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June 30, 2009

Minnesota Supreme Court declares Franken Winner

In a 5-0 decision the Minnesota State Supreme Court has just declared Al Franken the winner of the state's Senate race. The ruling goes further and declares that he is entitled to a certificate of election as a Senator from Minnesota;

"For all of the foregoing reasons, we affirm the decision of the trial court that Al Franken received the highest number of votes legally cast and is entitled under Minn. Stat. § 204C.40 (2008) to receive the certificate of election as United States Senator from the State of Minnesota."

Via the Star Tribune;

"Al Franken received the highest number of votes legally cast and is entitled [under Minnesota law] to receive the certificate of election as United States Senator from the State of Minnesota," the court wrote.

In upholding a lower court ruling in April, the justices said Coleman had "not shown that the trial court's findings of fact are clearly erroneous or that the court committed an error of law or abused its discretion."

UPDATE (Cloe): Former Senator Norm Coleman concedes.

The Minneapolis Star Tribune reports:

"Republican Norm Coleman ended his bruising eight-month court fight over Minnesota's U.S. Senate seat this afternoon, conceding to Democrat Al Franken after the Minnesota Supreme Court ruled in Franken's favor.

"Two hours after the decision was released, Coleman said he would 'abide by the results.

"'Further litigation damages the unity of our state," he said during a news conference held at his St. Paul home. "The future today is that we have a new United States senator."

UPDATE 2: President Obama remarks;

"I look forward to working with Senator-Elect Franken to build a new foundation for growth and prosperity by lowering health care costs and investing in the kind of clean energy jobs and industries that will help America lead in the 21st century.”

Morning Open Thread

Good morning!

President Barack Obama and Vice President Joe Biden meet with Senior Advisors. Photo by Pete Souza.

June 29, 2009

President Obama Welcomes LGBT Leaders to the White House

This week marks the 40th anniversary of the Stonewall Rebellion, the 1969 Greenwich Village protests that gave birth to the modern gay rights movement.

Today President Obama joined a crowd of about 250 people in the East Room of the White House for a first-of-its-kind event honoring and celebrating the accomplishments of LGBT Americans. Invited guests included families, volunteers, activists, community leaders and local officials, who were all on hand to celebrate Pride Month.

ABC news' article on the event is excerpted below:

"The President and First Lady entered to thunderous applause. President Obama told the group he is committed to equality for their community.

"This struggle continues today, for even as we face extraordinary challenges as a nation, we cannot and will not put aside issues of basic equality," he said, "We seek an America in which no one feels the pain of discrimination based on who you are or who you love."

Brian Bond, Deputy Director of the White House Office of Public Engagement and a gay American, wrote a post on the White House blog in anticipation of today’s event. We'll post the President's full remarks as soon as they become available.

UPDATE (by Cloe): Here are President Obama's full remarks.

June 27, 2009: Weekly Presidential Address

In this week's address the President speaks about the legislation recently passed in the House, the American Clean Energy and Securities Act. This historic legislation will create a clean energy transformation in our economy by creating new businesses and new industries. The President stresses that is a jobs bill that will create thousands of jobs across the energy in the field of clean energy.

Climate Change, Clean Energy and Energy Efficiency

Friday night the House passed the American Clean Energy and Security Act 219 to 212. Only eight Republicans voted in favor of the bill.

Here’s an excerpt from the grist.org article about the vote:

"'Today the House has passed the most important energy and environment bill in our nation’s history,' said Ed Markey (D-Mass.), who co-authored the bill with Energy and Commerce Chairman Henry Waxman (D-Calif.).

“…President Obama immediately praised the passage of the bill on Friday night, and called on the Senate to follow suit. ‘Today the House of Representatives took historic action with the passage of the American Clean Energy and Security Act,” said Obama. 'It’s a bold and necessary step that holds the promise of creating new industries and millions of new jobs, decreasing our dangerous dependence on foreign oil. Now it’s up to the Senate to take the next step.'”

You can read the President’s full remarks and watch his weekly address “Opening the Door to a Clean Energy Economy” below.

The fight to pass comprehensive energy and climate legislation looks like it’s gearing up to be a fight about embracing a clean energy future, or getting stuck in the past; about denying the false argument the GOP has been pushing that we have to choose between doing something good for our environment or good for our economy.

Today, President Obama and Energy Secretary Chu announced aggressive actions to promote energy efficiency that will save American consumers up to $4 billion dollars annually by 2012. Secretary Chu said:

“When it comes to saving money and growing our economy, energy efficiency isn’t just low hanging fruit; it’s fruit laying on the ground. The most prosperous, competitive economies of the 21st century will be those that use energy efficiently. It’s time for America to lead the way.”

The actions announced today include:

-- Major changes to energy conservation standards for numerous household and commercial lamps and lighting equipment. (Seven percent of all energy consumed in the United States is for lighting.)

-- The announcement of a $346 million investment from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act to expand and accelerate the development, deployment, and use of energy efficient technologies in all major types of commercial buildings as well as new and existing homes. (Residential and commercial buildings consume 40 percent of the energy and represent 40 percent of the carbon emissions in the United States.) Funded projects include: advanced building research, solid state lighting research & development, and expanding ENERGY STAR to accelerate development of energy efficient products and expand the ENERGY STAR brand into new areas.

You can more about the new standards in the Washington Post article on the announcement.

President Obama remarks on the passage of the American Clean Energy and Security Act

Friday evening the House passed the American Clean Energy and Security Act which will reduce our dependency on foreign oil. The bill will create new jobs in the United States in the clean energy sector as well as making clean energy profitable. Following that vote the President remarked on the importance of the bill's passage. Here is an excerpt from his comments;

Today, the House of Representatives took historic action with the passage of the American Clean Energy and Security Act. It's a bold and necessary step that holds the promise of creating new industries and millions of new jobs; decreasing our dangerous dependence on foreign oil; and strictly limiting the release of pollutants that threaten the health of families and communities and the planet itself. Now it's up to the Senate to take the next step. And I'm confident that in the coming weeks and months the Senate will demonstrate the same commitment to addressing what is a tremendous challenge and an extraordinary opportunity.

As always happens when we debate issues of this magnitude we see lines of demarcation. There are those who argue that the status quo is acceptable, those who would have us continue our dependence on foreign oil and our reliance on fossil fuels despite the risks to our security, our economy, and the planet. But the American people know that the nation that leads in building a 21st century clean energy economy is the nation that will lead in creating a 21st century global economy. I want America to be that nation. And with this vote, the House has put America on the path to being that nation.

Monday Morning Open Thread

Good morning!

June 26, 2009

Close Vote on ACES Predicted in the House

The Energy Bill is up today in the House and the vote is expected to be extremely close.

Please take two minutes right now, and call your Representative to tell them where you stand. In a tight vote like this, your call could actually be the difference for a Member who’s still undecided. As President Obama said yesterday, “We cannot be afraid of the future, and we can't be prisoners of the past. We've been talking about this issue for decades, and now is the time to finally act.”

Here’s some good background on the bill from the folks at Media Matters.org about how the bill creates jobs and saves Americans money on energy costs:

75% of Americans Support Regulating Carbon Emissions

--Poll: "Three-Quarters Of Americans Think The Federal Government Should Regulate The Release Into The Atmosphere Of Greenhouse Gases." As reported by the Washington Post, "Three-quarters of Americans think the federal government should regulate the release into the atmosphere of greenhouse gases from power plants, cars and factories to reduce global warming, according to a new Washington Post-ABC News poll, with substantial majority support from Democrats, Republicans and independents." [Washington Post]

Cap-And-Trade Will Create Millions Of American Jobs

-- Investment In Clean Energy Technology Will Create Over 1.7 Million American Jobs and Create FOUR TIMES As Many Jobs As An Investment In Oil & Gas. According to the Center for American Progress: "Investments in a clean-energy economy will generate major employment benefits for the entire U.S. economy. Our research finds that spending $150 billion on clean-energy investments would create roughly 1.7 million jobs. This is even after assuming a reduction in fossil fuel spending equivalent to the increase in clean-energy investments." And, “With renewable energy, the job creation ranges between 2.5 times to three times more than that for oil and gas. [Center for American Progress, The Economic Benefits of Investing in Clean Energy]

Rebuilding America For The Cost Of A Postage Stamp

-- In 2020, Cap-And-Trade Will Only Cost An Average Of $175 Annually, "About A Postage Stamp A Day." In its analysis of the American Clean Energy and Security Act, the Congressional Budget Office wrote: "On that basis, the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) estimates that the net annual economy wide cost of the cap-and-trade program in 2020 would be $22 billion-or about $175 per household." Rep. Edward Markey noted it was "the cost of about a postage stamp a day."

-- Cap-And-Trade Would DECREASE Energy Prices For Low-Income Americans. In its analysis of the American Clean Energy and Security Act, the Congressional Budget Office wrote, "households in the lowest income quintile would see an average net benefit of about $40 in 2020."

Friday Open Thread

Happy Friday!

Advisors sit-in on phone calls with President Barack Obama. Photo by Pete Souza

June 25, 2009

American Clean Energy and Security Act Goes to Full House Vote Tomorrow

As we’ve been talking about all week, the House is expected to vote tomorrow on the American Clean Energy and Security Act.

President Obama made another strong statement in the Rose Garden today, urging Democrats and Republicans alike to seize the opportunity to create a new clean energy economy and come together to support the bill. Governor Tim Kaine also released a statement this morning (posted earlier by Jonah), and this afternoon, OFA launched a web page urging people to call their members of Congress before tomorrow’s vote to ask them to support the legislation. Have you told your representative where you stand?

According to a Washington Post/ABC poll released this morning, three-quarters of Americans think the federal government should regulate the release of climate-change causing greenhouse gas emissions from power plants, cars and factories.

Meanwhile, House Republicans led by John Boehner (OH) and Mike Pence (IN) have resorted to scare tactics and false information in an attempt to stop ACES from passing. The “Party of No” is denying science, delaying progress and siding with the oil and coal lobby, instead of acting in the best interests of the American people.

UPDATE (by Cloe): Here's an excerpt of the President's remarks from the Rose Garden:

"...Now, make no mistake -- this is a jobs bill. We're already seeing why this is true in the clean energy investments we're making through the Recovery Act. In California, 3,000 people will be employed to build a new solar plant that will create 1,000 jobs. In Michigan, investments in wind turbines and wind technology is expected to create over, 2,600 jobs. In Florida, three new solar projects are expected to employ 1,400 people.

"The list goes on and on, but the point is this: This legislation will finally make clean energy the profitable kind of energy. That will lead to the creation of new businesses and entire new industries. And that will lead to American jobs that pay well and can't be outsourced.

"...I can't stress enough the importance of this vote. I know this is going to be a close vote, in part because of the misinformation that's out there that suggests there's somehow a contradiction between investing in clean energy and our economic growth. But my call to those members of Congress who are still on the fence, as well as to the American people, is this: We cannot be afraid of the future, and we can't be prisoners of the past. We've been talking about this issue for decades, and now is the time to finally act."

Kaine Strongly Urges House to Pass Historic Bill and Help Jumpstart Our Clean Energy Economy, Create Jobs

Democratic National Committee Chairman Tim Kaine issued the following statement in anticipation of a full House of Representatives vote this Friday on the American Clean Energy and Security Act.

“Today I call on the House of Representatives to pass the American Clean Energy and Security Act, landmark legislation supported by President Obama that will transform the way we use and produce energy in America . The passage of this bill represents the next step towards an energy plan that will help fuel a lasting economic recovery, break our dependence on foreign oil, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and create a framework of clean energy incentives to create millions of good, green new jobs.

“This bill represents months of extraordinary effort on behalf of our Democratic leaders in Congress, including Energy and Commerce Committee Chairman Henry Waxman, and his committee’s members, including Congressmen Ed Markey, John Dingell and Rick Boucher, as well as Charlie Rangel, the Chair of Ways and Means, and Collin Peterson, the Chair of the Agriculture Committee. Under the leadership of Speaker Pelosi and Majority Leader Hoyer, remarkable work has been done to get this bill to the floor.

“The House has the opportunity to make history when the bill comes to vote on Friday – to move us closer to independence from Middle East oil, to jumpstart our clean energy economy, and to finally address the dangerous carbon pollution that threatens our planet. As President Obama has said, passing this bill is extraordinarily important for our country and I strongly urge members of the House of Representatives to come together and pass the American Clean Energy and Security Act.”

President Obama Remarks on Importance of Passing Historic Energy Bill

update: The President's remarks have ended. We will bring you updates when the transcript is available.

The President is about to speak on the importance of passing the Energy Bill. You can find his remarks live here; http://www.whitehouse.gov/live/video191/

Introducing the Democratic Change Commission

The Democratic Change Commission will be having their first meeting, open to the public, on Saturday June 27th in Washington, DC. We will provide highlights of the meeting here on the blog.

Following the Democratic Presidential primaries and caucuses of the 2008 presidential nominating campaign the Democratic National Convention Rules Committee, at the request of then Senator Obama, drafted a resolution calling for a commission to review and recommend changes to the 2012 nominating process. That was adopted on August 25, 2008 by the full Democratic National Convention and thus created the Democratic Change Commission.

The first part of the resolution outlines the structure and purpose of the Commission. According to the resolution, the DNC Chair has to appoint 35 members, who must represent the diversity in our Party, to sit on the Change Earlier this year Chairman Kaine announced the 37 Commission members, including two co-chairs. These members are grassroots activists, local and federal elected officials, labor leaders and a wide range of other backgrounds. Here is a full list of the commission members and their biographical information. We will be introducing several members from the Commission throughout our coverage of the Commission's work. We welcome questions you would like to ask them and we will try to present several of the top ones during upcoming interviews.

The resolution's next sections outline the areas the commission will be charged with improving. The first area the Commission must review is the nominating calendar, the scheduling and sequence of presidential nominating events (primaries and caucuses). The Commission is charged with making recommendations to significantly reduce the number of unpledged delegates (also know as super delegates). Finally the Commission must consider ways to improve caucuses to increase the ability of Democratic voters to participate.

During the 2008 nominating process the Democratic Party was able to bring its ideas and messages for improving government to every state in the country. We were able to reach new voters and engage many long time voters. This success was critical to our victory this past November. We learned a lot from the nominating process and believe through improvements we will be able to continue to reach new Americans and build on our success.

We look forward to providing you access and coverage of the work of the Commission. If you have questions please share them in the comments.

Our Clean Energy Economy

With a full House vote expected this week on the American Clean Energy and Security Act (or Waxman-Markey), all eyes turn to the nation’s energy policy. President Obama is committed to an energy plan that will generate millions of new jobs, break our dependence on foreign oil, reduce the threat of dangerous carbon pollution and restore America’s role as a global leader in the clean energy industry.

As part of “Energy Week”, Commerce Secretary Gary Locke and Labor Secretary Hilda Solis were at events in Michigan, Tennessee and Arkansas today highlighting the President’s commitment to passing comprehensive energy and climate legislation. Earlier this week, Interior Secretary Ken Salazar, Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood and EPA Administrator Lisa Jackson were in New Jersey, Oklahoma and Colorado.

Yesterday, the White House released a new web video featuring Van Jones, the Special Advisor for Green Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation at the White House Council on Environmental Quality. The video demonstrates how weatherizing homes will be a major source of new jobs. Watch it below, and be sure to watch for the House vote on Friday.

Morning Open Thread

Good morning.

President Barack Obama looks at a map donated to the White House by the National Geographic Society. Photo by Pete Souza.

June 24, 2009

Iran, Energy Legislation and Health Care Reform at President Obama’s Press Conference

Monday President Obama signed historic tobacco legislation, yesterday the President held a press conference where he addressed the situation in Iran, energy legislation currently pending in the House and the urgent need for health care reform.

A few key quotes are below. You can find the full text of the presser, including Q&A, here.

On Iran:

“…The United States and the international community have been appalled and outraged by the threats, the beatings, and imprisonments of the last few days. I strongly condemn these unjust actions, and I join with the American people in mourning each and every innocent life that is lost.

“I've made it clear that the United States respects the sovereignty of the Islamic Republic of Iran, and is not interfering with Iran's affairs. But we must also bear witness to the courage and the dignity of the Iranian people, and to a remarkable opening within Iranian society. And we deplore the violence against innocent civilians anywhere that it takes place.

“…As I said in Cairo, suppressing ideas never succeeds in making them go away. The Iranian people have a universal right to assembly and free speech. If the Iranian government seeks the respect of the international community, it must respect those rights and heed the will of its own people. It must govern through consent and not coercion. That's what Iran's own people are calling for, and the Iranian people will ultimately judge the actions of their own government.”

On energy:

”…This week, the House of Representatives is moving ahead on historic legislation that will transform the way we produce and use energy in America. This legislation will spark a clean energy transformation that will reduce our dependence on foreign oil and confront the carbon pollution that threatens our planet.

“This energy bill will create a set of incentives that will spur the development of new sources of energy, including wind, solar, and geothermal power. It will also spur new energy savings, like efficient windows and other materials that reduce heating costs in the winter and cooling costs in the summer.

“…The nation that leads in the creation of a clean energy economy will be the nation that leads the 21st century's global economy. That's what this legislation seeks to achieve -- it's a bill that will open the door to a better future for this nation. And that's why I urge members of Congress to come together and pass it.”

On health care:

”…There's no doubt that we must preserve what's best about our health care system, and that means allowing Americans who like their doctors and their health care plans to keep them. But unless we fix what's broken in our current system, everyone's health care will be in jeopardy. Unless we act, premiums will climb higher, benefits will erode further, and the rolls of the uninsured will swell to include millions more Americans. Unless we act, one out of every five dollars that we earn will be spent on health care within a decade. And the amount our government spends on Medicare and Medicaid will eventually grow larger than what our government spends on everything else today.

”When it comes to health care, the status quo is unsustainable and unacceptable. So reform is not a luxury, it's a necessity.

If you haven’t already, check out the new Health Care Stories for America tool over at . You can share a story, find a story and vote for the stories you find most compelling.

Morning Open Thread

Good morning!

President Obama meeting with speechwriters Jon Favreau and Adam Frankel, and Senior Advisor David Axelrod. Photo by Pete Souza.

June 23, 2009

Clean Energy, Green Jobs and Climate

The Obama Administration is dispatching cabinet secretaries and senior officials around the country this week to highlight the need for comprehensive energy legislation that makes us more energy independent, reduces climate change-causing greenhouse gas emissions and creates millions of green jobs.

The bill, the American Clean Energy and Security Act (also known as Waxman-Markey), was passed out of committee a couple of weeks ago – it could be voted on in the full House as early as this week.

In the lead up to the vote a diverse coalition of stakeholders have ramped up their efforts to build support for the bill. Late last week, the Political Economy Research Institute (PERI) at the University of Massachusetts, Amherst, the Center for American Progress (CAP), Green for All and the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) released two reports that outline how investments in a clean-energy economy will produce significant economic and job creation benefits.

-- The Economic Benefits of Investing in Clean Energy: How the Economic Stimulus Program and New Legislation Can Boost U.S. Economic Growth and Employment: Report explains how the investment of $150 billion annually, through public spending and private investment, would produce a net gain of 1.7 million new jobs. CAP compiled state-by-state fact sheets of clean energy jobs creation.

-- Green Prosperity: How Clean-Energy Policies Can Fight Poverty and Raise Living Standards in the United States: Report shows that shifting from traditional fossil fuel to clean energy will improve the standard of living for millions of Americans across all skill and education levels, especially among lower-income families.

In Case You Missed It: Last week, the White House also released a new report from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) about the potential impact of climate change in the United States. The report lays out – in layman’s terms – how failure to take action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions will result in significant changes to temperatures, rainfall patterns and sea level. Grist.org had a good round up.

Morning Open Thread

Good morning.

President Obama and Secretary of State Hillary Clinton. Photo by Pete Souza.

June 22, 2009

June 20, 2009: Weekly Presidential Address

In this weeks address the President talks about Financial Reform and how his administration is addressing the current crisis. He stresses our markets should work fairly and freely for both consumers and business. The President introduces a new proposal to help fix our financial crisis, the Consumer Financial Protection Agency. The agency's responsibility is to look out for the interests of everyday Americans in our financial industry.

Momentum Builds Behind President Obama’s Call for Health Care Reform This Year

With today’s announcement at the White House and the House’s unveiling of its draft legislation on Friday, the fight to reform our health care system continues. In case you missed it, a few new polls out this week demonstrate widespread support for comprehensive reform:

-- A new CBS/New York Times Poll Shows “Americans Overwhelmingly Support Substantial Changes To The Health Care System” Including 72 Percent Who Support A Public Health Plan Option.

“Americans overwhelmingly support substantial changes to the health care system and are strongly behind one of the most contentious proposals Congress is considering, a government-run insurance plan to compete with private insurers, according to the latest New York Times/CBS News poll. The poll found that most Americans would be willing to pay higher taxes so everyone could have health insurance and that they said the government could do a better job of holding down health-care costs than the private sector. The national telephone survey, which was conducted from June 12 to 16, found that 72 percent of those questioned supported a government-administered insurance plan - something like Medicare for those under 65 - that would compete for customers with private insurers. Twenty percent said they were opposed.”

-- A new NBC/Wall Street Journal Poll: 75 Percent Of Americans Support Public Health Care Option. According to the NBC/WSJ poll, 75% think that it is "extremely important" or "quite important" that in any health care proposal people have a choice of both a public plan administered by the federal government and a private plan for their health insurance.

Also of note, according to the New York Times/CBS poll, 57 percent of those surveyed (including 1 in 4 Republicans) think the Democratic Party is more likely to improve our health care system than Republicans. Only 18 percent thought Republicans were up to the job, tied for the lowest score for either party on this question since the NYT started asking that question nearly 20 years ago.

Senator Chris Dodd, who is helping the bill through the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committee (in Senator Ted Kennedy’s absence) said yesterday on ABC’s This Week, "We're not done with this at all; if this were easy, it would have been done decades ago."

Visit our Health Care Action Center to do your part in the fight for reform: tell your Members of Congress where you stand, share your personal health care story, write a letter to the editor of your local newspaper or organize a health care event in your community.

President Obama Announces Historic Agreement with Big Pharma

Today President Obama announced an agreement between his administration and several of the nation’s largest pharmaceutical companies that would offer $80 billion in prescription drug discounts for Medicare recipients. The announcement today is the latest of several agreements reached between the Obama Administration and a diverse set of health care stakeholders – including insurance companies, doctors, hospitals and medical device manufacturers – that would result in significant reductions in health care costs.

Here’s an excerpt from the President’s remarks:

“…Our goal -- our imperative -- is to reduce the punishing inflation in health care costs while improving patient care. And to do that we're going to have to work together to root out waste and inefficiencies that may pad the bottom line of the insurance industry, but add nothing to the health of our nation. To that end, the pharmaceutical industry has committed to reduce its draw on the health care system by $80 billion over the next 10 years as part of overall health care reform.

“Real health care reform that reduces the spiraling costs of health services and extends quality, affordable health coverage to all Americans will require these kinds of commitments throughout the system. And drug and insurance companies stand to benefit when tens of millions more Americans have coverage. So we're asking them, in exchange, to make essential concessions to reform the system and help reduce costs. It's only fair. Today marks a major step forward. But it will only be meaningful if we complete the journey.

“…And to those who, here in Washington, who've grown accustomed to "sky is falling" prognoses and the certainties that we cannot get this done, I have to repeat -- revive an old saying we had from the campaign: Yes, we can. We are going to get this done.”

And a link to a few articles on the announcement: Politico, “Health Care Reform Gets Boost”; Washington Post, “Obama, Democrats Cheer Announcement of Drug Savings for Federal Programs”; and CNN, “Deal Reached to Cut Medicare Costs”.

UPDATE (by Cloe): DNC Chairman Tim Kaine issued the following statement after the President's announcement this morning:

Another Key Stakeholder Buys Into President’s Efforts To Fix Health Care, Continuing To Pave The Way For Reform This Year

“Today's announcement that the pharmaceutical industry has agreed to a landmark deal to reduce the costs of health care coverage is an important marker in the drive to enact comprehensive health care reform. Coming on the heels of multiple public polls that show the American people overwhelmingly support the President's principles for health care reform, including a public health insurance option, today's announcement shows that momentum is clearly behind getting meaningful reform done this year that cuts costs, expands coverage and ensures choice.”

Monday Morning Open Thread

Good Morning.

June 21, 2009

United We Serve

This summer President Obama is challenging all Americans to aid our economic recovery and help lay a new foundation for growth by engaging in sustained, meaningful community service in four key areas: health care, energy, education, and community renewal. This initiative, called United We Serve, begins next Monday, June 22nd and runs through the National Day of Service and Remembrance on September 11th.

On Monday, First Lady Michelle Obama and several Cabinet Secretaries and senior administration officials will officially launch United We Serve by participating in service projects across the country.

- Mrs. Obama will join the First Lady of California Maria Shriver to highlight the importance of children’s health and well-being by helping to construct a public playground at Bret Harte Public Elementary School in San Francisco.

- Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Jackson will join Missouri River Relief, Blue River Watershed Association, Missouri Stream Team and Friends of the Kaw, as well as local students to monitor and help clean up the Missouri and Kansas Rivers at Kaw Point Park, Kansas.

- Department of Housing and Urban Development Secretary Donovan will join volunteers from the St. Bernard Project and other local organizations to rebuild a New Orleans home that was destroyed in Hurricane Katrina.

- Department of Energy Secretary Chu will travel to Battle Creek, Michigan for an energy efficiency event in partnership with League of Conservation Voters at the local YMCA. He will help assemble home energy efficiency kits and educational materials to help families lower their energy costs.

- Veterans’ Affairs Secretary Shinseki will assist volunteer drivers in transporting patients who are unable to drive to their medical appointments at VA Medical Centers.

- Secretary Vilsack will work with the Summer Food Service Program in Chicago to help prepare and distribute free, nutritious meals and snacks to children in low-income areas. The Summer Food Service Program is administered by the Food and Nutrition Service, an agency of the USDA.

To register your own service project or find a volunteer opportunity in your community visit Serve.gov.

Organizing for America is coordinating a National Health Care Day of Service on June 27th, as part of the ongoing campaign to pass comprehensive health care reform this year. Visit my.barackobama.com and sign up to host or attend an event.

Father's Day Open Thread

Happy Father's Day to all of our dads out there. A personal thanks to my dad for showing me the value of getting involved in my community and politics. Feel free to share stories of your dad.

June 20, 2009

Weekend Open Thread

Hello Saturday.

President Obama throwing a football in the Rose Garden. Photo by Pete Souza.

June 19, 2009

100th Anniversary of Father’s Day

President Obama participated in a series of events today designed to kick off a national conversation about fatherhood and personal responsibility. This year marks the 100th anniversary of “Father’s Day,” which the President is using to stress the import role fathers play in supporting families and sustaining communities throughout the nation.

During the day today, President Obama visited several non-profit organizations in the Washington DC area that are dedicated to mentoring and supporting young men, hosted a town hall meeting at the White House about on fatherhood and participated in a “mentoring” session with 120 DC-area youth on the South Lawn of the White House.

The President also issued a Father’s Day proclamation honoring the work of strong, committed fathers. The White House is planning a series of regional town halls this summer about the importance of fatherhood.

Here’s an excerpt of the President’s remarks from the Town Hall event:

“We all know the difference that responsible, committed fathers like these guys can make in the life of a child. Fathers are our first teachers and coaches. They’re our mentors and role models. They set examples of success and push us to succeed ourselves – encouraging us when we’re struggling; loving us even when we disappoint them; standing by us when no one else will.

“And when fathers are absent – when they abandon their responsibility to their kids – we know the damage that does to our families. Children who grow up without a father are more likely to drop out of school and wind up in prison. They’re more likely to have substance abuse problems, run away from home, and become teenage parents themselves.”

This weekend PARADE Magazine will publish an essay by President Obama about what fatherhood means to him. Here’s an excerpt from that piece:

“…But I observe this Father’s Day not just as a father grateful to be present in my daughters’ lives but also as a son who grew up without a father in my own life. My father left my family when I was 2 years old, and I knew him mainly from the letters he wrote and the stories my family told. And while I was lucky to have two wonderful grandparents who poured everything they had into helping my mother raise my sister and me, I still felt the weight of his absence throughout my childhood.

“As an adult, working as a community organizer and later as a legislator, I would often walk through the streets of Chicago’s South Side and see boys marked by that same absence—boys without supervision or direction or anyone to help them as they struggled to grow into men. I identified with their frustration and disengagement—with their sense of having been let down.

“In many ways, I came to understand the importance of fatherhood through its absence—both in my life and in the lives of others. I came to understand that the hole a man leaves when he abandons his responsibility to his children is one that no government can fill. We can do everything possible to provide good jobs and good schools and safe streets for our kids, but it will never be enough to fully make up the difference.

“That is why we need fathers to step up, to realize that their job does not end at conception; that what makes you a man is not the ability to have a child but the courage to raise one.”

An early Happy Father’s Day to all!

Meet the Wisconsin Democratic Party's new chairman, Mike Tate

Mike Tate’s career in Democratic organizing began at a very early age. When in 4th grade, he helped Michael Dukakis score an upset victory in his school’s mock election. Two years later, Tate was begging his mother to drive him down to Tom Loftus’ gubernatorial campaign office, where he would help stuff envelopes after school.

In 1998, Mike worked as a volunteer for Senator Russ Feingold’s reelection campaign, and then became very active with the College Democrats, serving as Chair of the College Democrats of Wisconsin and Vice President of the College Democrats of America. Mike has worked for Dane County Executive Kathleen Falk, Governor Jim Doyle, and AFSCME Council 40. In 2003, Mike served as the Wisconsin State Director for Dean for America . He also served as the Deputy State Director for America Coming Together, overseeing one of the largest grassroots voter mobilization efforts in Wisconsin political history.

In the 2006 election cycle, Mike managed the Fair Wisconsin campaign, overseeing the effort to defeat the constitutional amendment banning civil unions and marriage. Fair Wisconsin was one of the largest anti-amendment campaigns ever mounted, raising a historic $5.3 million from over 11,000 individual donors and mobilizing significant progressive turnout in opposition to the constitutional amendment.

Most recently, Mike directed Advancing Wisconsin, a vast voter mobilization effort in 2008, helping boost turnout in key legislative districts and for Barack Obama. Mike received his bachelor’s degree in political science from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, and currently lives in Milwaukee County with his wife, Amy, a member of the academic staff at the UW-Milwaukee Alumni Association.

Congratulations Mike, the youngest state party chairman of either party. Check out the Wisconsin Democratic Party's website for more information.

A Conversation about Responsible Fatherhood and Healthy Families

update 2: This event has ended. We will be bringing you more Father's Day highlights this weekend.

update: The video embed is not working, but there is a link to the White House live feed below.

President Obama is scheduled to participate in a conversation on fatherhood today in the East Room, starting at 2:45 PM Easter. The President will be joined by five fathers from a diversity of backgrounds who will be discussing their personal stories and commitment to fatherhood and personal responsibility. The session will also include questions from the audience.

You can watch the event live at WhiteHouse.gov/live.

Recognizing Juneteenth

Today we recognize the holiday of Juneteenth, the commemoration of the abolition of slavery in Texas. On June 19, 1865 General Gordon Granger and federal troops arrived in Galveston Texas taking control of the state and enforcing the emancipation of slaves. DNC Chairman Tim Kaine and DNC Black Caucus Chair Virgie M. Rollins issued the following statement:

“On this day in 1865, emancipation finally made it west, freeing the last slaves in Texas . So today, we commemorate the end of slavery in America and honor all those throughout our history who have fought for freedom, equality and justice by celebrating Juneteenth.

“As we take time to honor this occasion, we also stop to consider the remarkable path African Americans have forged, from slavery to the White House. With the first African American President of the United States , we usher in an era of endless opportunity. A new generation of Americans will be raised with no limits to their dreams – something their predecessors, who fought for equality as slaves in the fields of Texas and Freedom Riders in the streets of Alabama, may have never been able to imagine.

“But while we have come a long way, we still have further to go. We at the DNC join President Obama and the African American community in the fight to ensure equality in education, employment, and health care for all Americans.”

President Obama Speaks at the National Hispanic Prayer Breakfast

Esperanza, a national Hispanic faith-based Evangelical network, is hosting the 8th annual National Hispanic Prayer Breakfast and Conference in Washington, DC this week. This morning, in a speech to conference attendees, President Obama spoke about the power of prayer, the importance of fathers (in anticipation of Father’s Day this weekend) the nomination of Sonia Sotomayor to the Supreme Court, and health care reform. He also commitment to passing comprehensive immigration reform and asked the audience to honor immigrants who volunteered for U.S. military service.

Here’s an excerpt of the President’s remarks:

“…Like some of you, I am the son of a parent who came to these shores in search of a better future. And while I may be the first African American President, there is nothing unique or unusual about the opportunities that this country gave to me. Instead, like generations of Americans, I could count on the basic promise that no matter what you look like, or where you come from, America will let you go as far as your dreams and your hard work will carry you.

”And that promise is at the heart of the American story. It's a story shared by many of you -- by clergy and members of Congress; by business leaders and community organizers. It's the story of every young child who has the opportunity to go farther in life than their parents were able to go. It's the story of a young girl who could rise from a public housing project to be nominated for the highest court in the land. And I am confident that it's a story that will someday be told by the first Hispanic President of the United States of America.

”But we know there is much more work to be done to extend the promise of a better life to all our children and grandchildren. In all that we do, we must be guided by that simple command that binds all great religions together: Love thy neighbor as thyself.

”In the 21st century, we've learned that this truth is central not just to our own lives, but to our success as a nation. If our children cannot get the world-class education they need to succeed, then America will not be able to compete with other countries. If our families cannot afford health care, then the costs go up for all of us -- individuals, businesses, and government. If folks down the street can't pay their mortgage and folks across town can't find a job, then that pain is going to trickle into other parts of our economy.

”And that's why we've come together on behalf of the future that we want to build -- one where all of our children go to the best schools, all our people can go to work and make a living, all our families can afford health care; and prosperity is extended to everybody. Together, we must build a future where the promise of America is kept for a new generation.

”We also know that keeping this promise means upholding America's tradition as a nation of laws and a nation of immigrants. Those things aren't contradictory; they're complementary. That's why I'm committed to passing comprehensive immigration reform as President of the United States.

”The American people -- the American people believe in immigration, but they also believe that we can't tolerate a situation where people come to the United States in violation of the law, nor can we tolerate employers who exploit undocumented workers in order to drive down wages. That's why we're taking steps to strengthen border security, and we must build on those efforts. We must also clarify the status of millions who are here illegally, many who have put down roots. For those who wish to become citizens, we should require them to pay a penalty and pay taxes, learn English, go to the back of the line behind those who played by the rules. That is the fair, practical, and promising way forward, and that's what I'm committed to passing as President of the United States.”

Morning Open Thread

Hello Friday.

President Obama chats wtih journalists. Photo by Pete Souza.

June 18, 2009

Morning Open Thread

Good morning everyone.

President Barack Obama and Vice President Joe Biden confer in the White House before the Supreme Court nomination announcement. Photo by Pete Souza.

June 17, 2009

President Obama signs a Memorandum on Federal Benefits and Non-Discrimination

Earlier this evening President Obama signed a Presidential Memorandum that will provide steps towards equality for Federal employees. The memorandum extends many benefits to same-sex partners of Federal employees that are already granted to partners of heterosexual Federal employees. After outlining the details of his Memorandum the President went further by calling on Congress to repeal the Defense of Marriage Act;

But this Presidential Memorandum is just a start. Unfortunately, my Administration is not authorized by existing Federal law to provide same-sex couples with the full range of benefits enjoyed by heterosexual married couples. That's why I stand by my long-standing commitment to work with Congress to repeal the so-called Defense of Marriage Act. It's discriminatory, it interferes with States' rights, and it's time we overturned it.

Surrounded by Representatives Tammy Baldwin and Barney Frank as well as Senators Joseph Lieberman and Susan Collins he declared his support for the Domestic Partners Benefits and Obligations Act of 2009.
The President then closed his remarks with this statement;

As Americans, we are all affected when our promises of equality go unfulfilled. Through measures like the Presidential Memorandum I am issuing today and the Domestic Partners Benefits and Obligations Act of 2009, we will advance the principles upon which our Nation was founded and continue to perfect our Union.

Republicans release their health care plan with NO numbers

The Party of No is trying to find relevance in the minority by pushing back on the President and Congress's reform. Today they released their alternative Health Care plan with one glaring omission; details. via Roll Call;

House Republicans presented a four-page outline of their health care reform plan Wednesday but said they didn’t know yet how much it would cost, how they would pay for it and how many of the nearly 50 million Americans without insurance would be covered by it.

If this sounds like a familiar narrative from the Republican party it is because they also released an "alternative" budget proposal not too long ago, that contained NO numbers;

Financial Regulatory Reform

President Obama just announced his Administration’s plans to reform our financial regulatory system. The Administration’s plan addresses the regulatory failures that led to our current crisis, fixes the gaps and weaknesses in our regulations to help guard against future crises, and gives regulators additional tools to respond quickly and prevent any future crisis from causing widespread harm.

The proposal includes additional protections for consumers, in the form of the Consumer Financial Protection Agency, and increases the authority of various regulatory agencies to supervise large financial institutions whose problems pose potential risks to the economic system, impose tighter rules on banks that package and sell securities, and bring non-bank institutions - like private equity firms and hedge funds - into the regulatory fold. The Administration will work with Congressional leaders, including Senator Chris Dodd (CT) and Rep. Barney Frank (MA), pass legislation implementing the reforms before the end of the year.

The New York Times posted a draft of the regulatory proposal on its website. The full text of the President’s remarks are below . . .

Keep reading "Financial Regulatory Reform "

President Remarks On Comprehensive Regulatory Reform Plan

update 2: the President's speech has ended. We will bring you highlights when they become available.

update: new player

Morning Open Thread

Good morning.

President Obama and Vice President Biden meeting with Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas. Photo by Pete Souza.

June 16, 2009

Faces of Health Care Reform: Russell Axelson

Like millions of Americans, Russ lost his health insurance when he was laid off from his job. Russ turned to his church to help pay for his medications while he was out of work.

Organizing for America has collected hundreds of thousands of personal health care stories. The grassroots effort is building support in communities across the country for a plan that adheres to President Obamas three principles for reform: lowering costs, preserving patient choice and increasing access to quality care.

Take action over at Organizing for America's site.

Morning Open Thread

Good morning

President Obama returning to the Oval Office with lunch for staffers and aides. Photo by Chuck Kennedy.

June 15, 2009

President Obama Speaks at the American Medical Association’s Annual Meeting

Last week, President Obama traveled to Green Bay, WI to host a Health Care Town Hall. Today, he went to Chicago to speak to a crowd of 2,200 at the American Medical Association’s annual meeting. His message were simple: first, people who currently like their health insurance can keep it – President Obama wants to fix what’s broken with our system and build on what works; second, we must change how we practice and deliver medicine, so that more expensive care does not automatically equate with better care; and third, we must not add to the deficit while we reform our system.

During the speech, the President reiterated his belief that health care reform is a necessity, not a luxury, noting that while the United States spends more than any other nation on health care we are no healthier for it. Once again, the President made the case that reform is essential to restoring our fiscal health and putting the country back on the road to long term economic prosperity.

The President clearly made the case for a health insurance exchange, where people can compare and contrast plans and pick the one that’s right for them, and talked about his support for a public insurance option, which will give consumers more choices and increase competition to keep insurance companies honest, while lowering costs.

Here’s an excerpt from the Reuter’s article about the speech:

“Obama took his health care campaign to the annual meeting of the influential American Medical Association in Chicago, where he likened the U.S. health care system to struggling General Motors, which has filed for bankruptcy protection.

'If we do not fix our health care system, America may go the way of GM; paying more, getting less, and going broke,' he said.

"Make no mistake: the cost of our health care is a threat to our economy,' said Obama, who wants a health care reform bill on his desk by October. 'It is a ticking time bomb for the federal budget. And it is unsustainable for the United States of America.'

Thus far, the President has identified $950 billion in revenue and savings to pay for health care reform, including:

– Ending overpayments to Medicare Advantage that are a windfall for insurance companies at the expense of the American people, resulting in a savings of $177 billion over the next decade.

– Changing how Medicare reimburses hospitals, by discouraging them from acting in a way that boosts profits, but drives up costs for everyone else, resulting in a saving of $25 billion over the next decade.

– Saving approximately $75 billion by getting better prices for drugs under Medicare, and another billion by rooting out waste, abuse, and fraud throughout our health care system.

We’ll post the full text of President Obama’s remarks later today.

UPDATE: Below is an excerpt of the President's remarks:.

"If we fail to act -- and you know this because you see it in your own individual practices -- if we fail to act, premiums will climb higher, benefits will erode further, the rolls of the uninsured will swell to include millions more Americans -- all of which will affect your practice. If we fail to act, one out of every five dollars we earn will be spent on health care within a decade. And in 30 years, it will be about one out of every three -- a trend that will mean lost jobs, lower take-home pay, shuttered businesses, and a lower standard of living for all Americans.

"And if we fail to act, federal spending on Medicaid and Medicare will grow over the coming decades by an amount almost equal to the amount our government currently spends on our nation's defense. It will, in fact, eventually grow larger than what our government spends on anything else today. It's a scenario that will swamp our federal and state budgets, and impose a vicious choice of either unprecedented tax hikes, or overwhelming deficits, or drastic cuts in our federal and state budgets.

So to say it as plainly as I can, health care is the single most important thing we can do for America's long-term fiscal health. That is a fact. That's a fact."

Here's the full text of the speech and key excerpts posted on the White House's blog.

June 13, 2009: Weekly Presidential Address

In his weekly address President Obama talked about how health care reform is an important part of addressing our national debt. The President states that the status quo is unacceptable to families, business and government. Americans should never have to forgo health care nor should our businesses be hurt because of rising health care costs. Watch the President's address to learn more about how his administration will help pay for health care reform and the benefits it will provide.

Monday Afternoon Open Thread

Happy Monday. Your open thread slept in this morning apparently.

June 13, 2009

Weekend Open Thread

Enjoy your weekend.

June 12, 2009

Chairman Kaine on the Need for Health Reform Now

DNC Chairman Tim Kaine recently recorded a special video update on the ongoing campaign to pass real health care reform. In his message, he recounts a few of the many stories that illustrate just how urgent the need for reform is.

President Obama has made health care reform a top priority. While Congress works to on the details of legislation, supporters across the country are organizing to build support for comprehensive reform that reduces costs, guarantees choice, and ensures affordable, quality health care for all Americans.

You can show how broad support for reform truly is by adding your name to a public declaration of support for the President's principles for reform.

You can also share your own personal story of how urgency of health reform in your life and the lives of your loved ones.

You can help push back against the smears and disinformation that will be spread by lobbyists and special interests by sending a letter to the editor of your local paper.

And you can call your representatives in Congress to make sure they know where you stand.

As Chairman Kaine explained, "Now is the time to reform health care." The future of American health care is now up for grabs, and what we do over the next few months could make the difference.

Senate Passes Historic Tobacco Bill

The Senate passed a historic anti-smoking bill yesterday – the Family Smoking Prevention and Tobacco Control Act – which gives the FDA broad authority to regulate the manufacturing and marketing of tobacco products. The bill passed the Senate with broad bi-partisan support (79-17) and is expected to pass the House (which passed a similar version of the bill in April) and be signed into law by the President.

Democratic Senators Dick Durbin (IL), Chris Dodd (CT), Tom Harkin (IA), Jack Reed (RI) and Frank R. Lautenberg (NJ) held a press conference this afternoon to praise the passage of the legislation. Senator Durbin (IL) said, “The tobacco companies’ days of peddling one of the most deadly products in the world have finally come to an end. With the passage of today’s legislation we will begin to reduce the terrible toll tobacco has taken on children and families across the nation.”

The Washington Post reported:

“…Congress has been trying for more than a decade to regulate tobacco, coming close several times but faltering in the face of opposition from the tobacco lobby, the White House or procedural hang-ups. But in the years that the debate has raged, changing social attitudes toward tobacco helped transform the idea of regulation from controversial to common sense.

"There's not a smoker in the country that's an adult who wishes their children would begin smoking," said Sen. Chris Dodd, himself a former smoker. "And there are many adult smokers today who wish they never started. . . . This has been a very long battle. . . . For the first time we're going to make a difference. The FDA is going to regulate the production, sale and marketing of these products. That is history."

UPDATED by Cloe:

The House passed the bill today 307 to 97. Minutes after the legislation passed, President Obama made a statement from the Rose Garden. It’s excerpted here:

"…For over a decade, leaders of both parties have fought to prevent tobacco companies from marketing their products to children, and provide the public with the information they need to understand what a dangerous habit this is. And after a decade of opposition, all of us are finally about to achieve the victory with this bill, a bill that truly defines change in Washington.

"I'm proud that the House and the Senate have acted swiftly and in an overwhelmingly bipartisan fashion to pass this legislation that will protect our kids and improve our public health. Along with legislation to protect credit card owners from unfair rate hikes, homeowners from mortgage fraud and abuse, and taxpayers from wasteful defense spending, this kids tobacco bill would be the fourth piece of bipartisan legislation that I've signed into law over the last month that protects the American consumer, and changes the way Washington works and who Washington works for...."

Morning Open Thread

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June 11, 2009

Three Health Care Stories from Wisconsin

Organizing for America, a project of the DNC, has collected hundreds of thousands of personal health care stories during the last few weeks. Have you shared your story? Here are three from Wisconsin.

Kristine Reger from Muskego, WI: Kristine’s husband owns a small business. He’s always prided himself on providing health insurance for his employees, but this year he’ll spend more than $125,000 on a plan with a $2,500 deductible for just nine people. Skyrocketing health care costs have wiped out his profit margin for the past several years, and it’ll happen again this year unless his business picks up considerably.

Kristine’s sister has a chronic disease. She was airlifted to the Mayo Clinic in Minnesota for care, and got stuck with a bill for $17,000. Without significant help from family, she never would have been able afford it.

Kristine attended the President’s Health Care Town Hall today in Green Bay. She also participated in a conference call yesterday with Rep. Steve Kagen (WI) and OFA Wisconsin State Director Dan Grandone. We posted the full audio here.

Michelle Winter from Green Bay, WI: Michelle co-owns a local jewelry shop and art gallery in Green Bay. She and her business partner opened the business with a $5,000 loan in 1991. Since that time, her partner has become a diabetic and requires regular check ups and prescription drugs to maintain his health. Their health insurance is $1,368, with a $5,000 deductible – more than 20 percent of what it cost to start their entire business. She’s worried that rising premiums will eventually sink her business.

Roxann Nys from Green Bay, WI: Roxann’s brother worked his whole life, but has never had health insurance. He suffers from diverticulitis and had to have emergency surgery to remove a portion of his intestine in order to save his life. Roxann thinks that if her brother had access to affordable care when he first started to feel sick, he might have been able to avoid expensive surgery. But now, he might never be able to pay off his bill and still can’t afford the care he needs for his chronic illness.

President Obama Holds Health Care Town Hall in Green Bay, Wisconsin

President Obama held a health care town hall in Green Bay, WI this afternoon where he continued to talk about the need for health care reform that controls costs, protects choice, and makes quality, affordable health care available to every American.

With premiums rising three times faster than wages and nearly 50 million uninsured, skyrocketing health care costs are crippling American families and businesses, and exploding our national deficit.

The President identified Green Bay as one community that has done a good job of providing higher quality care with lower costs. He called for reforms that encourage the replication of best practices that places like Green Bay have already implemented – increased coordination among doctors and changing incentives so health care is driven more by quality of patient care, than turning a profit.

President Obama urged people to pay attention to the health care debate and to pressure their members of Congress to pass reform this year, warning that if it doesn’t happen in 2009, it might not happen at all. Visit the health care action center to help make health care reform a reality this year.

The OFA blog posted a good round up of where the health care debate currently stands in the House and Senate.

The full text of the President’s remarks today is below:

”Thank you. It is wonderful to be back here in Green Bay. I want to thank Southwest High School for hosting us today, and I want to thank Laura for sharing her story. It takes courage to do that, and it takes even more to battle a disease like cancer with such grace and determination.

"Laura’s story is incredibly moving. Sadly, it is not unique. Every day in this country, more and more Americans are forced to worry not simply about getting well, but whether they can afford to get well. Millions more wonder if they can afford the routine care necessary to stay well. Even for those who have health insurance, rising premiums are straining their budgets to the breaking point – premiums that have doubled over the last nine years, and have grown at a rate three times faster than wages. Desperately-needed procedures and treatments are put off because the price is too high. And all it takes is a single illness to wipe out a lifetime of savings.

"Employers aren’t faring any better. The cost of health care has helped leave big corporations like GM and Chrysler at a competitive disadvantage with their foreign counterparts. For small businesses, it’s even worse. One month, they’re forced to cut back on health care benefits. The next month, they have to drop coverage. The month after that, they have no choice but to start laying off workers.

"For the government, the growing cost of Medicare and Medicaid is one of the biggest threats to our federal deficit. Bigger than Social Security. Bigger than all the investments we’ve made so far. So if you’re worried about spending and you’re worried about deficits, you need to be worried about the cost of health care.

"We have the most expensive health care system in the world. We spend almost 50% more per person on health care than the next most costly nation. But here’s the thing, Green Bay: we’re not any healthier for it. We don’t necessarily have better outcomes. Even within our own country, a lot of the places where we spend less on health care actually have higher quality than places where we spend more. Right here in Green Bay, you get more quality out of fewer health care dollars than many other communities across the country. And yet, across the country, spending on health care goes up and up and up – day after day, year after year.

"I know that there are millions of Americans who are content with their health care coverage – they like their plan and they value their relationship with their doctor. And no matter how we reform health care, we will keep this promise: If you like your doctor, you will be able to keep your doctor. If you like your health care plan, you will be able to keep your health care plan.

"But in order to preserve what’s best about our health care system, we have to fix what doesn’t work. For we have reached a point where doing nothing about the cost of health care is no longer an option. The status quo is unsustainable. If we do not act and act soon to bring down costs, it will jeopardize everyone’s health care. If we do not act, every American will feel the consequences. In higher premiums and lower take-home pay. In lost jobs and shuttered businesses. In a rising number of uninsured and a rising debt that our children and their children will be paying off for decades. If we do nothing, within a decade we will spending one out of every five dollars we earn on health care. In thirty years, it will be one out of every three. That is untenable, that is unacceptable, and I will not allow it as President of the United States.

"Health care reform is not part of some wish list I drew up when I took office. It is central to our economic future – central to the long-term prosperity of this nation. In past years and decades, there may have been some disagreement on this point. But not anymore. Today, we have already built an unprecedented coalition of folks who are ready to reform our health care system: physicians and health insurers; businesses and workers; Democrats and Republicans. A few weeks ago, some of these groups committed to doing something that would’ve been unthinkable just a few years ago: they promised to work together to cut national health care spending by two trillion dollars over the next decade. That will bring down costs, that will bring down premiums, and that’s exactly the kind of cooperation we need.

"The question now is, how do we finish the job? How do we permanently bring down costs and make quality, affordable health care available to every American?

"My view is that reform should be guided by a simple principle: we fix what’s broken and build on what works.

"In some cases, there’s broad agreement on the steps we should take. In the Recovery Act, we’ve already made investments in health IT and electronic medical records that will reduce medical errors, save lives, save money, and still ensure privacy. We also need to invest in prevention and wellness programs that help Americans live longer, healthier lives.

"But the real cost savings will come from changing the incentives of a system that automatically equates expensive care with better care – from addressing flaws that increase profits without actually increasing the quality of care.

"We have to ask why places like the Geisinger Health system in rural Pennsylvania, Intermountain Health in Salt Lake City, or communities like Green Bay can offer high-quality care at costs well below average, but other places in America can’t. We need to identify the best practices across the country, learn from the success, and replicate that success elsewhere. And we should change the warped incentives that reward doctors and hospitals based on how many tests or procedures they prescribe, even if those tests or procedures aren’t necessary or result from medical mistakes. Doctors across this country did not get into the medical profession to be bean counters or paper pushers; to be lawyers or business executives. They became doctors to heal people. And that’s what we must free them to do.

"We must also provide Americans who can’t afford health insurance with more affordable options. This is both a moral imperative and an economic imperative, because we know that when someone without health insurance is forced to get treatment at the ER, all of us end up paying for it.

"So what we’re working on is the creation of something called a Health Insurance Exchange – which would allow you to one-stop shop for a health care plan, compare benefits and prices, and choose the plan that’s best for you. None of these plans would be able to deny coverage on the basis of a pre-existing condition, and all should include an affordable, basic benefit package. And if you can’t afford one of the plans, we should provide assistance to make sure you can. I also strongly believe that one of the options in the Exchange should be a public insurance option – because if the private insurance companies have to compete with a public option, it will keep them honest and help keep prices down.

"Now, covering more Americans will obviously cost a good deal of money at a time where we don’t have extra to spend. That’s why I have already promised that reform will not add to our deficit over the next ten years. To make that happen, we have already identified hundreds of billions worth of savings in our budget – savings that will come from steps like reducing Medicare overpayments to insurance companies and rooting out waste, fraud and abuse in both Medicare and Medicaid. I will be outlining hundreds of billions more in savings in the days to come. And I’ll be honest – even with these savings, reform will require additional sources of revenue. That’s why I’ve proposed that we scale back how much the highest-income Americans can deduct on their taxes back to the rate from the Reagan years – and use that money to help finance health care.

"In all these reforms, our goal is simple: the highest-quality health care at the lowest-possible cost. We want to fix what’s broken and build on what works. As Congress moves forward on health care legislation in the coming weeks, I understand there will be different ideas and disagreements on how to achieve this goal. I welcome those ideas, and I welcome that debate. But what I will not welcome is endless delay or a denial that reform needs to happen. When it comes to health care, this country cannot continue on its current path. I know there are some who believe that reform is too expensive, but I can assure you that doing nothing will cost us far more in the coming years. Our deficits will be higher. Our premiums will go up. Our wages will be lower, our jobs will be fewer, and our businesses will suffer.

"So to those who criticize our efforts, I ask, “What is the alternative?” What else do we say to all those families who now spend more on health care than housing or food? What do we tell those businesses that are choosing between closing their doors and letting their workers go? What do we say to all those Americans like Laura, a woman who has worked all her life; whose family has done everything right; a brave and proud woman whose child’s school recently took up a penny drive to help pay her medical bills? What do we tell them?

"I believe we tell them that after decades of inaction, we have finally decided to fix what is broken about health care in America. We have decided that it’s time to give every American quality health care at an affordable cost. We have decided that if we invest in reforms that will bring down costs now, we will eventually see our deficits come down in the long-run. And we have decided to change the system so that our doctors and health care providers are free to do what they trained and studied and worked so hard to do: make people well again. That’s what we can do in this country; that’s what we can do at this moment, and now I’d like to hear your thoughts and answer your questions about how we get it done. Thank you."

Morning Open Thread

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June 10, 2009

Rep. Steve Kagen (WI), OFA's Wisconsin State Director and Muskego, WI Resident Talk About Health Care

President Obama will visit Green Bay, WI tomorrow to hold a Town Hall meeting about the urgent need for health care reform. In anticipation of the President’s visit, Rep. Steve Kagen, M.D. (WI) joined Organizing for America’s Wisconsin State Director Dan Grandone and Kristine Reger, a Muskego, WI resident on a conference call this morning to talk about the health care debate in Congress and the grassroots effort currently underway to make it happen this year.

A few highlights are below.

Rep. Steve Kagen, M.D. (WI):

“I ran for Congress beginning in 2005 because my patients were having a difficult time paying for their prescription drugs. It's tough being a doctor and prescribe something for patients they simply can't afford. There is no question that there is urgency in getting this done - reforming health care. We have an impossible situation where people can’t afford the necessary care and prescription drugs and other treatments they require that they require."

Kristine Reger, Muskego, WI resident:

"For two years in this century the cost of health insurance has prevented my husband and his partner from making a profit and that will probably happen again this year unless business picks up. Last year, it cost my husband's company $132,000 to cover nine employees - and this is not a Cadillac plan. it includes a high deductible of $2,500. We need to have health care reform to help the small businesses to continue to provide health insurance for their employees, to keep the cost down to reward them for continuing to do what they feel is right.”

Dan Grandone, OFA Wisconsin State Director:

"I really believe that the president's message-- that he gave on election night back in November in Grant Park-- was one that resonated with millions throughout this country and here in the state of Wisconsin when he said 'This victory alone is not the change we seek it is only the chance for us to make that change'. So this past Saturday on June 6th in people's homes throughout the state of Wisconsin and across this country Organizing for America organized its national health care kick-off in which tens of thousands joined with their neighbors, family, friends and coworkers to begin discussing and mobilizing behind this health care issue. The next step in this campaign will be on June 27th - a national day of service on health care - where thousands of people all over the country will highlight the need for health care reform by performing important health care related service projects in their communities - and advance the need for health care reform with their fellow citizens and elected officials."

Here’s the full audio of the call.

Take Action: Join the Fight for Health Care Reform

Organizing for America just launched a new Health Care Action Center where people can share their health care stories and take action in their communities to build support for real reform.

Here’s an excerpt of the email announcing the launch of the Action Center this morning:

“When the dust settles in Washington, will the final plan satisfy the President's call to reduce costs, guarantee choice, and ensure quality, affordable health care for every American? That depends on you.

"When the lobbyists for the status quo walk out of a meeting with your representatives, will your representatives' phones start ringing with real constituents back home demanding action? They will if you call.

"When your local news runs stories asking whether regular people are joining this fight, will they cover an event in your neighborhood? They will if you organize it.

"And when the airwaves fill with ads featuring actors pretending that we don't need change, will your local paper run letters to the editor from real people who know why we can't wait? They will if you write one.

"So please take the first step by visiting the Health Care Action Center today. You'll find everything you need to build support in Congress and your community, with as little or as much time as you have to give."

The race to pass real health care reform in 2009 is heating up – early drafts of a full proposal are already circulating in the Senate and in the House. Take action to ensure that any plan includes President Obama’s three principles for reform: reducing costs, guaranteeing choice and ensuring all Americans have access to quality care.

DNC Chairman and Virginia Governor Tim Kaine on Creigh Deeds’ Primary Victory for Governor Of Virginia

Democratic National Committee Chairman and Virginia Governor Tim Kaine issued the following statement on the nomination of Creigh Deeds for Governor in today’s Democratic primary election:

“Today, we were fortunate to have had three excellent candidates who waged hard-fought campaigns. Creigh Deeds, Terry McAuliffe, and Brian Moran each made phenomenal efforts in their quest to represent the people of the Commonwealth of Virginia . However, in this race, as in every election, only one person can claim victory. Tonight is Creigh Deeds’ night.

“The election of Senator Deeds tonight as the 2009 Democratic nominee for governor is an incredible victory for Virginia—and its citizens. Senator Deeds’ victory is a clear signal Virginians want to keep our state moving forward, and I am pleased to extend my congratulations to my friend and colleague on this critical accomplishment.

“As Virginia continues to weather the worst financial crisis since the Great Depression, we need elected leaders with the savvy and the courage to make the tough decisions to get our economy back on track. With his years of dedicated public service and real-world experience, Creigh is the ideal leader to keep Virginia the Best State for Business, the Best-Managed State , and the Place Where a Child is Most Likely to Succeed in Life. I’ve worked closely with Senator Deeds over the years and I am confident he will do what’s right for our communities and our Commonwealth.

“I know from experience that Virginia is a place where Democrats have won—and will continue to win—because we take a pragmatic, results-oriented approach to politics and governing, instead of an ideological one. We’re known for being problem-solvers and unifiers and we pursue policies that work for Virginia families.

“Creigh Deeds has always been able to bring people together, build consensus, and deliver results. That’s exactly the approach that Virginians have supported over the past eight years, and I have no doubt that Creigh will work in a bipartisan way to keep building on the progress we’ve made.

“In the coming months, Virginians will have the chance to decide who we want to be the chief steward of our resources and the kind of leader we feel will ensure the best opportunities for our families and our future.

“The choice is clear: Creigh Deeds is the best candidate to continue the work begun by my administration — and the Warner administration before ours — while positioning us for future achievements.”

Morning Open Thread

Click the photo to down your Sotomayor graphics.

June 9, 2009

Roadmap to Recovery: A Plan to Accelerate Recovery Act Implementation

President Obama and Vice President Biden announced a new effort yesterday – the Roadmap to Recovery – which will accelerate the implementation of Recovery Act projects during the next 100 days.

Two weeks ago, the Obama Administration marked the 100th day since the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act was passed into law. In that time, the Act has created or saved over 150,000 jobs, cut taxes for 95 percent of working families, and provided funds for over 4,000 transportation projects that are putting people back to work.

Thanks to this accelerated effort, during the next 100 days, the Administration anticipates the Act will create or save an additional 600,000 jobs – more than four times the number of jobs created during the first 100 days.

Here’s an excerpt from Vice President Biden’s remarks:

“So, Mr. President, whether it's more energy-efficient facilities in our park system or more teachers or more cops on the street, construction cranes and hard hats are going to be seen a lot more this summer than they have in the past. We're accelerating our efforts, Mr. President, across the federal government. And as I said, at the end of this hundred days we feel confident we're going to be able to demonstrate to you we have created or saved another 600,000 jobs.

“Fairly ambitious, Mr. President, but I asked the Cabinet, give me what they think is realistic, what's within their wheelhouse, what they can get done."

And a list of highlighted projects from specific government agencies during the next 100 days:

- Dept of Health & Human Services: Help 1,129 health centers in 50 states and 8 territories provide expanded service to approximately 300,000 patients

- Dept of Interior: Begin work on 107 national parks

- Dept of Transportation: Start rehabilitation and improvement projects at 98 airports and over 1,500 highway locations throughout the country

- Dept of Education: Fund 135,000 education jobs including teachers, principals and support staff



- Dept of Veterans Affairs: Begin improvements at 90 Veterans Medical Centers across 38 states

- Dept of Justice: Hire or keep on the job approximately 5,000 law enforcement officers



- Dept of Agriculture: Start 200 new waste and water systems projects in rural America



- Environmental Protection Agency: Begin or accelerate cleanup work at 20 Superfund sites from the National Priority List

- Dept of Labor: Support 125,000 summer youth jobs

- Dept of Defense: Begin 2,300 construction and rehabilitation projects at 359 military facilities across the country

Video: OFA Health Care Organizing Kickoff

This past weekend, grassroots supporters gathered at thousands of meetings across the country to kickoff a summer long campaign for health care reform. For Organizing for America, it was the largest post-campaign effort yet, but the timing and the issue couldn't be more urgent.

For more see a snapshot of the Kickoff events from articles published in local and regional outlets.

Morning Open Thread

Click the photo to down your Sotomayor graphics.

June 8, 2009

Campaign for Health Care Reform Kicks Off in Cities and Towns Across the Country

Last weekend, thousands of supporters attended grassroots events in all 50 states to kickoff Organizing for America’s summer-long campaign for health care reform.

During these events – which were held in supporters homes, cafes, libraries and local Democratic Party headquarters (among other places) – participants watched a special pre-taped message from President Obama and started the conversation about health care reform with their friends and neighbors. Participants shared their stories, talked about the President’s principles for reform and started developing a plan to take action in their communities to ensure that health care reform happens this year.

A snapshot of the Kickoff events from articles published in local and regional outlets:

Reuters - Kansas City, Missouri

"From a living room in Kansas to a bagel shop in New York to an Alabama church, Democrats have started mobilizing support for President Barack Obama's healthcare reform plans. Suburban housewives and social workers mixed with Baptist ministers, college students, retirees and many others at grassroots gatherings over the weekend. Spurred by the Democratic National Committee's burgeoning political machine dubbed 'Organizing for America,' thousands of such meetings had been planned for Friday through Monday."

Ravalli Republic - Ravalli County, Montana

“This is an opportunity to have people share their stories,” Gustina said. “People want people to know that they are struggling to meet their health care needs - they want to talk about it … and we’ll put a local face to the issue.”

The Advocate– Baton Rouge, Louisiana

“’Grass roots is vital. For too long, we’ve had people in Washington dictate to local citizens what is important,’ said Robert Wilson, a volunteer who set up the meeting at Freeman’s home.

“Another dozen or more people also met Saturday at the home of Carruth and Mary McGehee. OFA had estimated that thousands of people around the United States would attend similar gatherings.

Portland Press Herald - Portland, Maine

”Bonnie Blythe said she asked Obama how young adults saddled with college loan repayments were supposed to obtain affordable health insurance.

‘I don't feel like I'm an expert, other than I believe health care has to be accessible to everyone and costs must be reasonable,’ said Blythe, noting that her two adult children don't have insurance.

“Blythe said she volunteered in Obama's election campaign last year, organizing carpools to the polls in Lewiston-Auburn, registering voters and canvassing neighborhoods.
“She said she's prepared to work for health care reform, too, and has offered to host a house party Saturday at which guests will view Obama on video and make plans for campaigning.

Waco Tribune – Waco, Texas

“If you have been itching to give President Barack Obama your take on how to reform the nation’s health care system, you’ll be able to do it without leaving town.

“The local chapter of Organizing for America is hosting community meetings to gather grass-roots input about health care reform. Participants will be able to share their personal stories about health care access. They also will be asked to come up with local projects for an upcoming national day of service that will focus on promoting healthier communities, said Kelly McDonald, lead organizer for the U.S. 17th Congressional District.”

We’ll update this post later this afternoon with a video highlighting some of the national and local television coverage of the events.

June 5, 2009: Weekly Presidential Address

In his weekly address President Obama talks with America about the need for health care reform. The President stressed that any reform must include "lower costs, improve quality and coverage and improve consumer choice." Watch;

Monday Morning Open Thread

Click the photo to down your Sotomayor graphics.

June 6, 2009

Weekend Open Thread

Hello Saturday! So have you downloaded your Sotomayor flier yet? Or used the facebook pictures to update your profile picture? Tell us how you are showing your support for the President's nominee. Click the photo below to find images you can download;

Share your photos of your flier in your communities.

June 5, 2009

June 5: In the News

Alaska
Repubicans and Democrats in the Alaskan state senate appear able to override Gov. Palin's (R) veto of stimulus funds;

Legislative leaders say they appear to have enough votes to override Gov. Sarah Palin's veto of $28.6 million in federal stimulus money for energy cost relief. Alaska is the only state to have rejected these funds, and that's not sitting well.

Since the legislature is out of session questions arise as to whether they will call a special session to override the Governor's veto.

South Carolina
The South Carolina Supreme Court has ruled against Gov. Sanford (R) stating not only that the state legislature can accept federal money from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act but that the Governor must apply for the money. The Court issued a writ of mandamus, a rare act, to require the Governor's action on behalf of the state;

As for issuing the writ of mandamus, the other four justices said that “while we recognize and respect Governor Sanford’s sincerely held beliefs concerning (the federal law), those convictions do not alter the ministerial nature of the legal duty now before him.”

Health Care
Following the President's lead on prioritizing healthcare reform this weekend Organizing for America is hosting Health Care Organizing Kickoff events and getting some press coverage;

On Saturday the DNC's advocacy arm, Organizing for America, is sponsoring thousands of meetings across the country in which it says tens of thousands of activists will discuss how to change the system, will hear a message from President Obama encouraging their activities, and will be recruited to engage in other activities that will be held throughout the summer's "campaign for healthcare reform."

If you want to attend an event you can signup here.

Wisconsin
Gov. Doyle (D) met with Vice President Biden and Secretary of Transportation LaHood to discuss bringing funds for high speed rail to Wisconsin.

Morning Open Thread

Happy Friday!

President Barack Obama speaks at Cairo University. Photo by Pete Souza

And in case you missed yesterday's speech here it is;

June 4, 2009

President Obama Reiterates Support for Public Health Insurance Option and Insurance Exchange

In a letter to Democratic Senators Kennedy and Baucus yesterday, President Obama underscored the importance of a health care plan that lowers costs, preserves choice and expands access – and reasserted the need to pass reform before the end of the year. He also reiterated his support for a public health insurance option and an insurance exchange – a market where Americans can shop for a health care plan, compare benefits and prices, and choose the plan that's best for them. Excerpt below:

“…The plans you are discussing embody my core belief that Americans should have better choices for health insurance, building on the principle that if they like the coverage they have now, they can keep it, while seeing their costs lowered as our reforms take hold. But for those who don't have such options, I agree that we should create a health insurance exchange – a market where Americans can one-stop shop for a health care plan, compare benefits and prices, and choose the plan that's best for them, in the same way that Members of Congress and their families can. None of these plans should deny coverage on the basis of a preexisting condition, and all of these plans should include an affordable basic benefit package that includes prevention, and protection against catastrophic costs. I strongly believe that Americans should have the choice of a public health insurance option operating alongside private plans. This will give them a better range of choices, make the health care market more competitive, and keep insurance companies honest.

“I understand the Committees are moving towards a principle of shared responsibility -- making every American responsible for having health insurance coverage, and asking that employers share in the cost. I share the goal of ending lapses and gaps in coverage that make us less healthy and drive up everyone's costs, and I am open to your ideas on shared responsibility. But I believe if we are going to make people responsible for owning health insurance, we must make health care affordable. If we do end up with a system where people are responsible for their own insurance, we need to provide a hardship waiver to exempt Americans who cannot afford it. In addition, while I believe that employers have a responsibility to support health insurance for their employees, small businesses face a number of special challenges in affording health benefits and should be exempted….”

Here’s a link to the full letter from the President on the Organizing for America blog.

Watch the President's Speech from Cairo

[updated with Axelrod's email, Cloe]

Many Americans were still asleep when the President delivered his speech in Cairo this morning, around 6:10 am East coast time. Following the conclusion of the President's remarks, David Axelrod sent an email inviting people who missed it, to watch the 55 minute speech.

Here’s an excerpt of Axelrod’s email and full video below:

“We all know that there has been tension between the United States and some Muslim communities. But, as the President said this morning, if all sides face the sources of tension squarely and focus on mutual interests, we can find a new way forward.

“…Majority-Muslim countries around the world are filled with extraordinary people who simply want to live their lives and see their children live better lives, just as in America. Indeed, part of what makes America great is having nearly seven million Muslim Americans living here today and enriching our culture and communities.”

President Obama in Cairo

Early this morning President Obama delivered a speech in Cairo, Egypt addressing many in the Middle East. While we wait for video of the President's speech you can read the full text.

I've come here to Cairo to seek a new beginning between the United States and Muslims around the world, one based on mutual interest and mutual respect, and one based upon the truth that America and Islam are not exclusive and need not be in competition. Instead, they overlap, and share common principles -- principles of justice and progress; tolerance and the dignity of all human beings.

The issues that I have described will not be easy to address. But we have a responsibility to join together on behalf of the world that we seek -- a world where extremists no longer threaten our people, and American troops have come home; a world where Israelis and Palestinians are each secure in a state of their own, and nuclear energy is used for peaceful purposes; a world where governments serve their citizens, and the rights of all God's children are respected. Those are mutual interests. That is the world we seek. But we can only achieve it together.

In advance of his speech the White House released this video on Muslim Americans serving in our government;

President Obama's Remarks from Cairo

During his speech in Cairo this morning, President Obama proposed a new beginning for the United States and Muslims around the world, based upon a sustained effort to listen, learn and respect one another. The President described, firsthand, the dignity and peace he has seen Muslims find in their faith and recognized Islam and Muslims for their historic contributions to the civilization - in education, innovation, science, medicine and religious tolerance and racial equality.

The President said that the United States would seek a broader engagement with Muslim world, including new partnerships in education, economic development, science, technology and health. He also specifically addressed several key issues that we must confront together, including: violent extremism, peace and security for Palestine and Israel, nuclear proliferation, democracy and human rights, women’s rights, religious freedom and economic development and opportunity. We’ll post reaction to his speech later today.

On confronting violent extremism:

“…Just as America can never tolerate violence by extremists, we must never alter or forget our principles. Nine-eleven was an enormous trauma to our country. The fear and anger that it provoked was understandable, but in some cases, it led us to act contrary to our traditions and our ideals. We are taking concrete actions to change course. I have unequivocally prohibited the use of torture by the United States, and I have ordered the prison at Guantanamo Bay closed by early next year.”

On Middle East peace:

“…For decades then, there has been a stalemate: two peoples with legitimate aspirations, each with a painful history that makes compromise elusive. It's easy to point fingers -- for Palestinians to point to the displacement brought about by Israel's founding, and for Israelis to point to the constant hostility and attacks throughout its history from within its borders as well as beyond. But if we see this conflict only from one side or the other, then we will be blind to the truth: The only resolution is for the aspirations of both sides to be met through two states, where Israelis and Palestinians each live in peace and security.”

“That is in Israel's interest, Palestine's interest, America's interest, and the world's interest. And that is why I intend to personally pursue this outcome with all the patience and dedication that the task requires. (Applause.) The obligations -- the obligations that the parties have agreed to under the road map are clear. For peace to come, it is time for them -- and all of us -- to live up to our responsibilities.”

On nuclear proliferation:

“…I understand those who protest that some countries have weapons that others do not. No single nation should pick and choose which nation holds nuclear weapons. And that's why I strongly reaffirmed America's commitment to seek a world in which no nations hold nuclear weapons. (Applause.) And any nation -- including Iran -- should have the right to access peaceful nuclear power if it complies with its responsibilities under the nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty. That commitment is at the core of the treaty, and it must be kept for all who fully abide by it. And I'm hopeful that all countries in the region can share in this goal.”

On democracy:

“…Each nation gives life to this principle in its own way, grounded in the traditions of its own people. America does not presume to know what is best for everyone, just as we would not presume to pick the outcome of a peaceful election. But I do have an unyielding belief that all people yearn for certain things: the ability to speak your mind and have a say in how you are governed; confidence in the rule of law and the equal administration of justice; government that is transparent and doesn't steal from the people; the freedom to live as you choose. These are not just American ideas; they are human rights. And that is why we will support them everywhere."

On religious freedom:

“…Freedom of religion is central to the ability of peoples to live together. We must always examine the ways in which we protect it. For instance, in the United States, rules on charitable giving have made it harder for Muslims to fulfill their religious obligation. That's why I'm committed to working with American Muslims to ensure that they can fulfill zakat.”

On women’s rights:

“…I am convinced that our daughters can contribute just as much to society as our sons. (Applause.) Our common prosperity will be advanced by allowing all humanity -- men and women -- to reach their full potential. I do not believe that women must make the same choices as men in order to be equal, and I respect those women who choose to live their lives in traditional roles. But it should be their choice. And that is why the United States will partner with any Muslim-majority country to support expanded literacy for girls, and to help young women pursue employment through micro-financing that helps people live their dreams.”

On economic development:

“…Many Gulf states have enjoyed great wealth as a consequence of oil, and some are beginning to focus it on broader development. But all of us must recognize that education and innovation will be the currency of the 21st century -- (applause) -- and in too many Muslim communities, there remains underinvestment in these areas. I'm emphasizing such investment within my own country. And while America in the past has focused on oil and gas when it comes to this part of the world, we now seek a broader engagement.”

Here’s a link to the full text of the President’s remarks

Morning Open Thread

Good morning.

President Obama jokes with Chief of Staff Rahm Emanuel at an official reception in the Blue Room. Photo by Pete Souza.

June 3, 2009

June 3: In the News

Alaska
In a sign of bi-partisanship, Republicans in the state legislature have asked their Democratic counterparts to join them in overriding vetos from Gov. Palin (R). Gov. Palin has vetoed portions of a bill that would accept energy funding from the federal stimulus bill following her public statements that she did not want to accept any funds and an about face shortly thereafter.

Party of No
Governors Palin (R-Alaska) and Sanford (R-South Carolina) have ;

Yesterday, Education Week reported that 46 states have agreed to join forces to create common academic standards in math and English language arts through an effort led by the National Governors Association and the Council of Chief State School Officers. A primary goal of the initiative is to “eliminate the patchwork of academic standards across the country that result in students in the same grades learning different things in different states.”

Minnesota
Following Gov. Pawlenty's (R) decision to not run for re-election, DNC National Press Secretary Hari Sevugan released this statement;

Today's announcement comes as no surprise as it's been clear that Tim Pawlenty abdicated his responsibility to the people of Minnesota a long time ago. Whether it's his draconian budget cuts or his refusal to commit to signing an election certificate, Tim Pawlenty has put his national ambitions ahead of the interests of the people of Minnesota and decided that he's more accountable to the national Republican base and power brokers than he is to his neighbors.

House passes bill recognizing Indian tribes

The House today passed a bill recognizing seven Indian Tribes in North Carolina and Virginia. The move supports remarks made earlier this year by the President's administration;

Deputy Assistant Secretary George Skibine said in March that "there are rare circumstances when Congress should intervene and recognize a tribal group, and the case of the Lumbee Indians is one such rare case."

The Lumbee tribe in particular has generated significant support for their cause and passage of this legislation;

The Lumbees are recognized by the state and were partially recognized by the federal government in 1956, but at the same time Congress denied the Lumbee benefits given to other American Indians.

"What Congress started Congress should finish, that's why we are back here today," said Rep. Mike McIntyre, D-N.C., the bill's sponsor. "It's time for discrimination to end and for recognition to begin."

New Hampshire Governor signs marriage equality into law

Earlier this afternoon Governor Lynch (D) signed a bill into law giving equal rights to residents of New Hampshire. The bill passed both the state house and senate before reaching the Governor's desk this afternoon. Prior to signing the bill into the law Governor Lynch delivered remarks on why he supported this bill;

"Today, we are standing up for the liberties of same-sex couples by making clear that they will receive the same rights, responsibilities - and respect - under New Hampshire law.

"Today, we are also standing up for religious liberties. This legislation makes clear that we understand that certain faiths do not recognize same-sex marriage, and it protects them from having to participate in marriage-related activities that violate their fundamental religious principles.

"With the signing of this legislation today, New Hampshire will have taken every action possible to ensure that all families have equal rights to the extent that is possible under state law.

"Unfortunately, the federal government does not extend the same rights and protections that New Hampshire provides same-sex families, and that should change.

Rep. Hodes commented;

"I am pleased with the result reached by our legislature and Governor. This legislation will ensure that all Granite Staters have equal rights under the law. It gives legal protection to religious institutions and organizations. And the law is consistent with the spirit of New Hampshire expressed in our state motto 'Live Free or Die.' At times the legislative process on this bill appeared difficult, but the outcome it produced was the right one for equality and justice for New Hampshire residents. I will continue to work in Washington for those same principles."

h/t to Blue Hampshire, one of the 2008 Democratic National Convention credentialed blogs, for their coverage and the quotes above.

Sotomayor, Bringing People Together

Last week we launched an action center to help people show their support for Sonia Sotomayor’s nomination to the Supreme Court. Using the tools on the site, people can write a letter to the editor, call their senators and publicly declare their support.

This week we’ve received hundreds of pictures from around the country of "Sotomayor" posters in interesting locations. We’ll be posting a bunch later today, but given Judge Sotomayor’s love of the Yankees (and the fact that she effectively ended the 1995 baseball strike by issuing an injunction against major league baseball owners), we couldn’t resist sharing these two to start:

Sotomayor, bringing people together: Fenway Park + Yankee Stadium

update: [jonah]
Here are more photos from around the country:

update 2: [jonah]
Share your photos with us! You can print out fliers and upload photos of them around your community.

Rep. Honda on NPR discussing AAPI Political Involvement

NPR had Congressman and DNC Vice Chair Mike Honda on a recent show to discuss Asian American and Pacific Islander involvement in the American political system. The Congressman recounts his foray into politics after college and the influence of his parents on his desire to bring about change in the country. He is serving his sixth year as Chair of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus, coordinating with his colleagues in the Congressional Black Caucus and the Congressional Hispanic Caucuses to champion the causes of under-represented communities by promoting social justice, racial tolerance, and civil rights.

You can hear the full interview at NPR.
You can read more about Rep. Honda biography and role as DNC Vice Chair on his biography page.

Morning Open Thread

Good morning.

Photo by Pete Souza

June 2, 2009

June 2: In the News

Texas
In a recent email Chairman Kaine announced that we will be holding our next DNC meeting in Austin, Texas. Why Texas;

Of course, as you know, not only is Texas a great, beautiful and diverse state, it represents a tremendous growth opportunity for the Democratic Party. Now, some might find that notion odd given Texas's traditionally conservative bent and its recent history of supporting Republican candidates for elective office. But I don't find it odd at all -- and in fact, I am more convinced than ever that Texas is trending our way and will continue to do so.

Wisconsin
The GOP strategy to return to power continues moving along by attacking more of its members;

The Republican Party of Marathon County has stripped its spokesman of his title less than three months after he wrote a column critical of conservative talk radio star Rush Limbaugh.

South Carolina
Gov. Sanford (R) lost a key federal court decision which may allow the South Carolina legislature to accept funds from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act against the Governor's decision to reject them.

Minnesota
Legal experts think former Senator Norm Coleman's case did not fare well in the state supreme court's oral arguments yesterday;

“You’ve got a state Supreme Court with more Republicans than Democrats. If there’s going to be any kind of hope for Coleman, you’d expect that to come from the Republican-appointed justices,” said election law expert Rick Hasen. “So it’s pretty notable that all three of the Republican appointees were critical of the kinds of arguments that Coleman’s camp made.”

UPDATE [posted by Cloe]:
Minnesota
Today, Minnesota Governor Tim Pawlenty announced that he would not run for re-election in 2010. Giving recent poll numbers – which put Pawlenty’s approval ratings lower than they’ve ever been - it might be a wise choice. Since his announcement, there’s been rampant speculation about his decision to give up the state house. Is he trying to pave they way for a White House bid in 2012? This, of course, begs the question: if he’s decided to give up the state house, what makes him think he can win the White House?

President Obama and Senate Democrats Meet To Talk About Urgent Need for Health Care Reform

President Obama will meet this afternoon with Senator Max Baucus (D-MT) and other top Democrats from the Senate Health, Education, Labor & Pensions and Finance Committees (the two committees crafting health care legislation) to talk about the urgent need for reform. The goal is to pass comprehensive health care legislation this year that lowers costs, preserves patient choice and gives all Americans access to quality, affordable care.

A paragraph from the New York Times article on the issue:

“…The Democrats on two Senate committees that are drafting health legislation have been invited to the White House to meet with Mr. Obama, hours before he leaves for the Middle East and Europe. As part of a push to secure Congressional passage of a bill this year, the administration will also make the case on Tuesday that reforming health care is critical to fixing the economy.”

The President’s meeting with Senate Democrats this afternoon follows the release of a new report this morning, “The Economic Case for Health Care Reform”, by the Council for Economic Advisors, which documents the economic costs of failure to reform our system. The report found that without reform, escalating health insurance premiums will continue to erode American workers and families health care benefits and cause wages to stagnate, while rising spending on Medicare and Medicaid will lead to massive and unsustainable Federal budget deficits.

Last month health care industry leaders pledged to reduce health care spending by $2 trillion over 10 years. The results of those reductions are significant, including:

– Impact on income: For a typical family of four, income would be higher than it otherwise would have been by approximately $2,600 in 2020 (in 2009 dollars) and by nearly $10,000 in 2030.

– Impact on the budget deficit: The President’s Council of Economic Advisors (CEA) estimates that slowing the growth of health care costs by 1.5 percentage points would reduce the budget deficit in 2030 by 3 percent of GDP in comparison if we maintained the status quo.

– Improvements in economic well-being from greater coverage: The net benefits – such as increased life expectancy – of expanding coverage are on the order of an estimated $100 billion each year.

Mark Sanford Versus Students and School Administrators

South Carolina Republican Mark Sanford was the nation’s only governor to take the battle against accepting federal funds from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) to court.

Yesterday, Sanford lost a pivotal decision when the federal court returned two lawsuits against Sanford (one from school administrators the other from South Carolina students) to the state Supreme Court. The state Court is expected to rule in favor of school administrators and students - and state lawmakers - by ordering Sanford to accept Recovery Act funds.

At issue is $700 million in federal aid that would help the state avoid massive teacher layoffs and other cutbacks.

South Carolina’s Superintendent of Education Jim Rex, a Democrat, said: “We need to resolve this fiasco in a way that doesn't hurt kids. Every other state and governor is getting this done, and we need to get it done here, too."

A few articles about the issue:
Governor Sanford Sees Loss in Stimulus Fight, Wall Street Journal
Sanford's stubbornness costs schools dearly, Greenville News
Sanford hands off decision, Post and Courier

As PRIDE Month Begins, DNC Chairman Tim Kaine Celebrates the Contributions of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Americans

Democratic National Committee Chairman Tim Kaine yesterday issued the following statement marking June as PRIDE Month:

“Today, on behalf of Democrats across our nation, the Democratic National Committee pays recognition to PRIDE month – a time to join together in celebrating the contributions that lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender Americans and their families make to our society. We also take this time to reaffirm our commitment to being a Party of inclusion and one that stands firm in promoting equality for every American.

"As Democrats and Americans, we believe we all are created equal and we have fought against discrimination based on race, sex, ethnicity, national origin, language, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, disability, and attempts to divide us instead of unite us.

“The cause of ending discrimination against gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender Americans has taken a giant leap forward. With a Democrat in the White House who is committed to equality and justice, we have reached significant milestones. The Obama Administration is the first to appoint openly LGBT candidates to Senate-confirmed positions in its first 100 days and it has partnered with the international community at the United Nations to decriminalize homosexuality around the world.

“The Administration is concentrating on a number of measures to ensure equality for all—such as supporting civil unions, Federal rights for LGBT couples, stronger hate crimes laws, ridding our military of ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell’ in a way that both ensures national security and strengthens our Armed forces, banning discrimination in the work place, fighting HIV/AIDS and ensuring adoption rights.

“We as a Party and as a people have come a long way, and we should be proud of what we have accomplished thus far in promoting equal rights for all Americans. But we still have much more to do. As we move ahead with a Democratic Congress and President committed to equality for all Americans, we look forward to a nation where discrimination of any kind is a thing of the past.”

Morning Open Thread

Good morning.

President Barack Obama wth Vice President Joe Biden speaks with CEO of Namaste Solar Electric, Inc., Blake Jones, while looking at solar panels in Denver. Photo by Pete Souza.

June 1, 2009

June 1: In the News

Minnesota
After refusing to work with the state legislature Gov. Pawlenty (R) is realizing his own actions to veto the state budget may mean he has to decide what programs to cut funding for;

More than a week after Pawlenty sent a letter to legislators asking that they respond by Friday, only 13 of the state's 201 lawmakers had written back. Just eight of 133 DFLers had replied as of Friday, suggesting that many are troubled by the Republican governor's bold move to unilaterally make cuts to balance the budget and seem content to leave the choices -- and the political consequences -- to him.

Gov. Pawlenty is apparently fighting a bad PR battle and is pushing back his public announcement about whether he will run for re-election or not (potentially a sign of Presidential ambitions). He doesn't have high approvals in his state and outside.

Texas
Gov. Perry (R) opposes providing children with health insurance;

Gov. Rick Perry says he doesn't support a Senate plan to get up to 80,000 more children into the government-subsidized Children's Health Insurance Program, indicating he'll veto the measure if it gets to his desk.

South Carolina
Gov. Sanford (R) faces a hard battle in his quest to deny the state legislature's desire to accept funds from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.

Washington
Gov. Gregoire (D) announces $2.2 billion in American Recovery and Reinvestment Act funds;

“This is great news for the state of Washington,” said Gregoire. “This investment will support and create hundreds of jobs, it accelerates the cleanup of the most dangerous contaminated site in the nation, and it moves us toward a clean-energy economy for the 21st century.”

Promoting Strong, Viable Companies That Contribute to Our Economy Without Government Involvement

The Obama Administration inherited the worst economic crisis in a generation. The severity of the crisis has required the government to take unprecedented steps – in some cases, taking on substantial equity in private companies to shore up our economic system. Today, President Obama announced that the U.S. government would reluctantly take a 60 percent equity stake of the new GM. In this case, President Obama had no other responsible choice that would allow GM to restructure and protect the taxpayers and the economy at the same time.

The Obama Administration announced four core principles that will guide the government’s management of ownership interest in any private firm (including GM):

• Principle 1: The government has no desire to own equity stakes in companies any longer than necessary and will seek to dispose of it ownership interests as soon as practicable.

• Principle 2: In exceptional cases where it is necessary to respond to a company’s request for assistance, the government will reserve the right to set conditions, upfront, to protect taxpayers, promote financial stability and encourage growth.

• Principle 3: The government will not interfere with or exert control over day-to-day company operations.

• Principle 4: As a common shareholder, the government will only vote on core governance issues, including the selection of a company’s board of directors and major corporate events or transactions.

Minnesota Supreme Court Hears Oral Arguments on 2008 Senate Election

The Minnesota Supreme Court heard oral arguments this morning in Norm Coleman's appeal to overturn the results of the 2008 Senate election. Now Minnesota voters – who at this point have been without full representation in the United States Senate since January – are awaiting their verdict.

A few things to keep in mind, from our friends in Minnesota, as we wait for the final word:

– Al Franken won more votes on Election Day. He won the recount, and he won the election contest. Every single one of Coleman's claims to the contrary was denied "with prejudice" by the three judge panel last month. In fact, the ruling was so harsh that the court demanded that Coleman pay all court costs and reimburse Al Franken for some attorneys' fees.

– Not a single election law expert predicts a win for Coleman in the Minnesota Supreme Court. When asked by the press to provide one who believes they'll prevail, the Coleman campaign was unable to do so.

– Norm Coleman is trying to rewrite Minnesota election law after the election. His team is arguing that legal votes should be tossed out and illegal votes that favor him should be counted.

– The Supreme Court proceeding is the last step in a long, drawn out process. The courts have made clear that once Coleman's state appeals have run out, the election can be certified by Governor Pawlenty and Secretary of State Ritchie, and Al Franken should be seated.

On May 20, DNC Chairman Tim Kaine wrote a letter to Minnesota Governor Tim Pawlenty urging him to call on Norm Coleman to drop his bid for the Minnesota Senate seat so that Minnesotans would be given “their full representation in Congress.” Short of that, Kaine asked Pawlenty to "commit to signing an election certificate for the rightful winner as soon as the Minnesota state Supreme Court issues a ruling in this case." It remains to be seen whether Pawlenty will use his power and influence to end this saga, or if he will continue to allow Colman to put his own political ambition ahead of Minnesota's right to full representation in the Senate. If Colman takes this process into the federal courts - after losing in the state Supreme Court, as expected - it would be for no other reason than to deny the seating of another Democratic senator.

update (jonah)
Democratic National Committee Chairman Tim Kaine issued the following statement on the Minnesota Senate race following today's Supreme Court hearing.

“Today’s Minnesota Supreme Court hearing hopefully marks the end of the line for Norm Coleman and his extensive legal battle that has left Minnesota without proper representation in Congress. Nearly seven months after Election Day, the fact remains that Coleman has lost at every turn – he lost the recount, he lost his lawsuit to overturn the results of that recount, and we expect Norm Coleman to lose in the Minnesota Supreme Court.

"Minnesotans realize that there is too much work to be done for their state and for the nation to allow divisive political tactics like Norm Coleman’s legal battles to continue. The people of Minnesota deserve better, and I reiterate my call on Governor Tim Pawlenty to certify the result and bring an end to this should the Minnesota Supreme Court make a definitive ruling."

President Obama Announces Plan for GM Restructuring

This morning GM embarked on a restructuring plan that will help it emerge from bankruptcy a stronger, more competitive company in the future. The plan President Obama announced today is tough but fair. All of GM’s stakeholders, including the United Auto Workers, GM shareholders and unsecured bondholders made unprecedented sacrifices to help the company survive.

As the steps and plans President Obama announced today start to take effect, GM will start building a larger share of its cars in the United States and plans to grow production in the U.S. for the first time in three decades.

President Obama characterized the government as a “reluctant stakeholder” taking a necessary step. Supporting GM through bankruptcy, helping it transition through restructuring – and ultimately, giving the company a new lease on life – requires substantial resources that only the government could provide.

Here’s an excerpt of President Obama’s remarks:

“…From the beginning, I made it clear that I would not put any more tax dollars on the line if it meant perpetuating the bad business decisions that had led these companies to seek help in the first place. I refused to let these companies become permanent wards of the state, kept afloat on an endless supply of taxpayer money. In other words, I refused to kick the can down the road.

“But I also recognized the importance of a viable auto industry to the well-being of families and communities across our industrial Midwest and across the United States. In the midst of a deep recession and financial crisis, the collapse of these companies would have been devastating for countless Americans, and done enormous damage to our economy -- beyond the auto industry. It was also clear that if GM and Chrysler remade and retooled themselves for the 21st century, it would be good for American workers, good for American manufacturing, and good for America's economy.

“I decided, then, that if GM and Chrysler and their stakeholders were willing to sacrifice for their companies' survival and success; if they were willing to take the difficult, but necessary steps to restructure, and make themselves stronger, leaner, and more competitive, then the United States government would stand behind them.

“…Working with my Auto Task Force, GM and its stakeholders have produced a viable, achievable plan that will give this iconic American company a chance to rise again. It's a plan tailored to the realities of today's auto market; a plan that positions GM to move toward profitability, even if it takes longer than expected for our economy to fully recover; and it's a plan that builds on GM's recent progress in making better cars. As this plan takes effect, GM will start building a larger share of its cars here at home, including fuel-efficient cars. In fact, if all goes according to plan, the share of GM cars sold in the United States that are made here will actually grow for the first time in three decades.”

Click here to read the President’s full remarks.

May 30, 2009: Weekly Presidential Address

In his weekly address the President talks with the country about his nominee to the Supreme Court Judge Sotomayor. The President shares her story and notes that she would come to the Supreme Court with more experience on the federal bench than anyone else in the past century.

Monday Morning Open Thread

Hi Monday. Welcome back.

President Barack Obama meets with Interior Secretary Ken Salazar. Photo by Pete Souza