Target In Libya Is Clear; Intent Is Not
The New York Times reports: “President Obama’s decision to authorize military strikes against Libya exposed him to another set of political crosscurrents from right and left and further complicated his plan to keep his agenda focused on the domestic economy. As the air assault continued for a second day in Libya, Mr. Obama sought to project an air of normalcy and play down the role of the United States. He continued his visit to South America without altering his schedule, and barely mentioned, in a televised speech from Brazil, that allied forces were engaged in another military intervention in a Muslim world.”
Obama’s Day Ahead
The First Family departed from Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, at 8:15 a.m. ET, will arrive at 12:20 p.m. ET in Santiago, Chile, and the President and First Lady will participate in an arrival ceremony at 12:50 p.m. ET. President Obama and Chilean President Sebastian Piñera will take an official photo at 1 p.m. ET, hold a bilateral meeting at 1:05 P.M. ET, and hold an expanded bilateral meeting at 1:25 p.m. ET. Obama and Piñera will hold a joint press conference at 2:05 p.m. ET. Obama will deliver a speech at 3:20 p.m. ET, at Centro Cultural Palacio La Moneda. The President and First Lady will attend a U.S. Embassy meet and greet at 4:30 p.m. ET, at the Sheraton Cristobal Hotel in Santiago. The President and First Lady will arrive at La Moneda Palace at 7:15 p.m. ET, and attend an official dinner hosted by PResident Piñera at 7:25 p.m. ET.
Biden’s Day Ahead
Vice President Biden and Secretary of Education Arne Duncan will visit Howard High School of Technology in Wilmington, Delaware, to celebrate the first year anniversary of the first “Race to the Top” education reform funding awards, and they will speak at 12:45 p.m. ET. Biden will travel afterwards to Boston, Massachusetts, and will attend an event for the Democratic National Committee at 4 p.m. ET. He will return to Washington, D.C., in the evening.
Obama, On Latin America Trip, Grapples With Libya
Reuters reports: “President Barack Obama headed to Chile on Monday to lay out his vision for deeper ties with Latin America on a trip overshadowed by U.S. military air strikes to contain Libyan leader Muammar Qaddafi. Obama is expected to hail Chile’s transition from military rule to stable democracy as a model for Libya and other countries in the Arab world, which is being swept by popular rebellions against autocratic rule.”
GOP 2012 Hopefuls On Libya: Scathing Or Silent
Politico reports: “After demanding for weeks that he be more decisive on Libya, not one candidate in the field of 2012 GOP hopefuls has expressed support for President Barack Obama since he began bombing the North African nation. The GOP’s presidential prospects either sharply criticized the commander-in-chief this weekend or avoided weighing in.”
Sarah Palin Visits Israel, Will See Netanyahu
Reuters reports: “Leading Republican Sarah Palin toured Jerusalem’s Western Wall on Sunday as she began a two-day, private visit to Israel. She also planned on meeting with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu during her first trip to the Jewish state to discuss key issues facing the U.S. ally.”
Year 2 Of Obama’s Health Reform Promises More Political Fights
The Hill reports: “Bruising battles loom on Capitol Hill over the next 12 months as the nation enters Year 2 of healthcare reform…Chief among the decisions taking shape over the next year is how much flexibility states will have to structure health insurance exchanges where individual and small-group plans will be offered, and how generous those plans will have to be.”
