Odierno: “I Believe It’s A Ten” That Troops Will Be Out Of Iraq In Late 2011
Appearing on CNN’s State of the Union, Gen. Ray Odierno reaffirmed that U.S. troops will be out of Iraq by late 2011, in accordance with the current timeline. When asked by John King about the chance of this, on a scale of one to ten, Odierno said: “As you ask me today, I believe it’s a ten – that we will be gone by 2011.” On the other hand, he also said he would continue to reassess the schedule of reducing combat troops over the next 18 months, but the final decisions would be up to the Iraqis.
Obama Family Attends Easter Services
President Obama and his family celebrated Easter this morning at St. John’s Church, an Episcopal church located across from the White House, in his first public worship service since becoming president. Obama previously attended a service there on Inauguration Day, and church tradition states that every president since James Madison has visited.
Obama Family Picks A Dog
After a thorough vetting process, the Obama family has adopted a dog — a six-month old male Portuguese water dog, that they are naming Bo. The dog is a gift from Ted Kennedy, who owns several dogs in that breed. Pictures of Bo can be seen here.
Rick Warren Bails On This Week Appearance
Rick Warren pulled out at the last minute from appearing on ABC’s This Week, with his spokesperson saying he was sick from exhaustion. Ben Smith Jonathan Martin implies that Warren may have had a different moment: Having to answer questions about his recent contradictory statements on supporting a gay marriage ban — Warren said he never endorsed Proposition 8, when video evidence showed he clearly had.
ASU Names Scholarship After Obama
Arizona State University, which has been mocked in the media for deciding not to grant President Obama an honorary degree, has announced that they are naming a scholarship after him. Said ASU President Michael Crow, in a statement: “It has always been our intention to recognize and honor President Obama’s accomplishments during his visit, but we had not yet determined the best or most appropriate way to do so.”
Mexican Ambassador: 90% of Seized Guns In Drug War Come From U.S.
Appearing on CBS’ Face The Nation, Mexico’s Ambassador to the United States Arturo Sarukhan said that U.S. guns are fueling the drug war. “Ninety percent of all weapons we are seizing in Mexico, Bob [Schieffer], are coming from across the United States,” said Sarukhan. He added: “Just on the Arizona and Texas borders with Mexico alone there are approximately 7,000 FFLs, federal firearms licensees. And weapons bought by the drug syndicates, directly or proxy purchases, are coming from those gun shops.”
Meghan McCain Inks Books Deal On Being A “Progressive Republican”
John McCain’s daughter Meghan has signed a book deal, to explore the issues of how the Republican Party can better reach out to young voters and improve its use of technology. According to the publisher’s statement, the book will examine “what it means to be a progressive Republican in the party today.”
Glenn Beck Announces Comedy Tour
Glenn Beck of Fox News has announced a comedy tour, with six dates in six days starting June 1. Beck describes his act as a “poor man’s Seinfeld” that mixes in topical humor.
