Politics. On Point.

President Obama celebrated his birthday (officially today, August 4th) in Chicago last evening with a few friends while making a couple of speeches during DNC events. Among those helping him celebrate, singer Jennifer Hudson , and others at Chicago's Aragon Entertainment Center. Mr. President said he couldn't have had a better birthday present than spending the night in Chicago, his 'home town'.  "It's true that I turn 50 tomorrow," he said, adding that by the time he wakes up tomorrow he expects an email from AARP "asking me to call President Obama and tell him to protect Medicare." Despite the focus being on him he was par for the course in addressing the needs of Americans, and of course, the tumultuous few weeks (months) in Washington trying to pass the debt ceiling bill. Addressing the crowd of about 2,400 at one DNC event the president said, "We’ve just gone through an extraordinary week in Washington", the president sai...

A very colorful and descriptive report from the White House pool reporter Christina Bellantoni who covered last evening's celebration honoring singer Paul McCartney with the Gershwin Prize for Popular Song . She writes.... Event basics : Sir Paul McCartney was awarded the during a star-studded ceremony in the White House East Room. President Obama and his family sat in the first row, surrounded by politicians and big names in music. News, sort of : Obama mentioned "difficult time" for the Gulf Coast, saying that his thoughts are with friends in an area "so rich in musical heritage." He said it is "herartbreaking" but said the group in the room is committed to help and see the community "made whole again." He said "Part of what gets us through tough times is music" and that there's always a kernel of ourselves "that sings even when times are hard." Another bit : At the very close of the event after Obama had left t...