Obama: “The International Community Is More United Than Ever Before” On Iran
In this weekend’s YouTube address, President Obama spoke of international cooperation at the G-20 Summit — including on the crucial issue of dealing with Iran’s nuclear program:
“On this, the international community is more united than ever before,” said Obama, later adding: “Iran’s leaders must now choose – they can live up to their responsibilities and achieve integration with the community of nations. Or they will face increased pressure and isolation, and deny opportunity to their own people.”
Isakson Blasts Dems For “Demonizing Regular Citizens” On Health Care
In this weekend’s Republican video, Sen. Johnny Isakson (R-GA) criticized the Democrats on health care, accusing Democrats of a “heavy-handed approach” that has involved “demonizing regular citizens”:
“Americans are rightly concerned about the rush to pass a massive overhaul that will raise their taxes, lower their quality of care and put government between them and their doctor,” said Isakson. “They also are concerned about the heavy-handed approach the Democrats have taken, such as demonizing regular citizens for asking questions about their plans and imposing a gag order on insurers for suggesting anyone might lose benefits under the Democrats’ plan.”
Obama’s Day Ahead
President Obama and the First Lady will attend the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation’s Annual Phoenix Awards Dinner. President Obama will deliver remarks at 8:10 p.m. ET.
Report: Gitmo Closing Goal Of January May Slip
The Associated Press reports that the Obama administration’s goal of closing the Guantanamo Bay prison camp by January could be delayed: “Senior administration officials acknowledged for the first time Friday that difficulties in completing the lengthy review of detainee files and resolving other thorny questions mean the president’s promised January deadline may slip.”
Ahmadinejad Rejects Obama’s Charges On Nuclear Efforts
In an interview on CNN’s Larry King Live, Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad fired back at the allegations that his country is violating nuclear agreements — and said that President Obama has broken his own commitment to international unity. “We did not expect Mr. Obama within less than 48 hours, to basically violate the commitment that he spoke of at the United Nations,” said Ahmadinejad.
Iran: We Will Allow Inspection of Nuclear Site
Iranian Vice President Ali Akbar Salehi has announced that the country will allow the International Atomic Energy Agency to inspect the newly-revealed uranium enrichment facility, though no specific date has been scheduled yet. Salehi also maintained that they have not violated any rules: “Under (NPT) rules, we are required to inform the IAEA of the existence of such a facility 180 days before introducing materials but we are announcing it more than a year earlier. Still, we see there is controversy. We are astonished,” he said.
Bill Clinton: “I Decided I Was Wrong” To Have Opposed Gay Marriage
In an interview with CNN’s Anderson Cooper, Bill Clinton explained his recent change of mind to support gay marriage. “So I said, you know, I realized that I was over 60 years old, I grew up at a different time, and I was hung up about the word,” said Bill, the president who signed the Defense of Marriage Act into law. “I had all these gay friends, I had all these gay couple friends, and I was hung up about it. And I decided I was wrong.”
McDonnell Ad Stars Daughter, An Iraq Veteran
Bob McDonnell, the Republican nominee for Governor of Virginia, has this new TV ad aimed at rebutting attacks over his hard-right grad school thesis, in which he criticized working women. The ad stars his grown daughter, Jeanine, talking about her own service in the Army:
“When dad was elected Attorney General, I was a platoon leader in Iraq,” says Jeanine McDonnell. “Whenever I called home, he always said how proud he was of me. Well, I’m proud of my dad. Raising three daughters, he encouraged us to be independent, and achieve our goals.”
