In Campaign Appearance, Obama Highlights Bin Laden Capture
The Washington Post reports: “In his first 2012 campaign appearance in almost two weeks, President Obama added a new item to a long list of what he views as major accomplishments of his tenure: killing Osama bin Laden. ‘Because of the extraordinary bravery of the men and women who wear this nation’s uniform and the outstanding work of our intelligence agencies, Osama bin Laden will never again threaten the United States of America,’ he said to loud applause at a fundraising event in the Moody Theatre in Austin, Texas, on Tuesday night. ‘We couldn’t be prouder of them.'”
Obama’s Day Ahead
President Obama will receive the presidential daily briefing at 11 a.m. ET, and meet at 12 p.m. ET with senior advisers. At 2 p.m. ET, he will participate in a CBS News Townhall Meeting on the Economy. At 4:20 p.m. ET, he will meet with the Senate Democratic Caucus. At 7:10 p.m. ET, the President and the First Lady will host a celebration of American poetry and prose.
Biden’s Day Ahead
In the morning, Vice President Biden will travel to St. Louis, Missouri, and attend an event for the Democratic National Committee at 1 p.m. ET. Afterwards, he will travel to Minneapolis, Minnesota, and attend another DNC event at 5 p.m. ET. In the evening, he will return to Washington, D.C.
Gingrich To Make It Official Today
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports: “Former U.S. House Speaker Newt Gingrich will make it official today that he is running for President. Actually winning the Republican nomination in 2012 would certainly surprise many political observers in Washington, D.C. Gingrich’s official entry adds a little steam to a GOP race that so far has been very quiet, as while Republicans have been deciding whether or not to run, President Obama has been raising big money for his re-election bid.”
Kerry Heads For Pakistan To Soothe Fury Over Bin Laden
Reuters reports: ” Senator John Kerry will travel to Pakistan in coming days to put relations “on the right track” after the killing of Osama bin Laden in a surprise Navy SEALs raid, but he is likely to face fury from the army over what it sees as a breach of trust. Kerry, a Democrat who is close to the Obama administration, said he expected to see ‘all the main players’ in Pakistan to discuss strains in bilateral ties following the May 2 operation that killed the al Qaeda leader in his Pakistani hideout.”
Congress Looks To Attach More Strings To Billions In Pakistan Aid
The Hill repots: “Tough congressional stipulations on aid to Pakistan would represent a dramatic departure from the past, when the White House and State Department had free rein in dispensing the funds. The brazen commando raid near Islamabad that left Osama bin Laden dead created agreement among lawmakers of all political stripes that Washington has gotten a minimal return on its investment in Pakistan. Conservative Republicans and liberal Democrats alike say the stunning revelation means the U.S. must get tougher on Pakistani officials.”
Appeals Court Questions Obama Healthcare Lawsuit
Reuters reports: “An appeals court on Tuesday sharply questioned whether the state of Virginia could challenge President Barack Obama’s signature healthcare law, which requires Americans to buy insurance in a bid to slow healthcare costs. The Obama administration is trying to save the individual mandate after a Virginia federal judge agreed with the state it was unconstitutional and struck down that part of the law.”
NRCC Makes Cash Push: Pay Your Dues — Now
Roll Call reports: “Several months after their elections, freshman House Republicans will get a rude awakening to the realities of Congressional campaigns: It’s time to pay your dues. The National Republican Congressional Committee is kicking off its official dues drive Wednesday morning at the Capitol Hill Club, where the newly dubbed ‘Dues Brothers,’ Reps. Tom Cole (Okla.) and Kevin Brady (Texas), will formally begin hitting up the GOP caucus for campaign funds for the 2012 cycle.”
