Obama's Organizing for Action: Spend $2 Billion for battery research; fly to Chicago, Israel and Italy; and host White House Receptions

Having gotten rid of those pesky White House touring visitors, the President has used his staff for more important purposes. This week, he opened the White House to women from all over to celebrate "Women’s History Month". Today, he is hosting a St. Patrick's Day reception for an undisclosed group of attendees.

And still riding the sequester wave, Mr. Obama took the opportunity to fly to Chicago IL last Friday to visit the Argonne National Laboratory. There, he discussed how limiting the sequester was, but promised to propose a $2 billion grant for research in battery operated power. While the President could have done this from Washington, he felt it was more important to visit this organization in person, primarily because they were donors to his last year's re-election campaign (payback time?).

White House travel privileges were also extended to the Vice President, House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi, Governor Susana Martinez, and Georgetown University President John J. DeGioia. They were given free transportation, hotels, meals, and most likely spending money in order to attend the Inauguration of the new Pope in the Vatican City (Italy).

Later today, the President will fly off to Israel for a few days of meetings there.

Officially, Mr. Obama succeeded in attending 4 daily briefings, and met with his senior advisers, Jack Lew, and John Kerry once each during the week. 

One of his highlights was attending a "Organizing for Action" event last week. There, he was able to meet with and talk to many who helped him win re-election last year.

Below is a summary of President Obama's schedule during the week of Wednesday March 13 through Tuesday March 19 2013.

Today, Tuesday, March 19, 2013

• President Obama began the day at 9:45 AM by receiving a daily briefing. Forty-five minutes later, he will meets with Irish Prime Minister Enda Kenny.  A little later, he greets First Minister Peter Robinson and Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness of Northern Ireland. Obama and Kenny will then attend a St. Patrick's Day lunch at noon. Mr. Obama will then rest until early evening. At 5:45 PM, Mr. and Mrs. Obama will host a St. Patrick's Day reception at the White House.  Two hours later, Mr. Obama will leave the party and fly off on Air Force One to Tel Aviv Israel.
• Mrs. Obama delivers remarks at an event honoring women veterans.
• VP Biden and delegation attend Mass for the Inauguration of the new Pope in Vatican City.

Monday, March 18, 2013

• President Obama had a daily briefing at 10:15 AM. Then he met with his senior advisers at 11 AM.  After, he made a personnel announcement, nominating Thomas Perez for Secretary of Labor. He was free until 4:40 PM when he greeted visitors and delivered remarks at a Women’s History Month Reception held in the White House.
• VP Biden was in Italy. There, he met with a variety of diplomats, including: Italian President Giorgio Napolitano; Italian Prime Minister Mario Monti; President Bronislaw Komorowski of Poland; and President Tomislav Nikolic of Serbia.

Sunday, March 17, 2013

• VP Biden, leading the presidential delegation flew to Rome Italy to attend the Pope's Inauguration on Tuesday.

Friday, March 15, 2013

• Mr. Obama left the White House at 10:10 AM and flew to Chicago IL. There, he toured the Argonne National Laboratory and delivered remarks. He left Chicago at 3:45 PM and was back at the White House at 5:35 PM.

Thursday, March 14, 2013

• Mr. Obama began the day by attending a 12:45 PM meeting with the Senate Republican Conference. When that was over, he met with the House Democratic Caucus at 2:15 PM. Lastly, he received a daily briefing at 4:15 PM.

Wednesday, March 13, 2013

• Mr. Obama received a daily briefing at 10:30 AM. Then at 1:30 PM, he met with the House Republican Conference. After a short meeting with Sec. of State Kerry (3:05 PM), Mr. Obama met with business leaders beginning at 3:40 PM to talk about cyber-security and immigration reform. That only lasted less than 40 minutes, because Mr. Obama had to meet with Treasury Secretary Jack Lew at 4:30 PM. Finally, Mr. Obama was free to attend and deliver remarks at his "Organizing for Action" campaign style dinner.
• VP Biden traveled to Rockville MD and delivered remarks with Eric Holder.

Sequester means ending White House Tours, limiting National Archives hours, going to concerts, and planning birthday parties and vacations

The sequester is having a major affect on President Obama this past week. He restrained from bashing the Republicans this week and instead, he had dinner with a group of them, hosted two for lunch, and made a telephone call to another.

But, the President is caving into the pressures from the sequester as well. First, he halted the Tours of the White House. Then today, he announced he is limiting the National Archives hours of operation.  He believes both of these actions will help to reduce federal spending by eliminating waste.

On the official Presidential front, Mr. Obama received 5 daily briefings, met with his senior advisers twice, was interviewed by George Stephanopoulos, met with a Sultan, met with the Senate Democratic Caucus, and met with various Arab American groups.

Meanwhile, Mrs. Obama continued her Let's Move! binge. She went to George Washington University and attended a summit, spoke to winners of one of her contests, and held a Twitter Q&A session.

The highlight for her, though, was attending a concert group by Sweet Honey last Thursday night. She treated her mother, Vallerie Jarrett, Eric Holder's wife, and 6 others.

The White House also announced: that plans for the Obama vacation in Martha's Vineyard were beginning to take shape; and that Mrs. Obama's star studded 50th Birthday Party at the White House is also being planned. No expense will be spared.

These are certainly 2 important reasons why we must keep the public out of the White House.

Lastly, the White House Staff announced that the 2013 Easter Egg Roll will be held this year. Besides the Easter egg hunt, there will be various cooking demonstrations, bands playing, and other entertainment!

Below is a summary of President Obama's official schedule during the week of Wednesday March 6 through Tuesday March 12 2013.

Today, Tuesday, March 12, 2013

• President Obama received daily briefing at 9:30 AM. Next, he spoke at a meeting of his Export Council. At 11:10 AM, he had a bilateral meeting with Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah of Brunei Darussalam and then the two ate lunch. Then at 1:30 PM, Mr. Obama will meet with the Senate Democratic Caucus. He will also meet with Chuck Hagel at 4:35 PM. Plus, sometime during the day, Mr. Obama will sit for an interview with George Stephanopoulos, portions of which will be broadcast on tonight's "World News with Diane Sawyer", "Good Morning America" (Wednesday), and "Nightline" (Thursday).
• VP Biden hosted a breakfast meeting with John Kerry. He also attended meetings with Obama and will speak at he National League of Cities’ 2013 Congressional City Conference at the Marriott Wardman Park Hotel.

Monday, March 11, 2013

• President Obama had a daily briefing at 10:15 AM. Next on his agenda was a meeting with his senior advisers. Then he had lunch at 12:30 with VP Biden. Later, he called Senator Mark Kirk (Illinois Republican), announced that the National Archives will limit its hours of operation, and with a number of Arab American groups.
• Mrs. Obama held a Twitter Q & A session.

Saturday, March 9, 2013

• Mister Obama delivered remarks and told jokes at the Gridiron Dinner at the Renaissance Hotel in Washington, DC.

Friday, March 8, 2013

• President Obama received a daily briefing at 9:30 AM. Then at 10 AM, he met with his senior advisers. Lastly, he finished the day after 11:15 AM when he met with faith leaders and discussed immigration reform.
• Mrs. Obama spoke at a summit about childhood obesity at George Washington University. And, she later honored recipients of the International Women of Courage Award at the State Department with John Kerry.

Thursday, March 7, 2013

• President Obama received a daily briefing at 9:30 AM. Next, he had lunch (12:25 PM) with Chris Van Hollen and Paul Ryan. He also signed the Violence Against Women Act at 1:55 PM and delivered remarks.
• Michelle Obama spoke to winners of Let's Move! Communities.  At night, she attended a concert held in the Rock at the Howard Theatre with her mother and 7 other guests.

Wednesday, March 6, 2013

• President Obama had a daily briefing at 11 AM, and then ate lunch with VP Biden at 12:30 PM. In the afternoon, he met with Jack Lew (3 PM), and had dinner with Republican Senators at 6:30 PM.

Sequester scare fails, so Obama pardons prisoners, holds a Cabinet Meeting, and Michelle promotes Let's Move

This was a relatively quiet work week for President Obama. During the first half of the week, he pushed for raising taxes as his solution to avoid Friday's sequester. In preparation, he held a meeting with his senior advisers, some of whom later tried to spread the fear of governmental shutdowns. The blitz had little effect, and so the President held a brief meeting with Senate and Congressional leaders. But, his desire for increased revenue, rather than reduced spending did not sway the leaders. And thus, the sequester went into affect.

Ironically enough, the sun still shined and everyone in the government was still working on Saturday morning.

Mr. Obama was now left to live with the new spending rules. So, he continued to concentrate on filling his vacant staffing positions, pardoning prisoners, meeting with his advisers once again, and holding a Cabinet Meeting.

The President did attend to the country's defense by attending 4 daily briefings and meeting with the new Secretary of Defense, Chuck Hagel.

Concurrently, Mrs. Obama focused her spending efforts by making a two day trip promoting "Let's Move". She visited 3 cities and appeared with Rachael Ray.

Below is a summary of President Obama's official schedule during the week of Wednesday February 27 through Tuesday March 5, 2013.

Tuesday, March 5, 2013

• President Obama receives a daily briefing at 10:15 AM. Next, at 11 AM, he meets with senior advisers. The President later leaves the White House at 2:05 PM and visits Walter Reed national Military Medical Center. He is back at the White House by 4:25 PM and will meet with Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel at 5 PM.

Monday, March 4, 2013

• Mister Obama had an early daily briefing at 9:30 AM. He then made a personal announcement at the American-Israeli Public Affairs Committee. Lastly, he held a Cabinet Meeting at 1:00 PM. That was the 17th meeting he held since he was President. He also announce the nominations of Ernest Moniz as Energy Secretary, Gina McCarthy as Environmental Protection Agency Administrator, and Sylvia Mathews Burwell as Director of the Office of Management and Budget.
• Mrs. Obama held a Google+ Hangout event live from the White House.

Friday, March 1, 2013

• President Obama hosted the  bipartisan, bicameral leadership of Congress at the White House at 10:05. Afterward, he delivered a statement at 11:35 AM. During the day, Mr. Obama granted pardons to 17 individuals and he also held a conference call with Russian President Putin.

Thursday, February 28, 2013

• President Obama received a daily briefing at 11:15 AM. Then he hosted a swearing in ceremony for the new Secretary of Treasury Jack Lew. Mr. Obama ended the day with a 12:40 PM lunch with VP Biden.
• Michelle Obama was in Chicago IL with Arne Duncan to promote "Let's Move! Active Schools".  Early in the day, she held a "Let's Move Cafeteria Cookoff" with Rachael Ray. 

Wednesday, February 27, 2013

• President Obama started the day early with a daily briefing at 9:30 AM which was over in less than 1/2 hour. He next met with senior advisers at 10:00 AM. Then, he delivered remarks at the unveiling of a Rosa Parks statue at 11:00 AM. Mr. Obama was then able to rest until 7:30 PM when he attended the Business Council dinner.
• Mrs. Obama visited schools in Clinton Mississippi as part of Let's Move and to celebrate National Nutrition Month. Later she visited a Springfield Missouri Walmart.

Obama's celebrate coming Sequestration by hosting dinner, Big Bird, and Oscar Presentation at White House

Friday March 1st is the day when the Administration's 2011 proposed Sequestration becomes effective. And as the President warns of looming layoffs and seeks more tax revenue from those still working, the First Family spent the week lavishly spending and entertaining themselves.

To divert attention from themselves, the President first sat for television and radio interviews, presumably foretelling the "Doom and Gloom" of the Sequestration Automatic Budget Cuts (see Weekly Address: Congress Must Act Now to Stop the Sequester)

But while he was doing this, Michelle Obama was hosting Big Bird at the White House for purposes of kicking off her 3rd year promoting "Let's Move" on Thursday. Then Friday, she flew to New York and taped an appearance on Jimmy Fallon. While she was gone, Mr. Obama was hosting he Prime Minister of Japan at the White House.

When Sunday arrived, the two hosted the annual Governor's Dinner in the White House State Room.

However, the big moment came late on Sunday evening when Mrs. Obama presented the Oscar for the Best Picture, Argo.


Keeping with the theme, both Obama's appeared and spoke at the National Governors Meeting on Monday.

Now today, President Obama is hopping on Air Force One and flying to Virginia to give a one hour speech about sequester. While he is away, Mrs. Obama again flew to New York City and appeared on Good Morning America.

All this, and Sequestration is less than 3 days away!

To be fair, Mr. Obama did attend to a little U.S. Governmental business. During the week, he received daily briefings each weekday morning, met with John Kerry, and with his senior advisers once.

Below is a summary of President Obama's official schedule during the week of Wednesday February 20 through Tuesday February 26 2013.

Today, Tuesday, February 26, 2013

• President Obama received a daily briefing at 10:05 AM. Then fifty minutes later, he left the White House and flew to Newport News VA. There, he will make a speech about sequester at 1:05 PM. One hour later, he will fly back to DC and be in the White House by 3:05 PM. 
• Mrs. Obama flew to New York City and appeared on Good Morning America. (see: Healthier Recipes Now Just a Click Away)

Monday, February 25, 2013

• President Obama attended a daily briefing at 10:00 AM. He then delivered remarks to the National Governors Association at 11:05 AM. Interestingly, Michelle Obama and Jill Biden also spoke there, asking the Governors to help lower the State professional licensing requirements for military personnel and their spouses.

Sunday, February 24, 2013

• President Obama hosted the National Governors Association Dinner in the State Dining Room.
• Mrs. Obama announced the Best Picture Oscar winner live from the White House.

Friday, February 22, 2013

• President Obama began the day at 10:15 AM with a daily briefing. Then, at 11 AM, he attended the Democratic Governors Association Meeting. Next, Mr. Obama held a bilateral meeting with Prime Minister Shinzo Abe of Japan. Lastly, he and VP Biden had lunch with the Prime Minister at 1:15 PM.
• Michelle Obama flew to New York City and taped an appearance on Jimmy Fallon's "Late Night With Jimmy Fallon".

Thursday, February 21, 2013

• President Obama started the day with an early with a 9:30 AM daily briefing. He then met with his Senior advisers at 10:45 AM. When that was over 45 minutes later, Mr. Obama recorded radio interviewed with Al Sharpton, Joe Madison and Yolanda Adams (11:25 AM).
• Mrs. Obama filmed two Public Service Announcements with Big Bird at the White House (see Big Bird Visits the White House)

Wednesday, February 20, 2013

• President Obama received a daily briefing at 10:30 AM. Next up on his agenda was lunch with VP Biden at 12:30 PM. After, Mr. Obama was interviewed by regional TV outlets at 2 PM. Lastly, he and Mr. Biden met with John Kerry.

After SOTU, Obama golfs in Florida while family skis in Colorado

After delivering the State of the Union Address last Tuesday evening, President Obama took to the skies again. Just like the old campaign days, Mr. Obama visited North Carolina, Georgia, and Illinois,working the crowds. His intent was to push his aggressive tax and spend agenda.

Realizing that he needed a little "governmental face time", Mr. Obama found time on two of the past 7 days to receive a daily briefing.

But, the long President's Day weekend was near. So, the Obama family split in two separate directions. Mr. Obama flew to Florida to spend 3 days in the sun, receiving golfing lessons and playing several rounds of golf. Mrs. Obama, however, took the girls and her friends to Aspen Colorado for a long weekend of skiing. Additionally, the Biden's spent the weekend skiing in Aspen as well!

While no one can begrudge the First Family of taking vacations, it just seems rather ironic that the President continues to "bash the rich", and then he rushes off with his "rich" friends and "donors" for extravagantly expensive vacations. Not only do they just get away, but they take their friends as well - and we, the taxpayers, pay for it all (one way or another).

Below is a summary of the Presidents official schedule during the week of Wednesday February 13 through Tuesday February 19 2013.

Tuesday, February 19, 2013

• President Obama receives a daily briefing at 9:45 AM. Next, he plans to speak at 10:45 AM, "challenging Republicans to ... " raise taxes (Obama to press Congress again for sequester fix).
• VP Biden participates in a Facebook Town Hall on gun violence.

Monday, February 18, 2013

• President Obama golfed with Ron Kirk, Eric Whitaker, and Marvin Nicholson. At night, he returned from his golfing vacation with Reggie Love. They landed on Air Force One at 7:45 PM, and Mr. Obama then spoke to reporters for a few minutes. (Obama Talks Off Record With Press on Flight Home).

Sunday, February 17, 2013

• Mr. Obama golfed with Tiger Woods.

Saturday, February 16, 2013

• Mr. Obama  spent the long President's Day weekend at the Floridian. Mr. Obama "rented out all three of the four-bedroom guest cottages on the grounds of The Floridian for the whole of the long weekend, as well about 20 hotel rooms from the nearby Holiday Inn- which is about 20 minutes drive from the course- for his traveling entourage of press and security." The guesstimate cost of the trip was approximately $1 million. (Finally! Obama is snapped leaving $1m golfing weekend with Tiger Woods after he imposed controversial picture black out)
• Michelle Obama flew to Aspen Colorado for a weekend of ski lessons and skiing. She arrived with her 2 daughters and a few friends (All downhill for Obama gals).

Friday, February 15, 2013

• President Obama received a daily briefing at 9:30 AM. One half hour later (10:00 AM) the President met with President Giorgio Napolitano of Italy. Then at 11:10 AM, he welcomed  18 recipients of the 2012 Presidential Citizens Medal. One hour later, Mr. Obama departed the White House and flow to Chicago where he discussed proposals he made in the State of the Union Address. Mr. Obama left Chicago at 5:30 PM and flew directly to West Palm Beach Florida for a weekend of golf.
• Both VP Joe Biden and his wife flew to Aspen Colorado for a weekend of skiing.

Thursday, February 14, 2013

• President Obama left the White House at 9:35 AM and flew to Decatur GA where he first visited a prekindergarten classroom, and then spoke at the Community Recreation Center there. He left Deactur and arrived back in DC at 4:25 PM, just in time to participate in a Google+ "Fireside Hangout" at 4:50 PM.

Wednesday, February 13, 2013

• President Obama left the White house at 9:35 AM and flew to Asheville NC. There, he toured the Linamar North Carolina Factory and delivered remarks at noon. He then flew back to Washington and arrived at the White House at 3 PM.
• Mrs. Obama welcomed students from he D.C. area and New Orleans to take part in an interactive student workshop with the cast and crew of the film "Beasts of the Southern Wild".

Obama goes to Maryland & Virginia, Biden to PA, and Michelle to Chicago

This past week was centered on President Obama's of posturing of the Democratic agenda. The first two days started with his attending both the House and Senate Democratic Issues Conferences. In line with this, he also met with Magic Johnson and presented the Medal of Honor to a heroic soldier. But, Mr. Obama also attended to a few presidential duties as well. He received 3 daily briefings, ate lunch with Vice President Biden, attended the National Prayer Breakfast, hosted a farewell ceremony for Leon Panetta, and nominated a new Secretary of Interior.

Traveling was delegated to his wife and vice president. Mrs. Obama flew to Chicago to attend a funeral and Mr. Biden few to Philadelphia to speak about gun control. Interestingly enough, none of the three attended the service in Arlington TX for slain SEAL Chris Kyle.

Below is a summary of the President's agenda during the week of Wednesday February 7 through Tuesday February 12 2013.

Today, Lincoln's Birthday, Tuesday, February 12, 2013

• President Obama receives a daily briefing at 10:15 AM. The day is free until 9:00 PM when the President delivers the State of the Union Address. Afterward, he is scheduled to participate in his own Organizing for Action campaign style conference call lobbying event.

Monday, February 11, 2013

• President Obama received a daily briefing at 10:10 AM. The only other thing he did was to present the Medal of Honor to Army hero Sgt. Clinton Romesha.
• VP Biden held a roundtable discussion with law enforcement and Members of Congress at Girard College in Philadelphia.

Saturday, February 9, 2013

• First Lady Michelle Obama flew to Chicago IL and attended the funeral for Hadiya Pendleton, the 15 year old that was innocently killed as a result of gang violence in that city.

Friday, February 8, 2013

• Mister Obama had a daily briefing at 10:30 AM. Then at 1PM, he ate lunch with VP Biden. Lastly, he held a Farewell Tribute ceremony for Defense Secretary Leon Panetta at 3:55 PM..
• VP Biden held a meeting in his office with actor Bradley Cooper and director David Russell of the movie "Silver Linings Playbook".

Thursday, February 7, 2013

• President Obama, along with his wife and VP Biden, attended the National Prayer Breakfast at 8:05 AM. He then flew to Leesburg VA and spoke at the House Democratic Issues Conference. When that was over, he returned back to DC and was in the White House by 2:20 PM. Presumably after he returned, President Obama attended a meeting with Cabinet members about immigration reform. He also met with "Magic" Johnson and the two spoke about the impacts of HIV on the African American community.

Wednesday, February 6, 2013

• President Obama left the White house at 9:50 and went to Annapolis MD where he attended the Senate Democratic Issues Conference. He returned to the White House at 12:45 PM and made a personnel announcement at 2 PM announcing the appointment of Sally Jewell as Secretary of Interior.
• VP Biden administered the oath of office to new Secretary of State John Kerry at 4 PM.  That evening, he spoke at the House Democratic Issues Conference.

Air Force One takes Biden to Germany & England, and Obama flies to Minnesota

When President Obama's schedule is light, it is filled up with the activities of the Vice President. During the past week, the President received 4 daily briefings, met with Leon Panetta, lunched with Hillary Clinton, handed out medals, and flew off to Minnesota to give another speech.

But, to camouflage the President's lack of activities, his agenda was covered by Vice President Biden's trip to Europe. Mr. Biden and his wife flew to Germany last Friday and they are still on the continent. In addition to Germany, the schedule notes that he is in the UK. Other than that, we do not know where else he visited on the U.S. Taxpayer funded trip.

Below is a summary of President Obama's and VP Biden's activities during the week of Wednesday January 30 through Tuesday February 5, 2013.

Today, Tuesday, February 5, 2013

• President Obama receives a daily briefing at 9:45 AM. Later, he will meet with progressive & labor leaders (at 11 AM), and then with business leaders at 3:20 PM. He will also deliver a statement at 1:15 PM, and meet with Secretary of Defense Leon Panetta at 4:30 PM.
• Mr. Biden is attending a meeting of the United Kingdom National Security Council. There, he meets with British Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg, British Prime Minister David Cameron, and then attends a working lunch meeting.

Monday, February 4, 2013

• President Obama left the White House at 10:15 AM and flew to Minneapolis MN. There, he participated in a discussion with local leaders and law enforcement officials; and he delivered remarks on reducing gun violence. He flew back to DC and was in the White House by 6 PM.
• Vice President Biden met with French President François Hollande. Afterward, he and his wife flew to London.
• Jill Biden met with American and French exchange students.

Friday, February 1, 2013

• President Obama had a daily briefing at 11 AM. He also presented the National Medals of Science and the National Medals of Technology and received a daily briefing at 10 AM. Innovation awards at 2:15 PM to 21 honorees.
• Joe Biden and his wife Jill flew to DC to Berlin, where he met with German Chancellor Angela Merkel at the German Chancellery. Next, the couple flew to Munich.

Thursday, January 31, 2013

• President Obama received a daily briefing at 10 AM.
• VP Biden attended a lunch with the Senate Democratic Policy and Communications Committee.

Wednesday, January 30, 2013

• President Obama received a daily briefing at 10:15 AM. Next, he ate lunch with Hillary Clinton. In the afternoon, he was interviewed by both Telemundo and Univision in two separate short sessions.