Today: Obama’s And Cheney’s Big Speeches On National Security
The big headline event will be a dueling pair of speeches from President Obama and former Vice President Dick Cheney, each laying out their visions for national security. Obama will be discussing at 10:10 a.m. ET the steps his Administration is taking on such issues as Guantanamo Bay and fighting terrorism, while Cheney will be speaking at 10:45 a.m. ET from the American Enterprise Institute, laying out a thorough defense of the Bush Administration’s policies and condemning Obama’s approach.
Obama’s Day Ahead
President Obama will deliver his speech on national security at 10:10 a.m. ET, from the National Archives Museum Rotunda. At 1:30 p.m. ET, he will welcome the Pittsburgh Steelers to the White House, at the South Portico. At 4:15 p.m. ET, he will meet with President Jakaya Kikwete of Tanzania.
Biden’s Day Ahead
Vice President Biden is traveling today to Pristina, Kosovo. He met earlier with President Fatmir Sejdiu, Prime Minister Hashim Thaci, Foreign Minister Skender Hyseni, Minister of the Kosovo Security Force Fehmi Mujota, and Assembly President Jakup Krasniqi. At 7 a.m. ET, he addressed the Assembly of Kosovo. Later, he will travel to Camp Bondsteel to meet and speak with U.S. troops serving in the NATO mission in Kosovo, at 12 p.m. ET.
Poll: Americans Continue To Have Unfavorable View Of Cheney
A new CNN poll finds that former Vice President Dick Cheney’s favorable and unfavorable ratings continue to be awful — though there has been some improvement. The survey finds that only 37% of Americans give him a favorable rating, with 55% unfavorable, compared to a a 29%-58% rating this past January.
Senate To Vote Today For War Funding
The Senate is expected to vote today in favor of President Obama’s request for war funding for Iraq and Afghanistan. The $91.3 billion package is mostly a victory for Obama — though the Senate has conspicuously stripped out $80 million for closing the prison at Guantanamo Bay. The Senate vote won’t be the end of the process, with a final House-Senate compromise package expected to pass in June.
Pro-Obama Business Group To Launch Today
A new group of business executives supporting President Obama’s economic policies, called Business Forward, will officially announce its formation today. Founding members include executives from AT&T, Facebook, Hilton, IBM, Microsoft, Pfizer and Time Warner. “When it comes to health care, education, and other critical issues, business leaders are among America’s strongest advocates for reform,” said executive director Jim Doyle.
After Filibuster Last Week, David Hayes Wins Confirmation For Interior Post
The Senate last night confirmed David Hayes to serve as Deputy Secretary of the Interior, after Republicans had previously filibustered the nomination last week. The GOP dropped its opposition after Interior Sec. Ken Salazar promised to review the decision to revoke 77 oil and gas leases in Utah, and Hayes was allowed to be confirmed by a voice vote.
Serrano Considering Primary Challenge Against Gillibrand
CQ reports that Rep. Jose Serrano (D-NY) is openly considering a primary challenge against appointed Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) in 2010. “If Rahm Emanuel is making calls, he has a few more to make,” said Serrano, who also added: “She’s vulnerable on just about every issue, from guns to immigration.”
