Obama Meets with Natoma Canfield

Obama, Natoma (r) and her sister, Connie

Natoma helped inspire Obama to keep fighting for healthcare reform. Read her letter that hangs on the White House wall.

Louis C.K. on Obama

It's nice to hear people say swell things about POTUS, given the rubbish.

White House Press Briefing Dec. 12

NSC's Vietor on North Korea’s Missile Launch

From the White House:

North Korea’s launch today—using ballistic missile technology despite express prohibitions by United Nations Security Council resolutions—is a highly provocative act that threatens regional security, directly violates United Nations Security Council resolutions 1718 and 1874, contravenes North Korea’s international obligations, and undermines the global non-proliferation regime.  This action is yet another example of North Korea’s pattern of irresponsible behavior.  The United States remains vigilant in the face of North Korean provocations and fully committed to the security of our allies in the region. Given this current threat to regional security, the United States will strengthen and increase our close coordination with allies and partners.

On April 16, 2012, the United Nations Security Council expressed its “determination to take action accordingly in the event of a further [North Korean] launch.”  In the hours and days ahead, the United States will work with its Six-Party partners, the United Nations Security Council, and other UN member states to pursue appropriate action.  The international community must work in a concerted fashion to send North Korea a clear message that its violations of United Nations Security Council resolutions have consequences.  The international community continues to insist that North Korea live up to its commitments, adhere to its international obligations, and deal peacefully with its neighbors.

North Korea is only further isolating itself by engaging in such provocative acts.  Devoting scarce resources to the development of ballistic missiles and nuclear weapons has not brought it security and acceptance by the international community—and never will.  North Korea will only truly strengthen itself by abiding by international norms, living up to its commitments and international obligations, and working to feed its citizens, to educate its children, and to win the trust of its neighbors.

Obama's Schedule Dec. 12

White House is on Pinterest

Times are eastern.


9:45 AM
Obama and Biden receive the presidential daily briefing.
12:00 PM
Obama holds a conference call with a bipartisan group of mayors and community leaders.
12:30 PM
White House press briefing.

Obama Recognizes Syrian Regime Opposition

Obama's full interview with Barbara WaWa is Friday, ABC.

Michelle Obama Stops by Toys for Tots Drive Dec. 11

White House Press Briefing Dec. 11

Obama's Schedule Dec.11

Times are eastern.


9:45 AM
Obama and Biden receive the presidential daily briefing.
12:30 PM
Obama and Biden meet for lunch.
1:00 PM
White House press briefing.

Obama's Remarks at Christmas in Washington 2012

Obama Speaks at Daimler Diesel Plant in Michigan Dec. 10

In full:

Obama's Schedule Dec. 10

Times are eastern.

9:45 AM	The President and the Vice President receive the Presidential Daily Briefing Oval Office Closed Press
10:50 AM	The President departs the White House en route Joint Base Andrews South Lawn Press Information
11:05 AM	The President departs Joint Base Andrews Press Information
12:30 PM	The President arrives Michigan Metro-Wayne County Airport Press Information
1:35 PM	The President tours Daimler Detroit Diesel plant Daimler Detroit Diesel Plant, Michigan, Redford Press Information
2:00 PM	The President delivers remarks Daimler Detroit Diesel Plant, Michigan, Redford Open Press
2:55 PM	The President departs Michigan Metro-Wayne County Airport Open Press
4:15 PM	The President arrives Joint Base Andrews Press Information
4:30 PM	The President arrives the White House South Lawn Open Press

Record Breaking Photo of the Obamas

New photo of Obama the night Romney finally decided to concede. It took him a really long time, probably because he had to write a concession speech that he pompously never wrote:

Obama's Hanukkah Message 2012

Michelle and I send our warmest wishes to all those celebrating Hanukkah around the world. 

This Hanukkah season we remember the powerful story of the Maccabees who rose up to liberate their people from oppression. Upon discovering the desecration of their Temple, the believers found only enough oil to light the lamp for one night. And yet it lasted for eight. 

Hanukkah is a time to celebrate the faith and customs of the Jewish people, but it is also an opportunity for people of all faiths to recognize the common aspirations we share. This holiday season, let us give thanks for the blessings we enjoy, and remain mindful of those who are suffering. And let us reaffirm our commitment to building a better, more complete world for all.   

From our family to the Jewish Community around the world, Chag Sameach. 

Obama's Weekly Address Dec. 8

Charlie Crist Becomes a Democrat

Crist (pictured with his wife Carole) tweeted: "Proud and honored to join the Democratic Party in the home of President @BarackObama!"

Charlie Crist signed the papers to change parties at the White House.

Crist — Florida's former Republican governor who relished the tough-on-crime nickname "Chain Gang Charlie" and used to describe himself variously as a "Ronald Reagan Republican" and a "Jeb Bush Republican" — on Friday evening signed papers changing his party from independent to Democrat. Tampa Bay

Shields and Brooks Dec. 7

Despite republican shenanigans, a deal on the fiscal cliff will get done. Also, David Brooks calls republicans vote against the Disability Treaty an embarrassment for the nation.

Obama's Schedule Dec. 7

11:45 AM	The President meets with senior advisors Oval Office Closed Press
12:20 PM	The President signs the Child Protection Act of 2012 Oval Office Closed Press

West Wing Week Dec. 7

I've seen photos of the dress Michelle Obama wore at the Kennedy Center Honors, but it's even more beautiful in video - at the 1:49 minute mark:

Obama Speaks on Extending Middle Class Tax Cuts Dec. 6