August 4th, 2011
02:53 PM ET
Budget crisis averted, VP heads to China, Mongolia & Japan It looks like the President is sending "the closer" to the Far East. From the White House: "The Vice President will depart for China, Mongolia, and Japan on August 16, 2011. He will visit China at the invitation of Vice President Xi Jinping – the first of the planned reciprocal visits between the Vice Presidents announced during President Hu Jintao’s state visit to Washington earlier this year. While in China, the Vice President will meet with Vice President Xi and other Chinese leaders, including President Hu and Premier Wen Jiabao, to consult on a broad range of bilateral, regional, and global issues. The Vice President will also visit the city of Chengdu, in China’s Southwest. In Ulaanbaatar, the Vice President will underscore our support for Mongolia’s two decades of democratic development and our growing economic ties. In Japan, the Vice President will express steadfast U.S. support for its close ally in the wake of the recent earthquake, tsunami, and nuclear emergency. The Vice President will thank U.S. civilian and military personnel for their assistance in responding to the disaster, as well as highlight Japan’s resilience during the recovery and rebuilding process."  The Eastern High School marching band from Washington, DC serenaded the president Thursday on his 50th birthday from outside the White House gates.
August 4th, 2011
12:12 PM ET
Birthday celebrations continue...and even a marching band It's a milestone birthday today for President Obama as he celebrates his 50th. And outside the White House fence, reporters heard celebration music from a marching band no less! Members ofWashington,DC'sEasternHigh Schoolmarching band, in full uniform, serenaded the president with "Happy Birthday", both the traditional version and the Stevie Wonder’s rendition along with some other selections including songs from The Black Eyed Peas and Rihanna. TheEasternHigh Schoolband has played in several presidential inaugural parades, but not President Obama's. No word if the president took time out of his schedule to enjoy the mini concert intended for him.  Sen. Patrick Leahy snapped this moment behind the closed door Democratic senate caucus meeting Monday. Pictured Vice President Joe Biden speaks as Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D) NV and Chairman of the President's National Economic Council Gene Sperling listen.
August 4th, 2011
11:23 AM ET
Picture of the WeekThis week's picture of the week pulls back the curtain as we go behind the scenes as Vice President Biden became a key power player in helping to close the deal on raising the nation's debt ceiling. The photo was taken by Vermont Senator Patrick Leahy (D) as Biden sought to calm Democrat's concerns about the deal in a closed door caucus meeting. Senator Leahy's was the only camera allowed in the closed door meeting.
August 4th, 2011
09:54 AM ET
Is 50 the new 40? Apparently not for commanders in chiefAs President Obama celebrates his milestone 50th birthday today, CNN.com put together a photo gallery of how Mr. Obama along with several of his predecessors showed the physical signs of age after several years in the high pressure job. Take a look!  President Obama greets supporters Wednesday in Chicago at a fundraiser.
August 4th, 2011
08:15 AM ET
Happy Birthday Mr. PresidentAs the president celebrates his milestone 50th birthday today there is not much on his public schedule. However a White House official tells CNN the president will take some time to celebrate with friends today at a Rose Garden birthday party. The official says the cost of the party will be paid for by the family and not financed with public funds. PRESIDENT OBAMA'S SCHEDULE: 10:30AM THE PRESIDENT receives the Presidential Daily Briefing/ Oval Office/ Closed Press BRIEFING SCHEDULE: 12:00PM Press Briefing by Press Secretary Jay Carney |
  |
||
|
|
||
