Roundup

TPMDC Morning Roundup

Eric Kleefeld | November 19, 2009, 9:00AM

Obama: U.S., Allies, Discussing Sanctions Against Iran
At a press conference in South Korea, President Obama said that the United States and allies could have a package of sanctions against Iran "within weeks." "We weren't going to duplicate what has happened with North Korea," said Obama, "in which talks just continue forever without any actual resolution to the issue."

Obama's Day In South Korea
President Obama visited U.S. Embassy staff and their families in Seoul, South Korea, at 10:10 a.m. local time (8:10 p.m. ET last night). He participated in an arrival ceremony at the Blue House, at 11 a.m. He held a bilateral meeting with South Korean President Lee Myng-bak at 11:15 a.m., with an expanded bilateral meeting at 11:50 a.m., and a joint press conference at 12:30 p.m, and a working lunch at 1:10 p.m. Obama delivered remarks to service-members at at Osan Air Base at 3:20 p.m., and departed South Korea at 4:05 p.m. (2:05 a.m. ET). He will arrive in Anchorage, Alaska, at 9:40 a.m. ET, will depart form Anchorage at 11:40 a.m. ET, and arrive at Andrews Air Force Base in Washington at 6:05 p.m. ET.

Read more »

Roundup

TPMDC Morning Roundup

Eric Kleefeld | November 18, 2009, 8:59AM

Obama Will Release Afghanistan Plan Soon, Promises Exit Strategy
In an interview with CNN, President Obama said he will soon release his plans for Afghanistan, and that there will be an exit plan. "The American people will have a lot of clarity about what we're doing, how we're going to succeed, how much this thing is going to cost, what kind of burden does this place on our young men and women in uniform and, most importantly, what's the end game on this thing," said Obama. "My preference would be not to hand off anything to the next president. One of the things I'd like is the next president to be able to come in and say I've got a clean slate."

Obama's Day In China And South Korea
President Obama held a bilateral meeting with Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao, at 11:30 a.m. local time (10:30 p.m. ET last night), with a working lunch at 12:15 p.m. local time. Obama toured the Great Wall of China at 2:30 p.m. He departed Beijing at 5:10 p.m., arriving in Seoul, South Korea, at 7:45 p.m. local time (5:45 a.m. ET).

Read more »

Roundup

TPMDC Morning Roundup

Eric Kleefeld | November 17, 2009, 9:03AM

Obama And Hu Vow Cooperation, But Produce Few Deals
At their press appearance today, President Obama and Chinese President Hut Jintao promised greater cooperation between the two countries on issues such as climate change and nuclear disarmament. During their appearance, however, Hu pointedly called on Obama to reject protectionism -- the U.S. recently imposed tariffs on Chinese-made tires and steel pipes -- and Obama called on China to relax controls that keep their currency artificially weak on the world market.

Obama's Day In China
President Obama participated in a welcome ceremony in Beijing at 9:45 a.m. local time (8:45 p.m. ET last night). He held a bilateral meeting with Chinese President Hu Jintao at 10 a.m., and an expanded meeting at 10:45 a.m. They made joint press statements at 12:15 p.m. Obama toured the Forbidden City at 1:20 p.m. He met with U.S. Embassy employees and their families at 2:55 p.m. He held a bilateral meeting with Chairman Wu Bangguo at 5:55 p.m., and attended a state dinner at 6:30 p.m.

Read more »

Roundup

TPMDC Morning Roundup

Eric Kleefeld | November 16, 2009, 9:01AM

Today: Palin On Oprah Winfrey
Sarah Palin's interview on the Oprah Winfrey show will be broadcast today. The interview was taped last week, and kicks off Palin's media tour for her new book, Going Rogue.

Obama's Day In China
President Obama visited U.S. Consulate employees and their families in Shanghai, China, at 10:20 a.m. local time (9:20 p.m. ET last night). He met at 11 a.m. local time with Party Secretary Yu Zheng Sheng and Shanghai Mayor Han Zheng, with a working lunch at 11:30 a.m. local time. He held a town hall meeting with Chinese leaders at 12:45 p.m. local time. He departed Shanghai at 2:40 p.m., arriving in Beijing at 4:50 p.m. He arrived at the Diaoyutai State Guest House at 6:30 p.m., and was greeted by President Hu Jintao. The two held a bilateral meeting at 6:35 p.m, and had dinner at 7 p.m.

Read more »

Roundup

TPMDC Morning Roundup

Eric Kleefeld | November 12, 2009, 9:01AM

Report: Obama Wants Revised Afghanistan Options
President Obama reportedly wants revisions to all the options for Afghanistan that have been presented to him. This comes after Ambassador Karl Eikenberry, a former commander of U.S. troops in Afghanistan, has strongly disagreed with sending more troops, arguing that more troops would only make the Afghan government more dependent on the United States.

Obama's Day Ahead
President Obama will make a statement at 9:15 a.m. ET, on the economy. He will depart the White House at 9:30 a.m. ET, en route to Alaska. He will arrive in Anchorage at 4:50 p.m. ET, will meet with service members at 5:10 p.m. ET, and will deliver remarks at 5:30 p.m. ET. He will depart form Anchorage at 6:55 p.m. ET, en route to Tokyo, Japan.

Read more »

Roundup

TPMDC Morning Roundup

Eric Kleefeld | November 11, 2009, 9:02AM

Poll: Public Opposes Afghanistan Surge, Split On Obama's Decision-Making
A new CNN poll finds that only 40% of Americans favor the war in Afghanistan, with 58% opposing it. American also do not support sending more troops to Afghanistan, by a 42%-56% margin. The public is split on President Obama's decision-making process with 49% saying he is taking too long, and 50% who disagree.

Obama's Day Ahead
President Obama and the First Lady will host a Veterans Day breakfast, at 9:05 a.m. ET in the White House. At 11 a.m. ET, he will participate in a wreath-laying ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknowns, and will deliver remarks at 11:25 a.m. ET. He will meet at 2:30 p.m. ET with his national security team on Afghanistan and Pakistan.

Read more »

Roundup

TPMDC Morning Roundup

Eric Kleefeld | November 10, 2009, 9:00AM

Obama Calls For Revision In Stupak Amendment
President Obama said yesterday that the Stupak Amendment should be revised, in the hopes that neither pro-choicers nor pro-lifers feel "betrayed" by any change in the status quo. "I want to make sure that the provision that emerges meets that test," said Obama, "that we are not in some way sneaking in funding for abortions, but, on the other hand, that we're not restricting women's insurance choices."

Obama's Day Ahead
President Obama and the First Lady will depart the White House at 9:05 a.m. ET, arriving in Killeen, Texas, at 12:25 p.m. ET. They will meet at 12:50 p.m. ET with families of the fallen at Fort Hood, and with wounded soldiers and their families at 1:20 p.m. ET. President Obama will address the Fort Hood community at 2 p.m. ET. They will meet with wounded soldiers at 3:25 p.m. ET, and depart from Killeen at 4:20 p.m. ET. They will arrive back at the White House at 8:35 p.m. ET.

Read more »

Roundup

TPMDC Morning Roundup

Eric Kleefeld | November 9, 2009, 9:00AM

Obama To Meet With Netanyahu
President Obama is meeting today with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, a meeting that comes amidst difficulties over Middle East peace talks and disputes over Israeli settlements. Netanyahu told reporters on Sunday: "We are ready to talk and the Palestinians aren't. It's as simple as that."

Obama's Day Ahead
President Obama will spend the morning in his regular meetings and briefings. At 6:45 p.m. ET, he will sign the Veterans Employment Initiative Executive Order. At 7 p.m. ET, he will meet with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

Read more »

Roundup

TPMDC Morning Roundup

Eric Kleefeld | November 6, 2009, 9:01AM

Poll: Public Wants Congress To Keep Working On Health Care
A new CNN poll has mixed news for the health care bill, with a total of 59% saying that Congress should continue to work on it. However, only 26% said the current bills should be passed with only minor changes, with 33% saying major changes should be made. Only 24% said to start over on new bills, and only 15% said to pass no bill at all.

Obama's Day Ahead
President Obama will sign at 11 a.m. ET the Worker, Homeownership, and Business Assistance Act of 2009, extending unemployment benefits and other aid in the recession. He will depart the White House at 2:20 p.m. ET, and will visit Walter Reed Army Medical Center at 2:35 p.m. ET. He will arrive back at the White House at 4:15 p.m. ET. He will meet at 4:25 p.m. ET with Congressman-elect Bill Owens (D-NY), and will meet at 5:10 p.m. ET with Secretary of State Hillary Clinton.

Read more »

Roundup

TPMDC Morning Roundup

Eric Kleefeld | November 4, 2009, 9:01AM

GOP's Hopes Rekindled, But Internal Arguments Could Continue
The New York Times reports that the mixed election results from last night -- with Republicans winning solidly in the Virginia and New Jersey gubernatorial races, but losing the NY-23 special election -- will simultaneously rekindle the GOP's hopes and continue arguments about the party's direction. "Conservatives can win when they emphasize the right things and don't allow their message to get co-opted," said former Michigan GOP chairman Saul Anuzis. "The Democrats and some of their friends in the media attempt to paint all conservatives as fire-breathing cavemen."

Obama's Day Ahead
President Obama will participate in a 10:30 a.m. ET credentialing ceremony for foreign ambassadors. He will depart the White House at 11:15 a.m. ET, arriving at 1:30 p.m. ET in Madison, Wisconsin. He and Secretary of Education Arne Duncan will meet with students at Wright Middle School at 2 p.m. ET, and Obama will deliver remarks on strengthening the education system at 2:30 p.m. ET. He will depart from Madison at 3:55 p.m. ET, arriving back at the White House at 5:55 p.m. ET. He and the First Lady will host an event at 7:15 p.m. ET, celebrating classical music.

Read more »

Roundup

TPMDC Morning Roundup

Eric Kleefeld | November 3, 2009, 9:00AM

Today: The 2009 Elections
Today is Election Day in the Virginia gubernatorial race, the New Jersey gubernatorial election, the NY-23 special House election and other local races. The polls will close in Virginia at 7 p.m. ET, in New Jersey at 8 p.m. ET, and in New York at 9 p.m. ET. TPM will be live-blogging and keeping a scoreboard of the results.

Obama's Day Ahead
President Obama will meet at 9:10 a.m. ET with German Chancellor Angela Merkel. He will meet at 11:25 a.m. ET with Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew. At 2:40 p.m. ET, he will participate in the U.S.-European Union Summit. At 4:30 p.m. ET, he and Vice President Biden will meet with Secretary of Defense Robert Gates. He will meet at 5:15 p.m. ET with Sen. Blanche Lincoln (D-AR).

Read more »

Roundup

TPMDC Morning Roundup

Eric Kleefeld | October 29, 2009, 9:00AM

Obama Seeks Additional Study On Afghanistan Situation
The Washington Post reports that President Obama has asked for a province-by-province analysis of the situation in Afghanistan, on the performance of local leaders and the different needs for additional help. Said a U.S. official who request anonymity: "How do you separate those who have taken up arms because they oppose the presence of foreigners in their area, because they're getting paid to fight us because we're there, from those who want to restore a Taliban government? How many of the people who we're fighting actually share al-Qaeda's ideology?"

Obama's Day Ahead
President Obama last night visited the remains of fallen Americans, returning home from Afghanistan. Today, Obama will deliver remarks at 11:50 a.m. ET, on the administration's plans to help small businesses. He will meet at 1:45 p.m. ET with Minister Mentor Lee Kuan Yew of Singapore. He will meet at 2:40 p.m. ET with Sen. Patrick Leahy (D-VT). At 3:15 p.m. ET, he will sign the Girl Scouts USA Centennial Commemorative Coin Act. He will meet at 3:45 p.m. ET with senior advisers. and at 5:05 p.m. ET with representatives of the Congressional Progressive Caucus, Congressional Black Caucus, Congressional Hispanic Caucus, and Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus.

Read more »

Roundup

TPMDC Morning Roundup

Eric Kleefeld | October 28, 2009, 8:59AM

Kyl Prefers Opt-In Over Opt-Out; Thune Condemns Any Public Plan
The Hill reports Senate Minority Whip Jon Kyl (R-AZ) said he would much prefer an "opt-in" public option for state, over the opt-out model being offered by Democrats. Sen. John Thune (R-SD) expressed surprise at this, as it implies acceptance of a public option at all. "I'd be really surprised if Sen. Kyl votes for anything that includes a government plan," said Thune. "[Democrats] have to come up with a way for this to not look like what it is, but at the end of the day it still is what it is, which is a government plan."

Obama's Day Ahead
President Obama will deliver remarks at an 11 a.m. ET Congressional Gold Medal ceremony, honoring former Sen. Edward Brooke (R-MA), the first black Senator since Reconstruction. Obama will have lunch with Vice President Biden at 12 p.m. ET, and the two of them will host a 1:20 p.m. ET meeting with the co-chairmen of the President's Intelligence Advisory Board and the senior leadership of the intelligence community. At 2:30 p.m. ET, Obama will sign the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2010. Obama and Biden will meet at 3:10 p.m. ET with Secretary of Defense Robert Gates. Obama will attend a commemorative tree planting at 5:30 p.m. ET, and he will deliver remarks at a 6:05 p.m. ET reception, commemorating the enactment of the Matthew Shepard and James Byrd, Jr. Hate Crimes Prevention Act.

Read more »

Roundup

TPMDC Morning Roundup

Eric Kleefeld | October 27, 2009, 9:02AM

Poll: Big Majority Of Americans Support Cap-And-Trade
A new CNN poll finds 60% of Americans supporting a cap-and-trade proposal to control carbon emissions, with only 37% against it. The pollster's analysis says that independents are environmentally conscious, but Democrats would still have to work to mobilize those concerns: "Independents may not be red or blue, but they appear to be green. Earlier polls indicate that Independents believe in global warming and believe that the government can take steps to curtail the problem. But the environment is not a big priority for Independents, as it is with Democrats."

Obama's Day Ahead
President Obama will depart from Miami at 10 a.m. ET, arriving at 10:50 a.m. ET in Sarasota. At 12:10 p.m. ET, he will tour the DeSoto Next Generation Solar Energy Center in Arcadia, Florida, and will deliver remarks at 12:25 p.m. ET. He will depart from Sarasota at 2:05 p.m. ET, arriving at 3:50 p.m. ET in Norfolk, Virginia. He will deliver remarks at a 4:55 p.m. ET rally for Creigh Deeds. He will depart from Norfolk at 6:05 p.m. ET, arriving back at the White House at 7:05 p.m. ET.

Read more »

Roundup

TPMDC Morning Roundup

Eric Kleefeld | October 26, 2009, 8:59AM

White House To Rein In 'Too Big To Fail' Institutions
The New York Times reports that the Obama administration is set to bring out new proposals for dealing with "too big to fail" institutions, with increased regulations for preventing failure: "The White House plan as outlined so far would already make it much more costly to be a large financial company whose failure would put the financial system and the economy at risk. It would force such institutions to hold more money in reserve and make it harder for them to borrow too heavily against their assets. Setting up the equivalent of living wills for corporations, that plan would require that they come up with their own procedure to be disentangled in the event of a crisis, a plan that administration officials say ought to be made public in advance."

Obama's Day Ahead
President Obama will meet at 11:30 a.m. ET with his national security team on Afghanistan and Pakistan. He will depart from the White House at 12:45 p.m. ET, arriving at 2:45 p.m. ET in Jacksonville, Florida. He will deliver remarks at 3:15 p.m. ET to servicemen and women, and will meet at 4 p.m. ET, with personnel from the Navy and Marine Corps. He will depart from Jacksonville at 4:25 p.m. ET, arriving at 5:35 p.m. ET in Miami. He will deliver remarks at a 7:25 DSCC/DCCC fundraising reception, and at a 7:50 p.m. ET DSCC/DCCC fundraising dinner.

Read more »

Roundup

TPMDC Morning Roundup

Eric Kleefeld | October 23, 2009, 9:02AM

NYT: Behind The White House Vs. Fox News Fight
The New York Times reports on the White House-Fox News feud, and how it followed an unsuccessful attempt by senior adviser David Axelrod and Fox head Roger Ailes to work out their problems. "We simply decided to stop abiding by the fiction, which is aided and abetted by the mainstream press, that Fox is a traditional news organization," said deputy White House communications director Dan Pfeiffer.

Obama's Day Ahead
President Obama will depart form the White House at 10:05 a.m. ET, arriving in Boston at 11:30 a.m. ET. He will tour a research laboratory at MIT, at 12 p.m. ET, and will deliver remarks on clean energy at 12:30 p.m. ET. He will deliver remarks at a fundraising reception for Gov. Deval Patrick at 2:05 p.m. ET, and will speak at a fundraising event for Patrick at 2:45 p.m. ET. He will depart from Boston at 3:40 p.m. ET, arriving at 4:35 p.m. ET in New York City. He will join Sen. Chris Dodd (D-CT), and tour a small business at 5:15 p.m. ET. He will deliver remarks at a Dodd fundraising dinner at 6:45 p.m. ET. He will depart from New York at 8 p.m. ET, arriving back at the White House at 9:10 p.m. ET.

Read more »

Roundup

TPMDC Morning Roundup

Eric Kleefeld | October 21, 2009, 9:02AM

Obama Going Quiet In Health Care Public Debate
President Obama has decided to lower his public profile in the health care debate, the New York Times reports, moving away from public rallies and towards negotiation in Washington. "I think his time is better spent on this particular issue in conversation with members and in talking to his own advisers and instructing them on how to proceed," said senior adviser David Axelrod. "That's the phase that we're in."

Obama's Day Ahead
President Obama will meet at 12:40 p.m. ET with Sen. John Kerry (D-MA). At 1:50 p.m. ET, Obama will announce a package of initiatives to increase credit to small businesses. At 3 p.m. ET, he will attend a Cabinet-level earthquake tabletop exercise. He will depart from the White House at 3:25 p.m. ET, arriving at 4:35 p.m. ET in Newark, New Jersey. At 6:05 p.m. ET, he will deliver remarks at a rally for Gov. Jon Corzine, at Fairleigh Dickinson University. He will depart from New Jersey at 7:25 p.m. ET, arriving back at the White House at 8:35 p.m. ET.

Read more »

Roundup

TPMDC Morning Roundup

Eric Kleefeld | October 20, 2009, 9:01AM

Gates: Don't Wait For Afghanistan Election To Be Resolved
Speaking to reporters yesterday, Secretary of Defense Robert Gates said that the United States should not wait for the Afghanistan election to be resolved before deciding on a strategy for the country -- putting him at odds with top White House officials. "We're not just going to sit on our hands, waiting for the outcome of this election and for the emergence of a government in Kabul," said Gates, also adding: "The outcome of the elections and the problems with the elections have complicated the situation for us. But the reality is, it's not going to be complicated one day and simple the next."

Obama's Day Ahead
President Obama will meet at 10:40 a.m. ET with Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki. At 11:50 a.m. ET, he will honor recipients of the Presidential Unit Citation, honoring the 11th Armored Combat Regiment of the U.S. Army for service in the Vietnam War. Obama will meet at 1:10 p.m. ET with senior advisers, and depart the White House at 2:20 p.m. ET, arriving in New York City at 3:30 p.m. ET. Obama will tour the Joint Terrorism Task Force Headquarters at 4:15 p.m. ET, and deliver remarks to staff members at 4:30 p.m. ET. He will attend a 7:10 p.m. ET fundraiser for Bill Owens, the Democratic candidate in the NY-23 special election, and deliver remarks at 8:10 p.m. ET at a DNC fundraiser. He will depart from New York at 9:50 p.m. ET, arriving back at the White House at 10:55 p.m. ET.

Read more »

Roundup

TPMDC Morning Roundup

Eric Kleefeld | October 19, 2009, 9:01AM

Obama Administration To Issue New Policy In Favor Of State Medical Marijuana Laws
The Obama administration is set to release new guidelines today on medical marijuana, which will not pursue marijuana smokers or their suppliers whose activities are consistent with state laws on medicinal marijuana. The government will still pursue those who are exceeding state limits, or are using the practice of medical marijuana as a cover for other illegal activities.

Obama's Day Ahead
President Obama will meet at 10:30 a.m. ET with the National Youth Entrepreneurship Challenge winners. He will meet with senior advisers at 3:15 p.m. ET, and with Sen. Kent Conrad (D-ND) at 4 p.m. ET.

Read more »

Roundup

TPMDC Morning Roundup

Eric Kleefeld | October 16, 2009, 9:00AM

Obama Teaming Up With Bush 41, Promoting Volunteerism
President Obama is teaming up today with former President George H.W. Bush, to promote the cause of community service at Texas A&M University. The event at the conservative school will also be protested by the college chapter of the Young Conservatives of Texas. "I actually did get an invitation," said chapter chairman Justin Pullman, age 19, "but I had to decline due to our protest."

Obama's Day Ahead
President Obama will depart from San Francisco at 12:35 p.m. ET, arriving in Houston at 3:55 p.m. ET. He will attend a Point of Light Forum at Texas A&M University, at 5:50 p.m. ET, hosted by former President George H.W. Bush. He will depart from Houston at 8:25 p.m. ET, arriving back at the White House at 11:15 p.m. ET.

Read more »

NV-SEN

RNC Attacks Reid Fundraiser With Biden In New Nevada Radio Ad

Eric Kleefeld | October 15, 2009, 11:23AM

The Republican National Committee is keeping up their push to defeat Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-NV) in 2010, with the RNC launching a new radio ad in the Reno media market to attack Reid's upcoming fundraiser tomorrow with Vice President Joe Biden.

The announcer attacks Reid for holding a high-dollar fundraiser, while unemployment is going up in Nevada: "Are you invited? To the fundraiser for Senator Harry Reid. For only $4800 a couple, you get breakfast with the good Senator and his friend Vice President Joe Biden. Must be a good menu."

Click To Play

Roundup

TPMDC Morning Roundup

Eric Kleefeld | October 14, 2009, 9:00AM

Hillary Clinton Calls For Political Freedom In Russia
Secretary of State Hillary Clinton spoke at Moscow State University, calling for human rights and political freedom in Russia. "In an innovative society, people must be free to take unpopular positions, disagree with conventional wisdom, know they are safe to challenge abuses of authority," said Clinton. "That's why attacks on journalists and human rights defenders here in Russia is such a great concern: because it is a threat to progress."

Obama's Day Ahead
President Obama will meet at 9:45 a.m. ET with his national security team on Afghanistan and Pakistan. At 2:05 p.m. ET, he will join Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood to tour the Fairfax County Parkway Extension construction site, and he will speak at 2:20 p.m. ET. AT 3:50 p.m. ET, he will sign an executive order restoring the White House Advisory Commission and Interagency Working Group, concerning the Asian American and Pacific Islander communities. He will also observe the holiday of Diwali. At 7:10 p.m. ET, he will deliver remarks at an event celebrating the Edward M. Kennedy Institute for the United States Senate.

Read more »

Roundup

TPMDC Morning Roundup

Eric Kleefeld | October 12, 2009, 9:01AM

Hillary Clinton: Obama Given Nobel For Restoring 'Image And Appreciation of Our Country'
Secretary of State Hillary Clinton told the Today show that President Obama was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize because of "his attitude toward America's role in the world." "His willingness to really kind of challenge everyone ... restores a kind of image and appreciation of our country," said Clinton.

Baucus Bill Committee Vote Will Require Leap Of Faith For Several Senators
The Hill reports that the Baucus bill is likely to clear the Finance Committee, with the votes of Democratic members who are in fact critics of it -- but are taking a leap of faith that they can improve it on the Senate floor: "The fact that critics of the Baucus bill such as Sen. Charles Schumer (D-N.Y.) are already strategizing for the floor debate is a strongest indication that Baucus will have the support he needs on Tuesday."

Read more »

Barack Obama

TPMDC Morning Roundup

Eric Kleefeld | October 8, 2009, 8:59AM

CBO: Budget Deficit Reaches Record $1.4 Trillion
The federal budget deficit for the just-completed fiscal year 2009 reached $1.4 trillion, according to the Congressional Budget Office. This record number was due to multiple factors, including falling tax revenues due to the recession, corporate bailouts and stimulus spending. This was triple the previous record of $459 billion, which was reached last year.

Obama's Day Ahead
President Obama will have lunch at 12 p.m. ET with business leaders. At 2:30 p.m. ET, he will visit the National Naval Medical Center Marine Wounded Warrior basketball game. At 3:15 p.m. ET, Obama and Vice President Biden will meet with Secretary of the Treasury Tim Geithner, and they will meet at 3:30 p.m. ET with Secretary of State Hillary Clinton. At 5 p.m. ET, Obama will play basketball with cabinet secretaries and members of Congress.

Read more »