White House Chief of Staff Rahm Emanuel and Domestic Policy Council Director Melody Barnes read to young children as part of the “Read to the Top!” summer initiative at the Department of Education Monday.

U.S Secretary of Education Arne Duncan welcomed Emanuel and Barnes to the initiative, which aims to promote reading amongst young children during the summer vacation from school.

While Emanuel is infamous for his aggressive behavior and vocabulary, the Chief of Staff adopted a more family-friendly tone for Monday’s event, making jokes while reading “Duck For President” that may have gone over the youngsters’ heads.

Following a section of the book that described animals lining up to register to Vote for Duck, Emanuel noted that “It’s obviously not in Chicago.”

“‘Have you seen the other one: Duck Runs For Congress?” Emanuel joked. “It’s really good.”

In a news conference Monday in Guadalajara, President Barack Obama issued a direct response to those who have criticized him for not doing enough to ensure that ousted Honduran President Manuel Zelaya is allowed to return to power.

“The same critics who say the U.S. has not intervened enough in Honduras are the same people who say that we’re always intervening and Yankees need to get out of Latin America….you can’t have it both ways.”

Aside from that, Obama’s remarks, which addressed a range of issues, both domestically and internationally, from healthcare, to immigration to Mexico’s security, were fairly nonconfrontational.

Joined by President Felipe Calderon of Mexico and Prime Minister Stephen Harper of Canada, Obama shared his view that North America is becoming defined less by its borders and more by its bonds, and vowed to support expanded trade between the neighboring nations in lieu of a more protectionist policy.

On immigration, Obama insisted that his administration is exploring ways of enhancing the nation’s border security as well as creating pathways to citizenship for the millions of illegal immigrants already inside the U.S. He divulged that Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano is currently spearheading discussions with members of Congress in an attempt to make reforming the nation’s immigration policy a top priority in 2010.

“We have a broken immigration system, nobody denies it,” said Obama. He argued that the U.S. desperately needs reform in order to protect immigrant workers from being exploited and to subside political tensions with Mexico. The President assured that he will sign legislation only if the public deems it fair.

However, Obama did concede that immigration will most likely have to take a backseat to healthcare, energy and financial regulatory reform; components of an agenda he referred to as a “pretty big stack of bills.”

On healthcare, Obama called the current debate between supporters and opponents of reform a “healthy thing.” Although recent reports have placed the number of uninsured Americans at roughly 45 million, Obama estimated the number to be around 46 to 47 million.

When asked by a Canadian journalist to address comparisons between his plan and the system currently used by his neighbors to the north, Obama replied that “the Canadian model works for Canada, it would not work for the United States…we’ve got to develop a uniquely American approach to this problem.”

Obama further disqualified the notion that his healthcare plan is modeled after Canada’s publicly financed system.

“I suspect that you Canadians will continue to get dragged in [to the debate] by those who oppose reform even though I’ve said nothing about Canadian healthcare reform.” Obama joked that “I don’t find Canadians particulary scary, but I guess some of the opponents of reform think they make a good boogie man. I think that’s a mistake.”

Later, Obama praised the Mexican government for its efforts combatting violence caused by drug cartels, and promised continued support from the U.S. in aiding the fight.

“I have great confidence in President Calderon’s administration applying the law enforcement techniques that are necessary to curb the power of the cartels, but doing so in a way that’s consistent with human rights,” said Obama. He reiterated his belief that the U.S. must reduce its demand for illegal drugs that enter the country through its southern border.

At 9.40 am the President signed into law the extension of the Cash for Clunkers legislation that the Senate approved yesterday.

Jobs Numbers
Gibbs said the numbers are more evidence that we have pulled back from the edge and brink of a depression. If you look at the averaging of the numbers over a period of time, the pace of job loss is declining, which is positive. However, last month, a quarter of a million people lost their jobs. The President is very focused on putting the economy back on track. It is still expected that the unemployment rate will reach 10% this year.

There will be good days and bad days. There is a long way to go. The Recovery Act has made a difference. Two thirds of the benefit has yet to make a difference. The focus is on implementing the recovery plan. Without seeing genuine, positive, sustained job growth, we will see the rate continue to 10%. We are pleased, though not satisfied, that the rate of that job loss is declining. Before recovery, there has to be stabilization.

Gibbs stated that he was informed of the jobs numbers at the same time as the markets. He said it is unclear if the numbers today are a trend. Asked if the numbers would go back up again, he said it was in all likelihood very possible. However, the rate of job loss has declined.

Death of Taliban Leader
Gibbs was asked if the leader of the Taliban in Pakistan, Baitullah Mehsud, has been killed. Gibbs said they cannot confirm it, though there is a growing consensus among credible observers. Mehsud is a murderous thug. He has planned and helped carry out some of the most heinous acts of terrorism and violence in Pakistan. He has killed scores of innocent men, women and children, and is supposed to have plotted the assassination of Benazir Bhutto. If he is dead, the people of Pakistan will be safer as a result.

The US is working very closely with the government of Pakistan to prevent the Taliban, al Qaeda and other affiliated terrorist organizations from killing innocent people. The US is very pleased with the level of cooperation and working together, and want to do everything to help Pakistan defeat terrorism. The President is regularly updated on this situation.

Closing of Guantanamo
Gibbs was asked whether there would be a delay in the closure of Guantanamo, based on something an administration official said yesterday. He said, no, he had looked at the transcript. He quoted the transcript which appeared to state that Guantanamo would close on time.

Violence at Town Halls
Gibbs was asked whether, with the increase of violence at town halls and a death threat, he would recommend that members of Congress do not hold town halls. He said no, that people that go to have their voices heard, that they have some respect for everybody else’s ability to be heard and participate in a town hall.

By Laura Woodhead – Talk Radio News

The Obama administration is bringing a new and more effective approach to the the war on terror, John Brennan, Assistant to the President for Homeland Security and Counter Terrorism, said Thursday.

“The President understands that military power, intelligence operations, and law enforcement alone will never solve the … challenge we face: the threat of violent extremism, including the political, economic, and social factors that help put so many individuals on the path to violence,” said Brennan during a speech at the Center for Strategic and International Studies.

Brennan highlighted the Obama administration’s attempt to change the way the world perceives U.S. counter terrorism measures.

“Describing our efforts as a ‘global war’ only plays into the warped narrative that al-Qaida propagates. It plays into the misleading and dangerous notion that the U.S. is somehow in conflict with the rest of the world,” said Brennan. “Instead, as the President has made clear, we are at war with al-Qaida, which attacked us on 9/11 and killed 3,000 people.”

Brennan stressed that the new approach would include working with Muslim nations rather than flippantly labeling them as enemies.

“[The President] has launched a new era of engagement with the world, including committing the United States to a new partnership with Muslims around the world—a partnership based on mutual interests and mutual respect,” said Brennan. “America is not, and never will be, at war with Islam.”

Brennan denounced enhanced interrogation tactics such as water boarding, claiming that they actually hinder counter terrorism efforts

“[Enhanced interrogation tactics] increase the determination of our enemies, and decrease the willingness of other nations to cooperate with us. In short, they undermine our national security,” said Brennan.

“[The President] rejects the false choice between ensuring our national security and upholding civil liberties,” Brennan added.

Brennan noted that the President has a taken an aggressive approach towards counter terrorism.

“We have presented President Obama with a number of actions and initiatives against al Qaeda and other terrorist groups. Not only has he approved these operations, he has encouraged us to be even more aggressive, even more proactive, and even more innovative, to seek out new ways and new opportunities for taking down these terrorists,” Brennan said.

Notes from the White House Gaggle with Robert Gibbs
By Paul Brandus

With the Sotomayor vote scheduled for later today, it’s expected that the President will speak after the vote – perhaps on his way to tonight’s fundraiser/rally for Democratic Virginia Gov. candidate Deeds. 

Today’s meeting between the President and members of the Senate Finance Committee will be to get a “status report and update on their negotiations.” Asked what Obama’s message to the Senators would be, Gibbs said, “Keep working.” 

Gibbs said there is no firm date for the Finance Committee to act; and didn’t answer a question on the public option (various media reports indicate that that could go by the wayside). 

Bill Clinton/North Korea: Clinton had a debrief last night with a NSC staffe; a more full, official debrief has yet to occur. Obama has no plans to meet with Laura Ling and Euna Lee, but is trying to schedule a meeting with Clinton. What does this mean going forward? Gibbs reinforced the message that the release of Ling/Lee is not linked to other issues. “They walked away from their commitment” to stop nuclear testing.

Gibbs fired back against “birthers,” calling their ideas “totally crazy…you couldn’t sell a script like this in Hollywood…you couldn’t sell it to the WB” he said. (Whatever that means)

This weekend’s Canada/Mexico/U.S. summit in Guadalajara: look for a briefing “at some point” with NSC advisor Jones.

White House Gaggle with Robert Gibbs

President Bill Clinton in North Korea:
Gibbs reiterated that the White House had put out a statement and would not add to it for awhile. He said it was a private mission that did not involve the use of a government aircraft, and that President Clinton was not carrying a message from President Obama.  

Obama’s Lunch with Senate Democrats:
The economy and healthcare will be on the agenda. All 60 Democrats were invited. Sens. Kennedy and Byrd will not be there. Sen. Mikulski will not be there as she has broken her ankle. Sens. Lieberman and Sanders will be there.  The President will reiterate his support for and his desire to extend the cash for clunkers program by taking previously approved money from energy efficiency programs.  

Cash For Clunkers:
Gibbs was asked, why not subsidize refrigerators or living room furniture? He said the program would have an impact on energy, security and the environment by taking older, more polluting, inefficient automobiles off the road.  They thought the program would be popular; it has proven to be an enormously popular and successful program.  

Health Care Town Hall Protests:
Gibbs was asked if what appears to be well orchestrated protests at town halls are derailing the President’s message.  He said no, and added that the Brooks Brothers Brigade from 2000 in Florida appeared to have rented a similar bus and are appearing together at town hall meetings  throughout the country. He saw commonality.  He didn’t have names, but saw similarity in who showed up where.  He hoped people would take a jaundiced eye to what is clearly the astroturf nature of so called grassroots lobbying, manufactured anger.

Response to the Drudge Report:
Asked why the White House responded to an item on the Drudge Report, Gibbs said that there is a tremendous amount of misinformation floating around on health care. They thought it was important to answer it.  

White House Counsel Greg Craig:
Asked about a report that Craig is leaving, Gibbs referred to what Jim Messina said in the article, that it is summer in Washington and people like to play parlor games.  They have addressed the rumors and they are not true.

Senator McCain Voting No on Sotomayor:
Gibbs said her record as a judge for 17 years and her depth of experience throughout  her career make her qualified to serve on the Supreme Court, adding that she will make a good judge.  It was disappointing that Senator McCain came to a different conclusion the day after talking about bipartisanship.  The swearing in ceremony could happen by the end of this week or the beginning of next week.  He will check.

President’s Birthday Celebrations:
Gibbs will seek guidance. Obama had a lot of fun over the weekend. He bowled a 144. There were friends from Chicago, Hawaii, along with his family. They played basketball, pool, had dinner together, had a lot of fun.

Notes from the Morning Gaggle with White House Press Secretary Robert Gibbs:

GDP Numbers
GDP down 1%.  Gibbs said their first mission was to rescue the economy, to stop the slippage.  They have a sense now that the recession has been deeper than previously thought.  The data shows progress is being made.  There is a lot of work to do, particularly on putting people back to work. Gibbs expects hundreds of thousands of more jobs lost when employment figures come out next week.

Cash for Clunkers
Administration and bipartisan leaders in Congress are working this morning to develop ways to continue to fund the program. The program is up and continuing to run. The program appears to be a success for car buyers, car dealers, car companies and tax payers who are seeing people choose more fuel efficient cars.  The program will run this weekend. Confident they will have a solution and the program will continue. Can, should and will be extended. Looking at different avenues for the money, Gibbs declined to be specific. 

Afghanistan
Asked whether there will be an increase in troops as has been reported in the press, Gibbs said this is not something that has got to Gen McChrystal’s desk or to the Pentagon. McChrystal is the new commander and they are working through a policy review.

Muhamad Jawad
Asked if the US will bring Guantanamo detainee Muhamad Jawad to the US for trial, Gibbs said that is something DoJ is working on.

Withdrawal from Iraq Memo
Secretary Gates said earlier this week that if the security situation continues to improve, it’s possible to see troops coming home from Iraq earlier.

Report that CEOs Paid for Their Meals at the White House
Gibbs said that he paid for his own meals with the President when he has had lunch with him. In Washington there really is no such thing as a free lunch, he said.

Thursday Night’s Beer Summit: 
There was some lighthearted discussion about what kind of beers will be served and which American beers would be served. The bottom line is that many beers will be offered, including those that have been requested by the participants. The President doesn’t have a formal agenda. After having talked to these “good and decent” men on the phone he will foster a dialogue. Gibbs said that ”we’re not here to mediate apologies” and that “the President has said he chose his words poorly and did not have full information.” The President will not announce anything tonight.

Health Care:
Clearly the Blue Dogs got some of their legislative concerns dealt with. In response to how people will be able to purchase health insurance under the plan, Mr. Gibbs said that Congress is focused on “moving the process forward” and that the question was “fast forwarding.” He said The President was keeping it open to something that matches his goals. When asked about the liberals’ concerns, Gibbs quoted Robert Frost and said “we have miles to go before we sleep”. He said true reform means cutting costs, reforming the ways health insurance companies do business and offering affordable and accessible health insurance to those that don’t have it. The President is hoping to have final passage in the fall. On the question about being hurt by the ultra right with “Harry and Louise” style ads, Mr. Gibbs answered that many of the phrases from sixteen years ago and 44 years ago today (anniversary of Medicare) are tried and true. There are people, he said, that are invested in keeping the status quo in health care. Gibbs also said there is far more focus on the process and less focus on the substance. 

Signing an Executive Compensation Bill:
Gibbs said that there may be concerns that the government would set salaries.

Mid-East Peace Talks:
Senator Mitchell is on his way back and that there is hope that all parties will very soon return to the table. 

Other Schedule:
The President will participate in “The Nation Level Exercise” with operational and communication protocols. More info on the DHS website press release date July 24th.

Guantanamo:

Two Uzbek detainees from Guantanamo Bay will be taken by Ireland. The White House is making progress in closing Gitmo. If they will stay in detention is a question for the Pentagon.

Flu Virus:

There has been a question of flu virus on Capitol Hill and pages being treated for it. There is no known virus at the White House campus. A press person joked as to if there was could they be sent away?

Health Insurance:

The President will address insurance reform and consumer protection in the town hall meetings today.
President Obama will talk about pre-existing and out of pocket expenses.
Asked about Rahm Emmanuel on the Hill yesterday, Mr. Gibbs answered ” maybe its more compelling if it comes from Capitol Hill.” Mr. Gibbs said that they are talking about issues and making progress.
The Senate Finance Committee is working on a plan. Mr. Gibbs said that the President is concerned with choice and competition and that the differences will have to be ironed out. He said there are “many more twists to go.” The President is also concerned about pre-existing and exorbitant co-pays or out of pocket deductibles. On Boehner’s comment that the “bill leads to euthanasia”, Gibbs said that the President believes that these are important forums to address false information. Gibbs also said that if you look back to 93 and 94, many of the same messages were used.
Asked about the soda/sugar tax he said it was not on the President’s list to pay for health care.
On the Christina Romer call today, Gibbs referred to the increased cost of health care contributing
to job loss and the ramifications for small business.

Travel Plans during the Congressional Recess:

Yes, but there are no details yet and the President will continue to talk about his priorities.

Cabinet and Senior Staff for Retreat:

Robert Gibbs said that since the Eisenhower administration staff and cabinet members have
gotten together. There is time now without having such time crunch. Some of it, said Gibbs, is “get to
know your stuff”. The President’s schedule is Friday night and part of Saturday. The retreat will happen at
Blair House.

Secretary Clinton Thailand:
Mr. Gibbs said that our policy is to prevent Iran from developing a nuclear weapon.

By Laura Woodhead – Talk Radio News Service

Dialogue between the U.S and China is key to solving the most important questions of the 21st century, including environmental, economic, and nuclear proliferation concerns, said President Barack Obama Monday during an address to the first meeting of the U.S – China Strategic and Economic Dialogue.

“We cannot predict with any certainty what the future will bring, but we can be certain about the issues that will define our times,” the President said. “Our ability to partner with each other is a prerequisite for progress on many of the most pressing global challenges.”

The President said it was essential for both the U.S and China to work aggressively to prevent further economic downturn along with following the mandate of “common sense” in order to transform their energy economies.

“The United States and China are the two largest consumers of energy in the World,” Obama said. “Let’s be frank: neither of us profits from a growing dependence on foreign oil, nor can we spare our people from the ravages of climate change unless we cooperate.”

The President also addressed the importance of U.S – China cooperation in preventing rogue nations from gaining nuclear capabilities, particularly Iran and North Korea.

“The more nations acquire these weapons, the more likely they will be used,” Obama warned.

While much of the speech focused on the positive aspects of the U.S – China relationship, including respect for China’s history and culture, the President did address China’s human rights issues. He stressed that it was important that people should be “free to speak their minds.”

“Support for human rights and human dignity is ingrained in America,” Obama said. “Those rights include the freedom to speak your mind; to worship your God; and to choose your leaders. These are not things that we seek to impose, this is who we are.”

Obama outlined his view of the countries’ future relationship.

“I believe in a future where China is a strong, prosperous and successful member of the community.” Obama said. “This is not fixed, but it is a destination that can be reached if we pursue a sustained dialogue like the one we commence today.”

The President said that he was under no illusion that the United States and China would agree on every issue, but that this was what made discussions between the two countries all the more essential.

“[Disagreement] makes dialogue more important so that we can know each other better and communicate our concerns with candor.”