Politics. On Point.

First Lady Michelle Obama invited military families and their children to the White House today to marvel at the White House Christmas decorations, while their children engaged in ornament making in the State Dining room with the First Lady. Photo by Olivier Douliery/Abaca Press/MCT. Four-year-old Gerald Hogan, Jr. was the star of the day, all smiles, with his ornament of White House dog, Bo.   Gerald tied a green ribbon on his ornament and lifted it up for photographers to see.  When asked if he was going to put the ornament of Bo on his tree at home, he replied, “We don’t have a tree.”   A cute four year-old talks about his White House Christmas ornament. Video/Politics. On Point. It may be a bit early yet for the Hogan family Christmas tree, but the White House was decked with boughs of holly, Christmas trees, and more.   Thirty-seven Christmas trees to be exact, to include 30 natural trees, seven made from paper, felt or aluminum. “It just draws me [in] when you

(via White House Press Office) Vice President Biden has made a suprised visit to Iraq today. While there, the Vice President will co-chair a meeting of the U.S.-Iraq Higher Coordinating Committee. He will also meet with Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki, President Jalal Talabani, Speaker Osama al-Nujaifi, and other political leaders. The Vice President will also participate in, and give remarks at, an event to commemorate the sacrifices and accomplishments of U.S. and Iraqi troops. Over nearly three years in office, the Administration has kept its promises on Iraq. American forces withdrew from Iraq’s cities in July 2009. The United States ended its combat mission in Iraq on August 31, 2010, and drew down to fewer than 50,000 troops from approximately 144,000 in January 2009. Throughout this period, violence in Iraq has remained at its lowest level since 2003. On October 21st, President Obama and Prime Minister Maliki agreed that it was in the best interests of both the United State

Representative Barry Frank (D-MA), ranking member of the House Financial Services Committee has announced his retirement. Speaking on the House floor Frank said, "I do not chose to run for Congress in 2012."   Citing "I've gone through some changes here."   Frank's work has included issues from agriculture to veterans affairs.  An openly gay Congressman, Frank has supported the rights of the LGBT community.  In 2010 Frank helped pass the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act. Frank states he will still function in some sort of "legislative capacity", and admitted he does not like fund raising, which he is required to do. (Full press conference here ). He has been outspoken on the deficit reduction talks, going against cuts in social benefits.  Stating just last week Barney said,"We should not be told that we have to reduce two of the great achievements of the United States in the 20th century, Medicare and Socia

The White House Christmas tree arrived today courtesy of Sue and Tom Schroeder of Wisconsin.   The Schroeders, who have a Christmas tree farm about 90 miles southwest of Green Bay, won the honor to present their tree to the First Lady after winning a national Christmas tree contest given by the National Christmas Tree Association (NCTA). This marks the 46 th tree presented by a member of the NCTA.   The 18 1/2 foot Balsam fir, which can take s long as 15 years to grow, will grace the Blue Room of the White House where it will serve as the centerpiece of the White House Christmas decorations. Last year’s tree, a Douglas fir, was delivered courtesy of Christopher Botek of Pennsylvania. First Lady Michelle and daughters Malia and Sasha were on hand to accept the delivery, as was White House dog, Bo. “Bo, do you like the tree?”, asked the First Lady. After sniffing around the horse-drawn carriage that delivered the tree up to the North Portico of the White House, it was clear tha

While America gears up to celebrate Thanksgiving and President Obama traditionally pardoned ‘Liberty’ and ‘Peace’, two Thanksgiving turkeys who were spared  from ending up on a family's Thanksgiving dinner table, one local family saw both their liberty questioned and their peace interrupted. "Tomorrow is one of the best days of the year to be an American", said President Obama today at the White House.  "It’s a day to count our blessings, spend time with the ones we love, and enjoy some good food and some great company." For one Prince Georges County family their   holiday will be marred by the resounding sounds of Prince George’s county police officers   banging at their door. Barbara Arnwine, Executive Director of the Lawyers Committee and established attorney for more than two decades and her family, were met early Monday by the sounds of swat and police raiding their home at 5:30 am. “They held us a gunpoint for three hours”, said Arnwine, who i

We're sending out a very special Happy Birthday to Vice President Joe Biden who celebrates his birthday this Sunday. The 47th US Vice President, Joe Biden, turns 69 on Sunday, November 20th. Joseph Robinette Biden, Jr., was born on November 20, 1942 in Scranton, Pennsylvania.  The former Delaware senator turns 69. His wife, and second lady, Dr. Jill Biden would love for you to sign his birthday card. Just click here  to send your well wishes, and a Happy B-day to Mr. VP!

Sixteen hundred Pennsylvania Avenue narrowly came under siege last weekend when 21-year-old Oscar Ramiro Ortega fired shots at the White House. Oscar Ortega wanted for firing shots at White House. Photo collage/Politics. On Point. Further examination revealed a bullet smashed a White House glass window, but didn't not penetrate due to its anti-ballistic properties. It is believed that Ortega fired the shots last Friday night around 9pm using an AK-47-style rifle.  The rifle was later recovered from an abandoned car Friday thought to belong to Ortega.  Additional rounds of weaponry were also found. Ortega is described as a 5'11" tall, 160 pound Hispanic man with a medium build. He has brown eyes and black hair. Officers obtained an arrest warrant for Ortega on a felony charge of carrying a dangerous weapon. This charge should be increased from 'carrying a dangerous weapon' to 'firing a dangerous weapon' into a residence, and other related cha

Announces Major Private Sector Commitments to Hire 100,000 Veterans and Military Spouses in Support of Joining Forces Just in time for Veterans Day, First Lady Michelle Obama in her keynote address to the U.S. Chamber of Commerce’s Business Steps Up: Hiring our Heroes event, announced that the International Franchise Association (IFA) which represents 1,100 franchises has committed to hiring 80,000 veterans and military spouses by 2014. 5,000 jobs of this commitment are promised to wounded warriors.  Calling the announcement "unprecedented" Mrs. Obama also announced that the Military Spouse Employment Partnership (MSEP) which Dr. Jill Biden helped launch at the Chamber of Commerce last summer and which includes nearly 100 companies and organizations has committed to employ 20,000 military spouses. These organizations include companies like Microsoft, Home Depot and Citi and franchises like UPS, Guidant Financial and Data Doctors. Together, the commitment by the Internati

The decision to build the oil pipeline that would potentially cover approximately 2,000 miles from Alberta, Canada to Texas, better known as the Keystone XL, has been delayed. The State Department announced today that it will explore a new route for the TransCanada Keystone XL pipeline citing its concerns the route’s impact on the Sand Hills of Nebraska. Opposers of the Pipeline proposal, like Friends of the Earth , site that the project could potentially offer hazardous affects to indigenous people along its route, and the environment.  It could also carry one of the world’s dirtiest fuels: tar sands oil. Protesters took the White House in opposition of the XL Pipeline, with members Congress joining them in their concerns.  A business agent for a plumbers union we spoke to at the president's Georgetown Key Bridge event urging Congress to pass his Jobs bill, told us he and many other construction workers would welcome the construction of the Pipeline. "We suppor

Who'd have thunk it?, as the saying goes. Is it a coincidence that one of the Herman Cain sexual harrassment accusers shares commonality with the Obama Administration? Kraushaar, alledging misconduct by Hermain Cain, works for the Obama administration. Karen Kraushaar, who hails from Chicago, released an anonymous statement through her lawyer, Joel Bennett, suggesting that Cain was responsible for a "series of inappropriate behaviours and unwanted advances" in 1990s while he was head of the National Restaurant Association. Kraushaar, 55, works as the Communications Director at the Inspector General's Office of the Treasury Department. Sharon Bialek was the first woman who came forward this week about the Cain allegation, saying she did so in part to "put a face to the name" of the person alledging the misconduct of the 67 year-old presidential hopeful. Sharon Bialek, with power attorney, Gloria Allred. Cain, in a press conference in Ariz

Many have wondered if President Obama is on the side of  African Americans. What with the president seemingly promoting the agendas of Latinos, Muslims, Asians, Native Americans, while telling African Americans during the Black Caucus dinner this year to "stop whining" when African Americans lift their voices in protest of high unemployment, mass incarceration, health care and economic disparity, it may have been hard to tell if he was an ally. Seemingly, the before mentioned groups can voice their opinions about what is wrong in their population, and the president will speak to the issues specific to that group. When it comes to speaking on issues and making positive changes relative to the Africa American community, we get from the president something to the affect of, 'my policies will work for ALL Americans".  From African American 'leaders' we're led to believe that the president isn't the president of African Americans, he's the 'pe

President Obama and First Lady Michelle spent this week speaking about the importance of a good education.   From revamping Head Start programs for kids just starting out, to mentoring college bound students as they begin their college journey, Washington's White House power duo continues to heavily promote education for America's next generations. Washington, D.C., area high school students get first hand advice about college from First Lady Michelle Obama. The First Lady, speaking at a Georgetown University college mentoring event, told a group of high school students she believes in them, and that they should believe in themselves too. "Everyone here who is hosting you today, they’re here for one simple reason, and it’s important for you all to know:  We’re here because we all believe that all of you belong at colleges and universities just like this one.  And that’s one of the reasons why we want you to spend time on these campuses.  We believe that all of

Tuesday Funnies Taking a break from all the political news in a month that has already seen its share, I'm posting this episode of The Mary Tyler Moore  Show.   This might be the only episode of the show where a political figure was a guest. Take a look see.  It's a cute, enjoyable episode. You just never know where a political figure might show up. ** Updated **   January 13, 2012.   First Lady Michelle Obama guest stars on iCarly.  Does 'random dancing' with cast at Alexandria, Virginia school.   Click here !

Leading veterans’ organizations joined President Obama at the White House and announced their support for the Returning Heroes and Wounded Warrior Tax Credits, two provisions in the American Jobs Act Congress is scheduled to consider this week. President Obama also announced three executive actions that will help veterans find jobs. Today’s announcement is part of a series of executive actions to put Americans back to work and strengthen the economy. The Returning Heroes Tax Credit provides firms that hire unemployed veterans with a maximum credit of $5,600 per veteran. The Wounded Warriors Tax Credit offers firms that hire veterans with service-connected disabilities with a maximum credit of $9,600 per veteran.   “No veteran should have to fight for a job at home after they fight for our nation overseas,” said President Obama. “Congress should pass the Returning Heroes and Wounded Warrior tax credits, but we can’t wait for Congress to act. That’s why today, I am directing my Admi

Speaking with the Key Bridge in the backdrop, President Obama set out once again to express the urgency for Congress to pass his American Jobs bill. President Obama speaking to workers with the Key Bridge back drop.  The bridge is one of many across, the country, in need of repair.  Photo/CD Brown. "The truth is, the only way we can attack our economic challenges on the scale that’s needed is with bold action by Congress", the President said.  "They hold the purse strings.  It’s the only way we’re going to put hundreds of thousands of people back to work right now - not five years from now, not 10 years from now, but right now.  It’s the only way that we’re going to rebuild an economy that’s not based on financial bubbles, but on hard work, on building and making things right here in the United States of America." True to form, Congress blocked the president's bill.  But so did Democrats, who fell nine votes short of the 60 needed to move the presid

Protesters demonstrated in front of the White House yesterday with a message for President Obama to acknowledge the human rights abuses taking place in Tibet. In response to what is taking place in the region, Tibetans are setting themselves on fire in extreme protest. A Tibetan nun died after setting herself on fire. Palden Choetso is the 12th person to self-immolate this year in protest at the continued Chinese occupation of Tibet. The Free Tibet movement stands for the right of Tibetans to determine their own future. and for the fundamental human rights of Tibetans to be respected. Here is more video from yesterday's White House protest.  Protester has message for President Obama. Protests have also taken place in front of the U.S. State Department, and were present during the Chinese state visit of China's president, Hu Jintao,  earlier this year.

First Lady Michelle Obama was front and center yesterday supporting the President’s Committee on the Arts and Humanities ( PCAH ) 2011 National Arts and Humanities Youth Program Awards ceremony in the East Room of the White House. First Lady Michelle Obama with Jeffrey Meeuwsen, Executive Director of Urban Institute for  Contemporary Arts and ArtWorks' Ja'Quari Moore-Bass (center). High-quality arts and humanities education has a positive effect on the lives of young people, helping to close achievement gaps and lowering youth dropout rates. The First Lady serves as honorary chairman and works with the National Endowment for the Arts, the National Endowment for the Humanities, and the Institute of Museum and Library Service. The First Lady chats with awardee from the Young Shakespeare Workshop in Seattle, WA.  Photo/CD Brown. Said the First Lady to the attended audience members, “Over the past few years we’ve worked to make this place a showcase for our country’

Dorothy Rodman, mother of Hillary Rodman Clinton passed today, shortly after midnight.  She was 92. Standing together:  Chelsea Clinton, Dorothy Howell, and Hillary Clinton. Born Dorothy Emma Howell on June 4, 1919 in Chicago, she was often between families at times living with her grandmother and other family relatives, in a dysfunctional setting. Her mother, Della Murray, was accused of abandoning Dorothy and was sued by her then husband Edwin John Howell Jr., a Chicago firefighter.  Howell had a sister, Isabelle, who was born five after her in 1921. Secretary of State Clinton wrote of her mother in her autobiography, “ Living History ”, recounting the hardship of her mother.  “I thought often of my own mother’s neglect and mistreatment at the hands of her parents and grandparents, and how other caring adults filled the emotional void to help her.” The Clinton family released these remarks on the passing of Howell: "She overcame abandonment and hardship as a young gi

Fort Monroe (also known as Fortress Monroe), a historic fort in Virginia’s Tidewater region of Hampton, played a pivotal role in the history of slavery in the United States. Built between 1819 and 1834, Fort Monroe has occupied a strategic coastal defensive position since the earliest days of the Virginia Colony. It was the place where the Dutch purchased Africans in 1619. Today, the President will sign a proclamation designating Fort Monroe a national monument today in the Oval Office. During the Civil War, the fort remained in Union possession and became a place for escaped slaves to find refuge. Fort Monroe was the site of General Benjamin Butler’s “Contraband Decision” in 1861, which provided a pathway to freedom for thousands of enslaved Africans during the Civil War and served as a forerunner of President Abraham Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation of 1863. Fort Monroe closed on September 15, 2011. Many of its functions were transferred to nearby Fort Eustis (which was na