Susan Rice on Palestine

Obama Speaks at Ron Brown Building Dedication in NYC

Patty Labelle kicks off the dedication by singing the National Anthem.

White House Press Briefing With Susan Rice Feb. 28

Susan Rice on Meet the Press Video Feb. 20

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

Susan Rice on New Iran Sanctions

Seems to me the idea behind ongoing Iran sanctions (this is the fourth round) is international peer pressure to isolate Iran's government.

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

Russia and China Join U.S. on Iran Sanctions

Susan Rice, U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations, says this round of sanctions go beyond prior sanctions, including tough financial and banking restrictions.

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

Obama Holds an Evening Meetup on Afghanistan

Update: Obama is expected to announce strategy/troops for Afghanistan Dec. 1.

In addition to a just-added meeting with all the Afghanistan bigwigs tonight at 8 pm eastern, Obama is meeting with his cabinet and his national security team. He's also having lunch with Joe Biden and having a one-on-one meeting with Hillary Clinton. This could be a signal that Obama will soon announce a strategy in Afghanistan. Obama will also speak about science, math and engineering at 11:40 am.
The attendees of this evening's meeting, according to Politico:

Vice President Biden, Secretary of State Clinton, Defense Secretary Gates, U.N. Ambassador Susan Rice, Deputy Secretary of State James Steinberg, Special Envoy Richard Holbrooke, Under Secretary of Defense Michele Flournoy, Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman Admiral Michael Mullen, Joint Chiefs of Staff Deputy Chairman Gen.James E. Cartwright, CENTCOM Commander Gen. David Petraeus, Afghanistan commander Gen. Stanley McChrystal, Ambassador to Afghanistan Karl Eikenberry, Ambassador to Pakistan Anne Patterson, National Security Adviser Jim Jones, Deputy National Security Adviser Tom Donilon, Assistant to the President for Counterterrorism and Homeland Security John Brennan and Lt. Gen. Douglas Lute, special assistant to the president for Afghanistan and Pakistan.

Susan Rice is Goofy for Halloween

Obama's Video Message to Israeli Presidential Conference

Susan Rice is attending the conference on behalf of the U.S. Some of what Obama said:

"I'm especially honored to send my greetings to a great statesman, the host of this conference, President Shimon Peres. His life stands as an extraordinary example of how courage and perseverance can help shape the future and turn harrowing challenges into historic opportunities," said Obama. "Shimon has also contributed to a deep and much abiding friendship between the United States and Israel."

Watch the video here.

White House Statement on Sudan

The White House has a new policy on Sudan, including calling the violence in Darfur genocide. Statement from the White House:

Today, my Administration is releasing a comprehensive strategy to confront the serious and urgent situation in Sudan.

For years, the people of Sudan have faced enormous and unacceptable hardship. The genocide in Darfur has claimed the lives of hundreds of thousands of people and left millions more displaced. Conflict in the region has wrought more suffering, posing dangers beyond Sudan’s borders and blocking the potential of this important part of Africa. Sudan is now poised to fall further into chaos if swift action is not taken.

Our conscience and our interests in peace and security call upon the United States and the international community to act with a sense of urgency and purpose. First, we must seek a definitive end to conflict, gross human rights abuses and genocide in Darfur. Second, the Comprehensive Peace Agreement between the North and South in Sudan must be implemented to create the possibility of long-term peace. These two goals must both be pursued simultaneously with urgency. Achieving them requires the commitment of the United States, as well as the active participation of international partners. Concurrently, we will work aggressively to ensure that Sudan does not provide a safe-haven for international terrorists.

The United States Special Envoy has worked actively and effectively to engage all of the parties involved, and he will continue to pursue engagement that saves lives and achieves results. Later this week, I will renew the declaration of a National Emergency with respect to Sudan, which will continue tough sanctions on the Sudanese Government. If the Government of Sudan acts to improve the situation on the ground and to advance peace, there will be incentives; if it does not, then there will be increased pressure imposed by the United States and the international community. As the United States and our international partners meet our responsibility to act, the Government of Sudan must meet its responsibilities to take concrete steps in a new direction.

Over the last several years, governments, non-governmental organizations, and individuals, and from around the world have taken action to address the situation in Sudan, and to end the genocide in Darfur. Going forward, all of our efforts must be measured by the lives that are led by the people of Sudan. After so much suffering, they deserve a future that allows them to live with greater dignity, security, and opportunity. It will not be easy, and there are no simple answers to the extraordinary challenges that confront this part of the world. But now is the time for all of us to come together, and to make a strong and sustained effort on behalf of a better future for the people of Sudan.

Obama to Announce New Sudan Policy Oct. 19

The U.S. will engage Sudan to achieve its goals:

The new U.S. policy, which will be formally unveiled Monday, calls for a campaign of "pressure and incentives" to cajole the government in Khartoum into pursuing peace in the troubled Darfur region, settling disputes with the autonomous government in southern Sudan and providing the United States greater cooperation in stemming international terrorism, according to administration officials briefed on the plan. It also provides Khartoum with a path to improved relations with the United States if it begins to address long-standing U.S. concerns.

The public rollout of the policy brings an end to months of contentious internal debate on how to confront a government headed by an indicted war crimes suspect, President Omar Hassan al-Bashir, and blamed in the deaths of more than 300,000 people in Darfur, according to U.N. estimates.

In what is intended as a show of unity for the new policy, Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton and Susan E. Rice, the U.S. ambassador to the United Nations, will announce it at the State Department with President Obama's special envoy to Sudan, retired Air Force Maj. Gen. J. Scott Gration. Rice and Gration had battled fiercely over the direction of the new policy, with Rice pressing for a tougher line and Gration calling for easing U.S. sanctions. Read more at WaPo

The violence in Darfur will be called genocide:

The review also addresses a long-standing dispute between Rice, who has argued that there is an "ongoing genocide" in Darfur, and Gration over how to characterize the violence in Darfur. From now on, the United States will maintain that genocide "is taking place" in Darfur, officials said. The agreement on genocide represents a setback for Gration, who argued publicly in June that Sudan is no longer engaged in a campaign of mass murder in that region. "What we see is the remnants of genocide," he told reporters.

Susan Rice on Meet the Press Oct. 4

Visit msnbc.com for Breaking News, World News, and News about the Economy

United Nations Starting to Look United

Rightwingers always like to say the United Nations is weak. Well, it turns out that it's only as weak as the level of U.S. engagement. When Obama appointed Susan Rice as United States ambassador to the United Nations, he designated that position a cabinet position, signifying its importance in the Obama administration. Obama has also stepped up U.S. foreign policy, engaging WITH the world, and now the United Nations is starting to look like it could be a powerful force.

Visit msnbc.com for Breaking News, World News, and News about the Economy

Chavez's Bar Room Entertainment

It's good that so many world leaders respect Obama, but we all know Hugo Chavez is being manipulative for his own selfish purposes. He's like any other wingnut. They're often childish, and they use hyperbole to push their ideologies. I love what Susan Rice has to say:

Michelle Obama Visits New York City

Michelle Obama spent time at Sesame Street, the United Nations, where she continued her "thank you" tour, and at Time's most influential gala:

"I stand here today because of people who loved me, and pushed me and believed in me,'' she said at a ceremony tonight in New York.

The first lady's debut in Washington, with her own public approval ratings standing just higher than the president's in recent polling, has enabled her to focus attention to volunteerism. And she used her time on stage tonight in New York to spotlight that as well as to launch a new initiative.

"The ability of one person to influence the outcome of someone else's life inspires me,'' she said. "When I made the decision to leave my job to found Public Allies Chicago, an AmeriCorps program that prepares youth for public service, I realized right away that I had made the right decision. There are few things more rewarding than watching young people recognize that they have the power to enrich not only their lives, but the lives of others as well.''

The problem, she said, is that public service is not always encouraged. "We push our young people to strive for things, an advanced degree, a job title, a big salary,'' she said. "Rarely do we urge them to stop and think about what their passion is, what kind of life they want to live, what kind of neighbors and colleagues and parents they want to be....

"At a time when our nation is facing unprecedented challenges, encouraging careers in public service and social innovation is more important than ever,'' said Obama, who shares Time's list of the most influential this year with political leaders - including her husband - academics, entertainers and entrepreneurs. Swamp

Michelle's remarks to United Nations' employees:

New York, New York

4:28 P.M. EDT

MRS. OBAMA: Thank you. Thank you so much. I am thrilled to be here. Thank you, Susan, for that kind introduction. I'm thrilled to be here, but I was just at Sesame Street, I'm sorry. (Laughter.) And I never thought I'd be on Sesame Street with Elmo and Big Bird, and I was thrilled. I'm still thrilled. I'm on a high. (Laughter.) I think it's probably the best thing I've done so far in the White House. But we were there talking about nutrition and healthy eating, and it's just been a thrill. So I'm glad I could take the time to be here with you all.

You know, I just want to tell you that Susan Rice -- I could take her introduction of me and turn it around and do the same thing for her. She is a trusted adviser and friend to the President and to me. And I know how appreciative Barack was when Susan agreed to serve as Ambassador to the United Nations, because of the importance that he places on the work that you all do. And having someone that he trusts and expects -- and respects and admires and who is also wicked smart -- I like that one -- (laughter) -- just is a sign of how valued this work is to the White House.

It is a pleasure to be here in New York. This is my first trip back to the city since I've become First Lady. It seems like I was just here, but it's been a hundred and seven, eight, nine days or something like that.

But in addition to doing some traveling around the country and around the world a little bit, I've been doing, as Susan mentioned, a lot of traveling around Washington, and trying to meet our new neighbors. That's something that we were taught; that when you move into a new place, that you learn about your community, that you introduce yourself, and you not just talk but you listen.

And I've been going around to as many federal agencies as I can. The goal is to hit all of them, and I've been to about 10 agencies, and really trying to shine a bright light on all of the hard work done by our nation's employees.

You know, my task when I go is simple: is to say thank you. And many people don't hear that. Many people don't feel that the years that they've put in -- sometimes are not appreciated. And my visits are just a simple way of saying yes, in fact, we see you, we know who you are, we value what you do, and we couldn't be here, wouldn't be here without you.

I've had the chance to meet so many people who've dedicated their lives, their entire careers to strengthening our nation. And in fact, here today I want to acknowledge 40 of those people who are sitting in the front rows here -- oh, this is the 40. (Laughter.) I was trying to figure out while I was standing there, which is the 40? (Laughter.) It's you!

It's my understanding that everyone over here has worked for the U.S. government for more than 20 years, and that includes Ivan Ferber. (Laughter.) Where's Ivan? (Applause.) He has worked here a remarkable 47 years -- longer than I've been alive. (Laughter.) So let's give Ivan and all of them a round of applause. (Applause.)

I have also been going around to do one of my favorite things, and that's meeting with kids in the schools and community centers and encouraging them to study hard -- my whole model is, being smart is really cool, so get it together -- telling them that we're going to need them to be prepared, basically, to take on the reins and become the future leaders, the future public servants, really trying to let them know that developing careers in public service and thinking about that now is a really good thing -- because we're going to need them, we're going to have a lot of work to do.

And I've learned that I don't need to work too hard sending that message to your kids, because the President was sent a letter the other day from the son of Scott Turner. (Laughter.) Where's Scott? All right, so Scott's son, Jack, a first grader -- okay, I know I'm going to embarrass you, but this is a good one -- (laughter) -- he wrote the following letter to the President:

Dear Mr. Obama, can you move to New York? (Laughter.) Because people like you so much in New York. I will help you come to New York. (Laughter.) And people are doing bad stuff in New York. (Laughter.) I will help you get the bad people. And when I catch the bad people, I will put them in jail. (Laughter.) That's why I want you to move to New York. From, Jack. (Laughter and applause.)

So ladies and gentlemen, I think we have identified the new future New York Police Commissioner! (Laughter.) Jack, on the case. (Laughter.)

Now, I know that part of Ambassador Rice's mission is to strengthen the U.N., but I also didn't think that nepotism was a part of it, but it's sometimes a good thing, and I've got an embarrassing story for her, as well.

A couple of weeks ago Susan's 11-year-old son, Jake, was here for Take Your Child to Work Day, a day that I know all drove us crazy, but the kids liked it. We had -- we enjoyed it at the White House, as well. But he was apparently embarrassed to be caught eating ice cream when the South African Ambassador was approaching his mother's office. And not wanting to, and this is a quote from Jake, to "make a bad first impression," Jake dumped his ice cream -- (laughter) -- just so he could introduce himself. Now, see, that's diplomacy -- (laughter) -- right there for an 11-year-old to sacrifice ice cream to shake the hand appropriately of a fellow ambassador.

AMBASSADOR RICE: If only he was so -- (inaudible.)

MRS. OBAMA: Well, you know -- (laughter) -- they never -- they never do that with us. (Laughter.) But good home training -- he was able to do it outside. So I want to thank Jake for taking so seriously his role in creating the best impression of American diplomacy.

But I think our future is in good hands, from what I've been seeing, traveling around. And I know that each and every one of you has a child in your life that you are desperately pushing ahead, and you know they can do it. So I believe we're going to be okay.

And I believe we're presently in good hands because of all of you. From what I'm seeing in my agency visits, people are ready and willing to sacrifice and roll up their sleeves.

As the President has said, the United States is pursuing a new era of engagement when it comes to advancing America's interests around the world. This new policy recognizes the fact that America's future is intricately linked to the rest of the world; that the threats facing the global community know no borders, and no single country can tackle them alone.

And we've learned this again with the recent outbreak of the H1N1 virus. We know now that we can not wall ourselves off from issues that are challenging our neighbors. It is moments like this when having relationships based on mutual trust and respect will be most beneficial. And as the world becomes even smaller and our future more inter-connected and the stakes ever higher, your work is more important. It has never been more important. Your work links the world to America and American ideals that are beacons of hope for millions of people.

As I told the young women at the Elizabeth Garrett Anderson School in London during our recent trip, I told them there was nothing in my life that would suggest that I would become First Lady. Rather, it is the premise of America and the promise kept that brings me here today.

There are millions of girls and boys in countries near and far who are looking for a way to make the most of their lives. There are parents struggling to raise those kids, there are teachers working hard to teach them, community leaders struggling to give them safe, nurturing communities where they can grow and thrive. And they're doing this against some pretty incredible odds, especially in developing countries.

And that's why the work that you do here to advance America's interests and to make the U.N. a more effective and efficient organization is so important.

There are people around the world counting on the success of your efforts. The young boy who is forced to carry a rifle and become a child soldier, he's counting on you. The girl locked out of the school house or attacked because she had the audacity to want to learn to read or write, she's counting on you. The mother walking hours each day to find clean water for her children, she's counting on you. And the father who leaves his family for months or years on end in search of work, he's counting on you, as well.

Social and economic development programs give millions of people hope and a chance at a brighter future, paving the way for a more peaceful and prosperous world for us all.

And in my role as First Lady, what I hope to do is to work with you in some way, shape or form to help build that mission. And I am looking forward to joining you in this endeavor.

So I want to thank you all for what you've done, what you will continue to do. We are rooting for you, and we need you. So thank you so much. (Applause.)

I'm thrilled to be here but I was just on Sesame Street:

Visit msnbc.com for Breaking News, World News, and News about the Economy

Michelle Obama Speaks at United Nations May 5

Michelle Obama at the Sojourner Truth event.

Update 5-5: Michelle visits Sesame Street and speaks at the UN (transcript here)
Michelle Obama will celebrate Cinco de Mayo with an event on Monday, May 4 and then meet up with United Nations ambassador Susan Rice May 5 in New York. They will both speak, according to the Swamp. In the eve, she'll attend Time's 100 Most Influential gala.

The World's Going to Hell in a Handbasket

To temper my positive blog post earlier today, it looks like nuclear extermination is inevitable, according to the doomsday bunch at the roundtable on This Week. George Will says there is no community of nations and the world is just made up of conflict, and that's natural, end of story. Richard Haass said forget about reducing nuclear proliferation. The gloomy bunch conclude Europe isn't ready to step up to the plate. Well, duh. It's going to take more than a speech. It's going to take time and consistent efforts to rally Europe and other allies. David Frum says Obama didn't get anything he wanted at the G20. See the roundtable here and here.  George Will also says republicans didn't vote for the budget because Obama's not a novelty anymore. Okay. 

UN Ambassador Susan Rice was relatively tame:

STEPHANOPOULOS: Is the United States prepared to pressure China?

RICE: We're working very closely with China. China shares the same goal that we do, which is a de-nuclearized Korean Peninsula. China also is very proximate, on the border with North Korea, and shares our desire not to see this situation escalate, and to ensure that we can achieve, George, the long-term goal, which is de- nuclearization of the Korean Peninsula through the six-party talk process.

STEPHANOPOULOS: But because China is right on the border of North Korea, they've been reluctant to really pressure North Korea. They're afraid that if you turn the screws too hard on North Korea, the regime is going to collapse and there's going to be chaos.

And is that why they are not going along with tougher sanctions?

RICE: Well, I think they have multiple concerns. They are looking at the large long-term goal of ensuring that we don't have a nuclearized Korean Peninsula. There have been times when we have differed as to the best means of achieving that.

But we are unified with China and others in the six parties towards the goal, George, of ensuring that we roll back this nuclear program that North Korea is pursuing.

STEPHANOPOULOS: But is there any evidence at all that North Korea is going to respond to any of this? They've been steadily adding to their nuclear program, in fits and starts at times, but basically they've been able, over the last eight years or so, to develop a nuclear capability, to develop nuclear warheads, and they seem determined to keep going on that track. RICE: Well, George, it is fits and starts. I mean, there have been steps that have occurred over the last years that have been progress. For example, they did take steps to dismantle the facility at Yongbyon, which was the principal reactor. Read more or watch the video here

Michelle Obama Celebrates Women at White House

The first woman to go into space, the first coach to bring three teams to the final four, the first African American woman to be ambassador to the United Nations.....
Just Michelle, rocking her power at the White House. Earlier in the day, Michelle visited a DC school.

Obama's Basketball Playing Cabinet

From The Swamp:

SI has the "who's who'' of the incoming administration's starting lineup:

Arne Duncan Secretary of Education 6'5" Co-captain at Harvard in the mid '80's/played in USBL and Australia

Eric Holder Attorney General 6'2" Columbia freshman team/co-captain of Stuyvesant High (NYC)

Ret. Gen. James Jones Natl. Security Adviser 6'5" Frontcourt reserve at Georgetown 1963-65

Susan Rice Ambassador to U.N. 5'3" Point guard at National Cathedral school (D.C.)/played at Oxford

Timothy Geithner Treasury Secretary Played in the Federal Reserve Bank of New York league

Sports Illustrated's Audacity of Hoops:

Obama remains something short of the total hoops package. He can't dunk. He doesn't have a nickname. His usual getup of black sweatpants and gray T-shirt (call it the Police Academy Trainee look) isn't likely to set a trend. But he does stick his nose in it. In Kuwait last July he didn't merely visit U.S. troops, he swished a three for them -- first try, no warmup. And as president he'll keep the counsel of a roster's worth of former ballplayers, in and out of his Cabinet, many better at the game than he.

Obama Announces National Security Team - Video

Obama connects the dots between national security and the economy and announces Hillary Clinton as secretary of state, retired Marine General James Jones as national security adviser, Eric Holder as attorney general, Arizona Governor Janet Napolitano as homeland security secretary and Susan Rice as ambassador to the United Nations. He says he wants strong opinions and dissent so there's no group think.