Obama To Muslim World: “Cycle Of Suspicion And Discord Must End”
In his big speech earlier today in Cairo, Egypt, President Obama reached out to Muslims the world over in an appeal for peace, religious tolerance and understanding, and an overall new beginning for international relations. “So long as our relationship is defined by our differences,” Obama said, “we will empower those who sow hatred rather than peace, and who promote conflict rather than the cooperation that can help all of our people achieve justice and prosperity. This cycle of suspicion and discord must end.”
Obama’s Day In Egypt
President Obama arrived in Cairo, Egypt, at 2:10 a.m. ET (9:10 a.m. local time), and participated in a welcome ceremony at the Quba palace at 2:40 a.m. ET. At 3 a.m. ET, he held a bilateral meeting with Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak, and at 4:50 a.m. ET he and Sec. of State Clinton toured the Sultan Hassan Mosque. At 6:10 a.m. ET, he gave his big speech. At 8:45 a.m. ET, he toured the Pyramids and the Sphinx. At 11 a.m. ET, he will depart from Cairo International Airport, en route to Dresden, Germany.
Biden’s Day Ahead
Vice President Biden is spending the day in Washington, DC. This afternoon, he will host conference calls with governors and mayors from across the country, to discuss stimulus implementation. At 3 p.m. ET, he will meet with the Secretary General of the United Nations Ban Ki Moon, in the Roosevelt Room. In the evening, he and his wife Jill will host a reception for House and Senate committee chairs and ranking members, at the Naval Observatory.
Report: GOP Leadership Urges Continued Attacks Against Sotomayor
The Hill reports that despite the Senate GOP officially distancing themselves from attacks on Sonia Sotomayor, the Republican leadership is in fact urging conservative activists to continue attacking her. Lanier Swann, an aide to Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY), spoke to a meeting hosted by Grover Norquist yesterday. “The point was we should keep it up,” said an anonymous attendee. “She told us at this meeting to put our foot on the pedal.”
Cornyn: We Are Going To Treat Sotomayor With Respect
The New York Times reports that Sen. John Cornyn (R-TX), who is balancing the roles of a Republican on the Judiciary Committee and also heading up the 2010 Senate GOP campaign, is working to distance himself from right-wing attacks calling Sonia Sotomayor a racist. “We are going to treat this nominee with the respect that she is entitled to,” said Cornyn. He also added: “I just think that was the wrong way to start the discussion.”
Report: Rep. Maloney To Challenge Sen. Gillibrand In Dem Primary
In a brief hallway interview with CQ, Rep. Carolyn Maloney (D-NY) denied reports that she is preparing to announce today a Democratic primary challenge against Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand: “Where did you get that from? It’s not true.” Nevertheless, CQ reports that multiple other members of the New York Congressional delegation say that Maloney told them she will run, whether the announcement is today or at some time in the future.
Mitch Daniels Not Running For President
Gov. Mitch Daniels (R-IN) said yesterday that his current office will be his first and last — appearing to announce that he will not run for president in 2012. “I’ve only ever run for or held one office,” Daniels said. “It’s the last one I’m going to hold.”
WaPo: Liberal Groups Ascendant In Washington — And Working Harder
The Washington Post reports that liberal groups are finding themselves with whole new levels of power in Washington, now that the Democrats are in control — and discovering just how much more work there is to do. “We’re in an era now where we have a president who has committed to a transformative agenda of progressive change, but it’s absolutely clear that change will be impossible without enormous involvement from the grass roots,” said Justin Ruben, executive director of MoveOn.org. “That’s what our role is. It’s not enough to change who’s in power.”
