Gates: “We’re Not Leaving Afghanistan”
In an interview with CNN, held jointly with Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, Secretary of Defense Robert Gates bluntly declared that “we’re not leaving Afghanistan.” He explained: “There should be no uncertainly in terms of our determination to remain in Afghanistan and to continue to build a relationship of partnership … with the Pakistanis.”
Obama’s Day Ahead
President Obama will meet with the National Counterterrorism Center leadership at 11:10 a.m. ET, and will deliver remarks to NCTC staff members at 11:40 a.m. ET. Obama and Vice President will meet with the Congressional leadership and the chairs and ranking members of the relevant committees to discuss Afghanistan and Pakistan.
Biden’s Day Ahead
Vice President Biden will host a breakfast meeting with Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and Ambassador Richard Holbrooke, the special representative to Afghanistan and Pakistan. In the afternoon, Biden will join Obama’s meeting with members of Congress to discuss Afghanistan and Pakistan.
Petraeus Treated For Prostate Cancer
Gen. David Petraeus, the top U.S. commander for the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, has undergone treatment for prostate cancer. His spokesman announced that Petraeus was diagnosed with early-stage prostate cancer in February, and underwent two months of radiation treatment at Walter Reed Army Medical Center.
NRCC Head: We’re Doing Even Better Than In Run-Up To 1994
NRCC Chairman Pete Sessions (R-TX) said yesterday that the House GOP campaign effort is even better right now than it was at this point in 1993 — a year before the Republicans won the House. “In terms of candidate recruitment, fundraising and issue development, we are far ahead of where we were at this point in 1993,” said Sessions, “and you remember what happened in ’94.”
Obama Tells Government To “Lead By Example” On Carbon Emissions
President Obama has issued an executive order that federal agencies cut their carbon emissions from buildings and vehicles, and that they submit plans within 90 days on how they will accomplish this. “As the largest consumer of energy in the U.S. economy, the federal government can and should lead by example when it comes to creating innovative ways to reduce greenhouse gas emissions,” Obama said in a statement.
Bill Clinton Officially Endorses Gavin Newsom
Former President Bill Clinton went to California yesterday, formally endorsing San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsom for Governor in 2010. “San Francisco may be the greatest city in the entire country” on issues of environment and energy conservation,” said Bill, “and it may be because of (Newsom’s) leadership.” Newsom is the underdog in the Democratic primary against state Attorney General and former Gov. Jerry Brown — who famously had a less-than-friendly campaign against Bill in the 1992 Democratic presidential primaries.
