Politics. On Point.

Focus: An End of Combat Operations in Iraq Along with the end to the war in Iraq is the old decor of the Oval Office.  President Obama in the Oval Office in 2009. Calling an end to U.S. combat involvement in Iraq, President Obama remarked - from his newly decorated Oval Office - that, ending the war is in the interest of Americans. “Ending this war is not only in Iraq’s interest – it is in our own. Adding that the U.S. has "paid a huge price to put the future of Iraq in the hands of its people." New focus. New direction. New Oval Office 2010. “Tonight, I am announcing that the American combat mission in Iraq has ended. Operation Iraqi Freedom is over, and the Iraqi people now have lead responsibility for the security of their country. This was my pledge to the American people as a candidate for this office. Last February, I announced a plan that would bring our combat brigades out of Iraq, while redoubling our efforts to strengthen Iraq’s Secur...

Your Opportunity To Say Thanks On August 31, 2010, President Obama will mark the end of America’s combat mission in Iraq. To celebrate, the President kicks off  'Saluting Service In Iraq' . The White House is encouraging you to sign up and give your remarks via various social networking venues. YouTube : Post a video response to the President's message (seen below) on the White House YouTube channel or tag your video with SaluteTroops. Facebook : There are several ways to salute on facebook, you can update your status, change your profile picture or post your message of thanks on the White House Facebook Page . Twitte r: Use the hashtag #salutetroops in your Twitter message. Flickr : Salute the troops on Flickr with a photo and message by using the tag SaluteTroops. WhiteHouse.gov: Submit messages via a whitehouse.gov online form.   In July, Vice President Biden welcomed home the 2nd Brigade Combat Team from Iraq. When President Obama t...

Administration Officials Participate In Week Long Events President Obama to speak at Louisiana's Xavier University. Photo/CD Brown. The President and First Lady will travel to New Orleans where the President will deliver a speech at Xavier University on the 5th Anniversary of Hurricane Katrina. The University of Louisiana was hit by the hurricane, covering the entire campus with several feet of water, leaving many to speculate whether the school would rebuild and continue.   Katrina displaced the university's students, staff, and faculty across the nation. After an intense cleanup and reconstruction, the university was able to reopen within 5 months, enrolling  80% of its students. President Obama spoke during the university's 2006 commencement , one year after Katrina. "Remember the pain and neglect that indifference can cause", said president Obama. "How entire neighborhoods in this city were left to drown because no one thought to make sure...

Calling Out Glenn Beck. Fox News' Glenn Beck planned a rally at the Lincoln Memorial on the anniversary of Dr. King's I Have A Dream Speech. Can Someone Get This Guy Some Prozac? Beck Needs It. Beck claims he didn't plan to have his 'restore honor to America' rally on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial on the 47th anniversary at the site of Dr. Martin Luther King's I Have a Dream Speech . Given the above facts, it sounds premeditated to me. Not only did he plan it, he orchestrated the event to the tea (literally), even to include King's neice, Dr. Alveda King.  At what other moment in time has Beck ever called on Dr. Alveda King?  I'll bet none.  To add insult to injury Beck has Sarah (I-can't-form-a-single-thought-in-my-head-everything-that-comes-out-my-mouth-makes-me-sound-like-an-idiot) Palin on the list as a speaker. What the world needs now:  Is NOT another Sarah Palin speech. Hey, Beck! If you want to restore 'honor' t...

Today, Floridians overwhelmingly chose Kendrick Meek as their Democratic nominee for U.S. Senate. Kendrick won the primary as Floridians embraced Kendrick as a fighter for the middle class even though his campaign was outspent six-to-one. Meek celebrates after winning Florida Senate primary over billionaire Jeff Greene. "Tonight, Floridians sent a clear message - they want a Real Democrat representing them in the U.S. Senate," said Kendrick Meek. "I am the only candidate who supports a woman's right to choose and equal pay for equal work, has fought against privatizing Social Security, and will repeal the Bush tax cuts for the wealthiest 1% of Americans and cut taxes for the middle class", said Meek. "Floridians need leaders who are willing to stand up for middle-class families -- tireless fighters who know what it means to tackle big issues. They deserve leaders who will fight tooth-and-nail to preserve Social Security and will stand with President...

The campaign to reelect Fenty wants to show what he's done these last 4 years for the city of D.C. Read his latest campaign newsletter where he praises the opening of the "modernized Stoddert Elementary" school, and boasts  "gone are the days of schools not opening on time". Adrian M. Fenty with school chancellor Michelle Rhee. Rhee is to be wed on September 4th. (Does she have the right one? ) Writes Fenty... This has been an incredible week for DC students. Gone are the days when schools failed to open on time, textbooks weren't delivered, and bathrooms didn't work. Instead, we opened the modernized Stoddert Elementary, we've launched a new Safe Routes to School initiative, and today, we'll unveil the brand new Eastern Senior High School. We've replaced delay, inefficiency, and a school system that was failing our kids with new schools, better programs, and dramatic increases in student achievement. We won't stop until every chil...

Issues Facts In Response To Republican's Claims Tired of attacks from the Republicans, the Obama administration issued a series of 'Fact Checks' in response to claims from John Boehner (R-OH) that the administration's policies have failed and have taken the country nowhere. In a statement issued today, the White House said, "Today John Boehner proved once again that his party would only take the country back to the failed policies of the past – policies that cost more than 8 million American jobs – and launched a series of false attacks on the measures that the President is pushing to create jobs, invest in our small businesses and cut taxes for businesses and middle class families." The administration claims that Boehner belittles the jobs and livelihoods of firefighters, cops and teachers. "First, Congressman Boehner attacks the jobs bill the President signed last month that saved hundreds of thousands of jobs of hardworking teachers, cops and fir...

“Honor The Dead By Helping the Living.” During an address by Vice President Biden at the 111th VFW National Convention in Indianapolis, Indiana, Biden thanked veterans for establishing the Department of Veterans Affairs and building a National Cemetery System. "You worked to secure a better future for service members and their families by helping pass two GI bills", said Biden. Biden told the assembled crowd their work "has never been more important than it is today".   

Vice President Joe Biden today unveiled a new report, “The Recovery Act: Transforming the American Economy through Innovation,” which finds that the Recovery Act’s $100 billion investment in innovation is not only transforming the economy and creating new jobs, but helping accelerate significant advances in science and technology that cut costs for consumers, save lives and help keep America competitive in the 21st century economy. “From the beginning, we have been a nation of discovery and innovation – and today we continue in that tradition as Recovery Act investments pave the way for game-changing breakthroughs in transportation, energy and medical research,” said Vice President Biden. “We’re planting the seeds of innovation, but private companies and the nation’s top researchers are helping them grow, launching entire new industries, transforming our economy and creating hundreds of thousands of new jobs in the process.” According to this new analysis, the U.S. is now on-track ...

Wants To Sort Over Past Month's Events Shirley Sherrod, not returning to US Department of Agriculture. In a session earlier today, ousted and disgraced USDA employee, Shirley Sherrod stated that though the offer from USDA's Secretary Tom Vilsack to return was tempting, she needs a little time to "sort things out", and "take a break" from all she's had to deal with. As such, she's not coming back (at this time) to work at the USDA. "I think I can be helpful to him and the department if I just take a little break and look at how I can be more helpful in the future," Sherrod said. Sherrod was ousted from her position at the USDA amid out-of-context remarks that surfaced on the Internet earlier this month. Not ruling out the possibility of staying connected with the USDA, Sherrod said, "I look forward to some type of relationship with the department in the future," she said. "We do need to work on the issues of discri...

USDA Encourages Schools to Take the HealthierUS School Challenge to Help Improve the Nutrition of School Children Nationwide New Steps Taken To Make Challenge Easier and More Successful Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today encouraged schools throughout the country to participate in the HealthierUS School Challenge (HUSSC), an initiative that helps improve the health and nutrition of children. USDA created the HUSSC to recognize schools that maintain healthy school environments by improving the quality of meals and increasing physical activity and nutrition education. The HUSSC is also a key component of First Lady Michelle Obama's Let's Move! campaign to end childhood obesity within a generation. "Even as Congress considers legislation to make historic improvements to school meals, there are also steps that moms and dads and others in the community can take to improve the health and nutrition of the meals their kids eat each day," said Vilsack. "While m...

Wants Congress To "Help Our Small Businesses" Before the president left for Martha's Vineyard on a ten day family vacation, he urged the small minority bi-partisan groups of individuals (again) to stop playing politics, calling their action an "obstruction that defies common sense." "For the last several months, I have been urging Congress to pass a jobs bill that will do two big things for small businesses -- cut their taxes and make loans more available. I have been adamant about this because small businesses are the backbone of our economy. They create two out of every three new jobs in this country. And while a lot of big businesses and big banks have started recovering from this recession, small businesses and community banks that loan to small businesses have been lagging behind. They need help. And if we want this economy to create more jobs more quickly, we need to help them."

President Obama's recent statement about a mosque at Ground Zero highlights the deep wounds that still exist between Christians and Muslims in America after September 11, 2001. "The 9/11 attacks were a deeply traumatic event for our country. The pain and suffering experienced by those who lost loved ones is unimaginable. So I understand the emotions that this issue engenders. Ground Zero is, indeed, hallowed ground", President Obama said. The president virtually gave the okay for the resurrection of a Muslim mosque near the site of Ground Zero. "But let me be clear: As a citizen and as president, I believe that Muslims have the same right to practice their religion as anyone else in this country. That includes the right to build a place of worship and a community center on private property in lower Manhattan, in accordance with local laws and ordinances. This is America, and our commitment to religious freedom must be unshakable. The principle that people of ...

Tells Americans " Come On Down! " ("And visit")  As President Obama raps up his visit to the Gulf with his family, he remains committed to the people of the region. "The President was clear that though the well has been capped and the oil is no longer spilling from the ocean floor, there is still work to be done." The administration continues to bill BP for the disaster and is making sure BP compensates those affected. With this massive fiasco seemingly behind us, and the cleanup in the foreground, the Commander In Chief is taking somekick butt (yeah, we said it) action. In this new video, President Obama's message is clear. Thought you might like that.  

Former President Bill Clinton Rallies For Kendrick Meek Bill Clinton shown here with Kendrick Meek, candidate for U.S. Senate. Former President Bill Clinton will make appearances at three South Florida rallies on Monday to stump for Kendrick Meek's United States Senate campaign. His first stop includes an event at Pompey Park this afternoon at 4pm (1101 Northwest 2nd Street, Delray Beach, Florida), followed by a 6pm event at the Olympia Theater At The Gusman Performing Arts Center (174 East Flagler Street in Miami, Florida). Meek has also gained the approval of House Speaker Nancy Pelosi . Last week The Kendrick Meek campaign released a robocall recorded by Speaker Nancy Pelosi praising Kendrick's leadership on children's health care. "I'm humbled to have Speaker Pelosi support my campaign in this way", said Meek. For years, Speaker Pelosi and I have stood together fighting for Florida's children. Her testimonial only further proves that there i...

Two Fairfax County English teachers have embarked on a month-long journey to our partner in Korea where they will have the opportunity to meet with Korean teachers and students, and explore the vast cultural offerings of the Songpa-gu district of Seoul, South Korea. The trip, generously funded by the Songpa-gu government, includes trips to museums and tours of markets and the countryside. Songpa-gu families will host our two teachers, where they will have the unique opportunity to be immersed in the language and culture of South Korea. We are so honored and happy to accept the offer of our counterparts in Seoul, and its residents, to host our teachers and give them such a great opportunity to learn about Songpa-gu. I thank Mayor Kim Young-Soon for helping initiate this program and look forward to discussing future opportunities with the new mayor, Mayor Park Choon-hee when she visits Fairfax County this fall. Representing Fairfax County on this trip are two highly respected high ...

On Sunday, August 29, President Obama will travel to New Orleans, La., to mark the fifth anniversary of Hurricane Katrina. The visit will include remarks by the President at Xavier University of Louisiana. Members of the President’s Cabinet who have worked to speed recovery and restoration efforts will also be in the region to mark the anniversary. The First Family traveled to Florida’s Gulf Coast where they are spending this weekend in Panama City Beach, FL.   While there, the President and First Lady were joined by area small business owners and Navy Secretary Ray Mabus for a roundtable discussion of the recovery. The president used the trip to express the gulf's cleanup efforts have been successful. "I also want to point out that as a result of the cleanup effort, beaches all along the Gulf Coast are clean, safe, and open for business. That’s one of the reasons Michelle, Sasha, and I are here. The governor and others invited us down to enjoy the beach and t...

Passage of the Southwest Border Security Bill The president remarks on the signing of the $600-Million Border-Security Bill: "I have made securing our Southwest Border a top priority since I came to office. That is why my administration has dedicated unprecedented resources and personnel to combating the transnational criminal organizations that traffic in drugs, weapons, and money, and smuggle people across the border with Mexico. Today's action by Congress answers my call to bolster the essential work of federal law enforcement officials and improve their ability to partner with state, local, and tribal law enforcement. The resources made available through this legislation will build upon our successful efforts to protect communities along the Southwest border and across the country. And this new law will also strengthen our partnership with Mexico in targeting the gangs and criminal organizations that operate on both sides of our shared border. So these steps will make a...

The Congressional Award Foundation has announced important dates for District youth who wish to become 2011 Congressional Award Gold Medalists. At-Large Councilmember Kwame R. Brown is a member of the Congressional Award Foundation’s Board of Directors. He wants District residents to be more involved in the program and realize the life-long benefits of participating. The Congressional Award Foundation has announced important dates for District youth who wish to become 2011 Congressional Award Gold Medalists. At-Large Councilmember Kwame R. Brown is a member of the Congressional Award Foundation’s Board of Directors. He wants District residents to be more involved in the program and realize the life-long benefits of participating. What is the Congressional Award ? The Congressional Award is the United States Congress’ award for young Americans. It is non-partisan, voluntary, and non-competitive. The program is open to all 14- to 23-year-olds. Participants earn Bronze, Silver and...

As the final touches on Arena Stage at the Mead Center for American Theater are made, the theater is proud to announce that President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama will be the Honorary Chairs for its grand re-opening and yearlong inaugural season at the Mead Center, which includes the Opening Gala Celebration October 25, 2010 . Mayor of the District of Columbia Adrian Fenty and his wife, Michelle Fenty, will also be Honorary Co-Chairs. The support of both First Couples, representing the nation and the nation's capital, further emphasizes that Arena Stage's move back into the company's home in Southwest D.C. is a seminal moment for the future of American theater. The Opening Gala Celebration will be a black tie event within the Mead Center featuring cocktails, dinner and an exclusive one-night-only performance headlined by Tony Award-winning Broadway actor Brian Stokes Mitchell. Additionally, the evening will be emceed by award-winning journalist and ABC7...

We Are The Future! With just two weeks to go until the 2010 school year begins, several students protested outside the John Wilson building on Monday in an effort to get Mayor Adrian Fenty to find money to continue this year's D.C. summer jobs program. The student-protesters said their summer jobs helped prepared them for life, taught them cooking skills, and about health. Student-protestors in front of the John A.Wilson Building want their summer jobs back. Photo/CD Brown . The students also became advocates of ridding their community of bad food and liquor stores and enhanced their want for more organic-like grocery stores like Harris Teeter. "[There aren't] too many grocery stores", said Donald Simon. "Just a lot of liquor stores and take out." Members of the group said that having a summer job afforded them the opportunity to buy their own school clothes. "Things that I didn't have last year, I have now", said Melody Wynn, fo...

President Obama signed an emergency $26 billion jobs bill that the administration claims will save the jobs of 300,000 teachers, police and others service professionals from layoffs. President Obama Signing Jobs Bill. Secretary Arne Duncan (right of president) and two teachers (near right) looks on.  Photo/White House. In a ceremony in the Rose Garden today, President Obama said, "If we do nothing, these educators won’t be returning to the classroom this fall. And that won’t just deprive them of a paycheck, it will deprive the children and parents who are counting on them to provide a decent education." Students in the District of Columbia know that many of their teachers won't be returning to their classrooms this fall.  More than 300 teachers have been fired at the hands of school Chancellor Michelle Rhee who claim the teachers underperformed. In a conference call with reporters late this afternoon Secretary of Education Arne Duncan stated that the jobs bi...

The Saints came marching into the White House today as President Obama honored the 2009 Super Bowl Champions with a warm and friendly reception in the East Room of the White House. 2009 Super Bowl Champs New Orleans Saints with President Obama at the White House. Photo/CD Brown. The president admonished the team and its owner for winning the Super Bowl after the city was devasted by Hurricane Katrina. The president, still not relinquishing his love and loyalty to his hometown Chicago teams, said, ”Look, I’m a Bears fan. I’m not going to lie. But this was a big win for the country, not just for New Orleans, because five years ago, this team played its entire season on the road. It didn’t have a home field. The Superdome had been ruined by Hurricane Katrina. The heartbreaking tragedies that unfolded there when it was used as a shelter from that terrible storm lingered all too fresh in a lot of people’s minds.” President Obama said the team carried their city. “Plenty of cities ...

Photo/CSPAN.org. In a vote of 63-37, Elena Kagan becomes the newest Supreme Court Justice.  "Today's vote wasn't just an affirmation of Elena's intellect andaccomplishments. It was also an affirmation of her character and temperament", said the president while speaking at a DNC fundraiser in Chicago this evening. "She understands that the law isn't just an abstractionor intellectual exercise....behind the law there are stories. Stories of people's lives as shaped by the law." The president said he was proud of the history making moment and that he relished it as a father who wants unlimited possibilities for his two daughters Sasha and Malia. During today's vote, fifty-six Democrats, two independents, and five Republicans voted for Kagan's nomination. The sole Democrat, Sen. Ben Nelson (NE), sided with the thirty-six Republicans who voted 'no' for Kagan. Those in opposition believe Kagan doesn't have enough experience...