Obama Gives Jobs Speech Sept. 8

Update: Obama will speak Sept. 8 at 7 pm ET. It will be live streamed here. 

Update: The time of Obama's speech isn't set yet, but Obama will finish speaking before the season opening kick off between the Green Bay Packers and the Saints, which airs at 8:30 pm ET.

Liberals (emo progs, whatever) are going bonkers that Obama changed the date of his speech. Obama will now speak on jobs Sept. 8. Perhaps the date wasn't a tactical move in the first place. Perhaps Obama didn't even realize the GOP candidates were debating. Perhaps all of this is one big tactic. Perhaps too big a fuss was made by too many people with nothing better to do.
There are varying headlines for varying interpretations: There's the Republicans force Obama to change date... Obama agrees to change date... Obama changes date...

Obama to Speak on Jobs to Joint Session of Congress Sept. 7

Update: Obama agrees to Boehner's request, moves his speech to Sept. 8.
Update: Boehner says no (first time in history?) to Obama's request to speak to Congress (a formality) Sept. 7. Here's a plan. Obama should give his speech to the American people, same time, same bat channel, then bring a joint session of Congress together to watch the rerun by themselves.

The Hill says Obama has requested a joint session on Sept. 7 for his jobs speech. The speech is slated for 8 pm eastern. It will be on your TVs and live streamed here.
Romney gives his speech Sept. 6.
The GOP debate is the same day, same time (that could change) as Obama's speech.
The Social-Security-is-a-Ponzi-scheme Rick Perry will be present, so potentially, if the times stay the same, the choice that night will be substance vs. entertainment.

Obama Speaks on Highway Funding Bill Video

If Congress doesn't fund the transportation bill by end of September, the bill will expire, meaning job losses and sorry highways. Since republicans have blocked every single measure thus far, I'd expect they'll be blocking -- holding hostage for some other demand -- on this one as well.

Obama's Schedule Aug. 31

9:30 AM	The President receives the Presidential Daily Briefing Oval Office Closed Press
10:00 AM	The President meets with senior advisors Oval Office Closed Press
10:35 AM	The President holds an event to call on Congress to move forward in a bipartisan way to pass a clean extension of the Surface Transportation Bill   LIVE STREAM Rose Garden Open Press
12:00 PM	Press Briefing by Press Secretary Jay Carney  LIVE STREAM James S. Brady Briefing Room Open Press

Judge Strikes Down Texas Abortion Sonogram Requirement

I understand the opposition to abortion but I can't stand the backward and hypocritical nature of the fight against it. If anti abortion folks really want to help save lives, they would do something for teen mothers, or encourage teen fathers to be more responsible, or they would advocate for adoptions or any other myriad of things. But no. They take the self-righteous path, which does anything but save babies. You'd think by now, they'd figured that out, but like I said, it's really about being self important:

A federal judge on Tuesday blocked key provisions of Texas' new law requiring a doctor to perform a sonogram before an abortion, ruling the measure violates the free speech rights of both doctors and patients.

U.S. District Judge Sam Sparks upheld the requirement that sonograms be performed, but struck down the provisions requiring doctors to describe the images to their patients and requiring women to hear the descriptions. AP

Obama's Statement on Japan's Newly Elected Prime Minister

I offer my personal congratulations to Yoshihiko Noda on his election as Japan’s next prime minister. The United States will work with him and the Japanese people on initiatives that benefit our two countries, the region, and the world. For the last half-century the U.S.-Japan Alliance has served as the linchpin of peace and security in the Asia Pacific region and, together, we can ensure that the next half-century enjoys the same stability and prosperity. The relationship between the United States and Japan is based on common interests and common values, and I look forward to working with Prime Minister Noda to tackle the broad range of economic and security issues that require our attention.

Obama Sends Boehner a Letter

In response to Boehner's letter to Obama:

TEXT OF A LETTER FROM THE PRESIDENT TO THE SPEAKER OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

Dear Mr. Speaker:

Thank you for your letter of August 26, 2011. I agree that it is extremely important to minimize regulatory burdens and to avoid unjustified regulatory costs, particularly in this difficult economic period. I have taken a number of steps to achieve those goals.

Executive Order 13563, issued early this year, imposes a series of new requirements designed to reduce regulatory burdens and costs. As you are undoubtedly aware, this Executive Order also called for an ambitious Government-wide review of rules now on the books. The review was recently completed, producing reform plans from 26 agencies. A mere fraction of the initiatives described in the plans will save more than $10 billion over the next 5 years; as progress continues, we expect to be able to deliver savings far in excess of that figure.

I would add that the costs of final, economically significant rules reviewed by the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs were actually higher in 2007 and 2008 than in the first 2 years of my Administration. And in 2009 and 2010, the benefits of such rules -- including not only monetary savings but also lives saved and illnesses prevented -- exceeded the costs by tens of billions of dollars.

Your letter draws attention to the rules listed on this year's regulatory agenda. Under both Republican and Democratic administrations, the agenda is merely a list of rules that are under general contemplation, provided to the public in order to promote transparency. Before any such rules can be issued, they must be subject to a long series of internal and external constraints, including the rulemaking requirements of the Administrative Procedure Act and the new burden-reducing, cost saving requirements of Executive Order 13563. Many rules listed on an agenda, in any given year, are not issued.

You also ask for a list of pending rules that would cost over $1 billion. As noted, the regulatory agenda includes a large number of rules that are in a highly preliminary state, with no reliable cost estimate. I can assure you that all rules that the Administration promulgates, including and especially the expensive rules, are very carefully scrutinized for conformity to the law and Executive Order 13563.

At the present time, seven rules have been proposed to the public with an estimated annual cost in excess of $1 billion; they are listed as an appendix to this letter. Of course, these rules are merely proposed, and before finalizing any of them, we will take account of public comments and concerns and give careful consideration to cost-saving possibilities and alternatives.

I look forward to working closely with you to produce a regulatory system that will, in the words of Executive Order 13563, "protect public health, welfare, safety, and our environment while promoting economic growth, innovation, competitiveness, and job creation."

Sincerely,
BARACK OBAMA

Obama Speaks at American Legion Conference in Minneapolis

Obama's Schedule Aug. 30

8:45 AM	The President departs the South Lawn en route Joint Base Andrews South Lawn Open Press
9:05 AM	The President departs Joint Base Andrews en route Minneapolis-St. Paul, Minnesota Travel Pool Coverage
11:25 AM	The President arrives Minneapolis-St. Paul, Minnesota Local Event Time:  10:25 AM CDT Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport Open Press
11:55 AM	The President delivers remarks at the American Legion Annual Conference Local Event Time:  10:55 AM CDT    LIVE STREAM Minneapolis Convention Center Open Press
1:15 PM	The President departs Minneapolis-St. Paul, Minnesota en route Joint Base Andrews Local Event Time:  12:15 PM CDT Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport Open Press
3:30 PM	The President arrives Joint Base Andrews Travel Pool Coverage
3:45 PM	The President arrives the White House South Lawn Open Press

White House Press Briefing Aug. 29

FEMA's Craig Fugate joins the briefing today and Jay has new glasses!

Obama Picks Alan Krueger to Replace Goolsbee

President Barack Obama on Monday plans to nominate Princeton University's Alan Krueger to be chairman of the White House Council of Economic Advisers, a White House official said.
Mr. Krueger, 50 years old, returned to Princeton a year ago after serving as assistant Treasury secretary for economic policy during the first two years of the Obama administration—which means he has recently cleared the sometimes treacherous Senate confirmation process.
He would succeed Austan Goolsbee, who left earlier this month to reclaim his teaching post at the University of Chicago. WSJ

Read Krueger's bio here.

Obama's Schedule Aug. 29

Jay Carney's press briefing is at 12:30 pm eastern time: live stream.

10:15 AM	The President receives the Presidential Daily Briefing Oval Office Closed Press
11:00 AM	The President makes a personnel announcement Rose Garden                                    LIVE STREAM Open Press
12:10 PM	The President meets with senior advisors Oval Office Closed Press
12:45 PM	The President and the Vice President meet for lunch Private Dining Room Closed Press

Obama's Update on Hurricane Irene Aug. 28

Meet the Press Aug. 28 Video

Dick Cheney has a new book criticizing everyone-- Colin Powell, Condi Rice, Bush.... If you only have criticism for everyone else, you need to look in the mirror. In my mind, Cheney is a sociopath of sorts. The man seemed to enjoy the shadows.
David Brooks says Rick Perry is a serious candidate. He says the GOP is aligned with Perry and that Jon Huntsman, the sole normal republican candidate, is supported by only 15% of the republican party.


Obama gets an update on Hurricane Irene this morning

Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy

Irene update:

Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy

Chris Christie: evacuated one million people from the Jersey shore. Full show:

Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy

Obama Speaks from FEMA Headquarters

Obama's Weekly Address Aug. 27

Obama speaks on 9-11 commemorations coming up.

Obama's Statement on Hurricane Irene

Update: The Obamas are on their way back to the White House.
Update: Visitors on Martha's Vineyard urged to leave the island or hunker down. The Obama family is leaving tonight. 

West wing Week Aug. 26

Obama Finalizing Jobs Plan

Not to be cynical, but.... it's dead on arrival. Republicans absolutely refuse to work with this president. Why does that matter? Because republicans control the House. They'll balk at whatever he puts out. Jobs will be slow growing for years to come, except for highly trained folks in certain technical and healthcare fields. That's just the way it is. With people paying down debts and saving more, the demand for goods and services isn't what it used to be.

President Barack Obama is finalizing a jobs package that could include a program to refurbish school buildings nationwide and tax breaks to encourage firms to hire workers.
The package, to be unveiled in early September, is Obama's chance to convince skeptical voters he can bring down the 9.1 percent unemployment rate and steer the United States away from another recession - ahead of next year's election. Reuters

47% Say Obama Deserves Re-election

Obama Updated on Hurricane Irene

... Speaking from the press center at the Mansion House in Vineyard Haven, principal deputy press secretary Josh Earnest said the President was updated on action being taken by the Federal Emergency Management Agency and Department of Homeland Security, which have been underway for several days, during his regular morning briefing with national and homeland security adviser John Brennan.

There had been close consultation with state and local authorities all up and down the eastern seaboard to ensure communities were prepared, Mr. Earnest said.

Recent forecasts of the hurricane’s likely path suggest it could strike just to the west of the Vineyard, on the Rhode Island Coast this weekend. President Obama and his family are due to leave the Vineyard Saturday. more at mvgazette

Biden's Speech in Sendai Japan Video

Biden, on a nine-day trip to China, Mongolia and Japan, visited a China classroom Aug. 21:

Biden Visits U.S. Troops in Japan

Readout: Obama's Call With Sarkozy

From the White House:

The President and French President Sarkozy spoke today about the situation in Libya and continued theirclose consultations about the global economic situation and recent developments in financial markets. With regard to Libya, they agreed that Qadhafi and the remnants of his regime needed to accept that their time is up and relinquish power once and for all, and they welcomed the progress that has been made by the Libyan people in pursuing an end to the Qadhafi regime. At the same time, they agreed to continue to work with allies and partners in the international community to protect the people of Libya and to support a peaceful transition to democracy. President Sarkozy joined the President in urging the Transitional National Council to continue demonstrating its leadership by respecting the rights of the people of Libya, avoiding civilian casualties, protecting the institutions of the Libyan state, and pursuing a transition to democracy that is just and inclusive for all of the people of Libya.

The two Presidents also discussed the global economic situation, the Eurozone crisis and recent market developments. They agreed on the importance of concerted action, including through the G20, to address these challenges and to spur growth and job creation in the global economy.

Another Recession? Unlikely

You wouldn't know it from the media reports but another recession is unlikely. I'm sure republicans have a lot to do with spinning economic news. The worse the economy, they figure, the better for them. Of course, for some people, it doesn't feel like we're in any kind of recovery. A lot of people were slammed because they had been living off credit cards and were deep in debt, so when they lost their home equity and their jobs, they didn't have much to fall back on. And for those without much to start, they're always are on the frontlines of a recession -- first to feel it, last to recover.

Granted, investors have more to fear than fear itself. But based on the disconnect between market performance and recent economic data, fears of another recession look to be overblown, says Jeffrey Kleintop, chief market strategist at LPL Financial.

One survey of economists puts the odds of recession at 25 percent. The debt and equity markets appear even more unnerved by the possibility of a double dip. Yet the latest data don’t jibe with such high levels of anxiety, Kleintop says in his latest note to clients. Read more

This video best depicted America pre recession:

Obama Will Speak in Detroit on Labor Day

From the White House:

On Monday, September 5, the President will travel to Detroit, Michigan, to deliver remarks at the Labor Day event sponsored by the Metro Detroit Central Labor Council.

Read more here.

Obama to Speak at MLK Memorial Dedication Aug. 28

Update: The dedication has been postponed thanks to Irene. Read Maya Angelou's poem for the event here.

The Martin Luther King Jr. National Memorial opened to the public Monday, the first day of a five-day celebration of the newest monument in Washington.

President Barack Obama will speak Sunday at the dedication of the memorial, with as many as 200,000 people expected to attend, officials said. The $120 million memorial will open on the anniversary of King's 1963 landmark "I Have a Dream" speech.

The memorial, which has been more than 25 years in the making, is located on a 4-acre site on the National Mall. Read more

Readout: Obama's Call With Cameron

The President and Prime Minister Cameron spoke today about the evolving situation in Libya. They agreed that the situation had reached a tipping point and that Qadhafi needed to relinquish power once and for all. At the same time, they agreed tocontinueto work with allies and partners in the international community to protect the people of Libya and to support a peaceful transition to democracy. The Prime Minister joined the President in urging the Transitional National Council to continue demonstrating its leadership by respecting the rights of the people of Libya, avoiding civilian casualties, protecting the institutions of theLibyan state, and pursuing a transition to democracy that is just and inclusive for all of the people of Libya.