President Obama Calls Russia With Condolences

According to a White House press release, President Obama called President Medvedev this morning to express his deepest condolences for yesterday’s terrorist attack and his solidarity with the Russian people. 

President Obama reaffirmed his strong condemnation of this outrageous attack on innocent civilians and his commitment to work with Russia in combating terrorism.  President Obama also congratulated President Medevedev on today’s approval by the Duma of the new START treaty, and the two leaders pledged to build on this progress as they continue their close partnership in 2011.



Obama Attributes Democrats' "Shellacking" To Failed Messaging

President Barack Obama believes Democrats would have fared better at the polls on Tuesday if he had been able to better communicate his agenda to the public.

In an interview with 60 Minutes’ Steve Kroft that will air Sunday evening, Obama said rather than rejecting his policies, voters simply did not fully grasp them.

“Over the course of two years we were so busy and so focused on getting a bunch of stuff done that, we stopped paying attention to the fact that leadership isn’t just legislation…it’s a matter of persuading people.”

“I think that we haven’t always been successful at…making an argument that people can understand,” the President added.

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Gingrich To Obama: Take Some Time Off

Following resounding GOP victories in Tuesday’s elections, former House Speaker Newt Gingrich (R) suggested that time away from the White House might do President Barack Obama some good.

The potential 2012 Republican Presidential candidate told Fox News’ Bill Hemmer on Thursday that the best thing Obama can do for himself would be to get out of Washington and reflect deeply upon his next two years in office.

“[The President] should take a vacation,” Gingrich said, adding that former President Ronald Reagan retreated to his ranch in Santa Barbara, California after presiding over significant Republican losses in the 1982 midterm election. The nation’s economy improved over the next two years under a split Congress, helping Reagan win reelection in 1984.

Coincidentally, Obama will embark tomorrow on a ten-day trip to discuss trade policy in India and Asia.

President Obama Visits Rhode Island

According to the White House, President Obama is meeting with Secretary of State, Hillary Clinton and senior advisors this morning. 

Later today, he will then travel to Warwick, Rhode Island, to tour the facilities of American Cord & Webbing in Woonsocket.  The president will also deliver remarks to workers. 

Tonight, he will speak at a Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee reception at the Rhode Island Convention Center in Providence,  as well as at a dinner for the DCCC at a private residence in Rhode Island. 

Obama On Desmond Tutu's Retirement

President Barack Obama released the following statement on the retirment of Archbishop and human rights activist Desmond Tutu:

“It is with deep appreciation that I note Archbishop Desmond Tutu’s retirement from public life today on the occasion of his 79^th birthday. 

This event invites us to celebrate his many accomplishments from which we have all benefited.  For decades he has been a moral titan—a voice of principle, an unrelenting champion of justice, and a dedicated peacemaker. He played a pivotal role in his country’s struggle against apartheid and extraordinary example of pursuing a path to forgiveness and reconciliation in the new South Africa.

He has also been an outspoken voice for freedom and justice in countries across the globe; a staunch defender of the rights of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender persons; and an advocate for treatment and prevention programs to stop the spread of HIV/AIDS.  

We will miss his insight and his activism, but will continue to learn from his example.  We wish the Archbishop and his family happiness in the years ahead.