Feb 19 Democrats divided on trade negotiations as 2014 elections approach By Tom Raum, Associated Press The Obama administration wants to fast-track trade negotiations that would create the largest free-trade zone in the world. But some Democrat leaders in Congress are working against him, as the politics of approaching midterm elections intrudes on Obama's plans to… Continue reading
Feb 18 Issa calls on GOP to reframe debate against Obama's 'imperial presidency' By Steve Peoples, Associated Press House Oversight and Government Reform Committee chair Darrell Issa, R-Calif., said in rare remarks that he believed President Barack Obama is "dangerous" to American democracy. He called on Republicans to reframe their arguments against Obama's championed government programs, and even… Continue reading
Feb 17 Watch 10:22 Recent confirmation hearings raise eyebrows at ambassador nomination criteria By PBS News Hour Gaffes made by a fresh crop of ambassadorial nominees — several of them Obama campaign donors — have stirred up consternation about political appointments to diplomatic positions. Gwen Ifill gets analysis from former Foreign Service officer Nicholas Burns and Walter… Continue watching
Feb 16 Obama issues stern statement to Uganda about anti-gay bill By Kayla Ruble President Barack Obama has strongly rebuked Ugandan plans to enact anti-gay legislation that would set harsh prison sentences for some homosexual acts. Continue reading
Feb 14 Amid delays in U.S.-Afghan security pact, will there be hope with Karzai's successor? By Julie Pace, Associated Press The Obama administration has quietly stopped demanding that Afghan President Hamid Karzai finalize a stalled security pact within weeks, opening up the possibility that a decision on keeping U.S. and international forces in Afghanistan after this year might not be… Continue reading
Feb 12 Obama to sign minimum wage increase for federal contractors Wednesday By Associated Press President Barack Obama is raising the minimum wage for federal contractors from $7.25 to $10.10. Obama will sign the executive order Wednesday in the East Room of the White House. He first announced the measure during his State of the… Continue reading
Feb 11 Obama cites 'frustration' with Syrian peace talks, vows action against violators of Iran sanctions By Julie Pace, Associated Press .embed-container { position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.25%; padding-top: 30px; height: 0; overflow: hidden; max-width: 100%; height: auto; } .embed-container iframe, .embed-container object, .embed-container embed { position: absolute; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; } President Barack Obama weighed into… Continue reading
Feb 11 Obama makes grand welcome to Hollande as the leaders seek to revamp relationship By Julie Pace, Associated Press Overshadowed by the intrigue of a European love triangle and a glamorous White House gala, Tuesday's policy talks between President Barack Obama and French President Francois Hollande will showcase a revamped relationship that is now a cornerstone of diplomatic efforts… Continue reading
Feb 08 Vulnerable Democrats focus on health care law successes By Associated Press WASHINGTON — Hit with a multimillion-dollar barrage of televised attacks, Democrats in tough re-election races want credit for trying to fix the problematic parts of the health care law at the same time they claim bragging rights for its popular… Continue reading
Feb 07 Watch News Wrap: Signing the farm bill, Obama praises bipartisan compromise By PBS News Hour In our news wrap Friday, President Obama signed into law a new five-year farm bill, costing $956 billion, that keeps most subsidies in tact but cuts food assistance by $800 million. Also, Montana’s Lt. Gov. John Walsh was named to… Continue watching