Left for London, Arrived in London, What a Difference a Few Hours Make for the Obamas (Pictures)

Departing for London, FLOTUS looks chic.....

Arriving in London.....

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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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Dick Cheney is out of his mind (Video)

From Keith Olbermann.....

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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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Michigan, Wayland Chevorlet employees angry that car dealership is closing (Video)

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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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Obama's Speech on the Auto Industry (Video and Transcript)

Transcript

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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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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).

Transcript

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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.

Source

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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.

Source

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