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Click here for feature on new President February 3, 2010 More Support for the Repeal of 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell' Gen. Colin L. Powell, who as the nation’s top military officer in the 1990s, and who helped shepherd in the 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell' policy gave his support today to its repeal, as Obama called for in the State of the Union. Powell stated, “In the almost 17 years since the ‘don’t ask, don’t tell’ legislation was passed, attitudes and circumstances have changed... I fully support the new approach presented to the Senate Armed Services Committee this week by Secretary of Defense Gates and Admiral Mullen.” Split Party? Virginia's Democratic-controlled state Senate passed measures Monday that would make it illegal to require individuals to purchase health insurance, in direct opposition to the party's efforts in Washington to reform health care. The bills, a top priority of Virginia's "tea party" movement, were approved 23 to 17 as five Democrats who represent swing areas of the state joined all 18 Republicans in the chamber in backing the legislation. This, as President Obama has been urging Democrats to keep fighting to health care reform on the federal level, shows an interesting break in party politics. January 25, 2010 Hope for Haiti Following the disasterous earthquake on January 12, 2010, a remarkable $58 million has been raised thus far through the 'Hope for Haiti' telethon and ongoing sales on iTunes. This along with the aid being given by the US government will hopefully help to rebuild the devastated country. 41 On January 19, 2010, Scott Brown defeated Democrat Martha Coakley for Massachusett's open Senate seat. This landmark win has not only given Republicans their 41st vote, ending the Democrats supermajority, but it has also instigated a wave a speculation about the upcoming midterm elections in November. Unstimulating Stimulus? According to a CNN poll three out of every four Americans believe that much of the stimulus money has been wasted. Instead, these Americans believe that the money was spent for solely political reasons, instead in an effort to save the American economy. Such numbers cannot be what the administration wants to hear after the loss in the Massachusetts Senate race and with Obama's approval numbers slipping. December 10, 2009 Obama in Oslo "Instruments of war do have a role to play in preserving the peace...A non-violent movement could not have halted Hitler's armies...Negotiations cannot convince al-Qaeda's leaders to lay down their arms." President Barack Obama President Obama received his Nobel Peace Prize in Oslo amidst much controversy and criticism. In his speech, he defended the role of the US in Afghanistan and acknowledged that his accomplishments are only minor in comparison to previous Nobel laureates. Many anti-war protestors gathered outside city hall, where the ceremony was being held. In the Indonesian capital of Jakarta, a statue of the President as a young boy was unveiled at a park close to where he lived in the late 60s. Massachusetts Politics "They said that women don't have much luck in Massachusetts politics...We believed that it was quite possible that that luck was about to change, and change it did tonight." Attorney General Martha Coakley Massachusetts Attorney General Martha Coakley won the Democratic primary nomination for the late Ted Kennedy's Senate seat on December 8th and is on her way to becoming the state's first female Senator. She faces Republican state Senator Scott Brown in the January 19th special election. December 8, 2009 New Jersey Senate Panel Approves Gay Marriage Bill “The marriage-equality movement in America starts again right here,” Steven Goldstein, Executive Director of Garden State Equality The NJ Senate Judiciary Committee narrowly voted, 7 to 6, marking the first time any state legislative body had approved a gay marriage bill. The bill faces a vote on Thursday in front of a full Senate, where if it passes, will go to the state Assembly. New Jersey law currently allows civil unions, but equal rights activists say it does not provide the same rights and protections as civil marriage. December 7, 2009 Copenhagen Kickoff "This is our chance. If we miss it, it could take years before we got a new and better one. If we ever do." Connie Hedegaard, Conference President and Denmark's former climate minister Danish Prime Minister Lars Loekke Rasmussen opened the two-week United Nations Framework on Climate Change (UNFCC) Conference in Copenhagen. He spoke to delegates from 192 countries said that a "strong and ambitious climate change agreement" would need to come out of the summit. About 100 world leaders are said to attend this conference and work together to agree on carbon emissions reduction targets, financial support for mitigation and adaptation and a carbon trading scheme. World leaders who have pledged to attend include US President Barack Obama, UK Prime Minister Gordon Brown, French President Nicolas Sarkozy and Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh. On the matter of the Taliban In light of President Obama's recent decision to deploy 30,000 more troops to Afghanistan, as well as begin a troop withdrawal around July 2011, members of his cabinet, including Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, have constantly been defending his choice. Secretary Clinton has spoken specifically about the party of the war strategy aimed at convincing lower levels of the Taliban to give up fighting. "We think there's a real opportunity for a number of those to be persuaded to leave the battlefield...They have to renounce al Qaeda, renounce violence. They have to be willing to abide by the Constitution of Afghanistan and live peacefully." Secretary of State Hillary Clinton. December 3, 2009 Bernanke Faces Senate Banking Committee “Taken together, the Federal Reserve’s actions have contributed substantially to the significant improvement in financial conditions and to what now appear to be the beginnings of a turnaround in both the U.S. and foreign economies." Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke Chairman Bernanke went before the Senate Banking Committee to defend his and the bank's record before the nomination of his third term. He came under fire from both Democrats and Republicans for the bank's failings in the run up to the financial crisis and economic recession. December 2, 2009 Oh, the Afghan Plan Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, Defense Secretary Robert Gates and Admiral and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Michael Mullen went before a Congressional panel to argue for the President's decision to send 30,000 more troops to Afghanistan and begin troop withdrawals in 2011. President Obama's cabinet was met with much skepticism and hesitation from both sides of the aisle. “This approach is not open-ended ‘nation building...It is neither necessary nor feasible to create a modern, centralized, Western-style Afghan nation-state — the likes of which has never been seen in that country. Nor does it entail pacifying every village and conducting textbook counterinsurgency from one end of Afghanistan to the other...It is, instead, a narrower focus tied more tightly to our core goal of disrupting, dismantling and eventually defeating Al Qaeda by building the capacity of the Afghans — capacity that will be measured by observable progress on clear objectives, and not simply by the passage of time.” Defense Secretary Robert Gates “I support the president’s decision, and I think it deserves the support of all Americans, both Republicans and Democrats...What I don’t support, and what concerns me greatly, is the president’s decision to set an arbitrary date for beginning to withdraw U.S. forces from Afghanistan...A withdrawal date only emboldens Al Qaeda and the Taliban while dispiriting our allies,” Republican Senator John McCain “The current shortfall in terms of partnering is not a shortage of American combat troops, it’s a shortage of Afghan troops...Doubling the number of U.S. troops in the south will only worsen a ratio under which our forces are already matched up with fewer Afghan troops than they can and should partner with." Democratic Senator Carl Levin December 1, 2009 Divided Senate Begins Healthcare Debate "While each of us may not say 'yes' to each word in this bill as it currently reads, let us at least admit that simply saying 'no' is not enough," said Senate Democratic Majority Leader Harry Reid. The Senate began debate, yesterday, on Monday on national healthcare reform. The 2,074 page healthcare bill is expected to cost $849 billion and faces harsh criticism from Republicans, some conservative Democrats and two Independents. Reid's goal is to vote on it by Christmas and get it to President Obama to sign by the end of January. November 30, 2009 A Busy Time to Be President It's quite a week for President Obama. Today, the President ordered a 30,000 troop increase to be sent to Afghanistan. He will announce this formally to the American public at 5 PM on Tuesday at the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, N.Y. Also today, the Senate reconvened from break, returning to healthcare reform on top of the to-do list. Debate has resumed this afternoon and President Obama expects a final bill on his desk by the end of the year. On Thursday, December 3, the White House will host a job summit to discuss strategies and new ideas for job creation. More than 100 CEO's, small business leaders, economists and journalists are expected to attend. Next week is just as busy. The White House has just announced that President Obama will be stopping over at the UNFCC Conference in Copenhagen on December 9, en route to Oslo where he will be receiving his Nobel Peace Prize. November 24, 2009 Indian PM Visits the White House "India's new and evolving relationship with the United States is in many ways the natural consequence of changes in economic policy and business practices that have occurred as countries have responded to processes of global economic integration," Mr. Singh said in a speech at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh began his trip to the U.S. on Monday and is meeting with President Obama for the first time today . They are expected to discuss topics from Afghanistan to climate change to nuclear energy. Prime Minister Singh will be the guest of honor at a state dinner Tuesday evening at the White House. Obama to Address the Nation on Afghanistan After conducting a final review of military strategy in a meeting on Monday, President Obama is planning to address the nation next Tuesday about what strategy will be taken in Afghanistan. President Obama met with military and national security advisors and discussed the recommendation of a troop increase, as well as exit strategy. US to Announce Emissions Reduction Targets "There's been recognition that if we want to keep momentum going, numbers have to be put on the table...There's been pressure for the US to come (to Copenhagen) with its hands full rather than empty, and I think what we're seeing are the results of that." Executive Director of the US Climate Action Network (CAN) Peter Bahouth The White House is expected to announce a target before the UNFCC Conference in Copenhagen next month. The target numbers are said to be about a 17-20% reduction by 2020. President Obama has yet to decide whether he will attend the talks. November 22, 2009 Senate Healthcare Bill Passes First Hurdle "Tonight's historic vote brings us one step closer to ending insurance company abuses, reining in spiralling health care costs, providing stability and security to those with health insurance, and extending quality health coverage to those who lack it," said White House Press Secretary Robert Gibbs. All 58 democrats and one Republican (40 voted against it) narrowly voted to hold a full debate the Senate bill to overhaul national healthcare. A full Senate debate on the bill will resume on November 30, after Thanksgiving break. November 19, 2009 The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act “This legislation is a tremendous step forward,” Senator and Majority Leader Harry Reid said. “It saves lives, saves money and will make Medicare stronger.” Senate leaders revealed a bill to overhaul the medical system on Wednesday. Senator Reid said the bill would extend coverage to the 31 million uninsured, extend Medicare benefits as well as impose new and stronger regulations on insurance companies. The bill will be tested sometime this week in the Senate. North Korea and Iran At a joint press conference in South Korea with President Lee Myung-bak, President Obama delivered a stern message to North Korea and Iran about the possibility of further sanctions if they do not curb their nuclear enrichment plans. “We’ve seen indications that for internal political reasons or perhaps because they are stuck in some of their own rhetoric, they are unable to get to ‘yes' ...As a consequence, we have begun discussion with our international partners [on sanctions].” President Barack Obama November 18, 2009 Don't Forget About Afghanistan Secretary of State Hillary Clinton made an unannounced visit to Kabul on Wednesday to attend the inauguration of President Karzai, who will be sworn in on Thursday for his second five-year term. Her visit was meant to send a message of support to the Afghanistan government, but also to press Karzai about tackling corruption within the country. "We believe that President Karzai and his government can do better." Secretary of State Clinton. While on his visit to China, President Obama commented on the status of his decision about the Afghan War. He said on Wednesday that he was “very close to a decision” and would be deciding whether or not to increase troops in "several weeks. “I am very confident that when I announce the decision, the American people will have a lot of clarity about what we’re doing, how we’re going to succeed, how much this thing is going to cost...what’s the end game on this thing, which I think is something that, unless you impose that kind of discipline, could end up leading to a multiyear occupation that won’t serve the interests of the United States...We have a vital interest in making sure that Afghanistan is sufficiently stable, that it can’t infect the entire region with violent extremism.” President Obama November 16, 2009 The President Travels to Asia President Obama left last Thursday for a nine day trip to Asia. The visit began in Tokyo, where he met with the emperor and empress of Japan. On the third day, he went to SIngapore to meet the leaders of the APEC Summit, Russian President Dmitry Medvedev and the ASEAN 10. The next day began in Shanghai where Obama met Mayor Han Zheng and spoke at a Chinese youth Conference. At the conference, President Obama pressed China over basic human rights. "We do not seek to impose any system of government on any other nation, but we also don't believe that the principles we stand for are unique to our nation," he said. "These freedoms of expression and worship, of access to information and political participation - we believe are universal rights." He met later with Chinese President Hu Jintao and will tour Beijing with Premier Wen Jiabao. Obama will finish his trip in South Korea. November 11, 2009 World Leaders Honor Veterans Today marks the 91st anniversary of the end of WWI. President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle will host a Veteran's Day Breakfast at the White House, followed by the traditional wreath-laying ceremony and speech at Arlington National Cemetery. Britain's Queen Elizabeth led an Armistice Day service in Westminster Abbey, London. German Chancellor Angela Merkel and French President Nicolas Sarkozy participated in a ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Solider in Paris. Chancellor Merkel is the first German leader to honor Armistice Day in France.
November 10, 2009 Fort Hood Memorial Service President Obama attended a memorial service in Fort Hood, Texas to honor the 13 victims of the shootings and meet with the families of those that died. "It may be hard to comprehend the twisted logic that led to this tragedy, but this much we do know - no faith justifies these murderous and craven acts; no just and loving God looks upon them with favour," he continued. "And for what he has done, we know that the killer will be met with justice - in this world, and the next." Preisdent Barack Obama November 9, 2009 Why Freedom Still Matters "Human rights are universal values that Americans value, but don't own...Toppling the Berlin Wall and ending the Cold war was the universal appeal
to human rights there was a long twilight struggle that proceeded the fate of the wall..." Republican Senator from Arizona, John McCain Senator John McCain spoke to a large crowd of students, faculty and journalists this afternoon at the Kenney Auditorium in the NItze Building at Johns Hopkins SAIS campus in Washington D.C. McCain acknolwedged the anniversary of the fall of the Wall, the importance of freedom, human rights and being aware of the tyranny and oppression that still exist today in the world. "Mr. Gorbachev, tear down this wall!" Today marks the 20th anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall. World leaders and over 100,000 gathered at the Brandenburg Gate in Berlin to remember and celebrate this moment of history. German Chancellor Angela Merkel led leaders including French President Nicolas Sarkozy, Russian President Dmitry Medvedev, US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and British Prime Minister Gordon Brown. "This wall was torn down not by the demands of political leaders, not by dictat from on high, not by the force of military might but by the greatest force of all - the unbreakable spirit of the men and women of Berlin," British Prime Minister Gordon Brown "We always knew that something had to happen there so that more could change here." German Chancellor Angela Merkel November 7, 2009 House Passes Health Care Plan The US House of Representatives passed a bill to overhaul the nation's health care system. It won narrowly with a vote of 220 to 215, 1 Republican stepped over the aisle to vote for it and 39 Democrats voted in opposition to it. Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi called the bill's passage "an historic moment for our nation and for America's families." A big critic of the bill, Republican Representative from South Carolina Virginia Foxx said "More taxes, more spending and more government is not the plan for reform the people support." On the other hand, Democratic Representative from Maryland and House Majority Leader Steny H. Hoyer said that, "We did what we promised the American people we would do," but also acknolwedged that, "Much work remains." November 6, 2009 Let's Look at Unemployment The official unemployment rate hit 10.2 %, an increase from 9.8% in September. The Labor Department estimates a loss of 190,000 jobs in October. However, the official figure does not include the millions of Americans who have given up searching for a job and the millions who are underemployed. The real rate of unemployment is said to be at 17.5%. November 5, 2009 More Post-Election Quotable Quotes "We've gotten used to winning most elections, so that's a challenge, let's just be honest about it." Former Virginia Governor and Chairman of the Democratic National Committee Tim Kaine. (November 4, 2009) "The president had honeymoon numbers right after inauguration day. Those honeymoon numbers never last." Tim Kaine (November 4, 2009) November 4, 2009 Join CPFR Director Robert Guttman for a Post-Election Analysis! November 5, 2009 10:00-11:00AM Bernstein-Offit Building, 5th Floor Conference Room (500) For more information click here Post-Election Quotable Quotes "If you think you've seen progress over the past eight years.I got news for you: You ain't seen nothin' yet." Mayor Michael Bloomberg "Eight months ago, I applied for the job of governor, and tonight, you have hired me. I am very humbled and honored with the privilege. I am ready to go to work to serve you and to help lead Virginia for the next four years." Virginia Governor-Elect Bob McDonnell "Tomorrow begins the task of fixing our broken state." New Jersey Governor-Elect Chris Christie November 3, 2009 Christie Wins New Jersey With 79 percent of the vote in, Christie has been declared the winner of the New Jersey gubernatorial race, 49 percent to 45 percent.With this defeat of incumbent New Jersey Democratic Gov. Jon Corzine, Christie has become the first Republican to win statewide in more than a decade. McDonnell Wins Virginia In a decisive sweep gubernatorial candidate Bob McDonnell has been called the winner and declared the 71st Governor of the Commonwealth of Virginia. McDonnell won with 59% of the vote to 41% for Deeds. German Chancellor Angela Merkel Speaks to Congress Chancellor Angela Merkel addressed Congress, marking the 20th anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall and alluding to several issues that need to be more firmly addressed by the United States, such as climate change and bank regulation."Today's generation needs to prove that it can meet the challenges of the 21st century. In a sense, we are able to tear down walls of today...creating freedom and security, creating prosperity and justice. And it means protecting our planet."Angela Merkel In a way, this is a second wall that needs to fall, a wall standing in the way of a truly global economic order, a wall made up of regional and exclusively national thinking, Merkel said. We need to resist the pressure of those who almost led the nations of this planet to the abyss. (November 3, 2009) November 2, 2009 Karzai, Still President of Afghanistan After Abdullah Abdullah withdrew candidacy from the much disputed elections in Afghanistan, President Hamid Karzai was officially declared the winner. President Obama has congratulated Karzai, but also firmly advised him to create a "new chapter" in the government's legitimacy. But as I indicated to him, the president said, the proof is not going to be in words; it's going to be in deeds. And we are looking forward to consulting closely with his government in the weeks and months to come, to assure that the Afghan people are actually seeing progress on the ground. (November 2, 2009) October 29, 2009 Pelosi Unveils new Healthcare Bill Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi presented a healthcare bill that would provide affordable healthcare to more than 96% of Americans. The bill would allow the government to sell insurance and includes a scaled-back version of the public option. President Obama said in a written statement about the bill that "a public option that competes with private insurers is the best way to ensure choice and competition that are so badly needed in today's market".The bill will be voted on in the House of Representatives as early as next week. After the House and Senate have approved their own versions of the bill, a House and Senate joint conference committee will bring together and reconcile the two bills. October 28, 2009 Obama Campaigns for Deeds While campaigning for Virginia gubernatorial candidate Creigh Deeds yesterday, President Obama urged the candidate and all Virginians not to give up on the campaign. The President lended his star power at the rally and said, "Let me tell you something: I don't believe in can't, I don't believe in giving up, I don't believe that we would turn our back on the progress that [Gov.] Tim Kaine has made here in Virginia." With his competitor leading by double digits, it remains to be seen what effect Obama's support will have on the campaign and on election day. October 26, 2009 What do we do about Afghanistan? "It is time for President Obama to do what it takes to win a war he has repeatedly and rightly called a war of necessity...The White House must stop dithering while America's armed forces are in danger." Former Vice President, Dick Cheney (October 2009)
"After eight years, it's time to give the Afghan people, the American people and the people around the world an idea of when our massive military presence will end. A flexible timetable to drawdown our troops in Afghanistan will diffuse the perception that we're occupying the country, which fuels militancy and instability in Afghanistan and nuclear-armed Pakistan." Senator Russ Feingold (October 2009)
I think General McChrystal is asking the questions about the underlying assumptions, Mr. Kerry said. This is not Vietnam in many respects. We are here in Afghanistan because people attacked us here in the most significant attack against the United States since Pearl Harbor. We are here because there are still people at large who are plotting against the United States of America. And we are here because the stability of this region is of critical strategic interest to the United States. I think most people agree on that. So the- the basic assumptions here are very, very different from what we experienced years ago in Vietnam."
Senator and Chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee John Kerry (October 2009) October 22, 2009 POINT/COUNTERPOINT: Afghanistan,Still a'war of necessity'? "This is not a war of choice. This is a war of necessity. Those who attacked America on 9/11 are plotting to do so again. If left unchecked, the Taliban insurgency will mean an even larger safe haven from which al Qaeda would plot to kill more Americans. So this is not only a war worth fighting. This is fundamental to the defense of our people." Barack Obama speaking to the Veterans of Foreign Wars (August 17th, 2009) Read the debate here. October 14, 2009 Virginia Gubernatorial Race Former Vice President Al Gore will headline a private fundraiser in McLean on Friday to give a last-minute boost to the Democratic candidate for governor, Creigh Deeds. This announcement coming after word that President Obama had declined to campaign for the candidate. We'll see if the star power of Gore can help the candidate's falling poll numbers. October 13, 2009 Snowe to the Rescue? Maine Senator Olympia Snowe came to the rescue of the health care reform legislation today with her vote in the Senate Finanace Committee. The effect of her decision to vote for the legislation is still to be seen. As reaction from moderate Democrats and Republicans alike seems to echo the worries of Snowe's public statement, instead of enticing their support. October 9, 2009 Nobel Peace Prize In a surprise move, the Nobel Reace Prize has been awarded to President Barack Obama. He is now one of three presidents to be awarded the prestigious award. September 29, 2009 Public Option Update The Senate Finance Committee has also rejected Schumer's amendment in a 13 to 10 vote. Public Option? The Senate Finance Committee rejected an amendment by Democratic Sen. Jay Rockefeller of West Virginia to include a government-run public health insurance option in the only compromise health care bill so far. The amendment fell by a 15-8 vote, with committee Chairman Sen. Max Baucus of Montana and four other Democrats joining all 10 Republicans in opposing the measure. However, this amendment was one of two amendments for a public option proposed by Democrats, the committee is now debating the second amendment proposed by Sen. Charles Schumer, D-New York. September 25, 2009 G-20 Preparations German Chancellor Angela Merkel on the need to focus on financial market regulation at the G-20 summit in Pittsburgh yesterday: "Politicians must have the courage to do something that will not be immediately welcomed by all banks. UN President Obama addressing the global effort to lock down all vulnerable nuclear materials within four years yesterday: "The next 12 months will be absolutely critical in determining whether this resolution and our overall efforts to stop the spread and use of nuclear weapons are successful. And all nations must do their part to make this work." September 22, 2009 Peculiar Political Quote of the Day: Vice-President Joe Biden: In reference to Republicans hoping to take back 35 typically conservative House districts: "... If they take them back, this is the end of the road for what Barack and I are trying to do." A little dramatic wouldn't you say? Obama and the Middle East As Obama began his initial three-way meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, Obama stressed the need to take the negotiations to the next level quickly. Simply put, it is past time to talk about us starting negotiations. It is time to move forward. It is time to show the flexibility and common sense and sense of compromise that's necessary to achieve our goals. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu responded well to this plea as he remarked, after the discussions: "There was general agreement, including on the part of the Palestinians, that the peace process has to be resumed as soon as possible with no preconditions." Pawlenty 2012? In a move that seems to confirm speculation of a 2012 presidential run, Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty is planning to launch a PAC named "Freedom First" this fall. This announcement brings the influential Republican a step closer to exploring the possibility of a presidential run.
The fundraising organization is debuting with a high-dollar event in Minneapolis on November 4th. The $5,000 per-person dinner could be the beginning of the Governor's exploratory campaign. However, the PAC could also offer help to other aspiring Republicans, a 'logical step in the Governor's political efforts" according to advisors. Massachusetts Senate Seat Legislation The Massachusetts State Congress has come even closer to enacting a bill to give Gov. Patrick the power to appoint a replacement to the open Senate seat. Republicans tried to use parliamentary maneuvers to delay consideration of the bill but the state Senate passed the measure by a 24-16 vote today. The House of Representatives passed the bill last week. The House and Senate are expected to enact the bill and send it to Patrick tomorrow. This is all interesting as the same legislative body enacted the current succession law in 2004 in an attempt to prevent Romney, a Republican, from naming a successor in the event of a Senate vacancy. Whomever the governor appoints will serve for only a matter of months until the Massachusetts voters elect an permanent replacement to fill the Kennedy seat in a January special election.
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