Follow Barack Obama prior and during his tenure as the 44th President of the United States. Read about my personal observations along with every day facts as they happen. This blog will only submit factual information about the first black President, now in his 2nd term of office.
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Obama: US Committed to Defend South Korea

Tuesday, November 23, 2010



Wednesday, November 24th, 2010 at 2:10 am UTC
Posted 47 minutes ago
U.S. President Barack Obama has reaffirmed the U.S. commitment to defend South Korea, but the U.S. is calling for a measured response to the North Korean artillery strike on a South Korean island.
The United States condemned Tuesday’s attack on Yeonpyeong island that killed two South Korean marines and wounded 18 people, including three civilians. The attack triggered an exchange of artillery fire that was one of the most dramatic confrontations between the two sides since the Korean War ended in 1953.
In an interview (with ABC News), Mr. Obama said he would not speculate about a military reaction and wants to first speak to South Korean President Lee Myung-bak.
President Obama met with his senior national security team Tuesday to discuss the situation. A White House statement released after the meeting said Mr. Obama reiterated the “unshakeable support” of the United States for South Korea.
Meanwhile, the U.S.-led United Nations Command has called for talks with North Korea to calm tensions.
A statement from U.S. General Walter Sharp, who leads the U.N. Command and U.S. forces in South Korea, said North Korea should stop what he called “these unprovoked attacks” and abide by the armistice agreement that ended the Korean War.
Earlier, White House Deputy Press Secretary Bill Burton said President Obama was “outraged” by the attack and believes North Korea is not living up to its obligations under international law and the armistice.
North Korea launched the artillery barrage on Yeonpyeong after warning Seoul to stop military exercises in the area, which Pyongyang claims as its territorial waters. South Korea refused and fired artillery into the waters, away from the North.
South Korea’s president called an emergency meeting of security officials and later accused the North of indiscriminately attacking civilians. He said such behavior will not be tolerated and warned of stern retaliation for further attacks.
The U.S. Defense Department said it is monitoring the situation and talking with its South Korean counterparts. But Pentagon spokesman Colonel Dave Lapan said it is premature to consider any U.S. action in response to the North Korean attack.
Lapan said none of the 25,000 U.S. troops in South Korea was involved in the South Korean military drills that preceded the exchange of fire.
South Korea says about 100 North Korean shells landed on or near Yeonpyeong, damaging homes belonging to its 1,600 residents and forcing them to evacuate to shelters. The South responded by firing 80 shells at North Korean positions across the border and sending fighter jets to the area.
The Associated Press quotes officials in Seoul as saying there could be considerable North Korean casualties from the battle, which lasted about an hour.
U.S. envoy on North Korean issues Stephen Bosworth discussed the incident Tuesday with Chinese officials in Beijing. He later said the United States and China agree that such conflict is “very undesirable” and that restraint is needed on both sides.
Pyongyang vowed to launch more “merciless military attacks” if South Korea keeps violating what it claims as North Korean territorial waters.

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Obama Meets with Top Advisers on Korea Situation

VOA NewsCom


U.S. President Barack Obama met Tuesday with his top advisers about the situation on the Korean peninsula, in the wake of North Korea's artillery attack on a South Korean island. Obama is expected to telephone South Korean President Lee Myung-bak to reiterate U.S. support for South Korea.

Immediately upon his return to the White House from a brief trip to the Midwestern state of Indiana, the president went into a meeting  of his national security team.

According to a White House statement, National Security Advisor Tom Donilon, and Secretaries of State and Defense Hillary Clinton and Robert Gates were among those taking part.

Also participating in person or via video link were the chairman of the U.S. military Joint Chiefs of Staff, Admiral Michael Mullen and the commander of U.S. forces in Korea, General Walter Sharp as well as Admiral Robert Willard, Commander of U.S. Pacific Command and U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Susan Rice.

The White House statement says Obama reiterated the unshakeable support of the United States for the Republic of Korea, and that he discussed ways to advance peace and security on the Korean peninsula.

Briefing reporters earlier in the day, Deputy White House Press Secretary Bill Burton described Mr. Obama has being "outraged" by North Korean actions on Tuesday, adding that the United States "stands shoulder to shoulder" with South Korea and that it is fully committed to South Korea's defense.

It is unknown what contacts President Obama has made or plans to make with other world leaders. Asked whether the president would call China's President Hu Jintao, White House Burton said only that Obama would do what is appropriate.

U.S. envoy for North Korea Stephen Bosworth was in Beijing, consulting South Korean, Japanese and Chinese officials, and is expected to meet with the president. The key focus of Bosworth's talks in the region was Pyongyang's recent revelation of an apparent uranium enrichment plant.  

Bosworth called the North Korean artillery attack that killed two South Korean marines and wounded 18 people, three of them civilians, "aggression."  

The U.S. State Department on Tuesday called the attack an "unprovoked military assault," and said the Obama administration is planning a "measured and unified" response, working with China and other nations in the six-party talks on North Korea's nuclear program.

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North Korea attacks South Korean Island with Artillery in Disputed Waters

North Korea attacked South Korea today in a deliberate bombing of an island near their disputed sea border. Two of South Korea's marines were killed along with several dozen building were hit and on fire.
It appears that North Korea may be sending a message to South Korea that they want all military drills in the area to cease. This information was provided by South Korean officials. South Korea was participating in military drills at the time, as they were firing artillery in disputed waters, no where near North Korea. President Obama along with officials of Japan an other Asian countries, condemned the bombings. The South Koreans have taken this attack as an act of war, but because the world community has urged South Korea not to take immediate action, they appear to be standing down for now. But it is clear to the world community that North Korea should be held accountable for their actions. Followups of this story will be forthcoming.

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Products that Help with Preventing Colon Cancer

Sunday, November 21, 2010

There are a few topics written on this blog that are not related to politics in any fashion, and this article happens to be one of them. But that doesn't mean that the topic is not important, but it is information that people need to know, especially men. Most people, espeicially men take a colonoscopy exam on an annual basis. It is important to catch and help prevent colon cancer, which is on the top of rated killer diseases that are curable if caught in time.. Products available for use as a colon cleanser are available, but before using such a product, it is important to know how effective the product is, along with how safe it is. The company who distributes these products should provide a money back guarantee, and these are the products that usually work. Before using a cleanser of this type, it is also important to read product reviews and learn what people say about the product you plan to buy. It should be priced right, becauase the higher priced products are not necessarily the best products.

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Obama says 'Pat Downs' are Necessary

As President Obama is still traveling on one of his largest foreign trips to date, the president states that is is necessary to have the TSA agents at airports to help prevent the possibility of someone carrying weapons on an airplane. Appearently the metal detector has proven not to be 100% effective, as these so called pat downs are used in most every airport. An excuse for having these agents is to protect the Airlines for terrorism and to keep passangers safe. Pat downs are one thing, but full body scans are another. Some people consider it an invasion of privacy. One of the reasons for the searches by TSA is because of the situation and threat that occurred on Christmas day last year.
As expected, there is much public outrage, especially from the Republicans that believe that President Obama is totally out of touch with the people now.
Even though the president approves of the method in place, he feels that at this time there just is no other way, but has assed the Transportation Security Administration to try and come up in a less obtrusive way for a search.

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Heath Care Bill helped Robin Lynn Beaton with Acne Condition

Saturday, November 20, 2010

Acne can be a problem that can cause severe skin burning, and can cause pitting that can give you grief beyond your wildest imagination. Just ask a lady by the name of Robin Lynn Beaton, 59, of Waxahachie, Texas. She had a fight with her insurance just because she didn't report a story concerning acne. If she used the proper medicines, she may have been able to keep the condition of her skin issue at a low key.  President Obama used her case to promote his health insurance bill which eventually passed, and hopefully the new bill will help the lady acquire the proper insurance. Sometimes by purchasing the proper skin products such as an acne scar remover, you could almost eliminate those costly bills that Robin Lynn experienced during her treatments for acne. Even if you suffer from acne and acquire lasting skin effects such as pitting, there are products  to eliminate these issues too, without having to deal with insurance companies. Sometimes it is just better to do things for yourself, eliminating the headache that you would have dealing with insurance.

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Nancy Polosi - Bidding for the Minority Leader Position in the House

Wednesday, November 10, 2010

Nancy Pelosi has stated publicly that she will run for the minority leader in the new Congress. President Obama seems to support her, but more than just a handful of Democrats feel that she does not have the ability to lead. Some feel that she could destroy Democratic electoral chances in 2012. At this point in time, no-one has stepped in to run against her, and so for the time being, she is the odds-on favorite to win the job.
Why would she want it? Does she feel she can lead the minority party in the House and have the ability to persuade the Conservative majority that her way of thinking is best for the country? Most people feel that now she has been pushed aside as the majority leader, she has no power, and would be a hindrance to the party. At the present time, she is considered an unpopular outgoing speaker. According to a CNN report "Pelosi's allies say the logic behind her decision to stick around is simple: She's the only living person to have led House Democrats from the desert to the promised land once before."
Her chances of success as a minority leader are slim, especially now that she will be a rich target for the disgruntled Democrats. The new Majority Speaker of the House, John Boehner will be spending some of his time wooing these Democrats to his message from time to time.
At the present time, Nancy Pelosi is the top dog for the Democrats in the House, and if everything stays the same now and no-one challenges her for the job, she most likely will gain the position, as she claims to already have the votes necessary to keep her job.
Many voters feel that since many of her fellow Democrats now have to clear their desks because of loosing the battle in the House, that she should take the example and also step down. Many Democrats despise her decision to stay as Minority Speaker in the House. They feel that she would hinder the Democrats ability to make progress in promoting their new candidate for President in 2012, should President Obama decide not to run.

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The U.S. President in South Korea - Attending the G-20 Summit

President Obama is now in South Korea, where he will meet with the leaders of the top global economies at the G-20 summit. The purpose of these meetings are to help stabilize the world's financial markets.
On his present schedule is a meeting with South Korean President Lee Myung-bak and a meeting with Chinese President Hu Jintao. While in South Korea, The President will visit with the U.S. troops stationed in South Korea on a most fitting day on Thursday, which is the celebrated Veterans Day holiday in the U.S.
Expected are talks about currency and trade at the summit. President obama is likely to ask all other nations in the G-20 to help foot the bill of the world economy. South Korean authorities now have approximately 50,000 police and others known as riot police to help protect the G-20 Summit.
Grappling with a troubled U.S. economy, the Obama administration has highlighted the strengthening of economic and military ties during the president's 10-day Asia tour. Obama started his trip with a three-day stay in India, before heading to Indonesia.
In Mumbai on Saturday, the president unveiled about $10 billion in contracts for U.S. exports to India. It is Asia's third-largest economy and one of the world's few growth markets.
Speaking in New Delhi on Monday, Obama said, "We make some of the best products in the world and we want to sell them to a growing Indian market."
At the Seoul summit, G-20 leaders are expected to focus on the global economic recovery and mechanisms to ensure balance and sustainable growth.

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New CNN Blog "The 1600" Report

CNN has revealed their latest blog known as "The 1600" report. CNN reporters, producers, and photojournalists provide information behind the gates of the White House and behind the scenes. This blog most likely will be a major source of information provided on this website.

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Obama backs permanent seat for India on Security Council

Monday, November 8, 2010


From Ed Henry and Sara Sidner, CNN
November 8, 2010 10:25 a.m. EST


New Delhi, India (CNN) -- In another major sign of growing ties between India and the United States, President Barack Obama on Monday backed a permanent seat for India in the U.N. Security Council.
"In the years ahead, I look forward to a reformed U.N. Security Council that includes India as a permanent member," he said in an address to the Indian Parliament.
The statement came as Obama made a wide-ranging address that envisioned closer economic and security ties between the United States and India, standing "shoulder to shoulder" with the world's largest democracy.
In a swift reaction, Pakistan said it is discounting the possibility of such a development. The Foreign Ministry said that despite "India's aspirations for recognition as a global power notwithstanding, there are reasons enough to discredit this proposed direction of the process of UNSC reforms."
It cites "India's conduct in relations with its neighbors and its continued flagrant violations of Security Council resolutions on Jammu and Kashmir," a disputed region that the nuclear rivals have fought about.
Ben Rhodes, a top White House aide, told reporters before the speech that the Obama administration wants to "send as clear a statement as possible" that the United States sees India as a "rising player" on the international stage.
But Rhodes said the United States was "not getting into" details about the time frame in which the United States would like to see India get the permanent seat and whether or not it will push to get India veto power as well.
Rhodes, a senior staffer on the National Security Council, said the president's endorsement "speaks volumes" about U.S. support for India and the administration will let the key details be "hashed out" by the United Nations itself.
At present, there are five permanent members -- the United States, Russia, China, Britain and France.
Getting India a permanent seat, however, will not be easy. Obama administration officials acknowledged that they and previous administrations have supported Japan, Germany and Brazil at various times for permanent seats on the U.N. Security Council without any success so far.
Before Monday's announcement was made Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh eluded to the deal during a joint news conference before Obama's speech to Parliament in which he highlighted the close cooperation on major issues typically confronted by the United Nations.
"As states possessing nuclear weapons, we have today put forth a common vision of a world without nuclear weapons, and decided to lead global efforts for nonproliferation and universal and nondiscriminatory global nuclear disarmament," Singh said.
"This is a historic and bold bilateral initiative. We have also decided to strengthen cooperation to tackle nuclear terrorism, and we welcome U.S. participation in the Global Center for Nuclear Energy Partnership, which will be set up in India."
Pakistan, noting that reform is a "difficult process and will take significant time," said it hopes that the United States "will take a moral view and not base itself on any temporary expediency or exigencies of power politics."
"Pakistan believes that U.S endorsement of India's bid for its permanent seat in the Security Council adds to the complexity of the process of reforms of the Council," the Foreign Ministry statement said.
"Pakistan's position on U.N. Security Council's reforms is based on principles. Any reform of the Council that contradicts the very fundamental principles of the U.N. Charter including the principle of sovereign equality; of equal rights and self-determination; and the principle of collective security would gravely undermine the system of international relations based on the U.N. Charter principles."
Obama, who mourned the deaths of American citizens in the November 2008 terror attacks in Mumbai and the killings of Indian citizens in the September, 11, 2001 strikes in the United States, said the shared bond is prompting both countries to work together to fight terrorism.
He addressed the conflict in Afghanistan and Pakistan in the conflict.
"America's fight against al Qaeda and its terrorist affiliates is why we persevere in Afghanistan, where major development assistance from India has improved the lives of the Afghan people."
He said the United States is working with Pakistan to address the threat of terror networks, such as those in Pakistan that were responsible for the Mumbai attacks and it welcomes "dialogue" between the governments in New Delhi and Islamabad.
"The Pakistani government increasingly recognizes that these networks are not just a threat outside of Pakistan -- they are a threat to the Pakistani people, who have suffered greatly at the hands of violent extremists," said Obama.
"And we will continue to insist to Pakistan's leaders that terrorist safe-havens within their borders are unacceptable, and that the terrorists behind the Mumbai attacks be brought to justice. We must also recognize that all of us have and interest in both an Afghanistan and a Pakistan that is stable, prosperous and democratic -- and none more so than India."
Obama said India and the United States "are now ready to begin implementing our civil nuclear agreement," a measure he called a "landmark" deal. At the same time, he talked about the importance of reducing the spread of nuclear weapons.
"The United States and India can pursue our goal of securing the world's vulnerable nuclear material. We can make it clear that even as every nation has the right to peaceful nuclear energy, every nation must also meet its international obligations -- and that includes the Islamic Republic of Iran."
Obama also said Monday "the world cannot remain silent" as "peaceful democratic movements are suppressed," citing the government of Myanmar, also known as Burma.
"For it is unacceptable to gun down peaceful protesters and incarcerate political prisoners decade after decade. It is unacceptable to hold the aspirations of an entire people hostage to the greed and paranoia of a bankrupt regime. It is unacceptable to steal an election, as the regime in Burma has done again for all the world to see," he said.
He said India shouldn't shy away from condemning human rights violations.
"If I can be frank, in international fora, India has often avoided these issues. But speaking up for those who cannot do so for themselves is not interfering in the affairs of other countries. It's not violating the rights of sovereign nations. It's staying true to our democratic principles. "
Obama hailed Mahatma Gandhi, who used peaceful nonviolence to help India gain its independence, and he noted Gandhi's influence on the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. and the nonviolent resistance that typified the American civil rights movement.
"I am mindful that I might not be standing before you today, as president of the United States, had it not been for Gandhi and the message he shared and inspired with America and the world," the president said.
Obama lauded India's rise on the world stage, saying, "For Asia and around the world, India is not simply emerging; India has already emerged" and said the country is unleashing an "economic marvel." He envisions, he said, U.S.-Indian relations as "one of the defining partnerships of the 21st century."
He said India has overcome critics who say the country was too poor, vast and diverse to succeed, citing its Green Revolution, investments in science and technology.
"The world sees the results, from the supercomputers you build to the Indian flag that you put on the moon."
Obama praised India's democratic institutions: its free electoral system, independent judiciary, the rule of law, and free press. He said India and the United States have a unique link because they are democracies and free-market economies.
"When Indians vote, the whole world watches. Thousands of political parties. Hundreds of thousands of polling centers. Millions of candidates and poll workers, and 700 million voters. There's nothing like it on the planet. There is so much that countries transitioning to democracy could learn from India's experience; so much expertise that India could share with the world. That, too, is what's possible when the world's largest democracy embraces its role as a global leader," he said.
Noting the country's rise as a world power, Obama said he sees the United States cooperating with India in various international and regional alliances. He praised India's role in the climate change negotiations and its role as a top contributor in U.N. peacekeeping missions.
Obama talked about both countries pursuing joint research efforts, such as starting green jobs. He talked about reducing barriers to foreign investments, helping India improve weather forecasting before monsoons and to aid families in saving water.
He mentioned improved food processing and sharing India's knowledge with African farmers, with support for India's efforts to battle disease and increase educational exchanges.

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President Obama and First Lady Michelle Participate in Cultural Events

President Obama took a break from work yesterday morning to participate in cultural events here in Mumbai, India. Mr. and Mrs. Obama attended a Diwali candle lighting and literally colorful performance at a local high school and the festivities brought both the Obamas to their feet.
After lighting candles at the Diwali alter, which won the couple a round of applause, the president and first lady were treated to synchronized dances by young girls dressed in bright oranges, greens, blues, and pinks. The dancers called for the first lady to join them and she jumped at the chance. After some encouragement, and a bit of resistance, the president finally gave in and joined the boy dancers, to the joy of everyone in the room, and was qucikly surrounded by the children.
Diwali is a five day religious holiday for Hindus, Jains and Sikhs alike. Popularly known as the festival of lights - as illustrated by all the fire works witnessed by this producer from the hotel windows last night - Diwali marks the return of Lord Rama from his fourteen-year-long exile and his vanquishing the demon-king Ravana and celebrates the triump of light over darkness.
In remarks Saturday evening, Mr. Obama called it an honor to be the first president to celebrate the festival of lights at the White House last year.





"I know that today, families are lighting their Diyas and giving thanks for their blessings and looking ahead to the new year" the president said. "So to all of you who are observing this sacred holiday here and around the world, Happy Diwali and a Saal Mubarak."
Whenever the president travels, the White House makes a point to incorporate cultural events into Mr. Obama's schedule. His three day visit to India is no different and aids say, these kinds of stops, in addition to the more official "work" events, are meant to enhance U.S. relations.
"A presidential trip to India, these have -- really is a powerful message to the people of India and to the people of the United States about the importance and depth of the relationship, and that's a very important thing to do, obviously, particularly in democracies, to really have a powerful demonstration," said National Security Advisor Tom Donilon to reporters aboard Air Force One en route to India. "And there's no more powerful way to do that than a presidential trip to a country like India."
The first couple have already visited the 26/11 Memorial, commemorating the November 2008 attacks in Mumbai and the Mahatma Ghandi museum - Mani Bhavan. Before celebrating Diwali at Holy Name High School, the Obamas visited a classroom in the school where students presented environmental themed dioramas which include an eco-friendly village, and a project promoting solar energy, and energy conservation.
"Young people are much more aware and focused on environmental issues than our generation, " the president said to the traveling press. "I noticed this with Malia and Sasha. I noticed with this presentation as well."
After a town hall with students this afternoon in Mumbai, the president and first lady then head to New Delhi to visit Humayun's Tomb - a 16th century Mughal emperor, after which they will have a private dinner with Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh.



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Obama Lands in India, Strategic Longest Foreign Country Stop in Presidency

President Obama and the first lady have begun their nine day, four country foreign trip with a first stop in India -- a country that will hold the distinction of Obama's longest visit to any single country of his presidency so far.
The first couple landed in India Saturday morning, and will visit two cities, Mumbai and New Delhi, over four days.
The length of the trip was a move the White House did by design.
"India is a cornerstone of our broader Asia approach," said Ben Rhodes, Deputy National Security Advisor for Strategic Communication, which "is focused on again, expanding exports for U.S. goods, deepening partnerships in [an] important part of the world, partnering together in the G20 and other forums."
And it's that "broader Asia approach" some experts say, the White House is most focused on. Of course trade is an important issue, which will be discussed throughout the visit, as India is the 17th largest market for exported U.S. goods and U.S exports to India doubled between 2005 and 2009. That's a growth rate six times faster than our exports to the rest of the world.
Then there is the strategic military and counter-terrorism relationship - the U.S. conducts more military exercises with India than with any other country. But again, that "broad Asia approach" is the language some experts fixate on.
"Any time any American official talks about relations with India, they are looking at India in an Asian context," says Teresita Schaffer of the Center for Strategic & International Studies.
Translation? Think China. "The United States is betting the future of its role in Asia on the development of a broad -based, diverse power structure there, capable of absorbing China's rise in an atmosphere of peace and serious economic engagement," says Schaffer.
It's an observation the Obama administration acknowledges. "We don't feel like there needs to be a choice between a cooperative U.S.-China relationship and these broader relationships that we have in Asia," said Rhodes in a briefing with reporters. "If we look at our record over the last few years, one of the things we're most proud of is putting those alliances with Korea and Japan on a firmer footing...and then dealing with the partnership in India that has such enormous potential," Rhodes said, referencing two of the other three stops Mr. Obama will make this week.
But Schaffer argues, "India is perhaps the most important moving part in this scenario, and that is the major reason for his travel to India and for the Asia-centric structure of the trip."
"Frankly, it is a relationship that, because it's between two democracies, has a kind of qualitative potential that is unique," said Rhodes. "The U.S. and India, as the world's two largest democracies, share interests but we also share values. And that opens the doors to cooperation bilaterally but also cooperation in the region and around the world."
And that bilateral cooperation will be on display this week, as it has been in previous years.
It was the Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh who was welcomed to the White House just a year ago for President Obama's first State Dinner, an honor which will be reciprocated Monday night in New Delhi. And while Singh and former President Bush had a strong relationship - illustrated by the U.S.-India nuclear deal, and Mr. Singh's praise at their last joint appearance together in which he told Mr. Bush "the people of India deeply love you." Experts say Mr. Obama and the Indian Prime Minister share good relations as well.
"Obama and Singh are both cerebral, professorial types," says Schaffer. "So they speak the same language."
Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., spoke Friday in Washington on the strategic and important relationship with India, especially when it comes to security and terrorism.
"The main challenge to this common vision, as well as a central threat to U.S. and Indian security, is the violent Islamist extremism emanating from Afghanistan and Pakistan. He talked about how by chance his last visit was just after the deadly Mumbai attacks two years ago and how impressed he was with the prime minister's reaction.
"This only reaffirmed my deep-seated belief that India has every sovereign right to defend itself, its people, and its democratic way of life. And the United States should continue to support this goal through enhanced intelligence sharing and counterterrorism cooperation," McCain said.
The president and first lady will start their visit commemorating the 2008 Mumbai terrorist attacks by visiting a memorial - known in India as the 26/11 Memorial, for the 26th of November 2008, when the attacks occurred. The memorial at the Taj Mahal Palace and Tower Hotel - one of the 10 sites where 31 of the nearly 200 people killed in coordinated attacks - is where the Obamas will stay during their Mumbai visit. The Obamas will sign a guest book after which the president will deliver remarks.
The first couple will also visit Mahatma Ghandi's residence - Mani Bhavan. When they visit New Delhi on Monday, the Obamas will lay a wreath at Raj Ghat, Ghani's Mausoleum. These cultural stops are of some personal interest to the president, who frequently references Martin Luther King, Jr., who followed Ghandi's teaching of peaceful resistance.
The White House says the "centerpiece" for the president's first day in India will be his attendance and then remarks at the Business Council and Entrepreneurship Summit. According to Rhodes, the focus of the president's remarks will be on "the U.S./India economic relationship, the enormous potential for both countries to expand growth and opportunity for our people through that relationship."
Sunday will be the president's first full day in country, when he and the first lady will participate in a Diwali celebration at a Mumbai high school. Diwali is known as the celebration of lights, and is said to symbolize the victory of good over evil, light over darkness and knowledge over ignorance. The first couple will attend a Diwali candle lighting and performance before heading to a town hall with college students. The Obamas will then travel to New Delhi for dinner with the Prime Minister and Mrs. Kaur.
On Monday is the first full day in Indian capital for the president and first lady, who will participate in an arrival ceremony and visit Ghandi's Mausoleum, after which it's down to business. Mr. Obama and Mr. Singh have scheduled meetings and a joint press conference, their second together, after which the president will address the Indian Parliament - not just anyone can address the Parliament, as it is by invitation only. Of course it's a day of honor, as the president and first lady will also be welcomed to the presidential palace for a State Dinner.
The Obamas awake in India Tuesday, and head on to Jakarta.

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Obama Wearing Glasses?

Saturday, November 6, 2010

Now here is something that you may hardly ever suspect. How about President Obama wearing glasses. Come to think of it, I've never seen President Obama wear glasses. But if he were to wear glasses, he may just look like the likeness in the pictures below. As for myself, I wear glasses, mainly for reading, as I've had Lasik Eye surgery several years ago. They are considered bifocal safety glasses, and without them, I really cannot see well enough to read or to look at a computer screen. Besides the ability to see better with these glasses, they are also designed with occupational lenses to protect your eyes. These glasses are impact resistant and resists ultra violet light. It is always nice to have these types of glasses around, especially when working or even to have an emergency pair around in case the main set of glasses either break or get lost.

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President Obama's Diet - Healthy and Not So Healthy

Thursday, November 4, 2010

Until Michelle Obama writes a mega-selling diet book — be it “First Ladies Don’t Get Fat” or “The South Lawn Diet” — two questions loom: What do the Obamas eat at home, and how do they stay so thin?

No idle questions, these. Health care policy is dominating Capitol Hill at a time when a sports-loving president has set an example of fitness and a svelte first lady has revived the notion of the backyard vegetable garden. Yet the first couple often publicly enjoy hearty servings of not-so-healthful food — and allow their daughters to indulge, too. Little wonder that the blog Obama Foodorama, run by Eddie Gehman Kohan, has been overwhelmed with interest in the presidential meal plan. “People just don’t know how to eat — and don’t know what to eat in order not to be fat. They are looking to the Obamas like, ‘How did you do this?’” said Kohan. Is it possible that they use diet pills that give you energy? I hardly think so, as the first family seems to be pretty physically fit, even though Michelle Obama has received a few comments about her weight recently.

Nutrition experts, too, say Americans need a much better glimpse of what’s being dished up behind the gates of 1600 Pennsylvania Ave. “We have no idea what their regular breakfasts, lunches and dinners are like,” said American Dietetic Association spokeswoman and D.C. nutritionist Katherine Tallmadge. “Burgers, that’s all I ever hear about. They go to burger joints because it shows they’re just like everybody else, but everybody else is overweight.”

That’s not exactly an exaggeration: Nearly two-thirds of all adults over age 20 are overweight or obese, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. What’s worse, American adults are less likely to perceive themselves as overweight than they were 10 years ago, even though obesity rates increased substantially during the same period, according to a new study by economists at the Federal Reserve Bank of Boston and Florida State University. “People base their perception of themselves on what’s average for the people around them, and that average has increased over time,” said Reserve Bank economist Mary Burke. “There are more overweight people out there who no longer think they are overweight, and that’s cause for concern.”

If the Obamas have a diet secret, it is that they’ve achieved the elusive “balanced” lifestyle — a concept that has been preached for years by health secretaries, doctors and even the fast-food, candy and beverage industries.

The first couple fit in early-morning workout sessions before the day begins, and the president is known to play basketball. A vegetable garden has been planted on the White House grounds, where daughters Sasha and Malia play on their swing set and run about with the first dog, Bo.

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The Last Word - Explained by Democratic Senator Tom Daschle in an Interview

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Bid for the White House to Begin Soon

Midterm Elections Down, 2012 in Site for the Republicans

In the following USA Today video, take a glance as what the Republican field may look like in 2012, running against the incumbent President Barack Obama. Some people in the Republican party are also afraid of the fissure that may be created with the introduction of the 'tea party' candidates, who would split favorites within the Republican party. Is given the support by her party, Sarah Palin has also stated publically that she would run again if she felt that she had the support to do so.
Watch the following clip that demonstrates the bid for the Whitehouse and the possible candidates that will be running against President Barack Obama.

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President Reflects on the Past - displays His Intentions with the new House

Wednesday, November 3, 2010

The day after mid-term elections, President Obama came out to speak about "a shellacking", and to answer questions to the press. He now shows an outward willingness to at least come half way on tax cut and energy issues. He has also admitted that he has a more distant connection with the public then he would like to acknowledge. But the votes by the people do not lie. Many people disagree with his policies and the direction that he is taking the nation.
But right from the beginning, President Obama said it would not be easy. He re-iterated in the meeting with the press that he had no choice than to spend money to deploy his solution to the economy, jobs, and health care issues. He also stated that he inherited the problems he is facing from the prior administration and that he was fully aware that many people in Congress that supported him would have a very difficult time with keeping their jobs in the mid-term election. President Obama believes that this could not be helped, especially if he were to practice his principles. Still, the major majority of Democrats that received their walking papers today did what they believed was best for their country and still support President Obama.
For the next two years, the Democratic President Obama will have to at least come half way with the Republican House, and will most likely go along with what the Congress wants as long it would not be against his principles. He admits that he has to play a different game now, and that if anything were to get passed now, most likely he would have to agree with the House.
As far as the minority of the House, the Democrats will most likely disagree with most things the majority in the House does support. But the Republicans, namely the Speaker of the House, will now decide what gets voted on in that chamber, and hopefully will pick issues to deal with that affect the American people as a whole, not just benefit their party. Asked to reflect on the returns, he said, "I feel bad," adding that many Democrats who went down to defeat had done so knowing they risked their careers to support his agenda of economic stimulus legislation and a landmark health care bill. He blamed himself, in part.
The Republicans actually now feel that they are home free, and finally have been vindicated with this mid term win. For the moment, they may be vindicated, just as the Democrats felt vindicated when President Obama was elected President in 2008. In just 2 years from now, it will be interesting to see how much the American people follow and agree to what the Republican House votes on. Their policies may now backfire on them, and the Democrats may once again regain power in the House, especially when President Obama's approval rating may increase with the increased jobs, higher stock exchange, and better health benefits, especially to those people who haven't been able to receive health care in the past because of 'pre-existing' conditions.
When the new Congress convenes, President Obama vows that "my goal is to make sure we don't have a huge spike in taxes for middle class families." He plans to work with both sides of the isle, and do whatever it takes to pass legislation that the country needs.
Immediately below is the response as he sees it regarding the elections, and about his first 2 years serving as President.

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Ryan Seacrest Interviews President Obama on the morning of Elections 2010

President Obama was interviewed by Ryan Seacrest the morning of the elections. He was asked a wide variety of questions. The audio from the interview is can be found immediately below.

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President Bush's Memoirs - 'Decision Points' to be Published on November 9, 2010

 On November 9th, 2010, I have a date in my favorite book store to pick up President Bush's new book, his memoirs as President called 'Decision Points'.  It will be interesting to see how factual his claims are. My hope is that President Bush will actually be factual in his claims, instead of just trying to pass on what he believes he did right or what he did wrong. As a so called Democratic 'political junkie', I am very concerned on what may be in the book. My goal for starting my new blog at http://www.bushdecisionpoints.net is not to necessarily criticize the former President, but to actually bring out the truth, that will reflect on the truths and fallacies in the Presidents book.  I will scrutinize the entire book with facts, line for line and page by page.

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Midterm Elections are all but Over - Republicans Overtake the House

Tuesday, November 2, 2010

What can be termed as a landslide victory, the Republicans have gained at least 60 seats in the House, but most likely by this time tonight, will not take control of the Senate. Tea Party candidates Rand Paul and Marco Rubio win their bid for election.
In a nutshell, the Republicans have done very well, and the Democrats have suffered a major loss in the Senate. The results are not surprising to either side. This basically means that the Congress will be considered 'Lame Duck' at least until the new Congress takes session in 2011. Nancy Pelosi will now step down as Speaker and John Boehner who was the Minority Speaker, now becomes the majority speaker. He will also appoint some new key positions that should help Republicans promote Republican policies.  Now it is the Republicans turn to see how difficult it can be to try and promote policy when the Senate most likely will not agree, not to mention they may have to convince a Democratic President from time to time. Expect to see President Obama use his 'veto' powers.
There are several interesting races up for grabs this evening. Tomorrow, President Obama will make public statements regarding the elections of 2010, and also should state what loosing the House means to him. Immediately after the elections, the political focus will change immediately to President Obama. President Obama has stated that he will continue to promote ideas on what elected him in the first place, but most likely will be more willing to work with Republicans to at least agree on different legislation.

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Political Ads through Posters and Brochures

This time of year brings out the best in poster and brochures printing. Political posters and brochures are running rampent as the mid-term elections are posed to take place later today. Candidates by Democratic and Republican tends to spend a huge amount of money on advertisement, and allot of the cost is centered around posters and brochures.
Luckily we most likely do not have a need for such bulk printing, but if the need arises, then you can go online and order your brochures and posters or call toll free, and receive them in just a couple of days if needed. Multi-colored brochures and posters can be purchased at discount prices.

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Monday, November 1, 2010



President Obama will be interviewed by Ryan Seacrest on November 2, 2010 at 7:15AM. The interview ill be immediately available after the interview on Ryan's blog at ryanseacrest.com.


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Ryan SeaCrest to interview President Obama on Election Day

WASHINGTON -- The administration's last-minute push to turn out the vote is spurring some unconventional media outreach efforts. But none of them have been quite as unlikely as that announced on Monday -- President Obama will be doing an interview with Ryan Seacrest.
The "American Idol" co-host will be talking to Obama on Election Day for a segment on his radio show, 'On Air with Ryan Seacrest.' And in a Facebook post, he put out a solicitation for questions:
Do YOU have a question for President Obama? What issues concern you most? Let us know in the comments below and Ryan might ask it in the interview!

Ryan's interview with the President airs tomorrow at 7:15am PST in Los Angeles, and will be immediately available afterwards at RyanSeacrest.com.
What, exactly, the point is of doing an interview that will air predominantly in a state that seems to be the one Democratic holdout -- and that caters to an audience of not particularly politically-active listeners -- is unclear. But the gist seems to be that, in the 11th hour, no stone should be left unturned. Seacrests interview, a source notes, will be broadcast on other stations in addition across the country.
In addition to that interview there is this from Monday's pool report:
Press Secretary Robert Gibbs says POTUS's schedule of closed meetings throughout the day will include some time to tape radio interviews set to air on election day throughout the country (Your pooler is waiting for the list of specific radio stations/programs, which will be relayed shortly).

Tonight, the president plans to make phone calls to boost the morale of activists and other party organizers in key battleground states, including Florida, New Hampshire, New Mexico, and his native Hawaii.

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What does a Congress controlled by the Republicans mean?

Opinion of the Editor James of "Obama in the White House Blog"


The effect of a takeover of the House by the Republicans will have a profound effect on President Obama's agenda. If people think that the political machine is broken now, just wait until the Republicans regain the majority in the House. Most everything in President Obama's agenda from now until at least 2012 may fail.

President Obama's party now would be part of the minority party. The House would be taken over by the new Republican speaker of the House, John Boehner. For the last few years, he has been powerless as a minority leader to influence and shape legislation. Now, he gets to control everything, as he even now decides which bills will reach the floor for a debate. The Democrats would have no more real legislative power, and they would not be able to advance the President's agenda. Most likely any vote on policy that the President can veto if it is drawn up by the Republicans will be veto'd. All the Democrats can do is sit back and watch.

It was pretty tuff for a Democratic President to get the people on both sides of the fence in agreement on most anything. Now it will be the Republicans turn trying to sway Democrats to vote for their proposed policies, but as demonstrated by the Republicans, the Democrats most likely will vote primarily along party lines, meaning that most of the time they will not vote conservatively, but liberally, therefore both sides most of the time will now be in agreement. Furthermore, any major policy delivered by the Republicans in the House can get shot down because the minority party along with the President will not buy into the legislation.
The Republicans will now have to try and pull support from the Democrats on some of their bills. The Republicans as a minority during the first two years of Obama's term were succesful in voting the opposite way of the majority party, and now the Democrats stand to do the same.

In a nutshell, this means that the President may likely be a "lame duck" President for the first time after only 2 years in office. This will mean that legislation most likely will not get passed unless the two parties agree, and that is hardly ever.

President Obama was right in taking control and doing what he was capable in doing before power changed hands. At least he had two full years of provoking legislation that could be passed. Now is the time to observe a 'do nothing' Congress in action and no legislation that requires majority of both houses to pass.
But there is light at the end of the tunnel. The Republicans will have the same amount of time, two years, to dig their own holes and bury themselves before the main general election in 2012. By then, most of Obama's policies will be in full force, and the people should be benefiting from them. After the people watch the Republicans destroy their own party once again, the re-election of President Obama may be likely, and maybe Congress will be regained by the Democrats.

With all this said, the elections are still 24 hours away, and the Democrats are not out of power yet. There is a chance, though it may be slight, that the Democrats keep control of the House, and in doing so, will put to rest all of the threats by the Republican base, along with the immediate death of the "tea party".

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Less than 2 Days to Go for Mid-Term Elections - Congress up for grabs

Less than 48 hours until Mid-Term elections and now Democrats believe that they will have better than expected result, while the Republicans are trying not to sound so overconfident. Polls show Republican gains, but early voting show that the Democrats are receiving surprising support. The facts are that the Republicans should gain seats in both chambers of Congress, but will it be enough to gain the majority in either House of Congress. This idea is reflected by Republican Senator John Cornyn who claims that it is possible that the Republicans would not gain majority this time around in mid term elections, but surely would gain control of Congress in both chambers when a Republican takes over as President. But in another view, former Reagan Education Secretary by the name of William Bennett, predicts a win in both chambers, by gaining 70 more house seats and 10 Senate seats, which would put the Republicans on-top in both chambers.
In the end, in 2008, the Republicans learned a hard lesson, loosing the Presidency, and loosing majorities in Congress. In just 2 years, the Democrats may experience the same thing. But in the next two years, the public may gain more confidence in the President and may see that patience is key to seeing the economy turn around, along with the jobs market situation.

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