Barack Obama for America

Blueprint for an America Built to Last

2012-01-26T16:44:00.002-05:00

In Vegas, Pres. Obama talked about a blueprint for boosting production of American-made clean energy . Here for everything on American-made energy.

Blueprint for an America Built to Last

2012-01-26T13:29:00.005-05:00

Pres. Obama visits Conveyor, Engineering and Manufacturing in Cedars Rapids, Iowa and speaks about strengthing our economy and building and America that's built to last.

Blueprint for an America Built to Last

2012-01-25T13:36:00.004-05:00

Pres. Obama outlines his blueprint for an America built to last, which includes a strong manufacturing industry at the Intel Ocotillo campus.

State of the Union 2012

2012-01-24T21:07:00.007-05:00

Transcript

Throughout his speech , President Obama discussed ideas for building an America that lasts. He called it a blueprint for the future and talked about ways to make his vision reality. Here are those ideas.

Payroll Tax Cut

2011-12-23T13:40:00.008-05:00

President Barack Obama signed a two-month extension of the payroll tax cut , ending what had been a heated political stalemate and sealing a hard-fought win for Democrats on an issue -- taxes -- that has historically favored the GOP. House GOP relents on payroll tax cut deal .

Signing into law this two month extension of the payroll tax cut means that 160 million American workers will not see their paychecks shrink starting Jan 1, 2012.

Under the deal , the payroll tax will remain at the current 4.2% rate instead of reverting to the 6.2% rate it was at before the cut enacted last year. Without congressional action, the higher rate would have returned in 2012, meaning an average $1,000 tax increase for 160 million Americans. The typical worker's take home salary would have been reduced by about $40 per pay period without the tax cut.

After signing the tax cut into law, the first family heads to Hawaii.

Welcome Home Troops From Iraq

2011-12-14T14:35:00.004-05:00

Pres. Obama welcome home returning troops from Iraq , hailing their service to help a people they didn't know as an example of what makes America great.

Press Conference With Iraqi PM Maliki

2011-12-12T14:50:00.004-05:00

President Obama met with Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki to discuss the end of the Iraq war and the steps necessary to realize a new phase in the relationship between the two countries.

Since the President has taken office, nearly 150,000 U.S. servicemembers have left Iraq, and hundreds of bases have been closed.

Before the end of the year, the last of our troops will cross the border and return home. After nine years, the war is over.

Look back at their 2009 meeting .

Transcript

Payroll Tax Cut

2011-12-08T12:19:00.007-05:00

President Obama commented on the Senate defeating a motion to proceed to the nomination of Richard Cordray to be head of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau at a White House briefing . He also discussed the payroll tax cut debate and answered questions from reporters.

Meeting With Canada PM Harper

2011-12-07T12:30:00.004-05:00

The United States and Canada have announced deals to ease the flow of trade between them and improve security on their common border.

Transcript

U.S. Economy

2011-12-06T12:11:00.003-05:00

President Obama spoke about the U.S. economy , invoking Theodore Roosevelt's populism and challenging Republican belief in trickle-down economic theory.

AMERICAN JOBS ACT: Payroll Tax Cut

2011-11-30T12:00:00.010-05:00

The message that President Obama took to Scranton, PA , speaking to a crowd assembled in the town's high school auditorium, is if Congress fails to extend the tax cut through 2012, it would deliver a "massive blow" to the nation's economy:

" [If] Congress doesn’t act to extend this tax cut -- then most of you, the typical middle-class family, is going to see your taxes go up by $1,000 at the worst possible time. "

This is Pres. Obama's latest effort to pressure Congress to extend and expand tax breaks scheduled to expire at the end of this year.

The payroll tax cut will put an extra 1,500 in the pockets of of the typical American family that makes 50,000 a year.

Transcript

12.1.11 The Senate rejected an extention of the payroll tax cut that's due to expired the end of this year.

AMERICAN JOBS ACT: New Hampshire

2011-11-22T12:29:00.010-05:00

In Manchester, New Hampshire at the Manchester High School Central, President Obama discussed the American Jobs Act . He painted the Republicans in Congress as unwilling participants in economic recovery.

President Obama pressed Congress to pass the payroll tax cut extension set to expire at the end of the year, which would be a tax increase for most people.

Transcript , and Pres. Obama's record on taxes.

Veterans Jobs Legislation

2011-11-21T13:54:00.005-05:00

President Obama signed a veterans law aimed at getting America’s veterans back in the work force . Under the legislation, businesses will be given tax credits to hire veterans . Joining him for the ceremony included the First Lady, Vice President and Mrs. Biden.

WEEKLY ADDRESS: Jobs

2011-11-19T10:35:00.003-05:00

President Obama delivers the weekly address from Indonesia. He said his trip successfully propped up the U.S. economy - "The progress we’ve made in opening markets and boosting exports here will help create more jobs and more growth in the United States."

" Here in Indonesia, I was proud to join leaders from some of our nation’s top companies as they announced trade deals that will support nearly 130,000 American jobs and potentially increase U.S. exports by up to $39 billion. Boeing, for example, will sell more than 200 planes to Indonesia that are built with parts from suppliers in more than 40 states. And a deal to export GE engines will support jobs at plants in Ohio and North Carolina. These agreements will help us reach my goal of doubling American exports by 2014 – a goal we’re on pace to meet. And they’re powerful examples of how we can rebuild an economy that’s focused on what our country has always done best – making and selling products all over the world that are stamped with three proud words: “Made In America.”

Arrives in Bali, Indonesia

2011-11-17T13:02:00.014-05:00

President Obama is in Bali, Indonesia for the East Asian Summit . There will be two days of discussions with leaders of east Asian nations and Russia, on security, economy and other common issues. The announcement by President Obama that he plans to station U.S. troops in Australia is drawing mixed reactions at the ASEAN Summit in Indonesia, where ongoing territorial conflicts in the South China Sea are a major issue.

President Obama discusses the deepening relationship between the U.S.A. and Indonesia with Pres. Yudhoyono.

Transcript and Pictures

Australian Parliament in Canberra, Australia

2011-11-16T22:53:00.008-05:00

President Obama reaffirmed Washington’s “unbreakable alliance” with Australia during a speech to parliament in Canberra.

News Conference with PM Julia Gillard

2011-11-16T22:47:00.006-05:00

President Obama arrives in Australia to meet with PM Gillard regarding plans for the first sustained American military presence in Australia .

Pres. Obama Arrives in Australia

2011-11-16T13:05:00.005-05:00

President Obama arrives in Australia for a two-day tour to discuss a new joint military initiative.

Honolulu, Hawaii: APEC News Conference ( 5:11pm Hawaii time)

2011-11-13T22:11:00.008-05:00

President Obama starts a 9 day Asian-Pacific trip . At his annual Asian Pacific Economic Cooperation , he speaks on the trans-pacific partnership. Then he spoke with reporters after the end of the APEC summit with other world leaders from Asian and Pacific nations. He discusses U.S. policies toward China and Iran, and takes a few questions about Saturday night’s Republican presidential debate on foreign policy.

"... Now, the single greatest challenge for the United States right now, and my highest priority as President, is creating jobs and putting Americans back to work. And one of the best ways to do that is to increase our trade and exports with other nations. Ninety-five percent of the world's consumers are beyond our borders. I want them to be buying goods with three words stamped on them: Made in America. So I've been doing everything I can to make sure that the United States is competing aggressively for the jobs and the markets of the future. No region will do more to shape our long-term economic future than the Asia Pacific region. As I've said, the United States is, and always will be, a Pacific nation.

Many of our top trading partners are in this region. This is where we sell most of our exports, supporting some 5 million American jobs. And since this is the world's fastest growing region, the Asia Pacific is key to achieving my goal of doubling U.S. exports -- a goal, by the way, which we are on track right now to meet.

And that's why I've been proud to host APEC this year. It's been a chance to help lead the way towards a more seamless regional economy with more trade, more exports, and more jobs for our people. And I'm pleased that we've made progress in three very important areas.

First, we agreed to a series of steps that will increase trade and bring our economies even closer. We agreed to a new set of principles on innovation to encourage the entrepreneurship that creates new businesses and new industries. With simplified customs and exemptions from certain tariffs we'll encourage more businesses to engage in more trade. And that includes our small businesses, which account for the vast majority of the companies in our economies.

We agreed to a new initiative that will make it easier and faster for people to travel and conduct business across the region. And yesterday, I was pleased to sign legislation, a new travel card that will help our American businessmen and women travel more easily and get deals done in this region.

I'd note that we also made a lot of progress increasing trade on the sidelines of APEC. As I announced yesterday, the United States and our eight partners reached the broad outlines of an agreement on the Trans-Pacific Partnership. And today I’m pleased that Japan, Canada and Mexico have now expressed an interest in this effort. This comes on the heels of our landmark trade agreements with South Korea, Panama and Colombia, which will support tens of thousands of American jobs.

And in my meeting with President Medvedev, we discussed how to move ahead with Russia’s accession to the WTO, which will also mean more exports for American manufacturers and American farmers and ranchers.

Second, APEC agreed on ways to promote the green growth we need for our energy security. We agreed to reduce tariffs on environmental goods and make it easier to export clean energy technologies that create green jobs. We raised the bar on ourselves and we’ll aim for even higher energy efficiencies.

And we’re moving ahead with the effort to phase out fossil fuel subsidies. This would be a huge step toward creating clean energy economies and fighting climate change, which is a threat to both the beauty and the prosperity of the region.

Third, we’re redoubling our efforts to make sure that regulations are encouraging trade and job creation, not discouraging trade and job creation. And this builds on the work that we’re doing in the United States to get rid of rules and regulations that are unjustified and that are overly burdensome.

Our APEC partners are joining us in streamlining and coordinating regulations so that we’re sparking innovation and growth even as we protect public health and our environment.

And finally, since many of the leaders here were also at the recent G20 summit, we continued our efforts to get the global economy to grow faster. APEC makes up more than half the global economy, and it will continue to play a key role in achieving the strong and balanced growth that we need.

As I’ve said, as the world’s largest economy, the best thing that the United States can do for the global economy is to grow our own economy faster. And so I will continue to fight for the American Jobs Act so that we can put our people back to work.

I was glad to see that Congress moved forward on one aspect of the jobs bill -- tax credits for companies that are hiring veterans. But we’ve got to do a lot more than that.

So, again, I want to thank the people of Hawaii for their extraordinary hospitality and for all that they’ve done to help make this summit such a success. I want to thank my fellow leaders for the seriousness and sense of common purpose that they brought to our work. And I believe that the progress we’ve made here will help create jobs and keep America competitive in a region that is absolutely vital not only for our economy but also for our national security. Full Transcript

Pres. Obama Welcomes Leaders at APEC Summit

2011-11-13T17:06:00.009-05:00

President Obama starts a 9 day Asian-Pacific trip - Hawaii, Australia, and Indonesia. He welcomes leaders to APEC Summit in Honolulu, Hawaii, and speaks about the importance of building a seamless regional economy among the member nations.

.... " Our 21 economies -- our nearly 3 billion citizens -- are looking to us to bring our economies closer, to increase exports, to expand trade and opportunity that creates jobs and economic growth. That’s why we’re here. I'm confident that we can make significant progress. We’ve done it before. Since APEC started, we’ve slashed tariffs and barriers to trade and investment. Commerce in the region has soared -- creating new jobs, new markets and raising living standards across the region. And I want to emphasize that the Asia Pacific region is absolutely critical to America's economic growth. We consider it a top priority. And we consider it a top priority because we're not going to be able to put our folks back to work and grow our economy and expand opportunity unless the Asia Pacific region is also successful. This region includes many of our top trading partners. This is where we do most of our trade and where we sell most of our exports. It's also the fastest growing region in the world. And as a consequence, the Asia Pacific region is key to achieving my goal of doubling U.S. exports and creating new jobs.

Today, we've got an opportunity to make progress towards our ultimate goal, which is a seamless regional economy. We’re going to be focusing on three specific areas: increasing trade and investment, promoting green jobs, and streamlining and coordinating regulations so that we encourage trade and job creation. And more broadly, we’ll be discussing how we can work together to spur on quicker economic growth and more sturdy and sustainable economic growth. The economies of this region have a critical role to play in addressing the imbalances and making sure that growth is balanced and sustainable in the future...."

Jobs for Veterans

2011-11-07T12:00:00.012-05:00

Bypassing congress, Pres. Obama unveils latest jobs push for veterans . These initiatives includes Veterans Gold Card, My Next Move for Veterans, Veterans Jobs Bank. The bill gives employers tax credits of up to $5,600 for hiring veterans who have been unemployed longer than six months. It would also give employers a tax credit of up to $9,600 for hiring long-unemployed disabled veterans. The bill also expands an education and jobs retraining program for unemployed veterans. And it creates a new project that directs the Labor Department to figure out ways for veterans to use their specialized training to get licenses in different fields in the civilian work force.

11.10.11 Senate passes jobs bill to help veterans. They voted 95-to-0. Lawmakers are touting the bill as a bipartisan jobs creator that is fully paid for and would even reduce federal deficits by $2 billion over the next decade, according to the Congressional Budget Office.

11.16. 11 House of Representative passes jobs bill to help veterans. They voted 422 to 0.

Transcript

AMERICAN JOBS ACT: Infrastructure

2011-11-02T13:05:00.005-04:00

President Obama made remarks today in Washington urging Congress to pass the infrastructure piece of the American Jobs Act. He spoke in front of the Key Bridge, which spans the Potomac River and connects Washington, DC and Arlington, VA.

Transcript

11.3.11 The infrastructure bill was blocked in the senate by 51 - 49 vote.

Student Loan Debt Relief

2011-10-26T13:14:00.003-04:00

The White House announced on Tuesday 10.25.11 two new measures the Department of Education will start offering in January to help college graduates climb out of their student loan debt hole. One of the proposals would push up the start date for more favorable terms on a special loan repayment program based on income , said White House domestic policy adviser Melody Barnes. Another measure would encourage graduates with two or more different kinds of federal loans to consolidate them and get a small break on interest rates.

Transcript

Homeowner Mortgage Loan Changes

2011-10-24T12:06:00.014-04:00

Today in Las Vegas, the President is kicking off a new effort to urge Congress to pass the American Jobs Act, piece by piece, to put folks back to work and strengthen the economy. Using the mantra "we can’t wait" ,the President will highlight executive actions that his Administration will take. One is an attempt to help the housing market by targeting homeowners whose credit is solid, who are up to date on their mortgage payments, but can't refinance because they own homes in areas where the market has plummeted and their homes are underwater. Transcript

The president will continue to pressure Congressional Republicans to put country before party and pass the American Jobs Act, but he believes we cannot wait, so he will act where they won't.

Our Troops Will Be Home For The Holidays

2011-10-21T13:02:00.006-04:00

President Barack Obama announced that virtually all by the end of the year -- at which point he can declare an end to America's long and costly war in that Middle Eastern nation. Transcript .

The weekly wrap-up covering Cutting Waste, MLB support U.S. Veterans, MLK Jr. Memorial Dedication, Citizens Award, 3 Day Jobs Act Tour, and Troops Coming Home.

Remarks on the Death of Moammar Gadhafi

2011-10-20T14:15:00.021-04:00

Today, the government of Libya announced the death of Moammar Gadhafi . This marks the end of a long and painful chapter for the people of Libya, who now have the opportunity to determine their own destiny in a new and democratic Libya. For four decades, the Gadhafi regime ruled the Libyan people with an iron fist. Basic human rights were denied. Innocent civilians were detained, beaten and killed. And Libya’s wealth was squandered. The enormous potential of the Libyan people was held back, and terror was used as a political weapon. Today, we can definitively say that the Gadhafi regime has come to an end. The last major regime strongholds have fallen. The new government is consolidating the control over the country. And one of the world’s longest-serving dictators is no more. Transcript

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Gadhafi's death offers vindication of Pres. Obama's intervention in Libya , where he put strict limits on American military engagement and let NATO allies take the lead in backing the rebels. Pres. Obama’s carefully calibrated response infuriated critics on the right and left, who blamed him either for ceding American leadership in a foreign conflict or for blundering into another Arab land without an exit strategy. But with Colonel Gadhafi joining the lengthening list of tyrants and terrorists ( bin laden , Anwar al-Awlaki , and now gadhafi ) dispatched during the Obama presidency, even critics conceded a success for Pres. Obama’s approach to war — one that relies on collective, rather than unilateral, action; on surgical strikes rather than massive troop deployments.... NYTimes

From Pres. Obama's Inaugural Address : "We will not apologise for our way of life, nor will we waver in its defence, and for those who seek to advance their aims by inducing terror and slaughtering innocents, we say to you now that our spirit is stronger and cannot be broken; you cannot outlast us, and we will defeat you.

To those who cling to power through corruption and deceit and the silencing of dissent, know that you are on the wrong side of history; but that we will extend a hand if you are willing to unclench your fist. "

11.19.11 Gadhafi's son Saif al-Islam captured in Libya.

AMERICAN JOBS ACT TOUR: North Chesterfield, Virginia

2011-10-19T17:09:00.004-04:00

In Chesterfield, Virginia , his final day of a three-day bus tour, President Obama stopped by Fire Station 9 to talk about the challenge facing police and fire fighters across the country. cspan video

AMERICAN JOBS ACT TOUR: Hampton, Virginia

2011-10-19T15:08:00.010-04:00

President Obama and Michelle visited Joint Base Langley-Eustis in Virginia to talk about an "American responsibility" -- honoring and supporting our nation's veterans. He was introduced by the First Lady, Michelle Obama, who joined the American Jobs Act Bus Tour to make an announcement as part of the Joining Forces initiative. Mrs. Obama told the soldiers, airmen, and military spouses gathered at Langley-Eustis that too often potential employers fail to recognize the skills and talents that veterans and military families can bring to a job -- but, she said, this is a trend that can change. She said 270 private companies have pledged to hire 25,000 veterans and their spouses by the end of 2013.

Supporting our veterans. Also see the GI bill for veterans.

cspan.org video

AMERICAN JOBS ACT TOUR: Emporia, Virginia

2011-10-18T20:30:00.012-04:00

The American Jobs Act Bus Tour made its way to Emporia, Virginia. Under the American Jobs Act, Greensville County Public Schools -- including the high school -- would be eligible for $1.6 million in federal money for retaining educators.

Vice President Biden was in Flint, Michigan to talk with fire fighters and police officers about the American Jobs Act. Right now, local communities across the country are laying off first responders as policymakers struggle with budget cuts in the tough economy. It’s putting public safety at risk. In Michigan, the Vice President said, "The President and I believe that the single-most basic obligation a government has -- it exceeds -- the single-most basic obligation is to keep its citizens safe. It’s literally -- everything flows from that. All our civil rights flow from being able to be safe in our streets, in our homes, our schools, our businesses. Everything flows from it.”

That's why the American Jobs Act calls for $5 billion for local governments to keep police and fire fighters on the job.

The American Jobs Act calls for a $5,600 tax credit for businesses that hire veterans who have been unemployed for six months or longer. Providing a tax credit incentive for businesses to employee veterans will help encourage hiring and make it easier for America's heroes to find jobs when they return home. And the tax credit rises to $9,600 for hiring veterans who also have service-connected disabilities. Will also provide a 1,500 tax credit to the typical American family in 2012.

AMERICAN JOBS ACT TOUR: Jamestown, North Carolina

2011-10-18T12:19:00.003-04:00

President Obama holds a roundtable meeting with teachers at Guilford Technical Community College in Jamestown, North Carolina , during the American Jobs Act Bus Tour.

The American Jobs Act will invest in retrofitting at least 35,000 public schools across the country, supporting new science labs, Internet-ready classrooms and school renovations in both rural and urban communities. These investments will help give American students the edge they need to prepare for the 21st century economy and compete with students from around the world.

AMERICAN JOBS ACT TOUR: Millers Creek, North Carolina

2011-10-17T18:40:00.003-04:00

President Obama spoke at West Wilkes high school in Millers Creek, North Carolina about the need to ensure that our nation's schools don't face further cuts and that teachers who are currently looking for work find their way back to the classrooms.

AMERICAN JOBS ACT TOUR: Asheville, North Carolina

2011-10-17T11:00:00.013-04:00

President Obama embarks on a 3 day jobs bus tour . Today he talked about jobs and the economy at Asheville, North Carolina's regional airport.

Pres. Obama rips GOP opposition to the American Job Act: " My bill will help put people back to work and give our economy a boost right away, but apparently, none of this matters to GOP leaders. I've gone out of my way to find areas of cooperation with congressional Republicans. We're going to give members of Congress another chance to step up to the plate and do the right thing. But if they vote against these proposals again ... then they're not going to have to answer to me. They're going to have to answer to you."

Teacher aid is the first piece of the jobs bill to get a Senate vote. On 10.21.11 in a 50-50 vote , senators blocked a component of President Barack Obama's jobs bill -- $35 billion for states and localities to hire more teachers and first responders while preventing current ones from being laid off.

Teacher aid

The American Jobs Act includes an immediate investment in employing construction workers to restore 150 miles of runway at American airports and put in place a next-generation air-traffic control system to reduce travel time and delays.

Martin Luther King Jr. National Memorial Dedication

2011-10-16T09:00:00.009-04:00

They came from across the country, some arriving before dawn, carrying folding chairs, cameras and a strong, proud sense of history. Thousands stood and sat together under a bright blue sky as a memorial to the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. — the first honoring an African-American in the area of the Mall — was dedicated at last. The memorial — a four-acre tract along the Tidal Basin that is dotted with elms and cherry trees and anchored by an imposing granite statue of Dr. King — is the product of more than two decades of work. It was conceived in 1983 by members of Dr. King’s fraternity, Alpha Phi Alpha, and authorized by Congress in 1996. Read on

The King memorial is a symbol of the best in America

President Obama described a man who, though not a president, became the leader of a nation. He described a man who, though he frequently wrestled with doubt, gave voice to the voiceless and courage to the faint of heart. And the President described the monument as a reminder that King's dream of "a land in which all of God's children might come together in a spirit of brotherhood" still beckons.

President Obama, joined by the First Family, toured the memorial and then spoke at the dedication ceremony in honor of Dr. King's work to make his dream a reality for all.

International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Training Center

2011-10-11T12:40:00.011-04:00

President Obama made opening remarks at a meeting of his Council on Jobs and Competitiveness.

President Obama visited the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Training Center. He talked about his jobs bill.

51 of 53 Democratic senators vote to advance the American Jobs Act. The bill would be paid for by a 5.6% surplus tax on incomes over 1 million dollars. Senate republicans block the bill - a filibuster occurred, not allowed the majority to rule. You must get 60 votes to advance the bill. Read more

Pres. Obama Presses Congress to Pass Jobs Bill

2011-10-06T10:00:00.002-04:00

President Obama held a news conference in the East Room of the White House to push Congress to pass his jobs plan."People really need help now," he said.

Pres. Obama on Retaining Teachers and The American Jobs Act

2011-10-04T13:51:00.012-04:00

President Obama spoke about his jobs plan ( The American Jobs Act ) at Eastfield College in Mesquite, Texas. Transcript

The American Jobs Act

2011-10-03T12:58:00.004-04:00

President Obama spoke to reporters before a meeting with Cabinet members. He said he expected Congress to vote on his jobs bill before the end of the month, and that he planed to pressure leaders from both parties to vote on his jobs plan ( The American Jobs Act ) . He also said he expected to have announcements on free trade agreements in the next day or so.

Back to School Address

2011-09-28T12:00:00.003-04:00

President Obama made his back to school address at Benjamin Banneker Academic High School, a Washington, DC public school with a college preparatory program. The President spoke directly to students in public schools throughout the country.

The American Jobs Act

2011-09-27T12:41:00.009-04:00

President Obama urged Congress to give him back his jobs bill saying he wants to sign it. These remarks took place at Abraham Lincoln High School in Denver where the President is promoting his American Jobs Act. The president's jobs plan involves putting workers back on the job by rebuilding and modernizing schools across the U.S. More specifically, it proposes a $25 million investment in school infrastructure that aims to modernize at least 35, 000 public schools. The Denver County School District is currently eligible for modernization funding under the Jobs Act.

Town Hall Meeting on Jobs

2011-09-26T12:23:00.003-04:00

President Obama was at the Computer History Museum in Mountain View, California for a discussion on putting America back to work with members of LinkedIn, the world's largest professional network with more than 120 million users worldwide.

Congressional Black Caucus Foundation Conference

2011-09-24T18:49:00.008-04:00

President Obama made remarks at the the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation's annual legislative conference.

CBC members react to Obama's speech on jobs, the black community.

No Child Left Behind Law Requirements

2011-09-23T15:47:00.005-04:00

President Obama outlined his plan to provide states with the ability to opt out of provisions in the "No Child Left Behind" law. States will be granted a waiver from the program if they show they have a plan to help low-performing schools. "No Child Left Behind, passed during the George W. Bush administration, has been criticized for focusing too much on test scores.

The American Jobs Acts

2011-09-22T12:51:00.006-04:00

President Obama spoke about his jobs plan ( The American Jobs Act ) at the Brent Spence Bridge in Cincinnati . He talked about the state of the economy, partisan politics, and called on attendees to contact their member of Congress to urge passage of his jobs bill. Transcript

Pres. Obama at the United Nations

2011-09-21T15:35:00.002-04:00

President Obama addressed the United Nations General Assembly. He focused on various events from the preceding year, including democratic movements in Libya, Egypt, Tunisia, the killing of Osama bin Laden, as well as challenges remaining in Iran, Syria, and North Korea. He also spoke about the Middle East peace process and Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas' desire to seek full recognition from the U.N. Security Council. President Obama stated a U.N. bid for statehood is not the path to peace, saying, "Ultimately, it is Israelis and Palestinians - not us - who must reach agreement on the issues that divide them, on borders and security, on refugees and Jerusalem."

Pres. Obama Remarks on Libya

2011-09-20T12:30:00.000-04:00

Pres. Obama Unveils His Deficit Reduction Plan for Congress

2011-09-19T12:08:00.006-04:00

President Obama unveiled a plan for economic growth and deficit reduction that details how to pay for the American Jobs Act while also paying down our debt over time. He outlines his debt plan by announcing $3 trillion worth of deficit reduction recommendations, which includes enough savings to offset the costs of his jobs bill, the American Jobs Act .

The American Jobs Act

2011-09-14T13:07:00.012-04:00

President Obama spoke about his jobs plan at North Carolina State University in Raleigh, North Carolina . The American Jobs Act .

The American Job Act

2011-09-13T12:03:00.005-04:00

President Obama spoke about his jobs plan ( The American Jobs Act ) and the economy at Fort Hayes Arts and Academic High School in Columbus, Ohio. The American Jobs Act .

The American Jobs Act

2011-09-12T12:14:00.006-04:00

President Obama talked about his jobs plan ( The American Jobs Act ) , urging Congress to pass his 'common-sense' job creation plan quickly. Teachers, police officers, fire fighters, and Vice President Biden stood with the president during the speech. "Let's Put this Country Back to Work"

Pres. Obama sends the American Jobs Act to Congress.

The President's plan for the Economy and Education - two job programs critical to ensuring every child has the opportunity for a world-class education.

Pres. Obama speaks to State, Local, and Tribal Officials on the American Jobs Act.

10 Years After 9/11/2001 Terrorists Attack on America

2011-09-11T12:28:00.004-04:00

Pres. Obama at the Kennedy Center:" America Does Not Give In to Fear."

President Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama are marking the tenth anniversary of the worst attacks on our country by joining ceremonies at each of the three sites where the planes crashed on September 11, 2001.

Vice President Biden marks 9/11 anniversary at the Pentagon

President Obama in Richmond, Virginia: The American Jobs Act

2011-09-09T12:06:00.013-04:00

President Obama hit the road today to rally public support for his new job creation plan ( The American Jobs Act ), calling it critical to efforts to invigorate an ailing economy and avert a new downturn. He told an enthusiastic crowd at the University of Richmond in Virginia. "You expect action, and you deserve it right now."

He's liken to pres. Harry Truman per cnn.com

What's in the job's bill

Presidential Address To Congress: The American Jobs Act

2011-09-08T19:00:00.003-04:00

The President called on Congress to put aside partisanship in order to pass a plan he believes will jump-start job creation. He challenged Congress to act quickly. He said, "The question is whether, in the face of an ongoing national crisis, we can stop the political circus and actually do something to help the economy." The legislation, which would cost $447 billion, is a combination of tax cuts for small businesses and individuals, employment for teachers and public safety professionals, and funding for infrastructure construction.

Liveblog ; Excerpts of the speech ; The president calls on Congress to quickly pass the jobs plan ;

Speech topics:
1. Infrastructure
2. Give businesses a tax credit
3. Extend unemployment benefits
4. Free trade agreements
5. Patent reform
6. Payroll tax cuts
7. Subsidized jobs training program

David Plouffe previews the speech

Presidential Labor Day Rally

2011-09-05T13:10:00.010-04:00

President Obama traveled to Detroit, Michigan where he spoke at a Labor Day picnic with workers at a GM plant. The President spoke of the important role the labor unions have played in establishing the “cornerstones of middle-class security.”

Video link

".... We said working folks deserved a break -- so within one month of me taking office, we signed into law the biggest middle-class tax cut in history, putting more money into your pockets. (Applause.)

We said working folks shouldn’t be taken advantage of -- so we passed tough financial reform that ended the days of taxpayer bailouts, and stopped credit card companies from gouging you with hidden fees and unfair rate hikes, and set up a new consumer protection agency with one responsibility: sticking up for you. (Applause.)

We said that if you’re going to work hard all day to provide a better life for your kids, then we’re going to make sure that those kids get the best education possible. So we helped keep teachers on the job. (Applause.) We’re reforming our public schools, and we’re investing in community colleges and job-training programs. (Applause.) And we ended wasteful giveaways that went to the big banks and used the savings to make college more affordable for millions of your kids. (Applause.)

We said that every family in America should have affordable, accessible health care. (Applause.) We said you shouldn’t be discriminated against because you’ve got a preexisting condition. We said young adults without insurance should be able to stay on their parents’ plans. We got that done -- for you. (Applause.)

And here’s what else we said, Detroit. We said that American autoworkers could once again build the best cars in the world. (Applause.) So we stood by the auto industry. And we made some tough choices that were necessary to make it succeed. And now, the Big Three are turning a profit and hiring new workers, and building the best cars in the world right here in Detroit, right here in the Midwest, right here in the United States of America. (Applause.)

I know it. I’ve seen it. I’ve been to GM’s Hamtramck plant. (Applause.) I’ve been to Chrysler’s Jefferson North Plant. (Applause.) I’ve seen Detroit prove the cynics and the naysayers wrong.

We didn’t just stop there. We said American workers could manufacture the best products in the world. So we invested in high-tech manufacturing and we invested in clean energy. And right now, there’s an advanced battery industry taking root here in Michigan that barely existed before. (Applause.) Half of the workers at one plant in Detroit were unemployed before a new battery company came to town. And we’re growing our exports so that more of the world buys products that are stamped with three simple words: “Made in America.” (Applause.)

So that’s what we’re fighting for, Michigan. We’re fighting for good jobs with good wages. We’re fighting for health care when you get sick. We’re fighting for a secure retirement even if you’re not rich. We’re fighting for the chance to give our kids a better life than we had...." Continue

Note: On Thurs. 9.8.11 President Barack Obama plans to propose boosting job growth by injecting more than $300 billion into the economy next year mostly through tax cuts, infrastructure spending and direct aid to state and local governments.

Recovery Act

President Obama's Statement on Libya

2011-08-22T12:07:00.021-04:00

While vacationing in Martha's Vinyard, President Obama made a statement about the fighting in Tripoli and the imminent end of the Qadhafi regime. He says Gadhafi's rule is over . The president summarized U.S. military involvement in Libya, beginning with the "peaceful protests" earlier this year and culminating with international recognition of the Transitional National Council as the "legitimate governing authority in Libya." And then he outlined the current situation.

Timeline of the conflict in Libya

Pres. Obama's multilateral leadership is vindicated. He never put boots on the ground and yet he still got the victory.

Presidential Town Hall Meeting in Atkinson, Illinois

2011-08-17T12:11:00.005-04:00

President Obama's 3rd day economic bus tour through the Midwest states

Rural Economic Summit

2011-08-16T12:17:00.003-04:00

President Obama spoke at a rural economic summit at Northeast Iowa Community College in Peosta.

Presidential Town Hall Meeting in Iowa

2011-08-15T16:21:00.004-04:00

President Obama's 2nd day economic bus tour through the Midwest states was in Decorah, Iowa where he talked about U.S. jobs and the economy.

Presidential Town Hall Meeting in Minnesota

2011-08-15T09:32:00.006-04:00

President Obama kicks off his three day rural tour today in Cannon Falls, Minnesota with a meeting at Lower Hannah's Bend Park.

Jobs and the Economy

2011-08-11T12:17:00.004-04:00

President Obama spoke at Johnson Controls advanced battery facility in Holland, Michigan.

Pres. Obama on the U.S. Credit Downgrade & the Death of U.S. Troops in Afghanistan

2011-08-08T14:01:00.009-04:00

President Obama spoke about the U.S. economy / U.S. credit downgrade and the war in Afghanistan . He continued his call for a long-term deficit deal that would include new tax revenue and modifications to Medicare and Social Security programs. " The fact is, we didn’t need a rating agency to tell us that we need a balanced, long-term approach to deficit reduction. That was true last week. That was true last year. That was true the day I took office. And we didn’t need a rating agency to tell us that the gridlock in Washington over the last several months has not been constructive, to say the least. We knew from the outset that a prolonged debate over the debt ceiling -- a debate where the threat of default was used as a bargaining chip -- could do enormous damage to our economy and the world’s. That threat, coming after a string of economic disruptions in Europe, Japan and the Middle East, has now roiled the markets and dampened consumer confidence and slowed the pace of recovery."

He outlined a series of steps Congress can take to quickly add momentum to our nation's economic growth.

1. Extend the payroll tax cut.
2. Pass a bipartisan infrastructure bill.
3. Pass the patent reform bill.
4. Pass the trade agreements.

Pres. Obama's Statement on the Debt Ceiling Bill

2011-08-02T13:00:00.018-04:00

President Obama reacted to the Senate passage of the debt ceiling agreement.

Pres. Obama signs a compromise plan to raise the nation's $14.3 trillion debt ceiling this afternoon, narrowly averting what could have been an unprecedented default with calamitous economic consequences.

8.8.11 Tavis Smiley and Cornel West thinks the debt ceiling deal was really a declaration of war on the poor.

8.8.11 Pres. Obama's job approval is 50% or higher in 16 States and D.C. per gallop.com.

8.5.11 Credit rating agency Standard & Poor's on Friday 8.5.11 downgraded the credit rating of the United States, stripping the world's largest economy of its prized AAA status. Video of why they downgraded the U.S.'s credit rating.

8.4.11 Myths and Facts about the Debt-Ceiling Compromise.

8.3.11 Responding To Paul Ryan's comments on the President’s leadership on dealing with our long-term debt and deficits the recent deficit reduction negotiations.

8.2.11 Credit rating agency Moody's said the United States will keep its sterling AAA credit rating for the time being, but lowered its outlook on U.S. debt to "negative." A "negative outlook" indicates the possibility that Moody's would downgrade the country's sovereign credit rating within a year or two.

8.2.11 The Senate passed the debt ceiling plan. It was approved in a 74-26 vote; 60 votes were required for passage. 28 Republicans, 45 Democrats and 1 Independent (Lieberman) voted in favor of the proposal, while 19 Republicans, 6 Democrats, and 1 Independent (Sanders) voted against the agreement. Now it's sent to Pres. Obama to sign the bill into law.

8.1.11 House of Representatives voted on raising the debt ceiling & spending cuts plan/deal. The deal would keep the country out of default and reduce deficits by at least $2.1 trillion over a decade. The debt ceiling will be raised immediately by $400 billion, then by another $500 billion after September. What's in the bill?. They passed the bill by a vote of 269-161. The Senate votes tomorrow at noon.

Breaking News: Pres. Obama Announced a Deal has been Reached with Congressional Leaders on the Debt Ceiling

2011-07-31T20:40:00.029-04:00

The proposed deal would cut federal spending by $3 trillion over 10 years while raising the debt ceiling until 2013. The plan also calls for a special joint committee that would recommend further cuts and changes to Medicare and Social Security- that would have to be voted on by the House and Senate this fall. If the special committee or Congress fail to act, the bill calls for automatic across-the-board cuts. Transcript and Fact Sheet .

7.30.11 Some senators are making a plea for President Obama to invoke the 14th Amendment to raise the debt ceiling if Congress fails to strike a deal before the Aug. 2 default deadline.

7.29.11 President Obama spoke on the status of the debt ceiling negotiations . The President calls on the American People to make their voices heard and urges Republicans and Democrats in Congress to find a bipartisan solution to avoid default that he can sign by Tuesday.

Presidential Address: Debt Ceiling and Deficit Reduction

2011-07-25T21:00:00.010-04:00

President Obama addressed the nation on the consequences the stalemate in Congress could have on the stability of our economy. Transcript .

7.30.11 Some senators are making a plea for President Obama to invoke the 14th Amendment to raise the debt ceiling if Congress fails to strike a deal before the Aug. 2 default deadline.

7.29.11 President Obama spoke on the status of the debt ceiling negotiations . The President urged Republicans and Democrats in Congress to find a bipartisan solution to avoid default that he can sign by Tuesday.

News Conference: Update on the Debt Ceiling and Deficit by the President

2011-07-22T21:36:00.003-04:00

President Obama held a press conference to provide an update on the ongoing budget negotiations to get our fiscal house in order and reduce our nation’s deficit to help our economy grow. Unfortunately, Speaker Boehner walked away from these negotiations as they worked towards a big deficit and debt reduction package.

Speaking after Obama did, Boehner accused the White House of "moving the goalposts" by requesting an additional $400 billion in revenue hikes, a move that he said prompted his decision to call off talks with the president. Senior White House officials, speaking on background, denied moving the goalposts and said they had not expected Boehner would walk away from a deal that would have tied between $3.5 trillion and $4 trillion in new savings to an increase in the debt ceiling.

Presidential Town Hall Meeting

2011-07-22T12:55:00.003-04:00

President Obama held a town hall meeting in College Park, Maryland on the University of Maryland Campus. The president said he believes the problem can be solved: "I’m willing to sign a plan that includes tough choices I would not normally make, and there are a lot of Democrats and Republicans in Congress who I believe are willing to do the same thing. "

Pres. Obama Talks About a Balanced Package to Deficit Reduction

2011-07-19T13:40:00.006-04:00

7.21.11 The president and Vice President Joe Biden met for almost two hours with Democratic leaders from the House and Senate as sources indicated the negotiations were focusing on a deal to cut $3 trillion in federal deficits over the next 10 years that would be accompanied by a debt ceiling increase.

The possible deal would include spending cuts expected to total $1 trillion or more agreed to in earlier negotiations led by Vice President Joe Biden, the sources said. It also would reform entitlement programs by changing the eligibility age for Medicare over time, and using a more restrictive inflation index for Social Security benefits, according to the sources.

On taxes, it would permanently extend the Bush tax cuts for families earning less than $250,000 while allowing the cuts to expire at the end of 2012 for those with income above that, the aides said. At the same time, the deal would include a commitment to reform the tax code next year, which is expected to lower all tax rates and eliminate loopholes and subsidies, the sources said.

7.20.11 President Obama praised the Gang of Six plan (A bipartisan group of U.S. senators who have unveiled a $3.7 trillion debt reduction plan) as being "broadly consistent with the approach that I've urged: What it says is we've got to be serious about reducing discretionary spending, both in domestic spending and defense, we've got to be serious about tackling health care spending and entitlements in a serious way, and we've got to have some additional revenue." The key overlap between the Gang of Six and the White House is what Obama calls a "balanced approach" where "there is shared sacrifice and everybody is giving up something."

7.19.11 Details of the plans that are on the table.

7.19.11 The President provided an update on the efforts to lift the debt ceiling and also tackle the underlying challenges we face with our national debt and deficits.

NEWS CONFERENCE: Budget Deficit and the Debt Ceiling

2011-07-15T13:58:00.006-04:00

President Obama spoke to reporters about the status of ongoing negotiations with congressional leaders on a budget deficit and national debt agreement.

7.21.11 The president and Vice President Joe Biden met for almost two hours with Democratic leaders from the House and Senate as sources indicated the negotiations were focusing on a deal to cut $3 trillion in federal deficits over the next 10 years that would be accompanied by a debt ceiling increase.

7.20.11 President Obama praised the Gang of Six plan (A bipartisan group of U.S. senators who have unveiled a $3.7 trillion debt reduction plan) as being "broadly consistent with the approach that I've urged: What it says is we've got to be serious about reducing discretionary spending, both in domestic spending and defense, we've got to be serious about tackling health care spending and entitlements in a serious way, and we've got to have some additional revenue." The key overlap between the Gang of Six and the White House is what Obama calls a "balanced approach" where "there is shared sacrifice and everybody is giving up something."

7.19.11 Details of the plans that are on the table.

7.19.11 The President provided an update on the efforts to lift the debt ceiling and also tackle the underlying challenges we face with our national debt and deficits.

7.13.11 Pres. Obama left the debt talks after the republicans changed their position - they are now seeking a short- term debt ceiling hike, which pres. Obama opposes.

Debt Talks Update

2011-07-11T12:26:00.012-04:00

President Obama spoke to reporters about the status of ongoing negotiations with congressional leaders on budget deficit and national debt agreement .

7.13.11 Pres. Obama left the debt talks after the republicans changed their position - they are now seeking a short- term debt ceiling hike, which pres. Obama opposes.

President Obama on Debt Talks

2011-07-07T12:11:00.007-04:00

President Barack Obama held a meeting with Congressional leaders to discuss the ongoing efforts to find a balanced approach to reduce our deficit. Following the meeting, the President stopped by the press briefing to give a statement on the negotiations.

Treasury Department officials have warned that the current $14.3 trillion debt ceiling has to be raised by August 2 to avoid a potential default, which they warn would cause great harm to the nation's economic recovery.

The president also has signaled a willingness to include reforms to popular entitlement programs such as Social Security and Medicare as part of a broad agreement for between $3 trillion and $4 trillion in deficit cuts over the next decade, said Democratic officials familiar with the negotiations. CNN

Pres. Obama's Twitter Town Hall Meeting

2011-07-06T12:10:00.000-04:00

President Obama answers your questions on the economy and jobs submitted via the Twitter hashtag #AskObama.

The President on the Deficit

2011-07-05T13:38:00.010-04:00

President Barack Obama invited Democratic and Republican leaders from both chambers of Congress to the White House for a meeting on Thursday to discuss deficit reduction and the need to raise the federal debt ceiling . President Obama spoke to reporters at the daily White House briefing about the status of negotiations with Congress on raising the debt ceiling.

..." it’s my hope that everybody is going to leave their ultimatums at the door, that we’ll all leave our political rhetoric at the door, and that we’re going to do what’s best for our economy and do what’s best for our people.

And I want to emphasize -- I said this at my press conference -- this should not come down to the last second. I think it’s important for us to show the American people and their leaders that we can find common ground and solve our problems in a responsible way. We know that it’s going to require tough decisions. I think it’s better for us to take those tough decisions sooner rather than later.

That’s what the American people expect of us. That’s what a healthy economy is going to require. That’s the kind of progress that I expect to make." wh.gov .

News Conference: Budget Negotiations

2011-06-29T11:30:00.012-04:00

President Obama held a news conference in the East Room of the White House. He focused on budget negotiations between the White House and Congress, and the need to raise the debt ceiling. He also called for some revenue.

"....... There are a lot of folks out there who are still struggling with the effects of the recession. Many people are still looking for work or looking for a job that pays more. Families are wondering how they'd deal with a broken refrigerator or a busted transmission, or how they're going to finance their kids' college education, and they're also worrying about the possibility of layoffs.

        The struggles of middle-class families were a big problem long before the recession hit in 2007. They weren’t created overnight, and the truth is our economic challenges are not going to be solved overnight. But there are more steps that we can take right now that would help businesses create jobs here in America.

        Today, our administration is trying to take those steps, so we're reviewing government regulations so that we can fix any rules in place that are an unnecessary burden on businesses. We’re working with the private sector to get small businesses and start-ups the financing they need to grow and expand. And because of the partnership that we’ve launched with businesses and community colleges, 500,000 workers will be able to receive the right skills and training for manufacturing jobs in companies all across America -- jobs that companies are looking to fill.

        In addition to the steps that my administration can take on our own, there are also things that Congress could do right now that will help create good jobs. Right now, Congress can send me a bill that would make it easier for entrepreneurs to patent a new product or idea –- because we can’t give innovators in other countries a big leg up when it comes to opening new businesses and creating new jobs. That's something Congress could do right now.

        Right now, Congress could send me a bill that puts construction workers back on the job rebuilding roads and bridges –- not by having government fund and pick every project, but by providing loans to private companies and states and local governments on the basis of merit and not politics. That's pending in Congress right now.

        Right now, Congress can advance a set of trade agreements that would allow American businesses to sell more of their goods and services to countries in Asia and South America -– agreements that would support tens of thousands of American jobs while helping those adversely affected by trade. That's pending before Congress right now.

        And right now, we could give middle-class families the security of knowing that the tax cut I signed in December will be there for one more year.

        So there are a number of steps that my administration is taking, but there are also a number of steps that Congress could be taking right now on items that historically have had bipartisan support and that would help put more Americans back to work.

        Many of these ideas have been tied up in Congress for some time. But, as I said, all of them enjoy bipartisan support, and all of them would help grow the economy. So I urge Congress to act on these ideas now....."

Manufacturing and the U.S. Economy

2011-06-28T13:31:00.011-04:00

President Obama traveled to eastern Iowa , to talk about manufacturing and the economy. Earlier, President Obama toured the Alcoa Davenport Works factory, an aluminum factory specializing in aerospace products in the city of Bettendorf. The plant just announced a new, third generation, aluminum-lithium alloy to makes planes lighter, corrosion resistant, and more cost effective to build.

The President’s plan will build American domestic manufacturing capabilities by investing more than $500 million in critical national security industries and next-generation robotics, in order to increase energy-efficiency in the manufacturing process and develop new technologies that will dramatically reduce the time required to design, build, and test manufactured goods.

Pres. Obama's Plan on U.S. Troop Withdrawal from Afghanistan

2011-06-22T20:00:00.010-04:00

President Obama addressed the nation from the East Room of the White House on his plan to withdrawal U.S. troops from Afghanistan.

"... For this reason, in one of the most difficult decisions that I’ve made as President, I ordered an additional 30,000 American troops into Afghanistan. When I announced this surge at West Point, we set clear objectives: to refocus on al Qaeda, to reverse the Taliban’s momentum, and train Afghan security forces to defend their own country. I also made it clear that our commitment would not be open-ended, and that we would begin to draw down our forces this July.

Tonight, I can tell you that we are fulfilling that commitment. Thanks to our extraordinary men and women in uniform, our civilian personnel, and our many coalition partners, we are meeting our goals. As a result, starting next month, we will be able to remove 10,000 of our troops from Afghanistan by the end of this year, and we will bring home a total of 33,000 troops by next summer, fully recovering the surge I announced at West Point. After this initial reduction, our troops will continue coming home at a steady pace as Afghan security forces move into the lead. Our mission will change from combat to support. By 2014, this process of transition will be complete, and the Afghan people will be responsible for their own security.

We’re starting this drawdown from a position of strength. Al Qaeda is under more pressure than at any time since 9/11. Together with the Pakistanis, we have taken out more than half of al Qaeda’s leadership. And thanks to our intelligence professionals and Special Forces, we killed Osama bin Laden, the only leader that al Qaeda had ever known. This was a victory for all who have served since 9/11. One soldier summed it up well. “The message,” he said, “is we don’t forget. You will be held accountable, no matter how long it takes.”

The information that we recovered from bin Laden’s compound shows al Qaeda under enormous strain. Bin Laden expressed concern that al Qaeda had been unable to effectively replace senior terrorists that had been killed, and that al Qaeda has failed in its effort to portray America as a nation at war with Islam -– thereby draining more widespread support. Al Qaeda remains dangerous, and we must be vigilant against attacks. But we have put al Qaeda on a path to defeat, and we will not relent until the job is done...." Continue

Vice President Biden took a few minutes to share his thoughts about the promises this Administration has made – and kept – when it comes to the war in Afghanistan, the war in Iraq, and our commitment to defeat al Qaeda.

Troop levels in both Afghanistan and Iraq.

Pres. Obama Visits Puerto Rico

2011-06-14T11:46:00.009-04:00

President Obama said he was fulfilling a campaign promise with his visit to Puerto Rico , the first official visit by a U.S. President since 1961. Mr. Obama’s trip also includes a visit to the Governor’s mansion, interviews with local media and a Democratic National Committee fundraiser. The President made his remarks from the International Airport in San Juan.

President Obama's Ideas to Accelerate Job Growth

2011-06-13T19:17:00.007-04:00

President Obama traveled to Durham, NC to meet with the Jobs and Competitiveness Council at the corporate and U.S. manufacturing headquarters of Cree , a leading manufacturer of energy efficient LED lighting. While at Cree, the President toured the company’s LED lighting product assembly facility, met with the Jobs Council and delivered remarks to Cree employees, Jobs Council members.

Weekly Address: Pres. Obama Speaks on Jobs

2011-06-11T12:18:00.007-04:00

President Obama spoke to the American people about how the government is partnering with the private sector to make sure workers have the skills and training they need in this economy.

"... I wish I could tell you there was a quick fix to our economic problems. But the truth is, we didn’t get into this mess overnight, and we won’t get out of it overnight. It’s going to take time. The good news is, when it comes to job-creation and economic growth, there are certain things we know we can do. Now, government is not – and should not be – the main engine of job-creation in this country. That’s the role of the private sector. But one thing government can do is partner with the private sector to make sure that every worker has the necessary skills for the jobs they’re applying for.

On Wednesday, I announced commitments by the private sector, colleges, and the National Association of Manufacturers that will make it possible for 500,000 community college students to get a manufacturing credential that has the industry’s stamp of approval. If you’re a company that’s hiring, you’ll know that anyone who has this degree has the skills you’re looking for. If you’re a student considering community college, you’ll know that your diploma will give you a leg up in the job market..."

Manufacturing Jobs of the Future

2011-06-08T12:59:00.003-04:00

President Obama spoke at Northern Virginia Community College. He announced the expansion of his workforce training initiative for the U.S. manufacturing sector.

Pres. Obama and Angela Merkel's News Conference

2011-06-07T14:55:00.004-04:00

German Chancellor Angela Merkel and President Obama spoke to reporters at a joint news conference. Among the topics they addressed were the state of the global economy, trade relations, the European debt crisis, Middle East peace negotiations, and democratic movements in North Africa and the Middle East.

State Dinner for Angela Merkel

2011-06-07T13:53:00.001-04:00

Angela Merkel Arrive in Washington

2011-06-07T12:48:00.004-04:00

President Obama welcomed German Chancellor Angela Merkel to the White House.

Weekly Address: Pres. Obama Speaks on the Auto Industry Turnaround

2011-06-04T12:45:00.009-04:00

President Obama was speaking from a Chrysler plant in Toledo, Ohio commending the work of America’s dedicated autoworkers, who have helped reinvigorate the domestic auto industry.

Transcript

President Obama Speaks on the U.S. Auto Industry

2011-06-03T12:24:00.010-04:00

President Obama talked about the U.S. auto industry and highlighted his administration's role in the comeback of domestic auto makers.

Transcript

President at the Arlington Cemetery for Memorial Day

2011-05-30T10:30:00.001-04:00

President Obama lays a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknowns at Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, Virginia

President Barack Obama led the nation's Memorial Day observances, laying a wreath at Arlington National Cemetery's Tomb of the Unknowns and declaring that Americans owe "a debt to our fallen heroes that we can never fully repay. The blessings we enjoy as Americans came at a dear cost. For those of you who mourn the loss of a loved one today, my heart goes out to you."

President Obama in Joplin, Missouri

2011-05-29T12:24:00.004-04:00

President Obama traveled to Joplin, Missouri to meet with those in the community who lost so much in the tornados last week and participate in a Memorial Service at Missouri Southern University.

Pres. Obama Arrive in Poland

2011-05-27T10:01:00.018-04:00

President Obama visits Poland. It's the last stop of a European tour that has seen him in Ireland, Britain and France. It's Pres. Obama's first visit to Poland, a close U.S. and North Atlantic Treaty Organization ally. He is expected to spend his two day visit to Poland discussing security and political developments in eastern Europe as well as updating military relations with Warsaw. His visit begins in the evening with a meeting with Polish President Bronislaw Komorowski followed by a dinner with central and eastern European leaders.

President Obama and President Bronislaw Komorowski of Poland discuss Polish democracy, the contributions Poland is making in Tunisia, and President Obama thanks the people of Poland for being an inspiration to change around the world.

President Obama and President Bronislaw Komorowski of Poland make a joint statement to the media after their bilateral meeting at the Presidential Palace in Warsaw, Poland.

President Barack Obama and Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk make remarks during a press conference at the Chancellery Building in Warsaw, Poland, May 28, 2011.

Video link, and Transcript

President Obama hails Poland as model of democracy

Pres. Obama Meets with World Leaders in France

2011-05-26T13:45:00.016-04:00

Pres. Obama and Pres. Medvedev discuss U.S. missile defense in France, and Pres. Obama discussed a range of security and economic issues during a one-on-one meeting with Russia's President Dmitry Medvedev. He also met with Japanese Prime Minister Naoto Kan and participated in a full day of talks with other leaders of the Group of Eight nations. The G8 includes the United States, the United Kingdom, France, Canada, Japan, Germany, Italy and Russia. Pres. Obama's remarks . President Obama and President Nicolas Sarkozy's statement .

President Obama and Japanese Prime Minister Naoto Kan speak to the press after meeting during the G8 Summit in Deauville, France.

President Obama and Russian President Dmitry Medvedev speak to the press after a bilateral meeting in Deauville, France.

President Obama and President Nicolas Sarkozy of France speak to the media after a bilateral meeting at the G8 Summit in Deauville, France.

G8 Pledges Billions Toward Mideast Democracy, African Development

France President Nicolas Sarkozy held a closing news conference at the end of the G-8 Summit in France.

MSNBC's Lawrence O'Donnell on Pres. Obama and PM Netanyahu

2011-05-25T20:07:00.010-04:00

MSNBC's Lawrence O'Donnell: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu feigned outrage over President Obama's suggestion that Israel and Palestine borders should be based on 1967 lines with mutually agreed swaps. Then in Netanyahu's congressional address yesterday, he made that same suggestion.

Israel's daily Maariv published a poll showing about 57 percent of voters believe Netanyahu should have supported Obama's initiative rather than opposing Obama.

After Pres. Obama's speech, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said: "I think for there to be peace, the Palestinians will have to accept some basic realities. The first is that while Israel is prepared to make generous compromises for peace, it cannot go back to the 1967 lines — because these lines are indefensible; because they don't take into account certain changes that have taken place on the ground, demographic changes that have taken place over the last 44 years. Remember that, before 1967, Israel was all of nine miles wide. It was half the width of the Washington Beltway. And these were not the boundaries of peace; they were the boundaries of repeated wars, because the attack on Israel was so attractive. So we can't go back to those indefensible lines, and we're going to have to have a long-term military presence along the Jordan. I discussed this with the President and I think that we understand that Israel has certain security requirements that will have to come into place in any deal that we make."

At AIPAC, PM Netanyahu said he appreciates Pres. Obama's remarks - "I share the President's wish to promote peace and I appreciate his past and present efforts to achieve this goal. I am determined to work with President Obama in order to find ways to resume the peace negotiations. Peace is a vital necessity for us all."

PM Netanyahu spoke at the Knesset in Israel, and met with Pres. Obama at the White House , and he spoke at the AIPAC, and he addressed Congress in Washington, D.C.

It's reported that Netanyahu's address before a joint meeting of Congress raises few hopes of a peace agreement.

Pres. Obama and Prime Minister Cameron's News Conference

2011-05-25T14:35:00.000-04:00

President Obama Address to British Parliament

2011-05-25T10:39:00.002-04:00

Transcript

PM Netanyahu Speak at the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC) and Before Congress in Washington, D.C.

2011-05-24T15:46:00.013-04:00

Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu spoke at AIPAC on 5.23.11 about relations between the U.S. and Israel, as well as the Middle East peace process.

Today PM Benjamin Netanyahu visited Capitol Hill meeting with members of Congress and delivered an address to a Joint Meeting of Congress outlining his vision of a settlement with the Palestinians.

NOTE: The LORD said to Abram.... "I will bless those who bless you, and whoever curses you I will curse; and all peoples on earth will be blessed through you." [Genesis 12:1-3 ]. The whole land of Canaan a.k.a Israel was promised to the Jews. Ishmael was made into a nation because he is Abraham's offspring, but he will not share in the inheritance that was promised for Isaac. The covenant was established with Isaac.

Pray for the peace of Jerusalem .

State Dinner at Buckingham Palace

2011-05-24T09:39:00.003-04:00

President Obama Arrives in London

2011-05-23T19:53:00.008-04:00

President Barack Obama arrived in London this evening ahead of schedule, after cutting short his visit to Ireland because of Icelandic volcanic ash spreading across the region.

Queen Elizabeth has welcomed President Barack Obama to Buckingham Palace for his first official state visit to Britain. Pres. Obama and Michelle were honored with an elaborate arrival ceremony, complete with a 41-gun salute.

Buckingham Palace holds a formal welcoming ceremony for President Barack Obama.

Pres. Obama Arrive in Ireland

2011-05-23T10:08:00.026-04:00

President Barack Obama arrives in Europe. His first stop is to Ireland. He meets with Irish President Mary McAleese and Prime Minister Enda Kenny Dublin on the first stop of a six-day, four-country European tour. The president is expected to discuss economic issues with Irish leaders and explore his family's history in a small Irish town - the Irish hamlet of Moneygall, a village of 296 people where his great-great-great grandfather on his mother's side Falmouth Kearney was born in 1830 and lived before immigrating to the U.S. 20 years later.

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Thousands of jubilant Irishmen and women gave Pres. Obama a virtual hero's welcome - a rock star reception ! Pres. Obama praised the "centuries-old relationship" between Ireland and America, and said he had traveled to Ireland "to reaffirm those bonds of affection." Transcript

Pres. Obama’s itinerary is already under threat from an ash cloud spewed by an erupting volcano in Iceland. To get ahead of the cloud, which is drifting over Scotland, the White House said the president would fly to London late Monday rather than stay overnight in Dublin.

From Ireland, President Obama will move on to Britain for a two-day state visit on Tuesday. There, he will speak to both houses of Parliament, and staying at Buckingham Palace, he and first lady Michelle will meet with Prime Minister David Cameron and be honored by Queen Elizabeth at a state dinner.

Then he heads to France for the Group of Eight (Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Russia, the United Kingdom and the United States)economic summit in the French resort city of Deauville. Security, particularly in the Middle East and North Africa, is expected to be on the agenda. The president will meet separately with Russian President Dmitry Medvedev, among other leaders. His final stop will be in Poland and a meeting with Central European leaders.

President Obama's Speech at the American Israel Public Affairs Committee ( AIPAC)

2011-05-22T11:45:00.023-04:00

President Barack Obama spoke about the Israel-Palestinian peace process to AIPAC (the largest pro-Israel organization in the United States) that U.S.'s commitment to Israel is 'ironclad.' And any controversy over his remarks last week that Israel-Palestinian negotiations should start from pre-1967 borders and include land swaps was "not based in substance." What it means is that the parties themselves -- Israelis and Palestinians -- will negotiate a border that is different than the one that existed on June 4, 1967, the eve of the six-day war in which Israel seized the West Bank, Gaza Strip and other territory. "That's what mutually agreed-upon swaps means. It is a well-known formula to all who have worked on this issue for a generation. It allows the parties themselves to account for the changes that have taken place over the last 44 years, including the new demographic realities on the ground and the needs of both sides."

Video link and Transcript

PM Netanyahu Remarks

Pres. Obama Speaks to the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) Employees

2011-05-20T15:46:00.006-04:00

President Obama visited CIA headquarters in Langley, Virginia, to meet with and speak to a broad range of the Intelligence Community, thanking them for the work they do every day to keep America safe and for their work in tracking down Osama bin Laden.

Transcript

Pres. Obama & PM Benjamin Netanyahu

2011-05-20T14:58:00.010-04:00

Pres. Obama said the pre-1967 borders should be starting point on a future Palestinian state, with land swaps. Mr. Netanyahu said that Israel would not accept a return to the boundaries that existed before the war in 1967 gave it control of the West Bank and Gaza, calling them indefensible. Pres. Obama & PM Netanyahu's statements after their meeting.

Summary and Transcript

Explaining Israel-Palestine '1967 lines'

Pres. Obama Outlines United States Middle East and North Africa Policy

2011-05-19T12:00:00.026-04:00

Highlights of the speech, factsheets, and the transcript : a new chapter in American diplomacy, U.S. supports democratic reform, Palestine-Israel Solution Must Be Based on 1967 Borders , Syrian Pres. Bashar al-Assad must lead the transition or leave, Liveblogging, Libyan rebels respond, Palestinian analysts praised Pres. Obama's on the 1967 borders comment, Israel objects the borders remark.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said he appreciates Pres. Obama's remarks at the AIPAC Policy Conference. "I share the President's wish to promote peace and I appreciate his past and present efforts to achieve this goal. I am determined to work with President Obama in order to find ways to resume the peace negotiations. Peace is a vital necessity for us all."

President Obama publicly called for the borders of a two state solution between Israel and Palestinians be based on 1967 borders - prevailing before the 1967 Israeli-Arab war - with mutually agreed swaps (the borders that were in place prior to the war 44yrs ago in which Israel seized the West Bank, Gaza Strip, Golan Heights and Sinai Peninsula) to be the starting point for talks to settle the Arab-Israeli conflict there: "We believe the borders of Israel and Palestine should be based on the 1967 lines with mutually agreed swaps, so that secure and recognized borders are established for both states."

Israel objects to Pres. Obama Remarks on Borders. Israel’s prime minister, Benjamin Netanyahu referred to promises made by President Bush in 2004 — and supported by members of Congress — that Israel would not have to withdraw to the 1967 borders, which he said would be “indefensible” and leave large numbers of Israelis outside Israeli territory.

Israel seized the West Bank, Gaza, Golan Heights and Sinai Peninsula during the 1967 war. The Sinai has since been returned to Egypt. Israel annexed the Golan Heights in 1981, a move not recognized by the international community and condemned by Syria, which still claims the land.

Hamas now controls Gaza, while the more moderate Palestinian group Fatah administers the West Bank, site of a growing number of Israeli settlements. Ultimately, the Palestinians are aiming to unite Gaza and the West Bank under the authority of a new state.

The Israeli government has repeatedly said, among other things, that peace talks with the Palestinians cannot seriously proceed without firmer security guarantees and a clear recognition of the Jewish state's right to exist.

NOTE: The LORD said to Abram.... "I will bless those who bless you, and whoever curses you I will curse; and all peoples on earth will be blessed through you." [Genesis 12:1-3 ]. The whole land of Canaan a.k.a Israel was promised to the Jews. Ishmael was made into a nation because he is Abraham's offspring, but he will not share in the inheritance that was promised for Isaac. The covenant was establish with Isaac. Pray for the peace of Jerusalem .

Former UK Prime Minister Tony Blair reacts to Obama speech

CNN's Becky Anderson speaks to U.S. Ambassador Susan Rice about President Obama's speech

Booker T. Washington Commencement Address

2011-05-16T12:39:00.005-04:00

Booker T. Washington High School in inner-city Memphis, has won the White House's 2011 Race to the Top Commencement Challenge.

Oil Production in America

2011-05-14T12:49:00.005-04:00

Overview and Transcript

"...First, we should make sure that no one is taking advantage of consumers at the pump. That’s why we’ve launched a task force led by the Attorney General that has one job: rooting out cases of fraud or manipulation in the markets that might affect gas prices, including any illegal activity by traders and speculators.

Second, we should increase safe and responsible oil production here at home. Last year, America’s oil production reached its highest level since 2003. But I believe that we should expand oil production in America – even as we increase safety and environmental standards.

To do this, I am directing the Department of Interior to conduct annual lease sales in Alaska’s National Petroleum Reserve, while respecting sensitive areas, and to speed up the evaluation of oil and gas resources in the mid and south Atlantic. We plan to lease new areas in the Gulf of Mexico as well, and work to create new incentives for industry to develop their unused leases both on and offshore.

We’re also taking steps to give companies time to meet higher safety standards when it comes to exploration and drilling. That’s why my Administration is extending drilling leases in areas of the Gulf that were impacted by the temporary moratorium, as well as certain areas off the coast of Alaska. And to streamline that permitting process, I am establishing a new team to coordinate work on Alaska drilling permits.

Finally, the third step we should take is to eliminate the taxpayer subsidies we give to oil and gas companies. In the last few months, the biggest oil companies made about $4 billion in profits each week. And yet, they get $4 billion in taxpayer subsidies each year. Four billion dollars at a time when Americans can barely fill up their tanks. Four billion dollars at a time when we’re trying to reduce our deficit....

The American people shouldn’t be subsidizing oil companies at a time when they’re making near-record profits. As a nation, we should be investing in the clean, renewable sources of energy that are the ultimate solution to high-gas prices. That’s why we’re investing in clean energy technology, helping businesses that manufacture solar panels and wind turbines, and making sure that our cars and trucks can go further on a tank of gas – a step that could save families as much as $3,000 at the pump...."