Jack & Jill Politics

MY PRESIDENT IS SMART

We finally have a smart person back at the White House.

rikyrah: Wha' Ha' Happened - - On MONDAY!:

Obama Has Busy Final Day Before Taking Office as Bush Says Farewells

WASHINGTON — President-elect Barack Obama dashed across the city on his final day before taking office as he paid tribute to the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and called on Americans of all ages to perform acts of service to help the government rebuild the fabric and the spirit of communities across the nation.

“Given the crisis that we’re in and the hardships that so many people are going through, we can’t allow any idle hands,” Mr. Obama said. “Everybody’s got to be involved. Everybody’s going to have to pitch in. I think the American people are ready for that.”

tens of thousands of citizens arrived here from all corners of the country, traveling to the capital to see the inauguration of the 44th president just before noon on Tuesday, Mr. Obama opened his day by visiting wounded troops at Walter Reed Army Medical Center and concluded it by honoring his former Republican rival, Senator John McCain.

“We will not always agree on everything in the months to come, and we will have our share of arguments and debates,” Mr. Obama said, speaking to a bipartisan audience at one of three banquets he attended on Monday evening. “But let us strive always to find that common ground and to defend together those common ideals, for it is the only way we can meet the very big and very serious challenges that we face right now.”

While contributors flocked to black-tie dinners, other revelers filled the Mall, eager to catch a glimpse of the spot where Mr. Obama will be sworn in. Though Washington became virtually mired in gridlock, there seemed to be more waving flags than blowing horns as people navigated the city’s crowded corridors.

Mr. Obama delivered a few test runs of his Inaugural Address, which advisers said would be about 20 minutes long. The final draft of the speech was largely written by Mr. Obama himself, after he studied several previous addresses that were given at times of great challenge to the nation.

“I’m not going to make a long speech,” Mr. Obama said as he entered Calvin Coolidge High School on Monday afternoon to take part in a community service project. “I’ve got to save my best lines for tomorrow.”

<His appearance a few hours earlier at the Sasha Bruce House, a shelter for homeless teenagers here, allowed Mr. Obama to make good on a promise to become more involved with his new home city, even as he showed his stripes as an ordinary guy in the process. With a paint roller in one hand, he joked, “This is good practice, because I’m moving to a new house tomorrow."

Deborah Shore, who founded the shelter 34 years ago, said later in a telephone interview, “He painted very well, I might say.” She added: “They have said that they’re going to have a different relationship with the city than has often been, a deeper, closer relationship. I think this is proof of that.”

In his final day in the White House, President Bush was out of the spotlight on Monday. He spent his morning on the telephone calling the leaders of Brazil, Britain, Denmark, France, Germany, Israel, Italy, Japan, Russia and South Korea. Mr. Bush also spoke with Vicente Fox, the former president of Mexico.

A White House spokesman, Gordon Johndroe, said the president had thanked the leaders for their cooperation and hospitality over the years.

In one sign that power in Washington is about to change hands, the White House issued a quick correction on its statement late Monday afternoon about the selection of Alan Lowe, a former National Archives official, as director of Mr. Bush’s as-yet-to-be-built presidential library and museum.

The statement originally went out by e-mail, under the customary headline: “Statement by the President.” Two minutes later, the White House sent it out again, under the headline “Statement by the Bushes” — a reflection that the library is not a public endeavor, but a private one.

He is TRULY a "MAJOR WORK HORSE!!" God continue to give hime strength.

Oh! Painting - - - He probably did this when he was a COMMUNITY ORGANIZER!! :>) He is USE TO HARD WORK!! :>)

rikyrah: Oh "they" jammed at the "KIDs' CONCERT!" :>)

Obama daughters jam with Jonas Bros.

Sure, their dad is getting sworn in as president of the United States Tuesday.

But this was the Jonas Brothers.

First daughters Malia and Sasha got up on stage to dance with the teen rockers Monday night at the first-ever Inaugural Kids Concert, with mom Michelle, Jill Biden and her grandkids in attendance.

Of course, the concert had a serious side, to honor the parents of 4,000 children of military service members in the crowd.

But for Malia, 10, and Sasha, 7, it had to rate as a highlight of the weekend. Earlier, Malia snapped away with her camera as one of her favorites, Miley Cyrus, performed.

For all the star power on stage, even they played second fiddle to the members of the incoming First and Second Families in attendance.

When Corbin Bleu of “High School Musical” fame went into the audience, Sasha and Malia played it cool – shaking his hands but trying to not look too excited. It was mom Michelle who played like the fawning fan, shaking his hand like a star-struck teen.

And the whole family clapped as actor Jamie Foxx went old school, beat boxing to the name of the next president and telling the Obama girls, "You guys oughta be awfully proud of your dad, and so am I."

Other than that, the concert looked pretty much like what you’d expect when you mix a room full of ‘tweeners with the likes of ubiquitous Disney Channel acts like the Jonas Brothers and Cyrus, along with Bow Wow.

Like a bunch of ‘tweeners screaming their heads off.

In between the music, Obama and Jill Biden spoke directly to military families. "Barack, Malia, Sasha and I are so grateful for the service and sacrifice," she said. "Our family does join you all in praying for your loved ones." Obama also urged the youngsters to find ways to serve their country by volunteering.

"We need every American to serve their community, including young people."

Biden, joined on stage by her grandchildren, said that "military families are true American heroes. Thank you all for what you do for our country every day."

George Lopez, clad in an Obama shirt, talked about another kind of future—the first Mexican-American president. Bow Wow talked about the White House dog. Usher and Queen Latifah were also on hand for the concert broadcast – where else? — on the Disney Channel.

ENJOY LIFE!!! :>)

washingtonpost.com Nation Defined by Her Times and Defining Them,
Michelle Obama Is a First Among First Ladies

By Lonnae O'Neal Parker
Washington Post Staff Writer
Tuesday, January 20, 2009; Page AA26

The space underneath the photo of Michelle Robinson Obama in the "First Ladies" exhibit at the National Museum of American History is blank. The only thing that fills it is imagination.

The picture of Obama, wearing a short-sleeved turtleneck and tasteful stud earrings, sits across from Martha Washington's silk taffeta gown and down from the parasol of Sarah Polk.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/ar...

I love watching the various African American reporters now getting their due on panels across the networks. earlier tonight a female white house reporter of 12 years was interviewed. Did you know there was an african american female white house reporter for the last twelve years??? I was out of the room and did not hear her name but home to scope her out.

Then tonight a minister was on with Ed Gordon - with his pretty eyes- was on Chris Matthew's show. Jeff Johnson [with his brushed baby hair & dreds] from BET & Dave Winfield.

I feel seeing these brown faces join in these type of conversations will mean something to African American youth. Reinforces the concept that preparation and education will pave the way.

anyone reading the Twitter comments.

Jack says he found someone selling Obama bean pies. I think that's hilarious.

Oh my gosh, this is Bush N Dick last day in office! The nightmare is partially over....Thanks be to God!

rikyrah: READ IT! LOL! :>) :>)

Bean Pie on Plate ????? :>)

I know it might not happen, but I am so hoping that at least one of these balls will have a Soul Train line. Just one.

Congratulations! I can't even describe how excited I would be.

CraigHickmam: U jes' DANCE THE NIGHT AWAY! :>)

Yippeeee! I'm so excited for you, Craig.

You know we wanna see pics, especially if you're going to the ball and weaing a bee hive.

If you see Joe Biden, ask him if he knows how to do the Electirci Slide. LOL!!!

Have fun and wait to see photos.

Craig,

you're beginning to scare me. It's like you've been plucked with fairy dust, and someone's your fairy godmother, just guiding you on this journey.

Of course...Blogging and pics please.

Jealous jealous jealous!

Hey everyone I've been AWOL since right before Nov 4, this has all been overwhelming but I'm so glad to see you all here since I won't be down there in DC. Craig have a FANTASTIC time with the DE and PA crowds!

rikyrah: ***bowing then standing***

GOOD MORNING, MR. PRESIDENT!!! MEGA APPLAUSE!!

It's Your Time



Oh happy day

GOD BLESS - - Mr. President Barack Hussein Obama!

ADDING THIS: The day arrives: Obama starts out at a church service at St. John’s Episcopal near the White House, then has coffee with Bush, Cheney and House and Senate leaders before his swearing-in. After the inaugural, Obama will make his Cabinet picks official, signing the Cabinet secretary nomination certificates in a ceremony in the Capitol.

Don't forget to say Good Morning to First Lady!!! And.....First Girls?? : )

The day has COME!!!!!!!!!

Melinda: ABSOLUTELY!! :>) :>)

Annnnnnd, I'm taking CURTSEY LESSONS! :>) :>)

GOOD MORNING - FIRST LADY MICHELLE OBAMA :>)

GOOD MORNING -Lovely Young FIRST CHILDREN! [???] I 'on't know!! :>) :>)

Good Morning First Lady, Malia & Sasha!!!!!


LET THE DREAM COMMENCE!!!!

OH HAPPY DAY!!!!!!!

Greenlady, OH HAPPY DAY!

GOOD MORNING, MR. PRESIDENT. I know that's right.

spirit: YES!!! :>) :>) ***tears*** ***smiles***

GOOD MORNING MR. PRESIDENT

Tears, chills....... JOY.

Michelle Obama's inaugural dress may set tone for her White House style
Kevork Djansezian/ Associated Press

Michelle Obama’s store-bought outfits resonate with the public.
Will it be real-world style or designer chic? Stay tuned.
By BOOTH MOORE, Fashion Critic
January 18, 2009

Michelle Obama may be a trained lawyer with an Ivy League education, but on Tuesday night she will be America's Top Model. What she wears to the inaugural balls will set the style agenda for the administration and hold a mirror up to what it means to be a woman in America right now, which still includes being judged by your appearance.

In 1977, Rosalynn Carter recycled the blue gown she'd worn for her husband's gubernatorial inaugural, in keeping with the president's decision to host the People's Inaugural, complete with $25 ball tickets. Four years later, Nancy Reagan's $10,000 bugle-beaded James Galanos gown signaled a return to glamour in the White House that was curiously timed, considering the country was about to enter a recession.


http://www.latimes.com/news/custom/topofthetime...