File photo
On March 25, President Obama briefed a bipartisan, bicameral group of members of Congress on the situation in Libya. The President and his team provided an update on accomplishments to date, including the full transfer of enforcement of the no-fly zone to NATO, and yesterday’s unanimous agreement among NATO allies to direct planning for NATO to assume command and control of the civilian protection component in accordance with UNSCR 1973.
Following the briefing, the President answered multiple questions from the members of Congress. The discussion lasted approximately one hour and took place in the White House Situation Room. Joining from the Administration: Chief of Staff Bill Daley, National Security Advisor Tom Donilon, Secretary of State Hillary Clinton (via phone), CJCS Mike Mullen and GEN Carter Ham (via video conference).
Bipartisan bicameral group of members of Congress that participated (in person or by phone): Speaker John Boehner, Majority Leader Eric Cantor, Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi, Republican Leader Mitch McConnell, Republican Whip Jon Kyl, Democratic Minority Whip Steny Hoyer, Congressman C.A. Dutch Ruppersberger, Rep. Adam Smith, Senator Carl Levin, Senator John McCain, Senator John Kerry, Senator Richard Lugar, Rep. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen, Rep. Howard Berman, Senator Dianne Feinstein, Senator Saxby Chambliss, Rep. Mike Rogers, Senator Daniel Inouye, Senator Thad Cochran, Rep. Hal Rogers, Rep. Norm Dicks.
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On Monday, March 28 at 7:30PM ET, the President will deliver an address at the National Defense University in Washington, DC to update the American people on the situation in Libya, including the actions we’ve taken with allies and partners to protect the Libyan people from the brutality of Moammar Qaddafi, the transition to NATO command and control, and our policy going forward.
President Barack Obama talks with Rep. Steny Hoyer, D-Md., left, and Rep. C.A. “Dutch” Ruppersberger, D-Md., in the Situation Room of the White House, March 25, 2011. The President briefed a bipartisan, bicameral group of Members of Congress, many of whom joined via conference call, on the situation in Libya. (Official White House Photo by Pete Souza)
AS ALWAYS, STRENGTH AND HONOR MR.PRESIDENT
This may sound stereotypical and odd because I am African American but, he has AMAZING self-confidence. I say this because if he were not the President, he would be called “arrogant” (which of course some say he is, but the presidency is something to be arrogant about, n’est ce pas?). Supreme confidence.
I think he has exceptional self confidence…but I have never equated it in the least to arrogance. I think arrogance reflects a sense of superiority….President Obama’s self confidence is a reflection of his self-mastery, and not a tool he uses to diminish others. If people struggle around him it is by their own hand. I think President Obama has a healthy, balanced psyche, with intellect, and heart to match.
I sound like a broken record, but as far as human beings go, he is exceptional, as is Michelle. There is much to admire, take pride in, respect and if we are willing, to learn from.
Sue, I agree. Having an ego is a positive thing. Those who hunger for support are weaklings. PBO does not fall into that category. He is incredibly smart but can also be very pragmatic.
Yes, it is positive, Dorothy. Isn’t that what we all try to instill in our children?
Well put Sue! That is why personal attacks on his person that are meant to offend him and strip him always fall flat! President Obama is so evolved, self-possessed, secure and so grounded with a keen sense of self worth and so has no need to demean, envy, de-humanize or dislodge other people in order to feel more secure or better about himself!
Right on. My, we have some brilliant minds on this blog.
Without question this is a community of very perceptive people, with a great generosity of spirit.
Thanks to Chipsticks for opening the doors to a wonderful place to gather, share, support and exchange thoughts and feelings. She’ll defer to President Obama and Flotus, but she has her own brand of genuis, and I am so grateful that she is inspired and willing to share with all of us.
Everytime I reflect on the President’s truly admirable characteristics I am reminded of his Mom and his Grandparents. We owe much to the tremendous love and values his nuclear family instilled in him. Each time the mean-spirited, and disrespectful gang of opponents call him names and lie about who he is, they are belittling these remarkable people. Raising President Barack Obama was not easy in the racial climate of the early 1960s. These people were wonderful. We all become our parents/those who raise us. His family is smiling on him and his sister from their places in the universe.
I participated in sit-in’s, and went to jail as a teenager during those challenging times. I am committed to support our President. He is a good and decent, intelligent and empathic human being. I am thankful he continues to work so diligently for all of us.
Well said as usual, Sue.
People I don’t regret voting for this man (Barack Obama)one bit.
And will fight tooth and nail against anyone who dares to bring him down.
I love that first photo. No doubt about who’s in charge.
Many joined by conference call because they’ve been on vacation this week. They work two weeks out of every three, and only 3.5 days per week. Unbelieveable.
I complained to my Republican Representative about their light legislative schedule. I suggested that they should be paid by the hour…..seemed a more responsible appropriation of tax payer dollars. They certainly make a decent salary…you would think it not unreasonable that they put in a full work week, week after week. Also told him I would see him at his public forums since he had a lot of unscheduled time in “House”, surely he would be putting that time to productive use by meeting frequently with his constituents. His staffers think I am an ass….I think he is a typical Republican and is not serving my needs. Still waiting for the letter of explanation I requested defending his argument for attempting to repeal HCR. I told him not to bother with the canned Republican talking points we are so familiar with, I wanted verifiable facts.
EDP4BHO….So will I and that includes those spineless Democrats too.
Now he had the meeting with them, but I hear they still are not satisfied. He will never be able to please the Republicans, but I am so disappointed in the Democrats. I plan to write my Senator and Congressman today.
The Democrats wholeheartly supported GW Bush when he lied us into Iraq. But this President they are sitting on tv criticizing him left and right. I don’t like it either.