Soccer stars at the White House
President Obama poses with MLS champions LA Galaxy in the East Room of the White House Tuesday. Galaxy's David Beckham is pictured to the right of Mr. Obama (photo credit: Lesa Jansen, CNN)
May 15th, 2012
05:49 PM ET

Soccer stars at the White House

There was some serious star power in the East Room of the White House Tuesday and it had nothing to do with politics. The Major League Soccer champion Los Angeles Galaxy including star players David Beckham, forward Robbie Keane, midfielder Landon Donovan and their team mates were honored by President Obama and dozens of young soccer fans invited to the White House.

Calling them the "Miami Heat of soccer" the president commended the team for their success.

"[T]ogether you pulled off one of the toughest feats in team sports: You lived up to the hype. You combined star power, hard work; it paid off."

The president poked a little fun at David Beckham telling the 36 year old, "I said half his teammates could be his kids."

"We're getting old, David. Although you're holding up better than me," the president laughingly told Beckham.

But he thanked the team for agreeing to stay and talk with children invited to the White House to meet the players.

"As a soccer dad, I know you've inspired a lot of kids. And today you're giving them an experience that they will never forget," the president told them.

After the East Room event, the players joined Michelle Obama and about 60 children invited for the event in the State Dining Room as part of a Let's Move program, the first lady's initiative to instill healthy eating habits in children.

Mrs. Obama said she hoped to hold a soccer clinic outside on the White House lawn but rain forced them inside. She told the kids about the importance of sports and remaining active.

"[W]e want to show kids just like you that there are all kinds of ways to be active, and that being active is also a whole lot of fun. So a lot of what we do while there are soccer drills and things like that going on, we're doing a lot of playing around and laughing, and realizing that that's what being healthy is about. It's not always work; most of the time it's a lot of fun."

She left admonishing the children to "eat your vegetables."

A sentiment that was echoed by star soccer player Beckham who when asked by one child was his favorite food is he hesitated only briefly and answered, carrots!


Topics: President Obama • The Buzz • The Visuals • White House
The first family is worth how much?
May 15th, 2012
05:20 PM ET

The first family is worth how much?

NEW YORK (CNNMoney) - The White House released documents Tuesday that show President Barack Obama and the first family hold assets valued at between $2.6 million and $8.3 million.

The disclosure forms, required by the Ethics in Government Act, show the president's largest asset, by far, is U.S. debt in the form of Treasury notes and bills. In total, the president has between $1.6 million and $6.3 million invested in Treasury debt.

The first family reported a few other large assets, including a JPMorgan Chase checking account that holds between $500,000 and $1 million and a set of 529 college savings plans.

Full story


Topics: President Obama
POTUS's schedule for Tuesday, May 15, 2012
May 15th, 2012
08:22 AM ET

POTUS's schedule for Tuesday, May 15, 2012

President Obama is back at the White House on this rainy Tuesday, holding several meetings alongside Vice President Biden. This morning, he'll make a quick trip up to Capitol Hill to make remarks at the annual National Peace Officers Memorial Service, a ceremony honoring law enforcement who were killed in the line of duty in the previous year. He'll also host the Major League Soccer champs, the LA Galaxy in the East Room and then the First Lady and the Galaxy will participate in a Let's Move soccer clinic in the State Dining Room (the event was moved inside due to the weather.) But don't forget, President Obama's appearance on the View will appear this morning where he apparently takes a pop quiz.

EDT

9:30AM Pool Call Time

9:30AM THE PRESIDENT and THE VICE PRESIDENT receive the Presidential Daily Briefing

Oval Office (Closed Press)

10:55AM THE PRESIDENT delivers remarks at the National Peace Officers Memorial Service

U.S. Capitol Building (Open to Pre-Credentialed Media)

2:15PM THE PRESIDENT welcomes Major League Soccer champions, the LA Galaxy, to the White House

East Room (Open Press)

3:30PM THE PRESIDENT and THE VICE PRESIDENT meet with Secretary of the Treasury Geithner

Oval Office (Closed Press)

4:30PM THE PRESIDENT and THE VICE PRESIDENT meet with Secretary of Defense Panetta

Oval Office (Closed Press)

5:30PM THE PRESIDENT and THE VICE PRESIDENT meet with the Combatant Commanders

Cabinet Room (Closed Press)

7:00PM THE PRESIDENT and THE FIRST LADY host a dinner for the Combatant Commanders and spouses at the White House; THE VICE PRESIDENT also attends

Blue Room (Closed Press)

Briefing Schedule

12:30PM Press Briefing by Press Secretary Jay Carney

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Topics: Daily Schedule • White House