September 16, 2013
Lauren Staehle
News Writer
POTUS
It’s safe to say that President Obama has been pulled in countless directions lately. Opinions about Syria continue to stream in, some people agreeing wholeheartedly with the president, some opposing him, and some just sitting on the fence, waiting to see what happens. And not a whole lot has happened. As Obama stated in his address to the nation, he too is waiting, hoping that a diplomatic approach will be enough.
Despite the lull in action, the president had a busy week. On Wednesday, the country commemorated the attacks of September 11, 2001. To begin the week, the president enjoyed a Saturday round of golf with Mike Brush, Marvin Nicholson and Joe Paulsen at Andrews. Then on Sunday, he met with Vice President Biden at the Naval Observatory where there was a gathering for Republican Senators.
On Monday morning, President Obama met with Susan Rice and members of the Congressional Black Caucus, before heading out for interviews with PBS, CNN and FOX. The media-filled day was an opportunity for the president to connect with the people, share his views, and answer the questions that so many were asking.
Tuesday was another opportunity for the president to meet with Republicans who, for the most part, wholly oppose Obama’s views on Syria. After a mid-day meeting with the Senate, Obama attended the GOP conference at the Capitol. Tuesday night’s presidential address marked what could have been the president’s last chance to directly speak to the people before a decision is made on what actions the United States will take in Syria. He did not hold back in revealing his opinions, presenting an emotional, persuasive speech. However, it can be assumed that no matter what the president had said, there would be naysayers eager to criticize his speech, and there certainly were those who refuted many of the claims he made in his address.
Wednesday brought relief from talks of the Middle-East, but in the form of a solemn day of remembrance for those lost in the 9/11 attacks. The president, the First Lady, Vice President Biden and Jill Biden observed a moment of silence on the front lawn of the White House at 8:45am, the moment the first plane struck the twin towers 12 years ago. An honor guard representing each service branch as well as 200 White House staff members joined them on the lawn.
Afterwards, the president made his way over to the Pentagon for a wreath-laying ceremony. General Martin Dempsey, Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel and President Obama all spoke. Obama spoke especially to the families who lost loved ones in the attack at the Pentagon, stating: “In your resilience you taught us all there’s no trouble we can’t endure and no calamity that we can’t overcome.”
On Wednesday afternoon, the president went to Food and Friends in Northeast D.C. to help pack meals for those in need. The president emphasized how important service is, especially on that day of remembrance. “Every 9/11, obviously we remember those we lost, but we also remember the incredible outpouring of neighbors helping neighbors,” he said. “I want to make sure we encourage everyone out there to volunteer in their own communities.”
First Lady Michelle Obama also took part in commemorative events, visiting Ft. Belvoir to speak with children at the USO Warrior and Family Center. “We’re so proud of you guys,” she said to the children. “Do you realize that you guys are heroes?” The First Lady also said she wanted to highlight what a “great job the USO is doing.”
The First Lady was accompanied on her visit by actor Gary Sinese, best known for his role at Lieutenant Dan in Forest Gump. The two worked on arts and crafts projects with the kids and handed out cookies that had a picture of the new White House dog, Sunny, on them. She visited about 20 minutes, then went over to tour the Intrepid Spirit One and to meet with wounded soldiers and family caregivers.
Thursday was back to business as President Obama participated in a cabinet meeting, speaking about the United States-Russia talks in Geneva. “John Kerry is overseas and meeting on the topic that we spent a lot of time on over the last several weeks: the situation in Syria and how we can make sure that chemical weapons are not used against innocent people,” he said. “I am hopeful that the discussions that Secretary Kerry has with Foreign Minister Lavrov as well as some of the other players in this can yield a concrete result. I know that he is going to be working very hard over the next several days over the possibilities there.”
On Thursday night, the president attended Vice President Biden’s party celebrating the 19th anniversary of the Violence Against Women Act. Biden gave a heart-warming speech, saying that VAWA was the most important act he has ever witnessed in his political career. “It’s been absolutely fascinating to see the ripple effect of this little old act we passed 19 years ago,” he said. He also defended his off-script statement of support for gay marriage, saying: “I make no apologies on the issue of marriage.”
President Obama ended the week with a meeting with His Highness Shaykh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al Sabah, Amir of Kuwait. The two spoke of Syria, Israeli-Palestinian peace talks, Kuwait’s involvement with Iraq and economic issues in the areas of Yemen and the Gulf.
That wrapped up the events for the week, but no doubt, President Obama will continue to feel the heat next week.
