White House

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How Biden Got His Least-Likely Role
 How Biden Got 
 His Least-Likely Role 
Glossies
Jan 24, 2009 9:33 PM CST

How Biden Got His Least-Likely Role

His job as adviser will count

(Newser) - A self-declared "Senate man," Joe Biden admitted up-front that he might not fit the vice-presidency. The charming Democrat had spent two-thirds of his life making feisty speeches and verbal flubs—not exactly characteristic traits of a VP. So Barack Obama and Biden sat down to talk. All...

First White House Briefing Addresses Gitmo, Oath

Lots of questions, little actual news as Gibbs meets the press anew

(Newser) - White House Press Secretary Robert Gibbs met his audience for the first time, covering everything from President Obama’s oaths to the economy to torture, the Chicago Tribune reports. Gibbs faced questions about the administration’s hiring of a lobbyist, against previously stated rules—“Any standard is not perfect”...

Obama's Staff Finds High Office Means Low Tech

'Kind of like going from an Xbox to an Atari,' one says of White House's rigid apparatus

(Newser) - Tech-savvy Obama staffers had a rude awakening on their first day at the White House, saddled with disconnected phone lines, limited Internet access, and 6-year-old PCs, the Washington Post reports. “It is kind of like going from an Xbox to an Atari,” a spokesman said of the disconnect...

Jonas Brothers Babysat the Obama Girls

Boy band drops by on First Kids' first night at White House

(Newser) - Malia and Sasha Obama stayed in, presidential style, while their parents hit the dance floors last night, ABC reports. White House staff surprised the girls—who had requested a showing of High School Musical 3 and Bolt in their new theater—with a scavenger hunt. It introduced the mansion’s...

Obama Vows Transparency, Freezes Top Salaries

(Newser) - President Obama announced today that he was freezing the salaries of top White House staff who take in more than $100,000 a year, the AP reports. “Families are tightening their belts, and so should Washington,” he said. Obama is also requiring federal agencies to respond more actively...

Obama Blocks Bush 'Midnight Orders'
Obama Blocks
Bush 'Midnight Orders'
Jan 21, 2009 2:12 AM CST

Obama Blocks Bush 'Midnight Orders'

Weapons, anti-abortion regulations halted

(Newser) - One of President Barack Obama's first acts from the Oval Office was to block the last orders of his predecessor executed in his final days of power, Reuters reports. The White House sent a memo to every federal agency yesterday putting a stop to dozens of so-called "midnight regulations"...

Winemakers Hope Obamas Help Rekindle Sales

Domestic producers expect Obamas will continue to drive sales

(Newser) - President Barack Obama’s affinity for wine is the toast of American winemakers, hopeful that after eight years of teetotalling rule, the new first family will boost domestic sales, Reuters reports. Obama reportedly has a 1,000-bottle cellar in his new $1.65 million Chicago home, drawing raves from oenophiles....

Bush Twins Offer Tips to Obama Girls

'Remember who your dad really is'

(Newser) - As they enter the White House, Malia and Sasha Obama can benefit from advice from two who know exactly what they’re going through: Jenna and Barbara Bush, who penned an open letter to the Obama girls in the Wall Street Journal. The twins offer advice on where to go...

Live-Streaming Websites Smash Records With Obama

(Newser) - Websites streaming video of the inauguration reported record activity today, while a partnership between Facebook and CNN enabled thousands of people a minute to comment on the proceedings, Crain's reports. By late afternoon, CNN reported 21.3 million live video streams, while MSNBC had 9 million live streams and 5...

'Mom-in-Chief' Readies Her Bully Pulpit

Will balance Hillary-style agenda, Laura-style domestic image

(Newser) - Being first lady has always been a balancing act: trailblazer Hillary Clinton pushed harder on policy issues than the public wanted; mild Laura Bush hardly pushed at all. Michelle Obama is seeking an agenda related to her experiences. A friend tells the New York Times: “She understands the needs...

Obamas Visit Bushes While Huge Crowd Waits
Obamas Visit Bushes While Huge Crowd Waits
UPDATED
Jan 20, 2009 9:43 AM CST

Obamas Visit Bushes While Huge Crowd Waits

DC's mood lightens as thousands crowd the Mall for inauguration

(Newser) - A tell-your-grandchildren moment is happening in DC right now, reports CNN. Barack and Michelle Obama went from church to the White House to meet George and Laura Bush; then they’re on to the Capitol. Hundreds of thousands are gathered, with up to 2 million expected. One local says Washington’...

Bill, Gore, Rubin Guide Obama in Spirit

Bill, Al Gore and Robert Rubin leave mark on transition

(Newser) - Three of Barack Obama’s most important advisers will accompany him to the Oval Office only in spirit, Gerald Seib writes in the Wall Street Journal: Bill Clinton, Al Gore, and Robert Rubin. In leaving behind a healthy record as Democratic building blocks, the Clinton years left Obama “what...

First 100 Days? Too Slow for O
First 100 Days? Too Slow for O
Jan 20, 2009 8:57 AM CST

First 100 Days? Too Slow for O

In new White House, change will happen in 100 hours—or maybe mere minutes

(Newser) - At minute one, everything changes. The inaugural passing of the baton will happen at lightning speed today, Politico reports, as the new team hits the ground running, amid an economic crisis that makes the traditional timetable obsolete. Through the morning, White House staff will work furiously to get the building...

Poppy Bush Bids WH Adieu, Hopes Jeb Will Make His Run

Dubya 'emotional' as family leaves 2nd time

(Newser) - The Bush family may be saying goodbye to the presidency yet again, but the family patriarch isn't letting go of his hopes to see another of his sons ensconced at the White House someday, Politico reports. “Maybe Jeb’ll do something," said President George HW Bush, during an...

Party's About to Start for Obamas' Social Secretary

Desirée Rogers brings tradition and inclusiveness to the party

(Newser) - As White House social secretary, Desirée Rogers will not only organize all social events and ceremonies, she'll help people imagine what Barack Obama’s presidency represents. Catching up with the “the most eligible woman in Washington" for Vogue, William Norwich finds the former Chicago businesswoman and Obama...

'Designated Successor' Gates Will Skip Inauguration

Pentagon boss would take over in worst case

(Newser) - Secretary of Defense Robert Gates will sit out the inauguration at a secure location and be available to take over the government in case of disaster, CBS reports. The White House designated Gates with the approval of the incoming administration, which he will serve in the same post. The move...

White House: US Must Assert Rights in Warming Arctic

Outgoing policymakers expect surge in region's military, commercial activity

(Newser) - With the Arctic getting warmer, the Bush administration predicts a multinational grab at resources there. To that end, it released a 10-page directive describing challenges the US faces and calling for an Arctic policy that underlines US concerns, the Washington Post reports. “The United States has broad and fundamental...

O No: Bushies Warned to Skip Pranks

Last time, Clinton aides took the "W" off office keyboards

(Newser) - White House aides have been ordered not try some of the pranks played by Clinton aides eight years ago, reports CNN. Mischievous Clintonites yanked the "W" keys from keyboards, and outgoing aides have been warned to keep their mitts off the "O" keys—or try any other tricks,...

Obama Is Update, Reboot for Presidency's Software

Dem will use internet to reach out to, get advice from voters

(Newser) - Barack Obama is poised to be, by far, the most wired president ever, reports CNN. With more than a million MySpace friends, 3.7 million Facebook pals, and online access to more than 13 million voters, Obama invented a new media model and will be able to communicate in ways...

Obamas Urged to Turn the White House Green

Advocates push for new first family to take up organic farming

(Newser) - Advocates for all kinds of green causes are hoping to find newly fertile ground for their ideas at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, the Wall Street Journal reports. Several groups are pushing for the president-elect to lead by example and plant an organic garden on the White House's ample grounds. Others urge...

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