Economic growth in the first quarter was restrained by factors including tepid foreign demand and harsh winter weather. At the same time, households saved most of their gains from low energy prices, Over the past four quarters, the most persistent and …
Tag: Barack Obama
In Photos: Four Years of Joining Forces
President Barack Obama, First Lady Michelle Obama, Vice President Joe Biden, and Dr. Jill Biden launch the Joining Forces initiative to support and honor America’s service members and their families, in the East Room of the White House, April 12, 2011. (Official White House Photo by Samantha Appleton)
The First Lady greets audience members after a military community event at Camp Lejeune, N.C., April 13, 2011. (Official White House Photo by Chuck Kennedy)
The First Lady and Dr. Biden drop by Operation Shower, a celebration for pregnant women whose husbands are service members at Camp Lejeune, N.C., April 13, 2011. (Official White House Photo by Chuck Kennedy)
Welcome to the U.S.: The Prime Minister of Japan’s State Visit
Yesterday, Prime Minister of Japan Shinzo Abe arrived in Washington, D.C. for the beginning of a State Visit with President Obama. Prime Minister Abe’s visit is a tribute to the partnership between the United States and Japan that for seven decades has made enduring contributions to global peace, security, and prosperity.
Watch the arrival ceremony here:
“Across seven decades, our nations have become not just allies, but true partners and friends.”
— President Obama on relations between the U.S. and Japan
As one of the first activities of the Prime Minister’s time in America, President Obama and Prime Minister Abe traveled to the Lincoln Memorial here in Washington, D.C. to spend time together in a place of historical significance to the United States. The President and Prime Minister toured the Memorial, standing between the Gettysburg Address and Lincoln’s second inaugural address, to chat and reflect.
President Barack Obama and Prime Minister Shinzo Abe of Japan visit the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C., April 27, 2015.
(Official White House Photo by Chuck Kennedy)
Accelerating Economic Mobility Through Promise Zone Partnerships
Today, in long-struggling pockets of major cities and small suburban towns cut off from regional economic engines, in the Low Country of South Carolina and on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation in South Dakota, the Administration is announcing eight new…
President Obama on Freddie Gray’s Death: “This is Not New, and We Shouldn’t Pretend that It’s New.”
Watch President Obama speak on the situation in Baltimore. http://t.co/T3t6ptxmaZ
— The White House (@WhiteHouse) April 28, 2015
On April 12, Freddie Gray, a 25-year-old native of Baltimore, was arrested by the city’s police. He died a wee…
President Obama Meets with U.S. Attorney General Loretta Lynch
President Barack Obama meets with Attorney General Loretta Lynch in the Oval Office, April 27, 2015.
(Official White House Photo by Pete Souza)
At the Department of Justice this morning, Vice President Biden swore in Loretta Lynch as the newest Attorney General of the United States.
This afternoon, President Obama met with the new Attorney General to welcome her on board and to get an update on several issues — including the current events in Baltimore following the death of Freddie Gray.
America’s Response to the Earthquake in Nepal: What We Can Do to Help
“To the people in Nepal and the region affected by this tragedy, we send our heartfelt sympathies. The United States stands with you during this difficult time.” — Secretary of State John Kerry
On April 25, 2015 — at 2:11 a.m. ET — an earthquake struck at the heart of Nepal, just 77 kilometers northwest of its capital city, Kathmandu. The earthquake’s magnitude registered at 7.8, followed by more than 20 aftershocks that ranged between 4.5 and 6.6 on the Richter scale.
Nearly a million children “severely affected” by earthquake in #Nepal, UNICEF says: http://t.co/nRxwDTRBGn pic.twitter.com/symiG6hVPn
— Reuters Top News (@Reuters) April 27, 2015
A Message From Space
Ed. note: This is cross-posted from Medium.
Today, we received an important message from space:
As a proud military mom, and grandmother to military-connected children, I couldn’t agree more with Captain Scott Kelly. We have asked a lot of our military families and I believe they deserve the very best efforts of each of us to show them how much we appreciate their service to our country. That is why First Lady Michelle Obama and I started Joining Forces four years ago: to unite non-profits, schools, foundations, businesses, associations, and Americans of every stripe around this initiative to support these families — not just in word on Veterans’ Day or Memorial Day, but with good deeds and best efforts, each and every day of the year.
See the New “Kailua Blue” Obama State China
Ed. note: This is cross-posted on Medium.
Planning the for the Obama State China began in the fall of 2011, with Mrs. Obama working with many members of the Residence staff — ushers, chefs, and curators — to draw on their experience with design, form, scale, quantity, and the needs of food service.
The Top 3 Moments of the White House Correspondents Dinner: “Welcome to the Fourth Quarter”
The White House Correspondents Dinner — the night when Washington decides to celebrate itself.
As the President said, “Somebody’s got to do it.”
Ever since the first one kicked off in 1920, the political press corps, members of the Administration, the President, and a few famous faces have gathered to celebrate the importance of journalism to our democracy — and to face a good roast over the satirical fire.
Saturday Night Live’s Cecily Strong summed up the night: “The White House Correspondents Dinner is a chance for all of you to unwind, relax, and laugh as soon as you notice someone slightly more powerful than you is laughing.”
But first, President Obama took his place at the WHCD podium for the sixth time, and welcomed everyone to the fourth quarter of his presidency. Here are our top three favorite moments of the night:
1. The Opener: Welcome to the Fourth Quarter
“Welcome to the 4th quarter of my presidency.” —President Obama: http://t.co/bLXImBTejs #WHCD https://t.co/zTMjeXfA70
— The White House (@WhiteHouse) April 26, 2015
Beats by Barack. The President and Grumpy Cat: The Interview. And a South Lawn swim … welcome to the fourth quarter.