Sitting back as the economy heads towards the fiscal cliff

 For the first time in quite a while, President Obama started each weekday morning with a daily presidential briefing. The first 2 days were held at 9:45 AM, and the latter 3 days were at 10:15 AM or later. During this time, he met with Secretary of Defense Leon Panetta and Susan Rice.  His schedule did not include any meetings with senior advisers or with his cabinet members.

 

The President also found time to be interviewed with local television stations trying to push his tax and spending increases to the public. The only public entertaining performed was his annual Hanukkah Reception.

Unfortunately, last Friday was marred by the deadly massacre at an elementary school in Connecticut. This forced the President's quiet schedule to shift because he needed to make time to speak to the nation and attend a service in Newtown. Notably absent from the Vigil was his wife Michelle.

Below is a summary of President Obama's weekly schedule for the period Wednesday December 12 through Tuesday December 18 2012.

Today, Tuesday, December 18, 2012

• President Obama receives a daily briefing at 10:15 AM. His day is free until 4:35 PM when he meets with Secretary of Defense Panetta.

Monday, December 17, 2012

• President Obama had a daily briefing at 10:15 AM and then had lunch with VP Biden at 12:30 PM.

Sunday, December 16, 2012

• President Obama left the White House at 3:10 PM and flew to Connecticut where he attended an interfaith service at Newtown High School and delivered remarks.

Friday, December 14, 2012

• President Obama received a daily briefing at 10:30 AM. Next, he signed HR 6156 at 12:15. He then delivered a statement concerning the shootings in Newtown CT before meeting with Susan Rice at 3:30 PM.

Thursday, December 13, 2012

• Mister Obama received a daily briefing at 9:45 AM. Then, he was interviewed by regional television stations at 3:30 PM. He ended the day by delivering remarks at the Hanukkah Reception.

Wednesday, December 12, 2012

• President Obama began the day with a 9:45 AM daily briefing. At noon, he participated in a telephone conference call with a group of mayors and community leaders.