Politics. On Point.

Near to advice President Biden's heart is the treatment of women and the eradication of sexual assault against women. He continues his 1 is 2 Many campaign to spread the message that rape will not be tolerated, especially on college campuses where one in five women, ages 18-24 are sexually assaulted. The White House has produced a PSA asking, #WhatWouldYouDo, and reminding the public that:  “ If she doesn’t consent, or can’t consent — it’s a crime . . . and if you see sexual assault happening, help her, don’t blame her —and speak up.” Click  here  to take a look at the PSA featuring actors and both President Obama and Vice President Joe Biden. Other VP Biden News Vice President Biden makes call to NBA Chairman,  Kevin Johnson  to lend support to players in wake of Donald Sterling racists actions and comments towards NBA players and the NBA family. Said Johnson, "He (Biden) called me and said, We're with you, and the White Hous...

In the wake of the Sandy Hook Elementary School massacre anniversary, and several other incidents of gun violence where suspected perpetrators may have had mental issues, the Obama administration is investing more funding  to ensure those with mental health issues can get the necessary help they may need.   Today, the White House and Vice President Biden announced that $100 million will soon be available to increase access to mental health services and improve mental health facilities.   “The fact that less than half of children and adults with diagnosable mental health problems receive the treatment they need is unacceptable.  The President and I have made it a priority to do everything we can to make it easier to access mental health services, and today’s announcements by the U.S. Departments of Health and Human Services and Agriculture build on that commitment,” said Vice President Biden.   Over the past several years, the Administration ha...

After nearly a month of being completely shut down, the Federal government is back to work thanks to a bipartisan agreement between the House and Senate. Furloughed workers will receive back pay for lost wages, food and water inspections have continued, and social services have resumed.  Faces of some of the players of  Washington's government crisis. The two parties have dodged a government default by again raising the debt ceiling limit which will allow the government to operate and pay its bills, for at least another three-four months.   A government default would have been the first in US history.  The government closure of parks and essential services seemingly for no good reason than yet another dog and pony show at the expense of America's workers is over for now - but will it last.  "There's no guarantees of anything", said Vice President Joe Biden today at the offices of the EPA where he welcomed workers back to work. "But I th...

The White House has released the financial disclosure reports of President Obama and Vice President Biden. From the White House: "The Ethics in Government Act of 1978 requires high-level federal officials to publicly disclose their personal financial interests. The public filing system serves to prevent financial conflicts of interest by providing for a systematic review of the finances of government officials. Those finances are set forth in annual disclosures which are reviewed and certified by ethics officials. Neither the President nor the Vice President have any conflicts of interest, and their reports have been reviewed and certified by the independent Office of Government Ethics. We are continuing this Administration's practice of posting these forms online here in the interests of transparency": View the President's 2012 financial disclosure report  (pdf) View the Vice President's 2012 financial disclosure report  (pdf)     Financial disc...

As Vice President Biden continues his visit in Rome, we are afforded this beautiful view of the installation Mass of Pope Francis, just before the start of the ceremony. The US delegation to Rome were the Honorable Susana Martinez , Governor of the State of New Mexico; the Honorable Nancy Pelosi , Democratic Leader of the United States House of Representatives and U.S. Representative from California; and Dr. John DeGioia , President of Georgetown University. Vice President Biden will depart Rome after the Mass, returning to Washington. In case you missed the ceremony, watch it below. Video streaming by Ustream

Women's History Month is starting off quite nicely. President Obama signed the Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act making it easier to prosecute individuals who commit violent crimes against women, such as domestic violence.  The "Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act of 2013, (S. 47)" reauthorizes several Violence Against Women Act grant programs through FY 2018; and the Trafficking Victims Protection Act of 2000 through FY 2017 and also protects women on Tribal lands, improves protections for immigrant victims, ensures services for LGBT survivors, and adds important housing protections for victims. "So today is about all the survivors, all the advocates who are standing on this stage", said President Obama, speaking today from the Department of Interior. "But it’s also about the millions more they represent -- that you represent. It’s about our commitment as a country to address this problem -- in every corner of America, every communit...

President Obama and First Lady Michelle dined for nearly two hours at Georgetown's Bourbon Steak restaurant this past Saturday evening where they celebrated their 20th wedding anniversary. The restaurant, located inside the famed Four Season's Hotel in the heart of Georgetown, won the 2012 RAMMY for Fine Dining Restaurant of the Year. Executive Chef Adam Sobel prepared a menu for the Obamas that included fried quail egg, rockfish, scallops and sweet potato soup. Yum? When asked by reporters how his anniversary dinner was, the president gave a 'thumbs up' indicating the dinner went well. The couple's anniversary fell on the same evening as the much talked about (an analyzed) presidential debate between President Obama and the Republican presidential candidate, Mitt Romney. Earlier in the week, Mrs. Obama paid a visit to the Steve Harvey Show where she explained why she married the man she loves. "I married him because of his character", e...

Out on the campaign trail the President and Vice President make a few unexpected stops along the way, and have two totally different experiences. President Obama, while campaigning today in Florida, stops unexpectantly by the Big Apple Pizza and Pasta Restaurant and gets an unexpected lift by the owner. Restaurant owner Scott Van Duren lifts President Obama giving him a bear hug. Meanwhile, while also on the campaign trail, Vice President Biden makes a stop at a local restaurant in Ohio and gets cozy with a female patron. Vice President Biden schmoozes with a female patron at Cruisers Diner in Seaman, Ohio. Is this action conduct unbecoming of a VP?  What must our second lady be thinking?

President Obama and Vice President Biden put aside their differences that came about over the timing of the administration's announcement to support same-sex marriage, to honor a few special police officers for their valiant acts of bravery. President Obama with Vice President Biden and Secretary of Homeland Security Janet Napolitano honor the nation's  top cops. "The officers here today have been singled out for extraordinary acts of bravery." said Vice President Biden who called the assembled men and women "a remarkable group of people". Vice President Biden, speaking in a ceremony in the White House Rose Garden, also credited the officers for their work in the community, calling the officers a "unique bunch of individuals." "You’re not only the people who risk your lives to protect all of us, you're also the first ones out there to volunteer to lay down the lines of the Little Le...

Staying true to his promise to the American people of his intent to create jobs President Obama, along with Vice President Joe Biden, will host an “ Insourcing American Jobs ” forum at the White House on Wednesday.  The forum will focus on the increasing trend of companies choosing to “insource” jobs and invest in growing in the United States. As part of the “Insourcing American Jobs” forum, the President will meet with business leaders, as well as experts on the topic, to discuss why it’s competitive to locate in the United States and what more can be done to work with companies to take similar steps to insource American jobs. Following the meeting, the President will deliver remarks to a group that will include leaders from the government and the private sector that are taking steps to encourage companies to insource and invest in America. In the afternoon, Cabinet officials will host panel discussions with both small and large businesses and experts on insourcing and i...

When one looks at 'Dictionary.com for the definition of 'rape' we find the following answer: For decades the definition of rape was thought to have included just women and young girls only. Today the FBI has decided to do one better. Based on reported data that includes more information from victims, that have included men, the new definition of rape is now: “The penetration, no matter how slight, of the vagina or anus with any body part or object, or oral penetration by a sex organ of another person, without the consent of the victim.” “These long overdue updates to the definition of rape will help ensure justice for those whose lives have been devastated by sexual violence and reflect the Department of Justice’s commitment to standing with rape victims,” Attorney General Holder said. “This new, more inclusive definition will provide us with a more accurate understanding of the scope and volume of these crimes.” Holder announced revisions to the Uniform Crime Repor...

The Office of the Vice President announced today that Courtney O’Donnell , Director of Communications to Second Lady Jill Biden, will leave the White House to move to Berlin, Germany with her family where she plans to work on projects based in Europe. O’Donnell served as Deputy communications director for the Bill Clinton Foundation from 2004 to 2009, and as deputy press secretary for the Elizabeth Edwards, Kerry-Edwards campaign in 2004. She also worked as the deputy communications director on the Howard Dean presidential campaign from 2003 to 2004. She graduated from Georgetown University in 1988. Dr. Jill Biden said about O'Donnell: “Since Inauguration Day, Courtney has served as a trusted advisor to me and our entire team. Her creativity and strategic thinking helped us build campaigns to showcase the strengths of community colleges, support our nation’s military families, fight breast cancer, and draw attention and resources to the issues in the Horn of Africa. Her e...

(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 S...

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!

Vice President Joe Biden visited Alexandria, Virginia’s newly built police headquarters to congratulate the department for being awarded a nearly $860,000 grant to its Community Oriented Policing Services (or COPS ) program. Vice President Biden with Alexandria, Virginia Chief of Police, Earl Cook.  Photo/CD Brown. Vice President Biden highlighted how President Obama’s American Jobs Act would keep first responders like police, fire and emergency personnel on the job. “We owe you.   We owe you big”, said the Vice President. “We owe you every tool available for you not only to keep the community safe, but to keep you safe.” The president’s Jobs bill, which he is hoping to pass with the support of Congress, sets aside $5 billion for law enforcement officials to hire new personnel and avoid layouts. Said Biden, “This award gives you the tools you need.” Alexandria’s Chief of police Earl Cook knows all too well about losing essential personnel.   Alexandria’s ...

A day honoring victims of the September 11, 2001 terror attack on the U.S. culminated yesterday evening with Kennedy Center Concert of Hope with remarks given by President Obama. Citing Americans' tenacity and courage, the president even after the 9/11 attack the character of America as a nation has not changed.  Our faith, said President Obama, in God and in each other has not changed.  Our belief in America, born of a timeless ideal that men and women should govern themselves; that all people are created equal, and deserve the same freedom to determine their own destiny, that belief, through tests and trials, has only been strengthened." The president's remarks, lasting well over twenty minutes, included him acknowledging the first responders and firefighters on the scene on that horrific day. "These past 10 years have shown that America does not give in to fear.  The rescue workers who rushed to the scene, the firefighters who charged up the stai...

As part of the commemoration of the 10th anniversary of the September 11th attacks, the Vice President will host a screening of the documentary REBIRTH for Washington, DC, area college students.  Jim Whitaker. Project Rebirth Founder and Director REBIRTH is a full-length documentary which chronicles the lives of five people directly affected by the events on September 11th, 2001.  The subjects featured in the documentary include a survivor from the South Tower of the World Trade Center (WTC); a firefighter who survived the collapse of the WTC but lost his best friend; a high school student who lost his mother; a young woman who lost her fiancé; and a construction worker who lost his brother, assisted with recovery efforts, and is presently helping to build the Freedom Tower. The Vice President will be joined by Jim Whitaker , Director and Founder of Project Rebirth as well as four of the people featured in the documentary. Several screenings of the documentary will ...

Vice President Joe Biden has departed for Beijing, China, the first stop on a nine-day trip to China, Mongolia, and Japan. In each country, the Vice President will meet with key leaders to discuss the full range of bilateral, regional, and international issues.  The Vice President is visiting China at the invitation of Vice President Xi Jinping – the first of the planned reciprocal visits between the Vice Presidents announced by President Obama and Chinese President Hu Jintao during his state visit to Washington earlier this year.  While in Beijing, the Vice President will meet with Vice President Xi and other Chinese leaders, including President Hu and Premier Wen Jiabao.  The Vice President will also visit the city of Chengdu, in China’s Southwest.  On Sunday, August 21st at 10:30 AM LOCAL TIME/Saturday, August 20th at 10:30 PM ET, the Vice President will deliver a speech on U.S.-China relations at Sichuan University. In Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, the Vice Presiden...

While the decision to raise the debt ceiling in an effort to ward off a government default was finally passed in both the House and Senate this afternoon by a vote of 74-26 ( a total of 60 votes was needed) , the contents of 74 page legislation has raised a lot of questions. During yesterday's Senate and House last ditch effort to get the bill passed, minority speaker Nancy Pelosi kept asking law makers on the House floor "why are we here"? . "We have come here to make the future better for future generations".  The delay has never happened  quite like this before, neither has the opposition  over the its contents been so heavily scrutinized, even by perhaps the biggest supporter of the Obama administration, Nancy Pelosi, who admitted she has been on the fence, but pleaded for law makers to pass the debt ceiling legislation, even if they were "on the fence", just as she was. There was no shortage of opinion on the proposed legislatio...

Delivering the Accountable Government that Taxpayers Deserve ‎By Vice President Joe Biden McClatchy-Tribune Information Services Right now in Washington, there is a big debate about how to cut spending and rein in deficits while we continue to create jobs and build the platform we need to succeed in the future. The American people have high standards for how their tax dollars are spent, and the government has to find ways to eliminate expenses that are either wasteful or non-essential. As part of that effort, our government must work harder to make sure that tax dollars are not wasted on government programs that are ineffective, duplicative or just plain unnecessary. The president and I feel strongly about this, and that is why we launched the Campaign to Cut Waste. Two years ago, the president asked me to patrol all those who received money as part of the Recovery Act. We wanted to make sure every dollar spent was accounted for and used properly. We used the most sophisticated ...