Politics. On Point.

The White House issued the following pool report as the Obamas continue their vacation on Martha's Vineyard -- helping close friend, Vernon Jordan, celebrate his 80th birthday. From the White House: "Tonight, the First Family attended the 80th birthday celebration for Vernon Jordan, Jr.  at the Farm Neck Golf Club. There were approximately 200 guests in attendance. "The President and First Lady have known the Jordans for over twenty years, and were grateful to have sat with Ann and other guests this evening. "Toasts were offered between courses. Ann Jordan offered the first toast, welcoming guests and honoring her husband. President Obama then toasted Vernon extolling his kindness and generosity. The President told attendees that Vernon's wisdom and enthusiasm are rare qualities. "Third and fourth toasts were offered by President Clinton and Vickee Jordan, respectively. "Other guests tonight included Morgan Freeman,   Brian Roberts , Henry...

This year's group of the Presidential Medal of Free Awards read like a Who's Who of sports, entertainment, music, medicine, and media. Sixteen individuals, each accomplished in their own right, took the stage with President Obama as he read each name out loud, highlighting their incredible journeys that got them to their life stations. Oprah Winfrey , former president Bill Clinton , Arturo Sandoval , Ernie Banks , Gloria Steinem , country music singer, Loretta Lynn , and others, rounded out this group of talented individuals. The president joked about how he and Oprah's names, at first, weren't accepted as the 'status quo' by those less understanding of people's differences. "She was told she should change her name to Susie", he said recalling the time early in her journalism career where her employer also told her she was "too funny looking" for TV. (We're sure he's eaten crow several times over). In a world where acc...

The White House is honoring the anniversary of the passing of former U.S. Secretary of Commerce Ron Brown . Secretary Brown was a dedicated public servant whose untimely death during a trade mission to Croatia on April 3, 1996 ended his life far too soon. His vision continues to be important and today’s work at the Department of Commerce builds on his legacy. Brown served his country in Korea as a soldier in the U.S. Army and in the halls of Congress as chief counsel to the Senate Judiciary Committee. He also broke down barriers – becoming the first African American chairman of the Democratic National Committee and the first African American to serve as U.S. Secretary of Commerce. In this latter role, he made perhaps his largest impact.During his tenure at Commerce, Secretary Brown pioneered a focus on exports that helped to boost the U.S. economy in the 1990s and contributed to one of the largest periods of economic expansion in our nation’s history. During a time when e...

I can say that I thoroughly enjoyed today's White House Fall Garden Tour. Not only did the weather cooperate, (unlike the weather for last week's Korean State Visit), the grounds were meticulously manicured and flowers were freshly planted, seemingly for the occasion.  Fall hues of purple, orange, yellow and white permeated the Rose and Jacqueline Kennedy gardens of roses and chrysanthemums. First Lady Michelle Obama's vegetable garden was brimming with heart-healthy, good-for-you, vegetable products including red chili peppers, budding egg plant, onion, tomato and delightful garden herbs. Our tour guide, 'Will', was very accommodating, allowing us to take lots of pictures as he ushered us around the grounds where about 8-10 members of the media got an exclusive, first peek of the garden and the fall foliage.  Also along the way were several photographs of former U.S. presidents that were placed at various points along the route indi...

You have to wonder why this event couldn't have taken place when the current President of the United States, Barack Obama, was able to attend. After all, the event boasted all of the living presidents (Bill Clinton, Jimmy Carter, and the two Bush presidents), except Barack Obama. Couldn't the event, or the President's travel plans to South America, have been better scheduled so that all of the Presidents - past and present - could be in the same company honoring George H.W. Bush at the same time? One one hand, it looks like your friends threw a party, but they didn't even bother to invite you. Honoree George H.W. Bush and wife Barbara are surrounded by former Presidents Bill Clinton, Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter, and George W. and Laura Bush, plus Kennedy Center board chair David and Alice Rubenstein. On the other hand, one could make the case that on the day George H.W. Bush was honored by President Barack Obama at the White House with a Medal of F...

President Obama is expected to sign the Middle Class Tax Cut Bill today in a ceremony at the White House. The bill, with parts the president admits he his opposed to - but is satisfied with, nonetheness -  is expected to grow the economy, create jobs, and help middle class families across the country, ensuring that middle class families won't incur a tax hike at the end of the year. One report explains the measure like this: Tax rates will remain at their current levels -- 10%; 15%; 25%; 28%; 33%; and 35%, based on your income. It also maintains lower tax rates on your investments for the next two years. If you make less than $90,000 a year, the bill provides an extension of the $2,500 credit you've been receiving to help pay for college tuition, which was begun under last year's economic stimulus bill. It will be easier for you to provide for your children. Under the Bush bill, you got a child tax credit of $500. That has now increased to $1,000. ...

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...

NCAA Champs Honored At The White House (Again) The Duke Blue Devils, 2010 NCAA Champions, Being Honored by President Obama At The White House Yesterday. Photo/CD Brown. Forget about the third time being the charm. When it comes to the Duke Blue Devils winning NCCA Championships, and getting invited to the White House for their winning efforts, the FOURTH time's the charm. We had to ask Coach Krzyzewski if the other guy from the other prominent North Carolina, championship winning, institution of higher learning, ever called to congratulate the team during its NCAA championship wins. "No. Mike never calls", said Krzyzewski smiling. Mike may not have called, but President Obama certainly did. He called the Blue Devils to not only congratulate them, but to invite them to the White House - even after he had originally picked another team to win the NCAA bracket. "Now, I know that all of you remember last year, when I filled out my bracket I picked North Carol...

Funeral services for Dr. Dorothy Irene Height , the nation's prominent civil rights advocate, counselor to U.S. presidents, and founder of the Black Family Reunion, held annually in the Nation's Capital, will be laid to rest on Thursday April 29, 2010. Dr. Height, known for donning elegant hats, was a tireless advocate for civil rights, and the advancement of women. She was president emerita of the National Council of Negro Women ( NCNW ), the organization that leads, develops, and advocates for women of African descent as they support their families and communities. Dr. Height was awarded America's two highest civilian awards, the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 1994 by the President Bill Clinton. She was also awarded the Congressional Gold Medal in 2004 through an act of Congress. Dr. Height's annual Uncommon Height Awards that celebrates the achievements of Dr. Height will be scheduled this October in her honor. Last year's event recognized Oprah Winfrey fo...