Politics. On Point.

This Halloween, President and Mrs. Obama in partnership with the National Park Foundation, will welcome local children to trick-or-treat at the North Portico of the  Halloween at the White House 2010. White House, which will be lit orange for the occasion.   Halloween at the White House, 2009. The trick-or-treaters are from local schools in the Washington, D.C., Maryland,  and Virginia areas and range from 6 to 14 years-old.    District of Columbia schools include: Bancroft Elementary, Beers Elementary School, Houston Elementary School, ,Hyde Leadership Academy, Thomson Elementary School,  Tubman Elementary, and Seaton Elementary School. Virginia schools invited to the White House for the Halloween festivities include Antietam Elementary School, Prince William County Nokesville Elementary School, Prince William County Belmont Station Elementary School, Loudon County Cameron Elementary School, and Fairfax County schools.   Maryland schools includ...

Former speech writer and advisor to JFK, Ted Sorenson has died today at 82. He died at noon at Manhattan's New York Presbyterian Hospital/Weill Cornell Medical Center from complications of a stroke, his widow, Gillian Sorensen, said. President Obama with Ted Sorenson Sorenson had been hospitalized Oct. 22 after a second stroke that his widow called "devastating." Sorenson suffered his first stroke in 2002.  That episode affected much of his eyesight leaving him unable to do what he loved most, writing.   His memoir titled, "Counselor," was dictated to an assistant. Sorensen will also be remembered for his role in researching and drafting Kennedy’s Pulitzer Prize–winning book Profiles in Courage . " From his early days desegregating a Nebraska pool to his central role electing and advising President Kennedy to his later years as an international lawyer and advocate, Ted lived an extraordinary life that made our country – and our world – more equal...

 Homeland Security Advisor John Brennan with White House Press Secretary Robert Gibbs speaking to the media in the John Brady briefing room. Photo/CD Brown.  (via Statement from White House) Last night, intelligence and law enforcement agencies discovered potential suspicious packages on two planes in transit to the United States. Based on close cooperation among U.S. government agencies and with our foreign allies and partners, authorities were able to identify and examine two suspicious packages, one in East Midlands, United Kingdom (London) and one in Dubai. Both of these packages originated from Yemen. As a result of security precautions triggered by this threat, the additional measures were taken regarding the flights at Newark Liberty and Philadelphia International Airports. The President was notified of a potential terrorist threat on Thursday night at 10:35, by John Brennan, Assistant to the President for Homeland Security and Counter-terrorism. The President dire...

President Obama will visit a business in Beltsville, Maryland where he will make remarks on the economy and discuss a new report issued today by the Department of the Treasury that details how the President’s proposal to allow businesses and investors to deduct immediately the full cost of most investments will help businesses expand and hire. The report shows that the President’s proposal will: Accelerate $150 billion in tax cuts to 2 million businesses: 100 percent expensing will accelerate $150 billion in tax cuts to 2 million businesses – providing $200 billion in relief over the next two years when combined with small business expensing and bonus depreciation provisions the President signed into law last month. Lower the average cost of capital for business investment by more than 75 percent: Through temporary 100 percent expensing, Treasury estimates that businesses’ average cost of capital on new investments will fall from 7.18 percent to 1.68 percent – providing an incen...

The White House is taking a stand on domestic violence. Domestic violence facts: 14% of teens report their boyfriend or girlfriend threatened to harm them or themselves to avoid a breakup. Among battered women living in shelters, 88% experience Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder because of domestic violence. 1/2 of the women who die from homicides are killed by their current or former husbands or partners. (Report) ...."That’s what we have to change", said President Obama during yesterday's White House event on domestic violence. "And I say that not only as a President, but as a son, as a husband, as the father of two daughters. Now, we’ve made a great deal of progress in recent years. But everybody in this room understands that our work is not yet finished. Not when there’s more we can do to help folks looking to restart their lives and achieve financial independence. Not when there’s more to do to ensure that the victims of abuse have access to legal protect...

One of the items President Obama ran his campaign on was that of rebuilding America's infrastructure. Earlier this month the president met with mayors and governors from across America to disclose that several projects are on tap to restore America's roadways and byways. As the president put it: "Our infrastructure is woefully inefficient and it is outdated." "What we need is a smart system of infrastructure equal to the needs of the 21st century.  A system that encourages sustainable communities with easier access to our jobs, to our schools, to our homes.  A system that decreases travel time and increases mobility.  A system that cuts congestion and ups productivity.  A system that reduces harmful emissions over time and creates jobs right now", he added. The president also mentioned that one in five construction workers are out of work.   While that may be the current statistic, you can bet that standing is even higher when it c...

Michelle Obama: First Lady of Fashion Figurine Collection  First Lady of Fashion Michelle Obama Collection of gowns, figurines and memorabilia.    Now, you have the incredible opportunity to own a lasting tribute to America's stunning First Lady.  Presenting...the Michelle Obama: First Lady of Fashion Figurine Collection, featuring her most memorable outfits.  Each beautifully detailed, remarkably lifelike figurine is crafted of cold-cast porcelain and is meticulously hand painted by skilled artisans.   Figurines can be purchased individually from Danbury Mint .   Available First Lady figurines.  

Bishop Arthur M. Brazier author and former pastor emeritus of the Apostolic Church of God in Chicago, Illinois has died. Brazier was also a bishop, prominent civic leader and founder of The Woodlawn Organization, which was influential in Chicago's civil rights movement in the 1960s and continues its work to this day. He was 89. President Obama remarked on the passing: "Michelle and I were deeply saddened to learn of the passing of our dear friend, a stalwart of the city of Chicago, and one of our nation’s leading moral lights, Bishop Arthur M. Brazier. Through his service as a pastor and his work on behalf of our communities, Bishop Brazier touched the lives of countless Americans. Bishop Brazier grew up during the Great Depression and never forgot how the sting of poverty can shape a community and a nation. A committed patriot, Bishop Brazier served as a staff sergeant in the United States Army in India and Burma at the height of World War II. He returned to Chicago wh...

Speaking at a small gathering for the Democratic Socialists of America meeting earlier this month, Congressman John Conyers had a few choice (tough love) words for President Obama and his administration. Conyers was critical of the continuation of the war in Afghanistan saying, "There probably isn't anybody above the tenth grade who doesn't know you can't win a war in Afghanistan." Conyers even had choice words about White House Press Secretary Robert Gibbs saying the Democrats might lose both the House and the Senate, calling his choice of words "automatically dismissible". "If I were president, that would be the end of it.  I would send him packing", said Conyers.  Adding, "I don't know where he came from anyway." Gibbs has since changed his summertime opinion. Visit msnbc.com for breaking news , world news , and news about the economy Conyers called President Obama "one of the smartest men in American politics....

Spooky?  The White House in pink.  (BCAM photo/L. Jackson) With Halloween beckoning around the corner, the thought of ghosts and goblins permeate the season. But are there really ghosts at the White House? A web site purporting to have the inside scoop on such things reveals there could be at least ten.  We'll reveal at least three that  even include former presidents. Ghost #1: President Lincoln.   Lincoln might as well still be collecting a salary based on how often he seems to be at the White House. Winston Churchill had a famous encounter with Lincoln in the Lincoln bedroom. After a hot bath with a Scotch and a cigar, Churchill climbed out of the bath naked (obviously) and went back into the bedroom to get ready for bed. To his surprise, the room was already occupied by our 16th president. Churchill managed to quip, “”Good evening, Mr. President. You seem to have me at a disadvantage,” before Abe disappeared. Sounds a bit t...

If it's October, it's a celebration of Arts and Humanities in Washington, D.C.  Where better to celebrate than at the White House with First Lady Michelle Obama (the honorary chair of the President’s Committee on the Arts and the Humanities )? In the East Room of the White House artist awards were presented to the following after school programs from across the country: After-School Playwriting Program /Young Playwrights’ Theater, Inc./Washington, D.C.; Brooklyn Cultural Adventures Program (BCAP)/Heart of Brooklyn Cultural Institutions, Inc./Brooklyn, N.Y.; Center for Community Arts Partnerships /Community Schools Initiative/Columbia College Chicago/Chicago, Ill.; Community MusicWorks /Providence, R.I.; FACT After–School Programs /Fine Arts for Children and Teens, Inc./Santa, Fe, N.M.; Girlstories Theatre Project and Workshops/Powerstories Theatre, Inc./Tampa, Fla.; New Directions YouthArts/ City of Las Vegas Office of Cultural Affairs/Las Vegas, Nev./ Proj...

President Obama smiles at Javier Garcia of Brownsville, Texas during yesterday's signing of the Initiative on Eduation Excellence for Hispanics.  WH Photo/Samantha Appleton. President Obama signed an Executive Order to renew and enhance the White House Initiative on Educational Excellence for Hispanics so that it better serves communities across the country by engaging them in the process of improving the education of Latino students. "It’s precisely that kind of participation –- engaging the American people, giving all of you more say in the policies that affect your lives, and holding ourselves accountable to deliver real results in return –- that is at the heart of a new Executive Order I’m about to sign to strengthen the White House Initiative on Educational Excellence for Hispanics", said the president. First established in September of 1990, the Initiative was created to advise the Secretary of Education on issues related to Hispanics and to address academic e...

The Rent Is Too Damn High! The race for Governor of New York just got a little more interesting. Jimmy 'The Rent's Too Damn High' McMillan.  US Vet, Karate master and candidate for Governor of New York. Enter candidate Jimmy McMillan ,  karate master and Vietnam vet. He's running on a campaign that is as easy to understand as "Yes, we can!" His campaign message? The rent is too damn high! In a debate that took place last night in New York, McMillan  stated his case .  Laugh if you want to, we think McMillan is  on point .   Hey Mr. McMillan, we think the rent in DC, and all around the country is 'too damn high!' While McMillan's web site, www.rentistoodamnhigh.org (as of this posting) has been suspended (I wonder why), you can still learn about the shoot-from-the-hip Governor's candidate at www.jimmymcmillan.org . I feel like running in a campaign myself as I'm writing this piece.   My platform?  This computer...

First Lady Michelle Obama Workin' It Well! Those attending last evening's DNC fundraising event at New York's St. James Theatre witnessed nothing short of a spectacular event. With the likes of Patti LaBelle and actress Sarah Jessica Parker as supporters at this event, you can bet a good time was had by all. As one report puts it " Dems In The City ".  Michelle Obama, Sarah Jessica Parker, Dr. Jill Biden in NYC at last evening's DNC Fundraiser event at the St. James Theater. Noah Rosenberg of The New York Times gives a very detailed account of the last night's fundraiser at the St. James Theater  (Located where else? On 44th Street. Something magical about that isn't?) in New York City.  Rosenberg's report highlights the power of the First Lady as she continues to be well received on the campaign trail as she drums up support for her husband and the Democrats for the upcoming mid-term elections. It made me wish I was there...

General Election Just 15 Days Away As a result of the new early voting program, residents can cast their ballot for the General Election starting today. Just like during the Primary, early voting opens first at the Board of Elections office at One Judiciary Square. People can vote there until Monday, November 1st, from 8:30 am to 7:00 pm. From Saturday, October 23rd until Saturday, October 30, early voting will be open at the same four remote voting centers as during the primary election: Chevy Chase Community Center, 5601 Connecticut Ave., NW Hine Junior High School, 335 8th Street, SE Southeast Tennis and Learning Center, 701 Mississippi Ave., SE Turkey Thicket Recreation Center, 1100 Michigan Ave., NE All polling locations are closed on Sundays.

 President Obama looks over science projects from the winners of the White House Science Fair. Today, the President hosted the first-ever White House Science Fair celebrating the winners of a broad range of science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) competitions.  The President  viewed exhibits of these students’ work, ranging from breakthrough basic research to new inventions, and followed by remarks to an audience of students, science educators and business leaders on the importance of STEM education to our country’s economic future.  Said President Obama, “If you win the NCAA championship, you come to the White House. Well, if you're a young person and you produce the best experiment or design, the best hardware or software, you ought to be recognized for that achievement, too,” the President said. In attendance: Secretary Steven Chu, Department of Energy;  Director John Holdren, Assistant to the President for Science and Technology and Direc...

In less than a week, two of the George Bush administration's former cabinet members make the news. We told you about former Vice President Dick Cheney  earlier this week. On Friday former National Security Advisor and Secretary of State, Condoleezza Rice spoke at the National Press Club about her new book titled, Condoleezza Rice: A Memoir of My Extraordinary, Ordinary Family and Me.  Condoleezza Rice speaking at the National Press Club on Friday.  The accomplished Stanford grad spoke on a number of topics including growing up in Alabama amid its racist climate, how she credits her parents (and God) for her success, the strength of the African American community as she saw it during her childhood, 9/11, former president George W. Bush , and current President, Barack Obama (whom she met with later in the day at the White House). On the topic of meeting Obama, Rice said, "I'm sure we'll talk about whatever he wants to talk about." When asked about...

White House To Go Pink With October being Breast Cancer Awareness Month , the White House is getting involved. Both the White House and the Main Gate of the U.S. Naval Observatory will be lit pink Thursday night at 6:29pm ET.  White House donning pink in honor of BCAM.  WH Photo/Lawrence Jackson.  Also, this Friday, October 15th, Second Lady Dr. Jill Biden and Secretary of Health and Human Services Kathleen Sebelius will host a conference call with women’s groups and breast cancer survivors and advocates to discuss the importance of screenings and early detection services, such as mammograms and related benefits under the Affordable Care Act (ACA). Other organizations in our area supporting Breast Cancer Awareness Month  include the Washington Redskins who held a breast cancer survivor luncheon and glam fest out at Redskins Park in Ashburn, Va; and the Susan G. Koman for the Cure Foundation 's annual five mile walk in DC. Related National Breast C...

Participating in early voting in her home town of Chicago, First Lady Michelle Obama reminds everyone to vote early for the Nov. 2nd mid-term elections.  ( See video ). First Lady, first in line, votes early in Chicago. Here are some details of today's event, as told by pool reporter Abdon M. Pallasch of the Chicago Sun-Times. First Lady Michelle Obama early-voted in Chicago Thursday morning. Just after 9 a.m. she entered the Martin Luther King Center on the South Side and was the first early voter of the day. “I think that’s you,” Election Judge Dorothy Yarbrough, a retired CTA bus driver told the first lady after looking up Mrs. Obama’s voting record. “You think?” the first lady replied with a smile. Chicago Board of Elections employee Charles Holiday gave the first lady a quick lesson on how to work the electronic voting machine. At 5’-11”, Mrs. Obama had to hunch over a bit to use the machine. It took her six minutes to get through the ball...