Michelle Obama Gives Rousing Speech at George Washington University

From the White House blog:

In the fall, First Lady Michelle Obama issued a challenge to George Washington University students, faculty, staff and trustees to perform 100,000 hours of community service, promising she’d speak at their graduation if they rose to it. They did and, as a woman of her word, Mrs. Obama delivered the commencement address to the Class of 2010 on the National Mall in Washington, D.C.

From digging neighbors out after “Snowmageddon” to restoring a local high school to running a clinic for those in need of medical aid to a host of global service projects, Obama was impressed by what the George Washington University community did, but more, so how they did it. She asked that the graduates take on one more challenge:
more »

First Lady Michelle Obama Launches “Chefs Move to Schools” Program

Fresh off a launch of her  Let’s Move! campaign to end the childhood obesity epidemic within a generation, the First Lady has turned her focus to a group, she says, could have a tremendous impact on the health and well being of children: Chefs.

As part of her effort to turn policies into practical solutions, Michelle Obama is calling on chefs to get involved by adopting a school and working with teachers, parents, school nutritionists and administrators to help educate kids about food and nutrition.  By creating healthy dishes that taste good, she believes chefs have a unique ability to deliver these messages in a fun and appealing way to the larger audience, particularly children.
more »

President Obama Nominates Elana Kagan to Supreme Court

President Barack Obama nominated the Elena J. Kagan, who is presently Solicitor General of the United States, as an Associate Justice for the Supreme Court to replace long-serving Associate Justice John Paul Stevens.

Liberal activists are excited about the nomination, while conservatives are already raising questions about her record.

Republican National Committee (RNC) Chairman Michael Steele released the following statement today:

“Over the past year, the American people have been witness to President Obama’s massive expansion of the federal government into our daily lives. To assure the American people, President Obama’s Supreme Court nominee, Elena Kagan, will need to demonstrate that she is committed to upholding the vision of our Founding Fathers, who wrote a Constitution meant to limit the power of government, not expand it. The President has stated repeatedly that he wants a justice who will understand the effects of decisions on the lives of everyday Americans. But what Americans want is a justice who will stay true to the Constitution and defend the rights of all Americans, adhering to the rule of law instead of legislating from the bench. Given Kagan’s opposition to allowing military recruiters access to her law school’s campus, her endorsement of the liberal agenda and her support for statements suggesting that the Constitution “as originally drafted and conceived, was ‘defective,’” you can expect Senate Republicans to respectfully raise serious and tough questions to ensure the American people can thoroughly and thoughtfully examine Kagan’s qualifications and legal philosophy before she is confirmed to a lifetime appointment.”

White House Officials Set to Participate in 11 HBCU Graduation Ceremonies

This month, President Obama, the First Lady, and officials from throughout the Administration will deliver commencement addresses to Historically Black Colleges and Universities across the nation.  This weekend Mrs. Obama will send off the students of University of Arkansas – Pine Bluff Saturday, May 8^th and President Obama will greet the graduates of Hampton University Sunday, May 9^th.  In total, eleven HBCUs will receive commencement addresses from Obama Administration officials this year.

Other officials participating in graduation ceremonies include Secretary Robert Gates, Department of Defense (Morehouse College), Secretary Arne Duncan, Department of Education (Xavier University), Administrator Charles Bolden, NASA (Huston-Tillotson University), Valerie Jarrett, Senior Advisor to the President (Morgan State University), Melody Barnes, Director, White House Domestic Policy Council (Virginia Union University), and Ambassador Susan Rice, United Nations (Spellman College).  In addition, John Wilson, Executive Director of the White House Initiative on Historically Black Colleges and Universities, is scheduled to speak to Wilberforce University, Wiley College, and Harris-Stowe State University.

Stars Come Out for White House Correspondents Dinner in D.C.

It was Hollywood meets politics as glitz and glamor filled the Washington Hilton last night for the White House Correspondents Association dinner. Celebrities mixed with politicos at the annual gala which drew everyone from singer and actor Common to Alec Baldwin to Republican National Committee Chair Michael Steele. A gaggle of black chauffeured limos and stretch SUV’s pulled up to the red carpet entrance one after the other with some celebs like Terrence Howard and Chris Tucker taking the time to work the crowd of locals gathered outside the hotel’s entrance. Numerous receptions held by various media companies preceded the event and after-parties were all the rage once the dinner ended. Jay Leno was the headliner, but it was clear that President Obama stole the show with his comedic routine where no holds were barred.

Actors Chris Tucker and Marlon Wayans pose with teen singing sensation Justin Bieber, while Disney Channel stars Demi Lovato and Joe Jonas were spotted together.

White House Chief of Staff Rahm Emanuel talks with Chris Tucker, while Common talks with Kim Kardashian.

Gayle King mingles, while actress Gabouray Sidibe poses with CNN’s Suzanne Malveaux.

Attorney General Eric Holder poses with his wife, while White House Senior Advisor Valerie Jarrett also attended the dinner.

Republican National Committee Chair Michael Steele was in the house. Former White House Social Secretary Desiree Rogers returned to D.C. to attend the gala.

Here are some excerpts for the president’s speech:

It’s been quite a year since I’ve spoken here last — lots of ups, lots of downs — except for my approval ratings, which have just gone down. (Laughter.) But that’s politics. It doesn’t bother me. Beside I happen to know that my approval ratings are still very high in the country of my birth. (Laughter and applause.)

And then just the other day, my dear friend, Hillary Clinton, pulled me aside and she gave me a pep talk. She said, despite the numbers, she said, “Don’t worry, Barack, you’re likable enough.” (Laughter.) Which made me feel better
more »