Obama signs tax benefits for vet hires into law![]() President Obama signed legislation Monday that provides significant tax credits to businesses that hire unemployed and disabled veterans, the only measure in the president’s larger jobs proposal to receive any bipartisan support. In a signing ceremony in the Eisenhower Executive Office Building, Obama offered rare praise to a Congress he has otherwise chastised for months over failure to take significant action on the nation’s struggling economy. “I'm pleased that both parties came together to make this happen,” Obama said. “So once again I want to thank all the members of Congress who were involved.” FULL POST First lady & Mrs. Biden greeted with boos at NASCAR event![]() The White House didn’t quite get the reaction it was hoping for at the season-finale NASCAR event Sunday that featured a special appearance by first lady Michelle Obama and Jill Biden. Obama and Biden were honorary grand marshals at the event in an effort to highlight their Joining Forces campaign – a cause that spotlights veteran issues and seeks to provide assistance to service members and their families. But while the effort has drawn bipartisan support and praise, Obama and Biden were greeted by loud boos from several in the massive crowd when they were introduced on stage to officially begin the race. Obama and Biden did not appear to react to the boos and they were soon drowned out by loud jets flying over head. Kristina Schake, the first lady’s communication’s director, did not respond directly to the booing crowd members but said, “Mrs. Obama and Dr. Biden were proud to stand with a true American hero and join NASCAR to honor all the men and woman who serve our country and the families who support them.” Meanwhile, the two reportedly received a standing ovation at a private reception before the race with NASCAR drivers. Less-than polite fans are hardly out of the ordinary when politicians appear at a sporting event. President Obama was greeted with a mixture of boos and cheers himself when he threw out the first pitch at a Washington Nationals game last year. The same goes for Sarah Palin, who received an unenthusiastic reception while dropping first puck at Philadelphia Flyers-New York Rangers hockey game in 2008. Morning Briefing: November 21![]() The 1600 Report's daily roundup of what the White House is reading this morning online and in the papers: So that Super committee idea didn’t really work [CNN.com] But who’s going to get the blame? [NYTimes] Grover Norquist says it’s not him [POLITICO] And what will the market impact be? [WashPost] Obama gets energized in land down under [NYTimes] While the first lady is booed at a NASCAR event [Mediaite] Does Obama actually have to worry about his base? [WashPost] White House taking steps to isolate Iran [WSJ] The White House shooter’s path the extremism [NYTimes] POTUS' Day Ahead: Vets in the morning, country music at night![]() Good morning form the White House. President Obama is set to appear on camera later this morning to sign the only piece of his jobs proposal that has cleared Congress: tax credits for businesses that hire veterans. Obama is expected to deliver remarks hailing the legislation before signing the bill at 11:10 a.m. ET. In the evening, the president will host several country music stars for a concert in the East Room celebrating the genre. Among the artists expected to perform are Lauren Alaina, The Band Perry, Dierks Bentley, Alison Krauss, Kris Kristofferson, Lyle Lovett, Mickey, Darius Rucker and James Taylor. Meanwhile, Jay carney is expected to brief reporters at 12:30 p.m. ET. |
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