration is breaking with tradition. My sister-in-law and I brave the elements (two years ago it snowed on us) in excess of 24 hours to ensure our kids get to experience the Easter Egg Roll at the White House. Not everything in Washington is broken, Mr. President. Some traditions will be missed," "Mom in Maryland" posted on my blog.
Well, the "Mom in Maryland" has an advantage by living in the D.C. area and a chance to spend the night before the event. Many are not as advantageous. The White House does not belong to "those who live in the area", but for the whole 50 states. Many want to participate all over the country, but don't live in the area, remember standing in line does not mean you are guaranteed a ticket neither.
Mrs. Obama wants to make the White House more accessible to people--she invited students to tend to a vegetable garden on the grounds, for example-- so letting folks from out-of town have a way to get tickets in advance for the Egg Roll and make travel plans seemed a non-controversial no brainer.
"Thanks you Mr. President and Mrs. Obama for thinking of this ideal of letting everyone across the USA having a chance to get tickets. I understand from the other comments that they perfer to camp out, but they must understand that other persons would love to have the chance of getting tickets," "Jackie" from Durham, North Carolina, said in her post.
A spokesman for Mrs. Obama said, "the online ticketing system has allowed us to reach families from 41 states interested in coming to the Easter Egg Roll. We even have a family from Alaska coming to the event."
A family coming from Alaska. This will be a memorable event for this family for the rest of their lives. Those camping out mostly LIVE IN THE DC AREA. To have guaranteed tickets ahead of time, to plan the trip for your family, finally to open this event up to everyone in the United States is not only a smart move, but a FAIR MOVE.
Traditions are wonderful, but as time and people change, some traditions need to change, too.
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Need a morning laugh? Michael Steele, "I am done" with Obama (Video)
Michael Steele, "HELLO", you are only the RNC Chairman for the GOP and that is barely. President Barack Obama does not need to reach out to you for anything. I think you have more issues pending, like keeping your job. And this whine fest, about Obama not paying attention to him? GOP, I think you got a problem here. h/t Huffington Post
STEELE: Look, I like the president personally, even though I think he has got a little thing about me, that I haven't quite figured out what that is.
CNN: You haven't spoken to him?
STEELE: No.
CNN: You've reach out?
STEELE: Several times, and I'm done.
CNN: So there is no bipartisanship going on there?
STEELE: Not, not that I know of.
CNN: Is there any professional jealousy?
STEELE: Not on my part. What would I be jealous of?
CNN: He's the president of the United States.
STEELE: I'm chairman of the RNC, so, what's your point? We both have leadership responsibilities and roles. I'm not equating the two. My point is: you are on your track. I'm on my track. You do your thing. I do my thing.
Full interview about Steele and the GOP below
Part One
Part Two
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U.S. and Global Stimulus
When you have 35,000 people protesting in London, prior to your arrival, nothing wrong with changing or modifying your position.
The Obama administration on Saturday moved to quell a public war of words with European leaders over the need to boost government spending to combat the financial crisis, making clear it has no desire to dictate spending targets for other countries.
The diplomatic effort comes as President Obama prepares to make his first trip across the Atlantic this week for a series of meetings, including Thursday's economic summit in London. In recent days, European leaders have sharply criticized the United States, which they said was pushing them for more global stimulus.
In other words, Europe does not want to be dictated to in how to handle their economy, especially when many are not up in arms on government money intervention to ease the crunch there.
But Europe and the United States, while set to agree on doing "whatever is necessary" to revive the economy, appear at odds philosophically over how much more government spending is necessary to jump-start the economy, now poised for the first global recession since World War II.
The administration had earlier backed a proposal for nations to spend 2 percent of the value of their economies on stimulus efforts. But officials in Europe have countered that enough public funds have been spent, with Czech Prime Minister Mirek Topolanek, whose country holds the rotating presidency of the European Union, last week describing U.S.-style stimulus spending as "the road to hell."
We don't know how this stimulus money will pan out, since much has not hit the streets yet, but I do understand why many leaders in Europe is opposed to cranking out money to solve the economic problem. But, if this works here in the U.S., watch Europe do a double take.
And the IMF, the snobs for the richest countries?
The IMF, long criticized as a club for rich countries, is also set for a dramatic change as developing nations exert greater influence at the fund. For the first time, sources said, emerging giants China, Brazil, Russia, India and Mexico are planning major financial contributions, which in turn would grant them more say in how the IMF conducts business. China is ready to produce the biggest gift, pledging an estimated $50 billion.
The United States will also press for a review of regional development agencies, such as the Inter-American Development Bank and Asian Development Bank, to ensure they are spending money wisely. An increase in the money available to them is also being considered. Geithner is set to deliver a keynote speech on the issue in Medellin, Colombia, on Sunday before arriving in London along with Obama this week.
"We need to assess how successful they are in addressing the needs of the poorest members of these institutions," a Treasury official said.
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