Palonek info

Health Reform

Edward Palonek — Wed, 16 Sep 2009 19:48:00 GMT

Reality Check: The Truth About "Czars"

Posted by Anita Dunn

Last week, when the President addressed the Joint Session of Congress in a speech on health reform, he referred to some of the untruths – okay, lies – that have been spread about the plan and sent a clear message to those who seek to undermine his agenda and his presidency with these tactics: "We will call you out." So consider this one of those calls.

Over the past several weeks, we've seen with increasing frequency and volume issues raised around the use of "czars" by this Administration. Although some Members have asked serious questions around the makeup of the White House staff, the bulk of the noise you hear began first with partisan commentators, suggesting that this is somehow a new and sinister development that threatens our democracy. This is, of course, ridiculous. Just to be clear, the job title "czar" doesn’t exist in the Obama Administration. Many of the officials cited by conservative commentators have been confirmed by the Senate. Many hold policy jobs that have existed in previous Administrations. And some hold jobs that involved coordinating the work of agencies on President Obama’s key policy priorities: health insurance reform, energy and green jobs, and building a new foundation for long-lasting economic growth

But of course, it’s really the hypocrisy here that is noteworthy. Just earlier today, Darrell Issa, a Republican from California and one of the leaders in calling for an investigation into the Obama Administration’s use of "czars", had to admit to Fox News that he had never raised any objections to the Bush Administration’s use of "czars". Many of these members who now decry the practice have called on Presidents in the past to appoint "czars" to coordinate activities within the government to address immediate challenges. What is clear is that all of this energy going into these attacks could be used to have a constructive conversation about bringing this country together to address our challenges moving forward – and it doesn’t take a "czar" to bring that about! Just some folks willing to act in good faith.

Take a look at the facts below – the truth about "czars":

Rhetoric: Critics have claimed the Obama Administration is filled with new and unchecked czars.

Glenn Beck Claimed There Were 32 "Czars" In The Obama Administration. "The Brainroom counts 32 czars in the Obama administration, based on media reports from reputable sources that have identified the official in question as a czar." [Glenn Beck Website, 8/21/09]

In Sunday’s Washington Post, Sen. Hutchison Claimed There Were An "Unprecedented 32 Czar Posts." "A few of them have formal titles, but most are simply known as "czars.’ They hold unknown levels of power over broad swaths of policy. Under the Obama administration, we have an unprecedented 32 czar posts (a few of which it has yet to fill), including a ‘car czar,’ a ‘pay czar’ and an ‘information czar.’" [Washington Post, 9/13/09]

Reality: Many of the arbitrarily labeled "czars" on Beck’s list are Senate-confirmed appointees or advisory roles carried over from previous administrations. Others are advisors to the President’s Cabinet Secretaries. Beck himself says on his own website, "Since czar isn't an official job title, the number is somewhat in the eye of the beholder."

Republicans have supported these positions in the past. When asked on Fox News if he had opposed any of President Bush’s "czars," Rep. Darrell Issa admitted "No we didn’t." In fact, the Bush administration had many of the same officials and advisors now described as "czars," including Afghanistan czar, AIDS czar, Drug czar, Faith-based czar, Intelligence czar, Mideast Peace Czar, Regulatory Czar, Science Czar, Sudan Czar, TARP/Bailout Czar, Terrorism Czar, and Weapons Czar.

Of the 32 "czars" on Beck’s list, nine were confirmed by the Senate:

Deputy Interior Secretary David J. Hayes ("California Water Czar")
Director of National Drug Control Policy Gil Kerlikowske ("Drug Czar")
OMB Deputy Director Jeff Zients ("Government Performance Czar")
Director of National Intelligence Adm. Dennis Blair ("Intelligence Czar")
OMB Administrator of the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs Cass Sunstein ("Regulatory Czar")
Assistant to the President for Science and Technology and OSTP Director John Holdren ("Science Czar")
Treasury Assistant Secretary for Financial Stability Herb Allison ("TARP Czar")
Assistant Secretary of Defense for Acquisition, Technology and Logistics Ashton Carter ("Weapons Czar")
OSTP Associate Director Aneesh Chopra ("Technology Czar")

Many of the same critics who are decrying these roles have applauded or even pushed for them in the past. Sen. Robert Bennett has criticized czars as "undermining the Constitution," but reportedly prodded President Clinton to appoint a Y2K Czar. In a 1999 CNN appearance, Sen. Bennett said "I think John Koskinen has been superb. I wrote the president six months before John was appointed, recommending that he appoint a Y2K czar." At a 1999 National Press Club luncheon, Bennett told reporters the Koskinen was "there to help, prod, give information, and make analyses and reports" and said he spoke with the czar to ensure "we maintain the kind of bipartisan and across-the-government sort of communication that this never becomes a political issue."

Senator Lamar Alexander has also criticized President Obama’s "czars," calling them "an affront to the Constitution." But during remarks delivered on the Senate floor in 2003, Sen. Alexander said "I would welcome" President Bush’s "manufacturing job czar." That same day in the Senate, he also expressed support for President Bush’s AIDS czar Randall Tobias.

When asked on Fox News if he had opposed any of President Bush’s "czars," Rep. Darrell Issa responded "No we didn’t," despite previously claiming that czars "undermine" transparency and accountability.

In fact, last year, 176 House Republicans, including Issa, voted for a bill that would create an "Intellectual Property Enforcement Coordinator" that would advise the President and serve in the White House. By the time the bill passed the Senate, it was co-sponsored by 20 additional senators, including Sen. Alexander.

Anita Dunn is Director of Communications for the White House

Economic recovery plan

Edward Palonek — Fri, 04 Sep 2009 14:19:00 GMT

Saying "Hi" at DOT

Posted by Macon Phillips

First Lady Michelle Obama continued her tour of her new neighborhood today with a visit to the Department of Transportation.

"The economic recovery plan is making the largest investment in our nation's infrastructure since the interstate highways were created in the 1950s. It's time," she said. "It will repair and rebuild highways, expand access to public transportation, which we all need; invest in high speed rail, which we all need; and improve our nation's airports.

"So that's why your management, the work that you're doing here in Transportation to manage the investments in the economic recovery plan, is so very important," she added later. "There is a lot of work to do."

White House photos 2/20/09 by Joyce N. Boghosian

Recovery Act Milestone – 200 Days

Edward Palonek — Thu, 03 Sep 2009 21:18:00 GMT

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 3RD, 2009 AT 10:00 AM

Recovery Act Milestone – 200 Days

Posted by Cammie Croft

"You know, it all adds up to this, in my view at least: the Recovery Act has played a significant role in changing the trajectory of our economy, and changing the conversation about the economy in this country. Instead of talking about the beginning of a depression, we're talking about the end of a recession -- eight months after taking office."
-- Vice President Joe Biden, September 3, 2009

One-hundred days ago, Vice President Joe Biden announced the "Roadmap to Recovery," a summer initiative designed to accelerate the Administration’s recovery efforts. Ten major projects – from putting more cops on our streets to keeping more teachers in our classrooms to giving more people access to health care – were announced.

Today, at the 200-day milestone of the Recovery Act, the Vice President revealed in a letter to President Obama, "I am pleased to report to you that all ten agencies have met or exceeded their commitments." Here are a few highlights:

The Department of Health and Human Services exceeded its goal of providing expanded service at 1,129 Health Centers in 50 states and 8 territories – providing that expanded service to approximately 500,000 patients.
The Department of Education kept more educators in our schools – meeting their goal of funding over 135,000 education positions across the nation.
The Department of Justice put more officers in our communities – funding 4,699 law enforcement officers’ salaries and benefits for three years.
The Department of Veterans Affairs met their goal of beginning improvements at 90 Veterans Medical Centers across 38 states.

(Vice President Joe Biden answers a question after delivering a speech outlining the first 200 days of the
American Recovery and Reinvestment Act at the Brookings Institute in Washington, DC, Thursday,
September 3, 2009. To the Vice President's right is Strobe Talbott, President of the Brookings Institution.
Official White House Photo by David Lienemann.)

To learn more about the Recovery Act’s progress, visit WhiteHouse.gov/Recovery/Roadmap/. There, you can easily compare the commitments and results of the "Roadmap to Recovery" and also learn about the specific projects happening in your local community.

At the 200-day milestone, the Recovery Act isn’t just working; it’s working towards something – a more resilient, more transformative, economy. But, there’s more work to be done. On the Recovery blog, we’ll continue telling the stories of recovery in communities across the country. Help tell that story – share your photos, videos or comments about recovery projects happening in your neighborhood.

DTV Delay Act

Edward Palonek — Wed, 02 Sep 2009 16:16:00 GMT

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 5TH, 2009 AT 2:07 PM

A few more months of rabbit ears

Posted by Macon Phillips

The House voted yesterday to delay the transition from analog to digital TV, from February 17 -- less than two weeks away -- to June 12.

The Senate has already approved the bill, so now it heads to the President's desk to be signed into law. You can read the full text and let us know what you think by leaving your comments on the legislation here.

The Abbas Meeting

Edward Palonek — Fri, 29 May 2009 14:15:00 GMT

Meeting with Abbas

(President Barack Obama meets with Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas in the Oval Office
Thursday, May 28, 2009. The man sitting between them is an interpreter.
Official White House Photo by Pete Souza)

This afternoon the President held a one-on-one meeting, and then an expanded meeting with Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas, read the President's opening remarks when they spoke to the press together afterwards:

PRESIDENT OBAMA: Hello, everybody. Well, it is a great pleasure to welcome President Abbas to the Oval Office. We had -- we just completed an extensive conversation, both privately as well as with our delegations, about how we can advance peace in the Middle East and how we can reaffirm some core principles that I think can result in Palestinians and Israelis living side by side in peace and security.

As I've said before, I've been a strong believer in a two-state solution that would provide the Israelis and Palestinians the peace and security that they need. I am very appreciative that President Abbas shares that view. And when Prime Minister Netanyahu was here last week I reiterated to him that the framework that's been provided by the road map is one that can advance the interests of Israel, can advance the interests of the Palestinian people, and can also advance the interests of the United States.

We are a stalwart ally of Israel and it is in our interests to assure that Israel is safe and secure. It is our belief that the best way to achieve that is to create the conditions on the ground and set the stage for a Palestinian state as well. And so what I told Prime Minister Netanyahu was is that each party has obligations under the road map. On the Israeli side those obligations include stopping settlements. They include making sure that there is a viable potential Palestinian state. On the Palestinian side it's going to be important and necessary to continue to take the security steps on the West Bank that President Abbas has already begun to take, working with General Dayton. We've seen great progress in terms of security in the West Bank. Those security steps need to continue because Israel has to have some confidence that security in the West Bank is in place in order for us to advance this process.

And I also mentioned to President Abbas in a frank exchange that it was very important to continue to make progress in reducing the incitement and anti-Israel sentiments that are sometimes expressed in schools and mosques and in the public square, because all those things are impediments to peace.

The final point that I made was the importance of all countries internationally, but particularly the Arab states, to be supportive of a two-state solution. And we discussed how important it is that the Arab states, building off of some of the recognition of the possibilities of the two-state solution that are contained in the Arab Peace Initiative continue to provide economic support, as well as political support, to President Abbas's efforts as he moves the Palestinian Authority forward, as he continues to initiate the reforms that have taken place, and as he hopefully is going to be able to enter into constructive talks with the Israelis.

So, again, I want to thank President Abbas for his visit and a very constructive conversation. I am confident that we can move this process forward if all the parties are willing to take on the responsibilities and meet the obligations that they've already committed to, and if they keep in mind not just the short-term tactical issues that are involved, but the long-term strategic interests of both the Israelis and the Palestinians to live side by side in peace and security.

So, thank you again, Mr. President.

(President Barack Obama meets with Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas in the Oval Office
Thursday, May 28, 2009. Official White House Photo by Pete Souza)

(President Barack Obama listens as Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas responds to a
question during a joint meeting with the press in the Oval Office Thursday, May 28, 2009.
Official White House Photo by Chuck Kennedy)

Homeowners and the Economy

Edward Palonek — Wed, 27 May 2009 16:02:00 GMT

Protecting Homeowners, Protecting the Economy

The President has just signed the Helping Families Save Their Homes Act and the Fraud Enforcement and Recovery Act into law, landmark pieces of legislation addressing the problems that helped set off the economic crisis we are fighting through now.

The Fraud Enforcement and Recovery Act gives the federal government more tools to crack down on the kind of fraud that put thousands of hardworking families at risk of losing their homes despite doing everything right to live within their means. It expands the Department of Justice’s ability to prosecute at virtually every step of the process from predatory lending on Main Street to the manipulation on Wall Street. It also creates a bipartisan Financial Crisis Inquiry Commission to investigate the financial practices that brought us to this point, so that we make sure it never happens again.

Before signing it, the President said:

Last year, the Treasury Department received 62,000 reports of mortgage fraud -- more than 5,000 each month. The number of criminal mortgage fraud investigations opened by the FBI has more than doubled over the past three years. And yet, the federal government's ability to investigate and prosecute these frauds is severely hindered by outdated laws and a lack of resources.

And that's why this bill nearly doubles the FBI's mortgage and financial fraud program, allowing it to better target fraud in hard-hit areas. That's why it provides the resources necessary for other law enforcement and federal agencies, from the Department of Justice to the SEC to the Secret Service, to pursue these criminals, bring them to justice, and protect hardworking Americans affected most by these crimes. It's also why it expands DOJ's authority to prosecute fraud that takes place in many of the private institutions not covered under current federal bank fraud criminal statutes -- institutions where more than half of all subprime mortgages came from as recently as four years ago.

The Helping Families Save Their Homes Act expands on the success of the Making Home Affordable Program first announced in February. By reducing foreclosures around the country, the average homeowner could see their house price bolstered by as much as $6,000 as a result of this plan, and as many as 9 million homeowners could get help making their mortgages affordable and avoid preventable foreclosures. This bill makes this help easier to access and take advantage of, helps get credit flowing again, establishes protections for renters living in foreclosed homes, and establishes the right of a homeowner to know who owns their mortgage. It also provides $2.2 billion to address homelessness, helping families be part of the recovery one by one.

Before signing it, the President said:

Let me talk a little bit about the housing bill. The Helping Families Save Their Homes Act advances the goals of our existing housing plan by providing assistance to responsible homeowners and preventing avoidable foreclosures. Last summer, Congress passed the HOPE for Homeowners Act to help families who found themselves "underwater" as a result of declining home values -- families who owed more on their mortgages than their homes are worth. But too many administrative and technical hurdles made it very difficult to navigate, and most borrowers didn't even bother to try.

This bill removes those hurdles, getting folks into sustainable and affordable mortgages, and more importantly, keeping them in their homes. And it expands the reach of our existing housing plan for homeowners with FHA or USDA rural housing loans, providing them with new opportunities to modify or refinance their mortgages to more affordable levels.

Any plan is only as effective as the number of people who take advantage of it. This bill recognized that, but if you think you might benefit from refinancing as millions of other Americans could, go to MakingHomeAffordable.gov to find out if you or your family is eligible. Learn more about these bills through the White House fact sheet out today.

New ways to find Government Resources

Edward Palonek — Mon, 25 May 2009 14:47:00 GMT

Your Government & New Media

Bev Godwin, Director of Online Resources & Interagency Development here in White House New Media, knows internet and government. She is on detail to the White House from the U.S. General Services Administration, where she serves as Director of USA.gov and Web Best Practices. She showcases some examples of new media you may or may not know about from across government:

Did you know your government may be cooler and more approachable than you think? It really is. I know. I work here.

Answering President Obama’s call for engagement with the public, federal agencies continue to expand their online presence. As Macon Phillips, Director of New Media @ The White House says in this video "Your government is delivering online content in new ways and new venues as technology impacts how and where people consume content."

So, look for opportunities to jump in and connect with your government -- at our websites and blogs, through videos and photos, in social networks, through widgets, podcasts, and more. Abraham Lincoln knew what he was talking about. This is government of the people, by the people, for the people.

View, comment, rate, participate, and share. The government is paying attention, even as we continue to learn ourselves. The more people engage, the more meaningful all of this becomes, and the more progress we can make.

Here’s a sampling from the video of what’s been happening. Keep your eye – and mouses -- out for lots more.

EPA’s Pick 5 to help the environment http://www.epa.gov/pick5

FBI widgets http://www.fbi.gov/widgets.htm

Library of Congress Flickr photo stream http://www.flickr.com/photos/library_of_congress/

National Park Service Facebook App to share stories and photos http://apps.facebook.com/mynationalparks/

Peer-to-Patent project http://www.uspto.gov/web/patents/peerpriorartpilot/

Presidential Directives and Executive Orders http://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing_room/PresidentialActions/
- Freedom of Information Act http://www.whitehouse.gov/the_press_office/Freedom_of_Information_Act/
- Transparency and Open Government http://www.whitehouse.gov/the_press_office/Transparency_and_Open_Government/

Recovery.gov http://www.recovery.gov

Serve.gov http://www.serve.gov

State Department’s DipNote blog on Twitter http://twitter.com/dipnote

State Department on Facebook http://www.facebook.com/pages/Washington-DC/US-Department-of-State/15877306073?v=wall&viewas=0

Troop Tube http://www.trooptube.tv/

TSA blog http://www.tsa.gov/blog and other federal blogs http://www.usa.gov/Topics/Reference_Shelf/News/blog.shtml

U.S. Government channel on YouTube http://www.youtube.com/usgovernment

USA.gov http://www.usa.gov

USA.gov’s government FAQs, email and online chat http://answers.usa.gov

USA.gov on Twitter http://twitter.com/usagov

And of course Whitehouse.gov http://www.whitehouse.gov
- Blog http://www.whitehouse.gov/blog/
- Health Care Reform Forum (slideshow) http://www.whitehouse.gov/photogallery/White-House-Forum-on-Health-Reform/
- Live Streaming from the White House http://www.whitehouse.gov/live/
- Open for Questions http://www.whitehouse.gov/OpenForQuestions/
- Podcasts http://www.whitehouse.gov/assets/images/get_connected_01-iTunes_ove.jpg
- President’s Weekly Address http://www.whitehouse.gov/weekly_address/
- Town Hall in Turkey http://www.whitehouse.gov/blog/09/04/07/The-Student-Roundtable-in-Turkey/

More ways to connect with government online:
http://www.usa.gov/Topics/Multimedia.shtml

White House Photo Office

Edward Palonek — Thu, 21 May 2009 13:54:00 GMT

More Photos

The White House Photo Office will now be periodically uploading select batches of photos on the White House Flickr account. Have a look.

(President Barack Obama pets the family dog, Bo, during a brief break from meetings on the South Lawn
of the White House May 12, 2009. Official White House Photo by Pete Souza)

More Laughs at the Whitehouse

Edward Palonek — Wed, 13 May 2009 15:26:00 GMT

THE WHITE HOUSE

Office of the Press Secretary

_________________________________________________________________

For Immediate Release May 10, 2009

REMARKS BY THE PRESIDENT
AT WHITE HOUSE CORRESPONDENTS' ASSOCIATION DINNER

May 9, 2009

Washington Hilton
Washington, D.C.

9:56 P.M. EDT

THE PRESIDENT: Thank you. Thank you, everybody. Good evening. You know, I had an entire speech prepared for this wonderful occasion, but now that I'm here I think I'm going to try something a little different. Tonight I want to speak from the heart. I'm going to speak off the cuff. (Teleprompters rise.) (Laughter and applause.)

Good evening. (Laughter.) Pause for laughter. (Laughter.) Wait a minute, this may not be working as well as I -- (laughter.) Let me try that again.

Good evening, everybody. (Applause.) I would like to welcome you all to the 10-day anniversary of my first 100 days. (Laughter.) I am Barack Obama. Most of you covered me. All of you voted for me. (Laughter and applause.) Apologies to the Fox table. (Laughter.) They're -- where are they? I have to confess I really did not want to be here tonight, but I knew I had to come -- just one more problem that I've inherited from George W. Bush. (Laughter.)

But now that I'm here, it's great to be here. It's great to see all of you. Michelle Obama is here, the First Lady of the United States. (Applause.) Hasn't she been an outstanding First Lady? (Applause.) She's even begun to bridge the differences that have divided us for so long, because no matter which party you belong to we can all agree that Michelle has the right to bare arms. (Laughter and applause.)

Now Sasha and Malia aren't here tonight because they're grounded. You can't just take Air Force One on a joy ride to Manhattan. (Laughter.) I don't care whose kids you are. (Laughter.) We've been setting some ground rules here. They're starting to get a little carried away.

Now, speaking -- when I think about children obviously I think about Michelle and it reminds me that tomorrow is Mother's Day. Happy Mother's Day to all the mothers in the audience. (Applause.) I do have to say, though, that this is a tough holiday for Rahm Emanuel because he's not used to saying the word "day" after "mother." (Laughter.) That's true. (Laughter.)

David Axelrod is here. You know, David and I have been together for a long time. I can still remember -- I got to sort of -- I tear up a little bit when I think back to that day that I called Ax so many years ago and said, you and I can do wonderful things together. And he said to me the same thing that partners all across America are saying to one another right now: Let's go to Iowa and make it official. (Laughter and applause.)

Michael Steele is in the house tonight. (Applause.) Or as he would say, "in the heezy." (Laughter.) What's up? (Laughter.) Where is Michael? Michael, for the last time, the Republican Party does not qualify for a bailout. (Laughter.) Rush Limbaugh does not count as a troubled asset, I'm sorry. (Laughter.)

Dick Cheney was supposed to be here but he is very busy working on his memoirs, tentatively titled, "How to Shoot Friends and Interrogate People." (Laughter.)

You know, it's been a whirlwind of activity these first hundred days. We've enacted a major economic recovery package, we passed a budget, we forged a new path in Iraq, and no President in history has ever named three Commerce Secretaries this quickly. (Laughter.) Which reminds me, if Judd Gregg is here, your business cards are ready now. (Laughter.)

On top of that, I've also reversed the ban on stem cell research, signed an expansion -- (applause) -- signed an expansion of the children's health insurance. Just last week, Car and Driver named me auto executive of the year. (Laughter.) Something I'm very proud of.

We've also begun to change the culture in Washington. We've even made the White House a place where people can learn and can grow. Just recently, Larry Summers asked if he could chair the White House Council on Women and Girls. (Laughter.) And I do appreciate that Larry is here tonight because it is seven hours past his bedtime. (Laughter.) Gibbs liked that one. (Laughter.)

In the last hundred days, we've also grown the Democratic Party by infusing it with new energy and bringing in fresh, young faces like Arlen Specter. (Laughter.) Now, Joe Biden rightly deserves a lot of credit for convincing Arlen to make the switch, but Secretary Clinton actually had a lot to do with it too. One day she just pulled him aside and she said, Arlen, you know what I always say -- "if you can't beat them, join them." (Laughter.)

Which brings me to another thing that's changed in this new, warmer, fuzzier White House, and that's my relationship with Hillary. You know, we had been rivals during the campaign, but these days we could not be closer. In fact, the second she got back from Mexico she pulled into a hug and gave me a big kiss. (Laughter.) Told me I'd better get down there myself. (Laughter.) Which I really appreciated. I mean, it was -- it was nice. (Laughter.)

And of course we've also begun to change America's image in the world. We talked about this during this campaign and we're starting to execute. We've renewed alliances with important partners and friends. If you look on the screen there, there I am with Japanese Prime Minister Taro Aso. There I am with Gordon Brown.

But as I said during the campaign, we can't just talk to our friends. As hard as it is, we also have to talk to our enemies, and I've begun to do exactly that. Take a look at the monitor there. (Laughter.) Now, let me be clear, just because he handed me a copy of Peter Pan does not mean that I'm going to read it -- (laughter) -- but it's good diplomatic practice to just accept these gifts.

All this change hasn't been easy. Change never is. So I've cut the tension by bringing a new friend to the White House. He's warm, he's cuddly, loyal, enthusiastic. You just have to keep him on a tight leash. Every once in a while he goes charging off in the wrong direction and gets himself into trouble. But enough about Joe Biden. (Laughter.)

All in all, we're proud of the change we've brought to Washington in these first hundred days but we've got a lot of work left to do, as all of you know. So I'd like to talk a little bit about what my administration plans to achieve in the next hundred days.

During the second hundred days, we will design, build and open a library dedicated to my first hundred days. (Laughter.) It's going to be big, folks. (Laughter.) In the next hundred days, I will learn to go off the prompter and Joe Biden will learn to stay on the prompter. (Laughter.)

In the next hundred days, our bipartisan outreach will be so successful that even John Boehner will consider becoming a Democrat. After all, we have a lot in common. He is a person of color. (Laughter.) Although not a color that appears in the natural world. (Laughter.) What's up, John? (Laughter.)

In the next hundred days, I will meet with a leader who rules over millions with an iron fist, who owns the airwaves and uses his power to crush all who would challenge his authority at the ballot box. It's good to see you, Mayor Bloomberg. (Laughter.)

In the next hundred days, we will housetrain our dog, Bo, because the last thing Tim Geithner needs is someone else treating him like a fire hydrant. (Laughter.) In the next hundred days, I will strongly consider losing my cool. (Laughter.)

Finally, I believe that my next hundred days will be so successful I will be able to complete them in 72 days. (Laughter.) And on the 73rd day, I will rest. (Laughter.)

I just -- I want to end by saying a few words about the men and women in this room whose job it is to inform the public and pursue the truth. You know, we meet tonight at a moment of extraordinary challenge for this nation and for the world, but it's also a time of real hardship for the field of journalism. And like so many other businesses in this global age, you've seen sweeping changes and technology and communications that lead to a sense of uncertainty and anxiety about what the future will hold.

Across the country, there are extraordinary, hardworking journalists who have lost their jobs in recent days, recent weeks, recent months. And I know that each newspaper and media outlet is wrestling with how to respond to these changes, and some are struggling simply to stay open. And it won't be easy. Not every ending will be a happy one.

But it's also true that your ultimate success as an industry is essential to the success of our democracy. It's what makes this thing work. You know, Thomas Jefferson once said that if he had the choice between a government without newspapers, or newspapers without a government, he would not hesitate to choose the latter.

Clearly, Thomas Jefferson never had cable news to contend with -- (laughter) -- but his central point remains: A government without newspapers, a government without a tough and vibrant media of all sorts, is not an option for the United States of America. (Applause.)

So I may not -- I may not agree with everything you write or report. I may even complain, or more likely Gibbs will complain, from time to time about how you do your jobs, but I do so with the knowledge that when you are at your best, then you help me be at my best. You help all of us who serve at the pleasure of the American people do our jobs better by holding us accountable, by demanding honesty, by preventing us from taking shortcuts and falling into easy political games that people are so desperately weary of.

And that kind of reporting is worth preserving -- not just for your sake, but for the public's. We count on you to help us make sense of a complex world and tell the stories of our lives the way they happen, and we look for you for truth, even if it's always an approximation, even if -- (laughter.)

This is a season of renewal and reinvention. That is what government must learn to do, that's what businesses must learn to do, and that's what journalism is in the process of doing. And when I look out at this room and think about the dedicated men and women whose questions I've answered over the last few years, I know that for all the challenges this industry faces, it's not short on talent or creativity or passion or commitment. It's not short of young people who are eager to break news or the not-so-young who still manage to ask the tough ones time and time again. These qualities alone will not solve all your problems, but they certainly prove that the problems are worth solving. And that is a good place as any to begin.

So I offer you my thanks, I offer you my support, and I look forward to working with you and answering to you and the American people as we seek a more perfect union in the months and years ahead.

Thank you very much, everybody. Thank you. (Applause.)

END
10:12 P.M. EDT

Lady Huskies

Edward Palonek — Wed, 13 May 2009 15:25:00 GMT

Service With the Lady Huskies

Posted by Joe Kennedy, Staff Assistant, White House Office of Public Engagement

A perfect season is rare in sports. It takes talent, hours and hours of hard work, and a commitment to excellence. The 2009 Huskies were that team. And they had a magical year to say the least...39-0. As National Player of the year Maya Moore said before her visit to the White House, "Little did we know that we would be apart of history ourselves a few months later! Looking back now on our season I realize how blessed we were to have experienced such a once in a lifetime college year." After meeting the team and the coaches at the White House, it was obvious why the Huskies were perfect this past season. They are an amazing group of young women determined to work hard, have some fun, and accomplish great things. As you can see in the video, this team strives for success on and off the court. Geno's Cancer Team is one of those real successes. The service the team does year in and year out in Connecticut helps communities and neighborhoods across the state. The Huskies value service and understand the power of giving.

download .mp4 (28.7 M

Edward M. Kennedy Serve America Act

Edward Palonek — Mon, 11 May 2009 14:12:00 GMT

Service, Coming to a Town Near You

(White House Photo, 4/21/09, Samantha Appleton)

A few weeks ago, President Obama signed the Edward M. Kennedy Serve America Act into law, ushering in a new era of service and volunteering for our nation. Facing unprecedented challenges, the President has asked all Americans to engage in service opportunities help create a better nation.

The Corporation for National & Community Service was charged with dramatically expanding opportunities for Americans to serve, and in a sign of how seriously they are taking that charge today they announced a nationwide listening tour. Visit their site to learn more and register for their public listening sessions MO, SC, DC, MA, UT, or LA.

The Serve America Act goes into effect on October 1. In the meantime, here's what else you can do to stay involved and make a difference:

Answer President Obama’s call to service. You can find a service project at Serve.gov.
Register a new project to help bring your community together;
Become of fan of the Serve.gov Facebook page.

Remarks on Justice Souter by the President

Edward Palonek — Tue, 05 May 2009 17:40:00 GMT

The President's Remarks on Justice Souter

Read Justice Souter's letter to the President.

The President made an appearance at today's press briefing to discuss Justice David Souter's retirement:

THE PRESIDENT: I just got off the telephone with Justice Souter. And so I would like to say a few words about his decision to retire from the Supreme Court.

Throughout his two decades on the Supreme Court, Justice Souter has shown what it means to be a fair-minded and independent judge. He came to the bench with no particular ideology. He never sought to promote a political agenda. And he consistently defied labels and rejected absolutes, focusing instead on just one task -- reaching a just result in the case that was before him.

He approached judging as he approaches life, with a feverish work ethic and a good sense of humor, with integrity, equanimity and compassion -- the hallmark of not just being a good judge, but of being a good person.

I am incredibly grateful for his dedicated service. I told him as much when we spoke. I spoke on behalf of the American people thanking him for his service. And I wish him safe travels on his journey home to his beloved New Hampshire and on the road ahead.

Now, the process of selecting someone to replace Justice Souter is among my most serious responsibilities as President. So I will seek somebody with a sharp and independent mind and a record of excellence and integrity. I will seek someone who understands that justice isn't about some abstract legal theory or footnote in a case book. It is also about how our laws affect the daily realities of people's lives -- whether they can make a living and care for their families; whether they feel safe in their homes and welcome in their own nation.

I view that quality of empathy, of understanding and identifying with people's hopes and struggles as an essential ingredient for arriving as just decisions and outcomes. I will seek somebody who is dedicated to the rule of law, who honors our constitutional traditions, who respects the integrity of the judicial process and the appropriate limits of the judicial role. I will seek somebody who shares my respect for constitutional values on which this nation was founded, and who brings a thoughtful understanding of how to apply them in our time.

As I make this decision, I intend to consult with members of both parties across the political spectrum. And it is my hope that we can swear in our new Supreme Court Justice in time for him or her to be seated by the first Monday in October when the Court's new term begins.

Veterans Agenda

Edward Palonek — Tue, 21 Apr 2009 17:41:00 GMT

VETERANS

"Keeping faith with those who serve must always be a core American value and a cornerstone of American patriotism. Because America's commitment to its servicemen and women begins at enlistment, and it must never end."

-- Barack Obama, Speech in Kansas City, MO
August 21, 2007

As a member of the Senate Committee on Veterans’ Affairs, Barack Obama fought to end benefit disparities, bring homeless veterans in off the street, strengthen mental health care, add billions of dollars in additional Department of Veterans Affairs funding, and reform a system that often places barriers between veterans and the benefits they have earned. President Obama and Vice President Biden will ensure we honor the sacred trust to care for our nation’s veterans.

A Sacred Trust

Barack Obama and Joe Biden are committed to creating a 21st Century Department of Veterans' Affairs that provides the care and benefits our nation's veterans deserve. They will:

Allow All Veterans Back into the VA: Reverse the 2003 ban on enrolling modest-income veterans, which has denied care to a million veterans.
Strengthen VA Care: Make the VA a leader of national health care reform so that veterans get the best care possible. Improve care for polytrauma vision impairment, prosthetics, spinal cord injury, aging, and women's health.
Combat Homelessness among Our Nation's Veterans: Establish a national "zero tolerance" policy for veterans falling into homelessness by expanding proven programs and launching innovative services to prevent veterans from falling into homelessness.
Fight Employment Discrimination: Crack down on employers who commit job discrimination against guardsmen and reservists.

Help for Returning Service Members

Obama and Biden will improve the quality of health care for veterans, rebuild the VA's broken benefits system, and combat homelessness among veterans. They will:

Ensure a Seamless Transition: Demand that the military and the VA coordinate to provide a seamless transition from active duty to civilian life.
Fully Fund VA Medical Care: Fully fund the VA so it has all the resources it needs to serve the veterans who need it, when they need it. Establish a world-class VA Planning Division to avoid future budget shortfalls.
Fix the Benefits Bureaucracy: Hire additional claims workers, and improve training and accountability so that VA benefit decisions are rated fairly and consistently. Transform the paper benefit claims process to an electronic one to reduce errors and improve timeliness.

Improved Treatment for Mental Health and TBI

Obama and Biden will improve mental health treatment for troops and veterans suffering from combat-related psychological injuries. They will:

Improve Mental Health Treatment: Recruit more health professionals, improve screening, offer more support to families and make PTSD benefits claims fairer.
Improve Care for Traumatic Brain Injury: Establish standards of care for Traumatic Brain Injury, the signature injury of the Iraq war.
Expand Vet Centers: Expand and strengthen Vet Centers to provide more counseling for vets and their families.

Middle Class Task Force Report: College Affordability

Edward Palonek — Mon, 20 Apr 2009 15:34:00 GMT

Middle Class Task Force Report: College Affordability

To see why the Middle Class Task Force is holding its third official meeting in St. Louis on "Making College More Affordable for our Families," you need only look at this chart from the staff report showing the rise of median family income over the past 30 years compared to the rise in tuition costs:

Read the full Middle Class Task Force Staff Report (pdf) >>

The Vice President and others from the Task Force, joined by 28-year educator Dr. Jill Biden, are delving deep into these issues at their meeting. And for those with kids in college, or even just experiencing a sense of dread as tuition costs skyrocket year after year while your children grow up, the full report is worth a read. It examines the causes of the rise in costs, and addresses them head on. It discusses the fundamental shift in the treatment of government assistance in the President’s budget proposal, from increasing loans and grants to protecting them from political back-and-forth in the budget process year to year, ensuring families will always be able to count on the help they expect. The report also examines innovative ways that colleges can cut down on their costs, which are a primary factor in tuition costs alongside state budget cuts. This is all related to the President’s goal that by 2020, America should once again lead the world in the proportion of adults with a college degree.

(Vice President Joe Biden listens as Secretary of Education Arne Duncan answers a question from the audience
during a Middle Class Task Force event on College Affordability at the University of Missouri St. Louis,
Friday, April 17, 2009. Official White House Photo by David Lienemann)

For those who have been through the process, or are facing the daunting task of applying for aid, the section on simplifying that process may be of particular interest:

Simplifying the Application Process for Aid

Another obstacle to federal student aid is the unnecessarily complicated application process that is often intimidating to families and students seeking loans. In order to qualify for aid, students or their parents must first complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form, which contains well over 100 questions on income, assets, family characteristics, personal characteristics, and other items. Completing the FAFSA requires families to sift through paperwork and transfer numbers from tax forms that they may or may not have readily available.

The fact that well over one million students who could qualify for aid went without it during the 2003-2004 school year is one indication that the application process is too complicated. Furthermore, students who do not apply for aid due to the complexity of the process may be discouraged from applying to college at all, reducing college attendance rates. As a result, the complicated process works at cross-purposes with our goal of increasing college attendance and completion. Experts widely agree that the system is in need of change. There are two broad strategies to simplify the financial aid application process that are currently under discussion.

One strategy is to make it easier to complete the current form. For example, according to The Institute for College Access and Success (TICAS), about two-thirds of the questions on income and assets that are included in the FAFSA form can be automatically answered using IRS data. This means that the U.S. Department of Education could obtain this information directly from the IRS, and the student or family would only be required to answer the remaining questions. TICAS contends that a simplified process would have the added benefit of reducing errors among filers who erroneously transfer data by hand from their tax returns to the FAFSA form. It would also remove the burden of requiring colleges and universities to verify the income information on the FAFSA form using tax returns. The use of IRS data is also an attractive option because it can make the financial aid application process more efficient on its own or can be combined with other FAFSA simplification proposals. Importantly, compelling new research suggests that FAFSA simplification can substantially increase applications for student aid as well as subsequent college enrollment.

While appealing, simplification of the application process may not substantially address the length and complexity of the FAFSA for some, such as those who do not file tax returns with the IRS. Furthermore, even after removing the 22 questions that could be completed with data directly from the IRS, the form still would include nearly 100 questions. As a result, a second strategy for simplifying the application process for student aid is to shorten the form by reducing the number of questions asked. The scope of such simplification could be small or large, depending on the number of questions eliminated. The advantages of a short form would include greater transparency and the ability to make earlier determinations of aid. As an extreme example, economists Susan Dynarski and Judith Scott-Clayton have advocated for a form based on adjusted gross income and family size alone.14 Combined with IRS data, such an application would provide immediate, verifiable feedback on the amount of aid for which a student would be eligible. They argue that this would likely facilitate more timely decisions for families concerning higher education financing, and it would do so with only modest changes to the distribution of aid. This proposal represents just one possibility, but even a much less radical simplification would substantially ease the burden of filing the FAFSA on students and their families.

Strategies for simplifying the financial aid application process have potential merits, potential impacts on financial aid awards, and potential challenges in implementation. However, it is clear that simplification makes good policy sense, and that it would help families benefit from important resources available to help cover the cost of college.

(Dr. Jill Biden introduces Vice President Joe Biden during a Middle Class Task Force event on College
Affordability at the University of Missouri St. Louis, Friday, April 17, 2009.
Official White House Photo by David Lienemann)

White House Internship Program

Edward Palonek — Fri, 17 Apr 2009 14:08:00 GMT

White House Internship Program

Thank you for your interest in serving your country and working for the Obama Administration. The White House Internship Program provides a unique opportunity to gain valuable professional experience and build leadership skills. This hands-on program is designed to mentor and cultivate today’s young leaders, strengthen their understanding of the Executive Office and prepare them for future public service opportunities.

In addition to typical office duties, interns will supplement their learning experience by attending a weekly lecture series hosted by senior White House staff, assist at White House social events, and volunteer in community service projects.

"This program will mentor and cultivate young leaders of today and tomorrow and I'm proud that they will have this opportunity to serve," said President Obama. "I look forward to working with those that are selected to participate and I want to commend all who apply for their desire to help through public service to forge a brighter future for our country."

White House Internships are full-time unpaid positions and participants are responsible for arranging their own transportation and housing for the duration of the program.
Applicants are encouraged to contact educational and other non-profit organizations to apply for funding or housing assistance. Applicants can contact local schools for housing opportunities.

Qualifications

Applicants must be:

US Citizens
Eighteen years of age on or before the first day of the internship
Enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate program at a college, community college, or university (2-4 year institution) or must have graduated in the past two years from undergraduate or graduate school.

A veteran of the United States Armed forces who possesses a high school diploma or its equivalent and has served on active duty at any time over the past two years is eligible.

Application for Summer 2009 Internship

The summer application process is closed. Applicants will be notified by April 20th of their acceptance into the White House internship program. The program will begin the end of May and end mid-August.

NEW: Application for Fall 2009 Internship

A completed application includes: two short essay questions, three letters of recommendation, a resume and an unofficial transcript. Applicants will be notified by July of their acceptance into the White House internship program.
The webform to submit your Fall application will go up in late April. Click here to see a sample of the application so you can start preparing your materials. No materials will be accepted until the webform is up including RECOMMENDATIONS. For questions, please consult our FAQ page. Recommenders, please consult our recommender FAQ.

NEW: Application for DC Scholars Internship 2009

The application for the DC Scholars program is now up. This is a program for DC public high school students committed to public service and learning more about the White House. The DC Scholars Internship Program is an unpaid part-time internship. Applicants must be 18 years old by June 22nd to participate in the program. The program runs from June 22nd to August 14th. Click here for more details and the application.

For questions, consult our FAQ page.

Key Dates for the White House Internship program

2009 Summer Internship

Submission deadline for the Summer Internship Program is March 22, 2009.
Applicants will be notified whether they have been accepted by mid-April.
The Summer Internship program runs from May 22-August 14.

2009 Fall Internship

Submission deadline for the Fall Internship Program is June1, 2009.
Applicants will be notified whether they have been accepted the first week of July.
The Fall program runs from September 8-December 18.

Note: There will be no exceptions for missing the submission deadline.

Presidential Department Descriptions

Interns will be placed in a departmental office for their internship. Below is a list of departments in the Office of the President and the Office of the Vice President. Interns will be asked to list their top five preferred offices in their application.

White House Department of Scheduling and Advance

This department coordinates President Obama's travel and event itineraries, as well as the planning and preparation that go into supporting the President at events around the country and world. This charge includes the consideration and selection of President Obama's scheduling commitments, the planning and preparation in the weeks and days preceding travel and events, and the successful execution of Presidential events. The Department of Scheduling and Advance works closely with the Secret Service and the White House Communications Agency to coordinate logistics for the President, but preparing the President's schedule and ensuring a successful Presidential visit also requires frequent interaction with a variety of federal agencies and state and local entities.

The Office of Cabinet Affairs

This office is the primary liaison between the President and his Cabinet. The office coordinates communications and logistics between the White House and the Cabinet and manages issues that affect multiple federal agencies. Staff in the Cabinet Affairs office are in daily communication with senior staff at each agency and within the White House coordinating activities that include special events, communications strategy and policy dissemination. The staff includes the Cabinet Secretary, the Deputy Cabinet Secretary, three Deputy Directors and a special assistant. Interns will work with staff to facilitate office operations and implement all activities.

The White House Communications Department

The Communications Department crafts the message that the President delivers to the country. Through speeches, web videos and even newspaper articles in your hometown paper, the Communications Department keeps the country informed. You will learn about and work with different areas of the media – speechwriting, new media, regional press, surrogate press and message/event planning. The work in the department is fast-paced, challenging, diverse and an exciting place to learn!

The White House Office of Public Liaison and Intergovernmental Affairs

This office is responsible for building relationships with advocacy groups, Non-governmental organization, and all currently elected state officials. The Office of Public Liaison is also the primary channel through which the general public relates to the White House. Staffers in OPL/IGA consistently work with elected officials and advocates to ensure the President's agenda is supported and continually pushed not only inside the Beltway, but in all areas of the country. Interns with this office will work alongside staff members to build new and maintain current relationships with state elected officials and national advocacy leaders, prepare for presidential trips around the country, prepare for elected and advocacy group briefings in the White House, and assist in all other facets of advancing the President's agenda.

The Office of the First Lady

The Office of the First Lady aids Mrs. Obama in all aspects of her public life. The staff is split up into six departments: Chief of Staff, Policy, Communications, Scheduling, Correspondence, and the Social Office. As an intern you could work with staff to develop Mrs. Obama's role in important policy issues, help manage the First Lady's hectic schedule, respond to the many letters she receives, or assist in planning the many events hosted by the First Lady, ranging from musical events to State Dinners.

The White House Office of Legislative Affairs (OLA)

This office serves as the President's primary liaison to the United States Congress. As such, OLA is responsible for the development and implementation of the White House's legislative strategy. OLA staffers are on the front lines of promoting the President's agenda on Capitol Hill. Associates in the office will work alongside staff members as they respond to Congressional inquiries and requests notify Congress about Presidential initiatives and work to advance the President's legislative priorities.

The Office of Management and Administration

White House Management and Administration offers important operational and administrative support for the President of the United States and the White House Office. It also provides administrative oversight to all components of the Executive Office of the President. Interns in this department will have the unique opportunity to perform a function or supporting role that touches a wide range of offices and staff in the Executive Branch. Possible office assignments include: White House Operations, White House Personnel, Visitors Office, Photo Office, Office of Administration, and the Management and Administration Front Office. An internship in White House Management and Administration presents unique insights and learning opportunities for future public service executives.

The Office of White House Counsel

This office advises the President, the Office of the President, and the White House staff on all legal issues pertaining to the President and the White House. It is often said that the Office sits at the intersection of law, policy and politics. The Office advises on investigations, litigation, legislative and administrative proposals, policy initiatives, and judicial nominations, as well as providing legal advice on the myriad of questions that arise in the day-to-day work of the Executive Office of the President. The Counsel’s Office includes the Counsel to the President, four deputy counsels, fourteen associate counsels, four deputy associate counsels, and eight administrative support staff.

The Office of Political Affairs

The Office of Political Affairs serves the President by providing him with an accurate assessment of the political dynamics affecting the work of his Administration; supporting the advancement of his agenda; and ensuring that the White House understands the priorities of, and remains in close contact with, Americans across the nation.

In practice, OPA’s staff is assigned by region and other areas of focus, and are responsible for staying in close communication with constituents and stakeholders, tracking and assessing developments in their areas, and creating and supporting opportunities to advance the President’s agenda and implement his policies.

White House Office of Energy and Climate Change

The Office of Energy and Climate Change (OECC) is a newly-created office within The Executive Office of the President that works to support President Obama’s agenda on energy and climate change. The OECC coordinates and works closely with a host of government agencies, including the Environmental Protection Agency, the Department of Energy, the Department of Transportation, the Department of the Interior, and others. In addition, the OECC works closely with a broad array of stakeholders to identify new opportunities to create green jobs and transition to a new clean energy economy.

The Domestic Policy Council

The Domestic Policy Council supervises the development, coordination and execution of domestic policy in the White House. The DPC also offers advice to the President and represents his priorities to Congress. Melody Barnes is the President’s Domestic Policy Adviser and the Director of the Domestic Policy Council.

The Office of Presidential Correspondence

Supporting the President’s effort to maintain a mutually beneficial dialogue with the American people, the Presidential Correspondence Office handles official correspondence on behalf of the President. From private citizens to civic organizations and elected officials, this office receives and responds to the spectrum of sundry letters that the President receives every day. The Presidential Correspondence Office also collaborates with other White House offices to draft letters on behalf of the President. Finally, the office manages the creation of Presidential Proclamations and operates the White House Comment Line, which provides the President with rapid-fire feedback and ideas from the American people.

National Economic Council

The National Economic Council (NEC) was established in 1993 to advise the President on U.S. and global economic policy. The NEC has four principal functions: to coordinate policy-making for domestic and international economic issues, to coordinate economic policy advice for the President, to ensure that policy decisions and programs are consistent with the President's economic goals, and to monitor implementation of the President's economic policy agenda. The work of the NEC covers various fields including: housing, agriculture, commerce, energy, financial markets, fiscal policy,healthcare, labor, and Social Security. Interns will help with scheduling requests, administrative support for the policy specialists, basic research and meeting coordination.

The White House Office of Presidential Personnel

The Office of Presidential Personnel oversees the selection process for Presidential appointments. PPO staff members work to recruit qualified candidates to serve the President in departments and agencies across the government. Interns in PPO will work with staff to respond to candidates, communicate with departments and agencies on personnel matters and ensure that the personnel priorities of the Administration are being addressed.

Office of the Vice President

Each of the departments housed within the Office of the Vice President supports the Vice President’s work as an advisor to the President, diplomat and the President of the Senate. The Office of the Vice President maintains solid relationships with the members of the United States Congress to promote the Administration’s legislative priorities on Capitol Hill. The Office of the Vice President also develops policy options on a wide range of issues ranging from foreign policy and national security to economic recovery and housing. Additionally, the Office of the Vice President handles all of the Vice President’s correspondences, speechwriting, events, scheduling and travel.

Office of the Vice President Departments:

Office of Dr. Biden in the Office of the Vice President
The Office of the Counsel to the Vice President
National Security Affairs in the Office of the Vice President
The Vice President's Office of Intergovernmental Affairs
Communications Office in the Office of the Vice President
Advance Office for the Vice President
Department of Legislative Affairs in the Office of the Vice President
The Office of Scheduling for the Vice President
Economic Policy Department in the Office of the Vice President
Domestic Policy Department in the Office of the Vice President
Office of Administration in the Office of the Vice President
Office of the Chief of Staff in the Office of the Vice President

2008 Income Tax Returns for the President

Edward Palonek — Thu, 16 Apr 2009 17:58:00 GMT

Release of the President and Vice President’s Tax Returns

As another demonstration of the President’s commitment to openness and transparency, today the White House issued the following releases making the President and Vice President’s tax returns public:

For the President:

THE WHITE HOUSE

Office of the Press Secretary

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

April 15, 2009

President and First Lady Release 2008 Income Tax Returns

Today, the President released his 2008 federal income tax returns. He and the First Lady filed their income tax returns jointly and reported an adjusted gross income of $2,656,902. The vast majority of the family’s 2008 income is the proceeds from the sale of the President’s books. The Obamas paid $855,323 in federal income tax.

The President and First Lady also reported donating $172,050 – or about 6.5% of their adjusted gross income – to 37 different charities. The largest reported gifts to charity were $25,000 contributions to CARE and the United Negro College Fund.

The President and First Lady also released their Illinois income tax return and reported paying $77,883 in state income taxes.

Copies of the returns are available below:

Download the President’s Federal 1040 form (pdf)

Download the President’s Federal 709 form (pdf).

Download the President’s Illinois State income tax return (pdf)

For the Vice President:

THE WHITE HOUSE

Office of the Vice President

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

April 15, 2009

The Vice President and Dr. Jill Biden Release 2008 Income Tax Returns

Today, the Vice President and Dr. Jill Biden released their 2008 federal and state income tax returns. He and Dr. Biden filed their income tax returns jointly and reported an adjusted gross income of $269,256 and an after-tax income of $183,315. The family’s primary sources of income were salaries from the United States Senate, Widener University, Delaware Technical & Community College, as well as royalties from the audio rights to the Vice President’s book. The Bidens paid $46,952 in federal income taxes; $11,164 in Delaware state income taxes; and donated $1,885 to charity. The charitable donations claimed by the Bidens on their tax returns are not the sum of their annual contributions to charity. They donate to their church, and they contribute to their favorite causes with their time, as well as their checkbooks.

Copies of the returns are available below:

Download the Vice President’s Federal 1040 form (pdf)

Download the Vice President’s Delaware tax return (pdf)

WHITE HOUSE HISTORY

Edward Palonek — Wed, 15 Apr 2009 14:18:00 GMT

WHITE HOUSE HISTORY

For more than 200 years, the White House has been more than just the home of the Presidents and their families. Throughout the world, it is recognized as the symbol of the President, of the President's administration, and of the United States.

About the Building

For two hundred years, the White House has stood as a symbol of the Presidency, the United States government, and the American people. Its history, and the history of the nation's capital, began when President George Washington signed an Act of Congress in December of 1790 declaring that the federal government would reside in a district "not exceeding ten miles square…on the river Potomac." President Washington, together with city planner Pierre L’Enfant, chose the site for the new residence, which is now 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue. As preparations began for the new federal city, a competition was held to find a builder of the "President’s House." Nine proposals were submitted, and Irish-born architect James Hoban won a gold medal for his practical and handsome design.

Construction began when the first cornerstone was laid in October of 1792. Although President Washington oversaw the construction of the house, he never lived in it. It was not until 1800, when the White House was nearly completed, that its first residents, President John Adams and his wife, Abigail, moved in. Since that time, each President has made his own changes and additions. The White House is, after all, the President’s private home. It is also the only private residence of a head of state that is open to the public, free of charge.

The White House has a unique and fascinating history. It survived a fire at the hands of the British in 1814 (during the war of 1812) and another fire in the West Wing in 1929, while Herbert Hoover was President. Throughout much of Harry S. Truman’s presidency, the interior of the house, with the exception of the third floor, was completely gutted and renovated while the Trumans lived at Blair House, right across Pennsylvania Avenue. Nonetheless, the exterior stone walls are those first put in place when the White House was constructed two centuries ago.

Presidents can express their individual style in how they decorate some parts of the house and in how they receive the public during their stay. Thomas Jefferson held the first Inaugural open house in 1805. Many of those who attended the swearing-in ceremony at the U.S. Capitol simply followed him home, where he greeted them in the Blue Room. President Jefferson also opened the house for public tours, and it has remained open, except during wartime, ever since. In addition, he welcomed visitors to annual receptions on New Year’s Day and on the Fourth of July. In 1829, a horde of 20,000 Inaugural callers forced President Andrew Jackson to flee to the safety of a hotel while, on the lawn, aides filled washtubs with orange juice and whiskey to lure the mob out of the mud-tracked White House.

After Abraham Lincoln’s presidency, Inaugural crowds became far too large for the White House to accommodate them comfortably. However, not until Grover Cleveland’s first presidency did this unsafe practice change. He held a presidential review of the troops from a flag-draped grandstand built in front of the White House. This procession evolved into the official Inaugural parade we know today. Receptions on New Year’s Day and the Fourth of July continued to be held until the early 1930s.

There are 132 rooms, 35 bathrooms, and 6 levels in the Residence. There are also 412 doors, 147 windows, 28 fireplaces, 8 staircases, and 3 elevators.
At various times in history, the White House has been known as the "President's Palace," the "President's House," and the "Executive Mansion." President Theodore Roosevelt officially gave the White House its current name in 1901.
Presidential Firsts while in office... President James Polk (1845-49) was the first President to have his photograph taken... President Theodore Roosevelt (1901-09) was not only the first President to ride in an automobile, but also the first President to travel outside the country when he visited Panama... President Franklin Roosevelt (1933-45) was the first President to ride in an airplane.
With five full-time chefs, the White House kitchen is able to serve dinner to as many as 140 guests and hors d'oeuvres to more than 1,000.
The White House requires 570 gallons of paint to cover its outside surface.
For recreation, the White House has a variety of facilities available to its residents, including a tennis court, jogging track, swimming pool, movie theater, and bowling lane.

DR. JILL BIDEN

Edward Palonek — Tue, 14 Apr 2009 17:33:00 GMT

Dr. Jill Biden has been an educator in Delaware's schools for more than 25 years. She is the wife of Vice President Joe Biden.

For the last 15 years, Dr. Biden has been teaching English full-time at Delaware Technical & Community College. Before that, she taught for 13 years in public schools as a reading specialist and English teacher, as well as working part-time with the Rockford Psychiatric Hospital Adolescent Program.

In 1993, after four of her friends were diagnosed with breast cancer, she started the Biden Breast Health Initiative, which in the past 15 years has educated more than 7,000 ninth-through-twelfth-grade girls in Delaware about proper breast health.

As a Blue-Star Mom, Dr. Biden has made issues important to military families one of her top priorities and has been very active with a nonprofit organization called Delaware Boots on the Ground. Boots on the Ground is dedicated to helping families during times of military deployment and organizes community events to help raise awareness and support. An avid advocate of literacy and reading programs, she also helped found Book Buddies in 2007, a program that encourages reading among children from low-income families.

In January 2007, Dr. Biden earned her Doctorate in Education from the University of Delaware. Her dissertation focused on maximizing student retention in community colleges. She also has a Master's Degree in English from Villanova University (1987) and a Master's Degree in reading from West Chester University (1981) — both of which she earned while working full-time and raising a family.

The oldest of five sisters, Dr. Biden was raised in Willow Grove, Pennsylvania, by her mother, Bonny (dec.), and father, Donald.

Dr. Biden was a student at the University of Delaware in 1975 when Joe Biden's brother arranged an introduction between her and then-Senator Biden. On June 17, 1977, they were married at the United Nations chapel in New York City.

Dr. and Vice President Biden have three children: Ashley, a social worker; Beau, Attorney General of the State of Delaware and a captain in the Delaware National Guard; and Hunter, a lawyer. She is the proud grandmother ("Nana") of Naomi, Finnegan, Roberta Mabel ("Maisy"), Natalie, and Robert Hunter.

Easter at the White House

Edward Palonek — Mon, 13 Apr 2009 22:33:00 GMT

Egg Roll!

If you have not been watching, be sure to check in on our coverage of the White House Easter Egg Roll. You can watch some of the best artists, story-tellers, chefs, and egg-rollers around on four separate live-streams, carrying on and expanding on the tradition established by President Bush.

President Obama and the First Lady spoke to the happy crowd this morning:

download .mp4 (24.8 Mb) | also available here

THE PRESIDENT: Hello, everybody -- that's Malia, our technical advisor. (Laughter.)

It is wonderful to see all of you today. Welcome. I hope everybody had a wonderful Easter. This is one of the greatest White House traditions because it reminds us that this is the people's house. And to see so many children out here having a great time just fills Michelle and myself and the entire family with a whole lot of joy.

So I'm not really in charge here today. My sole job, in addition to thanking Fergie for that wonderful rendition of our National Anthem and thanking my buddy, the Easter Bunny, for being here, is to introduce my First Lady, your First Lady, Michelle Obama. (Applause.)

MRS. OBAMA: All right -- okay, it's working. Welcome everybody. I don't have much to say. I want to welcome you all to the 2009 White House Easter Egg Hunt. Yay!

Our goal today is just to have fun. We want to focus on activity, healthy eating. We've got yoga, we've got dancing, we've got storytelling, we've got Easter egg decorating. Oh, we've got basketball -- (applause) -- a little soccer, as well. And we want everybody to think about moving their bodies, get out -- we don't have tennis; it's on the tennis court -- the peanut gallery back here. (Laughter.)

So the goal today is to have fun, to get out and play. And let's get things started with the Easter Egg Roll. Thank you all for coming today. Have fun. Thanks so much. (Applause.)

(President Barack Obama smiles up at a young child in bunny ears as he shakes the hands of guests attending
the White House Easter Egg Roll Monday, April 13, 2009, on the South Lawn of the White House.
White House Photo/Pete Souza)

OPENING REMARKS BY THE VICE PRESIDENT

Edward Palonek — Thu, 09 Apr 2009 20:06:00 GMT

Ceremonial Office
Dwight D. Eisenhower Executive Office Building

11:37 A.M. EDT

THE VICE PRESIDENT: Well, I want to thank you all for being here again. I think this -- our once-a-week effort to try to make sure this Recovery Package stays on track is working. As my grandfather would say, God willing and the creek not rising, things are moving.

But I think we have good news again today to announce: A little more than seven weeks since we passed the Recovery Act we're already making good progress on repairing our economy. And I think we're doing a good job of making life a little better for average Americans out there.

Today I'm proud to make an announcement about the Department of Health and Human Services, and it's making a lot happen out there. First of all, we're going to announce today that $2.3 billion will be made available to care for our nation's children and improve our public health.

Across the country, parents are worried about finding a job, or just keeping the job they have. And when doing that, they shouldn't have to worry about finding affordable, quality day care. A lot of parents who have jobs are -- that's their -- that's their major concern. And those who are looking are trying to figure out how they can do both, get a job and be able to care for their children. And there should never have to be a choice between heading off to work and leaving your child in anything other than competent and good hands.

Today we'll make $2 billion available in Recovery Act funding for child support programs across the country. And these funds -- with these funds, states can provide vouchers families can use at child care centers and -- or contact directly with centers who serve children for working families. These funds will give more children the day care they need, competent day care, and a competence the parents need -- as many of you recording this know how hard it is to make sure when you walk away in the morning, that you think your child is in good hands. And we’re going to give working parents the piece of mind that they need.

This week also marks the National Public Health Week, and I want to mention one Recovery Act investment that I believe is going to make our nation both safer and healthier. President Obama has said time and again that if we're going to fix the health care system we have to focus on preventing, preventing disease and illness before it happens. And that starts making sure that more Americans get the vaccines they need.

Today the administration is announcing that we will make $300 million available in Recovery Act funds to purchase and distribute vaccines, support innovative initiatives to protect more Americans, and help ensure that more Americans learn just how important it is to get vaccinated. Vaccines stop illnesses before they happen, eliminate long hospital stays, cut health care costs, improve public health, and flat out save lives. So simply, they make life a lot better for everyone in this country.

And just like everything else we've done in the Recovery Act, that's our only goal: Raise the living standard for average Americans out there; put them in a better place. Americans, I think, are, to state the obvious, counting on all of us around this table and the President of the United States and the Congress to step up to the ball. I think that's what we're doing. And now it's time for us to get back to work.

Again, to the press, we've been doing this on a weekly basis. And I've been meeting by telephone conference once a week with somewhere between 10 and 20 governors and mayors, because we want to make sure this practically -- practically happens. And where I began before you all came in, I have a -- my staff was a little concerned when I started saying, especially Ed was a little concerned, that we'd be on the phone talking to a governor or mayor, ask a question, I said, I'll get you the answer in 24 hours. And if we don't have an answer in 24 hours, we'll personally call you and tell you we don't have an answer and when we're going to get the answer. And these are all the answers coming. (Laughter.)

So I want to thank you all. I'm serious, people are -- I mean, this is the ultimate constituent service here. And I want to thank each of the Cabinet heads here, and those representing the Cabinet Secretaries, for the way in which we responded. Because I hope when this is all over, and the economy is back and roaring again, that what we're doing here sets a precedent for how from this moment on we handle the distribution of federal funding, cutting through bureaucratic red tape, having more accountability and transparency. And so that's a secondary goal to the ultimate goal, primary goal of making sure people get some help.

Thank you all for coming on in. And we're going to get to work.

Palonek info

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OPENING REMARKS BY THE VICE PRESIDENT

Protecting Homeowners, Protecting the Economy