Obama And Netanyahu To Hold Fence-Mending Talks
President Obama is having a much-awaited meeting today with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. The Associated Press reports: “Expectations for a major breakthrough are low, and Netanyahu made no comments to reporters on his flight from Tel Aviv. But the meeting, postponed a month ago after a deadly Israeli raid on a Gaza aid flotilla, could be a test of whether Obama can overcome recent tensions with Netanyahu and work together to restart long-suspended direct peace talks between Israel and the Palestinians. Obama is not likely to risk another diplomatic clash with Netanyahu with pivotal U.S. congressional elections looming in November and pro-Israel sentiment strong among American lawmakers and voters.”
Obama’s Day Ahead
President Obama will receive the presidential daily briefing at 9:30 a.m. ET, and the economic daily briefing at 10 a.m. ET. He will meet at 11 a.m. ET with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, and the two will hold a joint press availability at 12 p.m. ET, and a working lunch at 12:35 p.m. ET. He will meet at 4:30 p.m. ET with Secretary of Defense Robert Gates.
Biden’s Day Ahead
Vice President Biden will attend President Obama’s working lunch with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at 12:35 p.m. ET. In the afternoon, he will attend President Obama’s meeting at 4:30 p.m. ET with Secretary of Defense Robert Gates.
Biden: No ‘Grand Debacle’ For Dems
In an interview with Politico, Vice President Joe Biden argued against predictions of big losses for Democrats this November. “I think we’re going to do a great deal better than anyone gives us credit for,” said Biden. “I do not see this grand debacle. Because by the time people walk into the booth, they’re going to have to choose between two people.”
Democratic Campaign Committees Losing Big Wall Street Donors
The Washington Post reports: “A revolt among big donors on Wall Street is hurting fundraising for the Democrats’ two congressional campaign committees, with contributions from the world’s financial capital down 65 percent from two years ago. The drop in support comes from many of the same bankers, hedge fund executives and financial services chief executives who are most upset about the financial regulatory reform bill that House Democrats passed last week with almost no Republican support. The Senate expects to take up the measure this month.”
House GOP Surveys Itself on New Agenda
Roll Call reports: “Chief Deputy Minority Whip Kevin McCarthy (Calif.) last week asked Republican Members to fill out a three-page ‘private survey’ reporting what constituents have told them are the most important issues facing the country. The poll is part of the America Speaking Out project, a multipronged effort launched by House Republican leaders in May to gather ideas for their new agenda from citizens around the country. Republicans expect to release the final policy document in September.”
Education Cuts Show Party Debate Over Obama School Reform
The Hill reports: “The war and education spending bill passed by the House is exposing the raging debate within the Democratic Party over the Obama administration’s school reforms. The House Democrats’ package that passed Thursday cuts President Barack Obama’s signature education program, Race to the Top, and other administration reform efforts by $800 million, using the savings to help offset the cost of more Pell Grants and a new $10 billion fund to save teacher jobs. Obama has threatened to veto a bill that includes those cuts.”
