In September 2009, the President announced that—for the first time in history—White House visitor records would be made available to the public on an ongoing basis. Today, the White House releases visitor records that were generated in August 2016. This release brings the total number of records made public by this White House to more than 5.91 million—all of which can be viewed in our Disclosures section.
Author: Amanda Stone
Weekly Address: Coming Together On Thanksgiving
In this week’s address, President Obama wished the American people a happy Thanksgiving. Thanksgiving reminds us that no matter our differences, we are still one people, part of something bigger than ourselves. Because what makes us American are the ideals to which we pledge our allegiance. And it’s about our ability to live up to the creed “E Pluribus Unum” — that out of many, we are one.
In case you missed it, be sure to take a look at the President’s final pardoning of the National Thanksgiving Turkey.
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President Obama's Final Turkey Pardon
Tomorrow is one of the best days of the year to be an American. It’s a day to count our blessings, spend time with the ones we love, and enjoy some good food and some great company. But it’s also one of the worst days of the year to be a turkey. They don’t have it so good.
President Barack Obama
This Thursday, friends and families across the United States will gather to give thanks, spend time with loved ones and enjoy a festive meal. But before the First Family sits down to their Thanksgiving dinner, President Obama will continue a long-cherished White House tradition and pardon the final turkey of his presidency.
Since 1947, the chairman of the National Turkey Federation has presented a turkey to the President of the United States, who grants a pardon to the bird.
Tune in here tomorrow to watch the official pardoning ceremony. While only one can be named the National Thanksgiving Turkey, both lucky birds will be sent to their new home at Virginia Tech where they will be cared for by veterinarians and students of Virginia Tech’s Animal and Poultry Sciences Department at “Gobbler’s Rest” in Blacksburg, Virginia.
Which turkey will take home this year’s title? Per a recent digital tradition, you can vote for your favorite on social media. Meet this year’s contenders: Tater and Tot!
A look back: President Obama’s turkey pardons
President Obama has had the honor of pardoning multiple birds. In case you missed the previous years, here’s a look back:
2009 – The President officially pardoned not one but two turkeys, sparing both “Courage” and “Carolina” at the request of his compassionate daughters, Sasha and Malia and starting a new tradition.
2010 – After a rigorous competition to win the presidential pardon at home on Foster Farms Wellsford Ranch near Modesto, California, President Obama pardoned both Apple and his understudy Cider. Both turkeys were then sent to live out their days at Mount Vernon, home of our nation’s first President George Washington.
2011 – President Obama pardoned turkeys Peace and Liberty on the North Portico of the White House.
2012 – This year marked the 65th anniversary of the National Turkey presentation and the first time the American people cast their vote via the White House Facebook page to decide which of two turkeys would receive the honor. Cobbler won the title of National Thanksgiving Turkey, but both he and his alternate, Gobbler, received the official pardon.
2013 – This year, White House digital audiences could vote on Twitter, Facebook or Instagram for Caramel or Popcorn.
2014 – The American people were graced with the opportunity to meet Mac and Cheese. Cheese was ultimately voted the 2014 National Thanksgiving Turkey.
2015 – Last year, we were introduced to Honest & Abe, two twin male turkeys. While their love for country music made them a stand out, both turkeys were fortunate enough to be pardoned by President Obama.
Happy Thanksgiving!
Weekly Address: Building on a Record of Economic Progress
In this week’s address, Vice President Joe Biden discussed the progress we have made to ensure that anyone who works hard and plays by the rules has a real shot at getting into the middle class and staying there. Over the past eight years, we have made significant progress; from working with Congress to cut taxes for low- and middle-income families, to taking executive authority to provide paid sick leave to more than 1.1 million workers.
Since the President’s call to action to increase the minimum wage in 2013, 18 states and 55 cities have raised their minimum wage. The Vice President noted that although we’ve made progress, more work needs to be done to give American workers a chance. Because when they are given the chance, American workers never let their country down.
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Weekly Address: Honoring Our Veterans
In this week’s address, President Obama recognized the service and sacrifice of our Nation’s military members and veterans. These men and women serve as an example of what our Nation strives to be every day. From the example of the 9/11 Generation signing up to serve in response to tragedy, to the example of our military’s unity and diversity, our Nation’s veterans and service members represent the best of our country. To all of our Nation’s veterans: thank you for your service.
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Read more:
Asked and Answered: “You Are Already A Good Man”
A 57-Year-Old Veteran Thanks President Obama for the Chance to Give Back
Weekly Address: The Progress We've Made Because of the Affordable Care Act
This week, President Obama discussed Open Enrollment on the Health Insurance Marketplace, which began November 1 and will end on January 31. Thanks to the Affordable Care Act, 20 million American adults have obtained health insurance, and an additional three million children have gained coverage since the President took office. The uninsured rate is the lowest level on record.
Today, thanks to the Affordable Care Act, your preventive care is free; there are no more annual or lifetime limits on essential health care; you can’t get charged more just for being a woman; young people can stay on a parent’s plan until they turn 26; seniors get discounts on their prescriptions; and no one can be denied coverage because of a pre-existing condition. To sign up for health care coverage, visit HealthCare.gov or call 1-800-318-2596.
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More than 5.84 Million Records Released
In September 2009, the President announced that—for the first time in history—White House visitor records would be made available to the public on an ongoing basis. Today, the White House releases visitor records that were generated in July 2016. This release brings the total number of records made public by this White House to more than 5.84 million—all of which can be viewed in our Disclosures section.
Weekly Address: Taking Action to Spur Competition in the Airline Industry
In this week’s address, President Obama highlighted the actions his administration is taking to spur competition in the airline industry, protect consumers and arm them with the information they need to make informed decisions, following the President’s call to action in April. Building on the progress we’ve made so far, this week’s actions include a proposed requirement for airlines to reimburse luggage fees when bags are delayed; requiring airlines to report on the probability that your luggage could be lost; providing protections for travelers with disabilities; and requiring additional transparency and fairness in online ticket platforms.
The President highlighted these steps as another example of how government can be a force for good – ensuring that everyday Americans get a fair shake in our economy and have a voice in the conversation. That’s what these actions are about – taking steps, big and small, to better the lives of everyday Americans.
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Weekly Address: Ensuring America Leads the World Into the Next Frontier
In this week’s address, President Obama highlighted the White House Frontiers Conference, where many of America’s leading innovators came together to discuss how we can empower people through science, technology, and innovation to lead our communities, our country, and our world in the future. The President said the advances we’ve made as a nation demonstrate how investing in science and technology can help develop new jobs and industries, and new discoveries that improve lives – and that innovation is in our nation’s DNA.
And that’s why the President made the largest single investment in basic research in history; modernized the government’s approach to innovation for the 21st Century; and spurred a clean energy revolution, among many other accomplishments in science and technology. That’s what the President’s leadership has been about – ensuring America is the nation that leads the world into the next frontier. You can learn more about the President’s accomplishments in science, technology, and innovation – and about the White House Frontiers Conference.
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Weekly Address: It’s Time to Give Families Access to Paid Sick Leave
In this week’s address, President Obama discussed the importance of ensuring that American families have access to paid leave. Today, millions of Americans do not have access to paid sick leave and have to face tough choices when their families face illness – choices that could risk their jobs or their health. The President has repeatedly called on Republicans in Congress to pass a law guaranteeing most workers the chance to earn seven days of paid sick leave each year. To this day, no action has been taken in the Republican Congress. But, that hasn’t stopped the President from taking action where he can to help more Americans access paid sick time, and starting January 1st, federal contractors will be required to give their employees working on new federal contracts up to seven paid sick days each year. That’s because paid leave isn’t something that just nice to have – it’s a must have.
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