White House deflects criticism on Chen case![]() WASHINGTON (CNN) - The “mission impossible” style case of Chinese activist Chen Guangcheng is yet another wrinkle in a complicated relationship between the U.S. and China. While issues of trade and differences on Syria are being debated, human rights is becoming the flashpoint. White House spokesman Jay Carney sidestepped most questions on Chen’s case, like whether the administration supported asylum for the activist. Instead he directed reporters to the State Department for more details. But pushed to answer concerns about Chen’s change of heart and his desire to leave the country, Carney defended the U.S. handling of the case. “At no point during his time in the embassy did Mr. Chen ever request political asylum in the U.S. And at every opportunity he expressed his desire to stay in China, reunify with this family, continue his education and work for reform in his country,” Carney said. “All of our diplomacy was directed at putting him in the best possible position to achieve his objectives.” Carney downplayed any long term fallout from this incident citing a multifaceted relationship that is built on economic, trade, security and regional concerns. ![]() Actor George Clooney and President Obama meet outside the Oval Office at the White House in 2010. Clooney is hosting a big money fundraiser for Obama in Hollywood next week. Would you pay $40,000 for dinner with Obama and Clooney?![]() It's always a heady combination, the intersection of politics and Hollywood and now the Obama campaign is reportedly cashing in big-time. Obama campaign: Romney, McDonnell and women voters![]() (CNN) - The Obama campaign renewed its focus on women voters Thursday with a stepped up attack on Mitt Romney. A data-filled memo alleges the budget cuts, tax reform and social policy Mitt Romney supports will disproportionately hurt middle- and low-income women. Along with the memo, the campaign links to a web tool called "The Life of Julia," which follows the character from the age 3 to 67, suggesting how one such woman would be impacted by the policies of the two Presidential candidates. For example, under President Obama, Julia at age 23 can fight for a right to equal pay, because he signed the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act, according to the web tool. But Julia doesn't know her fate under a President Romney because he hasn't said whether he would have signed the Lily Ledbetter Act. (read more at CNN Politics) Morning Briefing![]() The 1600 Report's daily roundup of what the White House is reading this morning online and in the papers: Chinese activist says he wants to go to U.S. (CNN.com) Obama administration faces heat after Chen's exit (WSJ) Obama campaign: Romney, McDonnell and women voters (CNN.com) New Poll: Obama opens lead in PA but Romney catches up in OH, FL (Philadelphia Inquirer) Is Obama more popular than he should be? (NYTimes) Republicans praise Secret Service response to Colombian prostitution scandal (CNN.com) POTUS schedule for Thursday May 3, 2012![]() 12:30PM THE PRESIDENT and the VICE PRESIDENT meet for lunch/ Private Dining Room/ Closed Press 2:00PM THE PRESIDENT meets with senior advisors/ Oval Office/ Closed Press 5:00PM THE PRESIDENT delivers remarks at a Cinco de Mayo Reception/ Rose Garden/ Pooled Press |
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