President Barack Obama pays his respects in the Hall of Remembrance after marines layed a wreath on his behalf during his visit to the Yad Vashem
…. with President Shimon Peres, PM Benjamin Netanyahu, Chairman of the Yad Vashem Directorate Avner Shalev, Rabbi Yisrael Meir Lau and the Abnkor Children’s Choir
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President Barack Obama visits the Hall of Names at the Yad Vashem Holocaust Memorial museum with (L-R) Rabbi Yisrael Meir Lau, Israel’s Prime Minster Benjamin Netanyahu, Chairman of the Yad Vashem Directorate Avner Shalev and Israel’s President Shimon Peres
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Lara Friedman (Daily Beast): I am writing in the afterglow of President Obama’s speech in Jerusalem—an afterglow that lingers on as I re-read his words, and as I recall the boisterous applause that greeted them. I’m content to leave the word clouds and microscopic parsing of his speech to others. Likewise, I’ll leave to others the speculation about what might have been, if only this speech had been given years earlier. For my part, I am unrepentantly stopping to savor the moment.
Today President Obama made the most passionate, and compassionate, case for Israeli-Palestinian peace any U.S. leader has ever made. The case he made was politically pragmatic, grounded in the legitimate security concerns that define Israelis’ existence. It was also grounded, unapologetically and unambiguously, in universal moral truths, including the indefensibility of the occupation and of denying the Palestinians dignity, security, and self-determination in their own state.
More here
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President Obama arrives for a visit to Yad Vashem at Mount Herzl
President Obama pays his respects at the grave of former Israeli Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin
President Obama pays his respects at the grave of Theodore Herzl
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A message written by President Obama is displayed in the Yad Vashem visitor book during his visit to Yad Vashem at Mount Herzl
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President Obama’s visit to Jordan (all times EST):
9:55 am: The President arrives Amman, Jordan
10:35 am: Arrives at Al Hummar, the official offices of King Abdullah II of Jordan
10:40 am: Official arrival ceremony
10:55 am: Participates in a restricted bilateral meeting with King Abdullah II
11:15 am: Participates in an expanded bilateral meeting with King Abdullah II
11:45 am: The President and King Abdullah II host a press conference
1:50 pm: The President attends a dinner with King Abdullah II
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Happy Birthday VC!!! Your cake will be ready in, oh, about five hours – still baking.
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I’ll have more photos in a while and some newsie bits, just wanted to get these posted because they’re so beautiful
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PS West Wing Week:
GM Chips and TOD family!
Congrats Allison!
Congrats Allison & SWB!
I guess I shouldn’t have blinked.
Happy Birthday VC – I hope to be back for some cake…Meanwhile I hope you enjoy one fabulous day!
)
Thanks, and yes, I’m having a fabulous day with the help of my TOD siblings.
Happy Birthday, VC!!!!!!!!!!!! I’m late to the day, but at least I got here before the fish pie… er… birthday cake! I hope you’re having a lovely day, and that the festivities will continue into the weekend!
Thanks, Theo, I am having a lovely vc-type day and feel quite blessed!
The cup cakes will come later – no fish pies this year – and it’s good that you came to join us today as there will be no weekend festivities. No sense stretching the focus for too long to encourage someONE to ask ‘how old are you anyway?’ when they run out of conversational gambits.
Congrats Allison on # 1!
Many thanks!
Morning Allison, moooooooorning everyone!
wtg Alison
Good Friday Everyone!
Congrats Swbluega on our tie!
Thanks for sharing!
Iiiiiiit’s Friday! Friday the 22nd!
Have a wonderful Friday, TODobots, Chips and Chipadees!
G’morning VC, Chips, TOD, lurkers, everyone, and Happy Friday.
Chips, thanks for this excellent Rise & Shine – these poignant pictures of our President at the Holocaust memorial are very moving.
Thanks Ms Chips! It is so, so gratifying to know that our President ALWAYS represents us with all he’s got AND HE’S GOT EVERYTHING – mental, spiritual and physical! Pardon the language, but ‘Hot damn, PBO’s good, in every situation!’
Moooooooooorning birthday girl, hope you have a BLISSFUL day! The cake’s still a bit soggy in the middle, will be done soon-ish.
You remembered!
Thank you, I am planning on a super-duper day of pleasing myself. I keep telling you not to worry – cup cakes [from the WH] are more than fine.
Happy days VC – i’ve been counting backwards for the past 10 years – it works well
Why thank you, 99ts! I have been doing some creative counting myself, aided by the ‘You don’t look it’ comments.
I used to tell my daughter I was 21 – until one of her friends said “you look older than that” – sigh
Teeheehee! Fortunately the kids I’ve been around aren’t that sharp when it comes to age. They swing from both ends, way off the mark at either so i usually feel safe.
Sam Kass will bring them right over….:)
Oooo, thanks for that message, Df. I’ll put one aside for you. ♥
Thanks! And keep Sam there:)
Happy 25th Birthday VC!!!
:) Hope your day goes splendidly well and you receive a tasty 3-tier home-baked cake from our lovely Chips!
GM & thank you, Hopefruit! BTW, didn’t you see my memo? I’ve decided not to put any pressure on Chips Chica for a huge cake when the WH cup cakes will be easier to share with my TOD buddies. I’m sure it won’t take Sam K. much effort to whip up a special batch (thereby saving Chips’ kitchen), and in fact, Desertf says he’s seeing to it as we speak. I’ll share for sure.
You are very kind vc for taking the pressure off Chips. I look forward to sharing in your special cupcakes from Sam Kass. In fact I can see that he’s already putting your initials (V.C.P.2) on some of them. PBO must have sent him a txt instructing him to do just that.
Happy Birthday!
Thanks, SWB, the ‘happy’ started as soon as I signed in.
a…. Chips, you’re supposed to bake the cake before serving. Sheesh.
What else can we expect from someone who thinks Wayne Rooney is hot?
Happy B-Day, VC and Lovely many more
Today is your birthday??? Happy Birthday, vc!!!!!
Good Morning Chipsticks! Thanks for more pictures from President Obama’s trip. We continue to see how much he is admired and appreciated by the world. I’m sure his time away from DC Politics has been a welcome break for him.
Hippidy hoppidy O peeps! It’s another great getting up day on TOD!!! It’s Friday and all is well.
Just think, in a couple of days, we get to start a new week all over again.
GM Fellow TODers.
Fantastic Pictures.
Just Lovely.
Chips
Chips 
Hooray 
Brilliantly done as always
Thank You 
Morning Nena. I like your cheer. Cute.
Happiest and Funniest of Birth Days VC
Good Friday Morning TOD
and
Happy Birthday to VC
Happy Birthday to VC
Happy Birthday dear VC
Happy Birthday to YOU !!!!!!!!!!!!
Morning! What a week!!
Might have to see this!
http://livewire.talkingpointsmemo.com/entry/bloomberg-lapierre-to-appear-on-sundays-meet-press
Wasn’t it touching when POTUS meet the little girls dress in black and white, it was so sweet. Who are they? He talk to one of them about missing their teeth. He pick them up. That was so sweet.
It was real, you can’t fake things like that. That is why you can believe him when he says that the day the 20 kids were kill in Newtown Ct. was the worse day of his Presidency. POTUS and FLOTUS are just great with young people.
Where did you see this annie? From the West Wing video at the top?
the Israel/facebook site, which has been showing all the events there
I was watching but my feed got stuck and I couldn’t get it to refresh for some reason.
Oh well…hopefully there will be some video archive of the departure ceremony somewhere.
Hopefruit, the official arrival ceremony is at 10:40 EST so there *might* be some coverage of that at
http://edition.cnn.com/video/flashLive/live.html?stream=4
Thanks Chips – will keep checking.
hopefruit2, I believe it was where dotster3 said.
Just watched his departure festivities—–thanking everyone for all their hard work preparing for and during his visit. And loved also the moment when he came upon the 2 little girls and seemed genuinely surprised—-’Oh—-I didn’t think I was going to get to see you two again!’ and then swooped each one up on a heartfelt hug in his arms. And then teased them about losing teeth—-’What happened to your teeth? You had teeth the last time I saw you?’ One little girl said she only lost one but PBO noted the other one had no teeth left—–asked her if she had to eat with a straw. LOL. Our president got a huge cheer when he turned and waved from the doorway of AF1, a highly successful, impressive visit, most everyone—-except the bitters—seem to agree. President Obama is a beautiful person—–inside and out, no doubt about it, none.
That was the most precious thing they way he picked them up and hugged them tight. I have no idea who the family is, but it is clear that he knows and loves them.
The daughters of the US ambassador to Israel, Daniel Shapiro. That was such an incredibly sweet and natural moment. He hugged that little girl so hard. Beautiful.
Is there a link or where I can find those pictures? That other facebook link didn’t work for me.
Happy birthday, VC!
Thank you, 57F! It is indeed happy; I am alive AND well.
Delurking to wish you a happy birthday VC. Your comments lift my days. TY.
Thank you, O44, I am touched.
I sure hope this will become the ‘birthday’ of YOU participating more and more in our village.
The Happiest of Birthday, VC! And many more to come!
Thank you, Gazelle. I sure am anticipating the ‘many more’.
Savoring The Afterglow Of Obama’s Speech
// I am writing in the afterglow of President Obama’s speech in Jerusalem—an afterglow that lingers on as I re-read his words, and as I recall the boisterous applause that greeted them. I’m content to leave the word clouds and microscopic parsing of his speech to others. Likewise, I’ll leave to others the speculation about what might have been, if only this speech had been given years earlier. For my part, I am unrepentantly stopping to savor the moment.
Today President Obama made the most passionate, and compassionate, case for Israeli-Palestinian peace any U.S. leader has ever made. The case he made was politically pragmatic, grounded in the legitimate security concerns that define Israelis’ existence. It was also grounded, unapologetically and unambiguously, in universal moral truths, including the indefensibility of the occupation and of denying the Palestinians dignity, security, and self-determination in their own state. //
http://www.thedailybeast.com/articles/2013/03/21/savoring-the-afterglow-of-obama-s-speech.html
To our very own vcprez
Wooooot! I’m ‘hotter than July’? That’s so good to hear Cookem, especially as I woke to fresh snow on the ground. Thanks to you and GCLinda for your very appreciated warm wishes.
Count me in too. Happy, happy! Today is permissible to burn the candle at both ends.
Thank you, kind sir. I’m going to go get the candles soon.
Happy Birthday VC
I’m guessing I am not the only one who watched on the livestream until the door of AF1 closed. There is no one like our President. Never has been. The grace warmth intelligence unmatched in my memory which is seven decades long.
This has been an unforgettable few days and I think the world will remember the standards set here and I certainly hope that the American people remember what a grown-up dignified worldly leader looks like when it comes time to vote again.
Didn’t you “bake” a cake for VC last year? Kind of remember it being a traumatic experience for all of us.
Happy Birthday VC.
Thanks, Annieb!
She did GB /whisper – I keep hoping that a year along her skills would have improved, but / and I appreciated, still do /whisper – my TOD siblings willingness to go through the experience with me/. TY
Only because it’s your birthday.
Happy Birthday.
You have no idea how your support in sharing the
Thank you, GB!
cakeday is greatly appreciated!Chips baking seems traumatic – period – the kitchen is another story to behold. Then again – in my world cakes come from the cake shop – or the bakery – they both do it well.
Sssh, 99ts! Who’s to say that by next year (with all the practice she’s been having) Chips Chica won’t have her own cake shop?
Let’s see if Chuckie Toddler will dare ask dumb questions in THIS presser….
Good morning Ms. Chips and TOD family. I hope everyone have a marvelous day today. Happy TGIF
Anyonelse receiving msg that West Wing video is private?
Yes. It also says private on the White House site. Not sure what is going on.
Thanks
Yes – never go that before. Maybe it hasn’t been released for public consumption yet.
The Jordan visit:
All times EST:
9:55 am: The President arrives Amman, Jordan
10:35 am: Arrives at Al Hummar, the official offices of King Abdullah II of Jordan
10:40 am: Official arrival ceremony
10:55 am: Participates in a restricted bilateral meeting with King Abdullah II
11:15 am: Participates in an expanded bilateral meeting with King Abdullah II
11:45 am: The President and King Abdullah II host a press conference
1:50 pm: The President attends a dinner with King Abdullah II
Thanks Chips – I hope there will be some livestreaming somewhere ?
Hellooooooooo Hopefruit! Some live streaming here now:
http://edition.cnn.com/video/flashLive/live.html?stream=4
Grrrr – as soon as I posted the link, the streaming ended! Keep an eye on the link though Hopefruit, looks like they’ll be dropping in and out.
Oh goody…Thank you Chips!
I have been thinking about PBO’s mother and his grandmother and my heart breaks a bit because they did not live to see the fullness of what their little Barry would become. My heart breaks a little for him that he cannot share this incredible time with the women who had so much to do with the man that he became. I hope that there is someway that they are able to see him and to marvel.
When I see PBO on the world stage, I think also about how he is the embodiment of the aloha spirit; it is in his very bones (love the way he moves) as well as in his heart and soul. I have never seen his like before and we probably will never again.
Well said. I have often had similar thoughts.
With this beautiful historic trip, the debate over gun control, the closing of Head Start programs, I just had a rwnj acquaintance email about the basketball tournament. There is no hope for many in our society.
I think of that often also—–that his mom and grandma are not around to see this beautiful person they helped to produce, who instilled the right values, and to feel the enormous pride watching his rise to the top, and in the dignified and inspiring way he conducts his life.
I think of that at odd times, maybe not as often as you guys, however. For myself I balance it with the thought that ALL OF US were raised up to fill that gap so to speak. We cannot replace them of course, yet I find it uncanny (?), unusual (?), whatever, that so many of us THE WORLD OVER REALLY AND TRULY LOVE HIM to an unprecendented level! It’s something that many of us have admitted just ‘came’ without us, or him, needing to do anything to foster it. It’s a love so strong it encompasses his family – effortlessly. It’s a love so strong and immutable Chips has devoted considerable energies and time etc to celebrate it. So has almost everyone here. We don’t in any way replace his mom and grandparents, but we all see the fullness of what their little Barry has become, we are sharing in his incredible leadership, and we appreciate and are immensely thankful to them…and FOR him.
It Takes a TODville Village, just saying
…….TODers are Global.
This conversation took me to the 2011 WHCD where pres Obama in jest, used a video of a Disney Film to mock the Birther…..Trump.
Beautifully stated.
Tears running down my face. Happy tears.
Isn’t is just beautiful that we ARE global? Affirmation that American TODobots are not partisan
or whatever else MSM & GOPs choose to call us.
GM all and a special Happy Birthday to my good friend (can I call you that) VC. I was AWOL yesterday from here and everywhere, but I hope to make up for my absence today with more boring, inane, nonrelevant comments and tweets.
Japa, I noted your absence yesterday, I was going to send a posse led by VC to find you! Welcome back!!
Thank you for noticing. I checked eBay and I think you were lying to me about selling the dress. I think you still are holding on to it, just in case.
Well, I decided to hold off selling it just yet, I accept relationships can be bumpy and rollercoasterish, so I’m prepared to give you one more chance. Only one though, don’t be greedy.
Well, first I humbly beg your forgiveness, oh Queen, for my stepping over the boundary of appropriate civility. I shall truly work to avoid such careless choice of words in the future.
Secondly, I want you to know that I recognize you have never been anything but wonderful to me and deserve far better from me in return. It is my hope to live up to the standards you rightfully expect from someone who would consider you for anything long term.
Too thick, friend. Too thick. You have to spread it with a scalpel (remember PBO’s approach while campaigning with Johnny McC re cuts).
I missed my birthday wish earlier! Thank you, Japa! It is great day!
I was hardly here yesterday so I couldn’t do an effective roll call. That’s part of the problem with my ongoing renovations, I’m always running in and out to buy things I forgot, didn’t know we’d need, or exchanging things. I told the contractor not to come today (since I wanted a day to myself).
Japa, do you mean by that good friend question YOU aren’t sure of our status when I have been strutting around town thinking you and I are best buds? Sigh, I’ve been told before not to be presumptuous, but do I ever learn in a timely fashion? Noooo.
I think Bibi now loves as we all do President Obama.
We don’t need Bibi to love our President, as Aretha sang R-E-S-P-E-C-T, just respect him. I think there is a more sincere friendship between Peres and POTUS.
Second That.
The Netanyahu is now doing a 180 as righties always do, pretending as they do while wanting the GLOW of the POTUS to rob some sugar on him.
The man is green snake under a green grass.
I was thinking the same thing Allison. been a long time since I’ve seen Bibi look this happy.
Beautiful selection of photos Chips! I swear our POTUS is the most photogenic POTUS ever. His expressions and gracefulness are a picture of peace.
Seriously Claire, if someone just makes a picture book of PBO’s Presidency – no words or captions, that picture book will be bestseller. A fascinating and rare combination of eye candy and spiritual nourishment…
So true!!!
I actually hope that the TOD site will end up in the Obama Presidential Library or the Library of Congress (with the naughty mat excerpts redacted, of course…).
LOL! And the times when folks (myself incl) get into arguments with others….
Those are good examples of being able to disagree without being disagreeable. Definitely need those in the library for President Obama’s opposition to learn a thing or two…
No redaction. No tampering with the truth (especially as I can’t remember any instance when *I* said anything risque) /where is that angelic smilie?/
Your mere existence (which we’re celebrating today) is impish. No need for words…
Mommy’s angel, I am.
Photogenic?
The Poor Camera has no chance. It must register what Is, pure and simple.
or it would self destroy as the Tapes in Mission Impossible TV Shows.
My daughter found this article – she became old enough to vote the first time for president when Obama decided to run. And she gladly supported him again in 2012. I am proud of her thoughtful thinking — she sent me this link this morning. I hope it goes thru as its pretty long but it was a good read.
http://news.yahoo.com/why-am-no-longer-republican-062500099.html;_ylt=AnNodGInhbsK_pWXQptffiK8ted_;_ylu=X3oDMTVxaTB1aWFtBGNjb2RlA2dtcHRvcDEwMDBwb29sd2lraXVwcmVzdARtaXQDQXJ0aWNsZSBNaXhlZCBMaXN0IE5ld3MgZm9yIFlvdSB3aXRoIE1vcmUgTGluawRwa2cDM2NmZTFjNjAtYzFkYy0zNzdiLWE3NDEtZDRiY2U2ZTIwN2JiBHBvcwMxBHNlYwNuZXdzX2Zvcl95b3UEdmVyAzI1OGQ0ODYwLTkyZGQtMTFlMi1iN2ZmLTg1MDIwNTMwYzZlYQ–;_ylg=X3oDMTJtN3Y1dGwwBGludGwDdXMEbGFuZwNlbi11cwRwc3RhaWQDZmFjMTVhODktNTczYS0zOGQ3LWFjMjgtZWQzMTk2NmIyMGE0BHBzdGNhdAN1LXMEcHQDc3RvcnlwYWdl;_ylv=3
。☆。*。☆。
★。＼｜／。★
HAPPY BIRTHDAY
VC
★。／｜＼。★
。☆。*。☆。
Here is your b’day present.
I LOVE that photo!!! Look at you, with your swish photo-posting!
My worry is, now that he can post photos, it is only a matter of time before they become…how shall I put this…perhaps a bit on the edge of respectability. You may have created a monster.
eeeyup. Be afraid.
Exactly my fear too, Japa. Although I think it’s desperately unfair to say that I created a monster, he was already one.
True that, but one has to be careful what tools one gives to such a person.
I must step in on my old pard’s behalf and say I have little fear of him performing inappropriately in his new role in the village. I have the highest expectationS for him WHEN HE IS IN ROLE AS A CHIPADEE. In any other role all bets are off. Don’t you guys be ganging up on him, or it might turn out that your wish becomes master to the deed.
You ain’t seen the worst of it, you blog tyrant. You gonna regret the day you invited me.
This reminds me of the time I was looking after my dog-nephew one afternoon and I had to rush out for 20 minutes. I pleaded with him to behave in my absence and not to get up on the shiny new couchy thing I had just bought. And where was he lying when I came back? Yup.
Apart from that, though, the house was in one piece. Which I fear this place won’t be after you warm up.
What have I done?
One lives & lurns.
Also. Too. My weekend has started and I’m bored.
Oh God.
People forget Rita Hayworth (pauses in reverence) was a pretty good dancer herself.
What a delightful video, Ms. Chips. It made me happy. (Plus I’m unabashedly in love with Rita Haworth).
I often think certain wars were started cause someone got bored – this could be a wild TOD weekend
You are forgiven all your past transgressions because you REMEMBERED that I love to see PBO, and FLOTUS, interacting with our future. I’s happ-i-er and moving towards happ-i-est!
Obama’s fault!
Hmm? But, but, but……
This is all happening, in spite of the DC TBGOPers’ willful sabotaging.
I am behind in my prayers but just this moment, i have to pause & ask the almighty to make a way for peace to happen between Palestine and Israel soon. Would be ecstatic if peace was made on PBO’s watch!
Great stuff this morning HF2. Thanks for posting it!
A recording of the President’s address in Jerusalem from the audience:
Thanks. Listened to versions of it already & will do so many more as captured by different media outlets
Yikes!
I watched—it did happen—must have been delayed—–still real windy—but didn’t see any sand—–except on the ground
That sand can’t be good for the hair Dotster, I’m relieved I live in a sand-less spot!
Good morning, TODers. Happy Birthday, VC. Happy Friday to all. What outstanding coverage of our president’s magnificent visit. I have been in tears watching him charm the people of Israel and represent our country so beautifully. I’ve also been in a rage at our own media and how they have done their best to ignore this trip and inject negativity. Thank God, for TOD. Thank God for Chips and Ut, and LL and all who have prayed for and lifted our President up.
Someone up thread said President Obama embodies the Aloha spirit. That is a perfect way to describe him. I wish some of it would rub off on me.
I love everything about our President, from his intellect to his humor to the fact that he wears his wedding ring and talks about his wonderful family.
Thanks again, Chips, for making sure we don’t miss a second of this historic and wonderful presidency.
What a beautiful post. I echo everything you’ve so articulately stated here, Proud. I see that Mr. Chuck Todd is trying to get attention by now using the #chucktoddquestions hashtag. I responded to him (see my tweet below). He’s a fraud and he needs to know it.
That’s just lovely Proud, thank you so much, and to all the new blog tyrants! Great to hear from you, hope you’re keeping well. Thanks again Proud.
No, thank you, Chips. I mean that truly. And hopefruit I saw what that idiot Todd is trying to do. He’s embarrassed and he should be. His behavior is horrible and Twitter has been letting him know it. Hijacking our hashtag will not work. Everyone has his number.
Hello PofO! I see your fighting spirit is alive and well, and your love for PBO is as strong as ever! I’m am very happy you looked in on my special day – Thanks!
Can’t speak for President Obama but this is the way I see it.
I don’t care for David Frum. However, this is one time that I actually agree with him 1001%. It is still Friday and Sunny in my neck of the woods. Who would have Thunk it?
The quote is from someone else. Frum just tweeted it.
Oops…..I praised him way too soon. I never learned ;(
Thanks GB
But I think he agrees with it. I follow him and about 50% of what he tweets is okay. The other 50%, not so much.
It is so sad that the GOP are so bent on destroying all the good the President could do. Sometimes when I read posts complaining that he never implements those things he speaks about – and I cry that those who complain are those who make sure the good never can happen.
In the final stretch, only 10 days left to vote for my #2 kid to win her dream job. I ask again for your support. Please vote daily on every social media you use by clicking on the corresponding icon in the “Vote for this Entry” box next to her video. Thanks so much:
http://www.mydestination.com/users/kelauni/bbb#.US-V0Fcnw2Q
See what they did there? Trying to co-opt our hash tag. Jerks.
Good morning TOD family and our wonderful Ms Chips. And a very special Happy Birthday to VC!!!!!! Nice that it is on Friday so you have 3 days to celebrate. Can’t wait to see the cake that Chips has made.
Thank you for the pictures and reporting from this trip. These days have been very busy to I haven’t been able to really appreciate all this until tonight. I am so proud of this great President.
Have a great day everyone!
Good mooooorrrnninnnnggggg, Chips and TODville!!
A very, very Happy Birthday to VC!! Wishing you a day full of loved ones and cake crumbs.
This whole trip with POTUS has me feeling so full of pride. What an amazing man we have to lead us FORWARD. I love how he said just before departing as he was saying goodbye that he believes in miracles. Let’s work for PEACE.
Thank you President Obama for your leadership on the Peace process…..
BREAKING:
In apparent bid to repair relations between two US allies, Turkish, Israeli PM have first conversation since Netanyahu took power in 2009. Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu and Turkish Prime Minister Tayyip Erdogan spoke by telephone on Friday, US President Barack Obama said in a statement, in an apparent bid to repair relations between the two US allies.
http://www.jpost.com/International/Obama-Netanyahu-Erdogan-speak-by-phone-307423
The power of Pres. Obama. Diplomacy works every time.
Chuck Todd and NBC are trying to hijack the hashtag #chucktoddquestions, so I suggest we switch it to #ChuckToddlerRants or #ChuckToddlerTantrums or #ChuckToddlerWhining
They won’t be able to hijack any of these.
If they are doing that then that’s proof positive that Todd was in the wrong and everybody including him knows it.
Live streaming is up again at:
http://edition.cnn.com/video/flashLive/live.html?stream=4
Arrival in Jordan: http://edition.cnn.com/video/flashLive/live.html?stream=4
I thought PBO had already arrived in Jordan?? Obviously not….
http://edition.cnn.com/video/flashLive/live.html?stream=4
He seemed to have left Israel 45 minutes later than scheduled.
Yeah, I think he’s running at least an hour late. So the whole schedule is wrong. SIGH!
WHOA.
Pres. Obama to the rescue once again.
The two little girls that POTUS was so delighted to see and hugged so tightly are the daughters of the US ambassador to Israel, Daniel Shapiro.
Any Pictures of this to be posted here for all TODers to View?
They’d probably have to come from Pete Souza as it was an impromptu moment near the airplane. They also posed for one at PBO’s insistence and Pete took that one.
More cool photos at the State Dept flickr photostream:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/statephotos/8580341370/
So where is the cake?
Sam Kass is baking cupcakes I’ve been told.
WHOA.
Bibi may have wanted Romney but I bet he’s thankful he got PBO. There is no way Romney would have been treated like Israel’s favorite son.
One another point. PBO has given Bibi a real chance. He can either go on with an insane policy that goes nowhere or he can be the one that ushered in the two state solution while writing the best security arrangement for Israel. Now I doubt if he’ll take it but no one can deny PBO kicked the door wide open for him.
THIS.
The difference is much more than how PBO was treated. Romney has no vision, no thought, no ideas – beyond what the markets might do tomorrow. Like GWB, Romney would not be leading the administration – he would – as some said – just be signing the bills.
Chuck Todd is taking questions on Twitter using #ChuckToddquestions. lol.
He and NBC are trying to hijack the hashtag. Chuck Toddler is nothing but an attention whore.
LOL @ chuck toddler
Off to work….It’s Friday!! Spring Break next week! Leave some cupcake crumbs for me:) Will catch up later…have a great day:)
Wow, Israeli PM has apologised to Turkey for deaths on flotilla in Gaza in 2010
Dare we hope for a more humane purpose for this guy?
Our PBO doing his thang behind the scenes without all the fanfare….just making stuff happened.
Honestly Donna, the diplomacy is stunningly brilliant.
That’s our guy in action. This media of ours will never ever understand the way he operates.
100% covers it – Ole Chuck is playing on twitter while diplomacy is happening in real time.
But but but they told me the trip would be worthless. PBO would just be visiting as a tourist…. The Israelis would be hostile and throw shoes at him…. He has a 5% approval rating in Israel…. And, and, and….
BREAKING: Israel PM announces full resumption of Turkey ties after apologizing
Just amazing, my God!
Indeed – my God!
Donna Dem hit the nail on the head. The lead up to this trip was all about this being a no agenda, no achievement tourist trip. We know better than that. PBO works BEHIND THE SCENES for months/years to pave the way for progress. He’s a long term planner and doer. And he wins people over with his good sense, charm and SINCERITY.
Okay, my stomach just reminded me that I’m so busy lapping up the birthday wishes
that I haven’t put any actual fuel into the body yet. Back in a little bit to finish my thank you notes. 
What, virtual cake doesn’t count?
Happy birthday, vc!
Sure it does, but it doesn’t seem to be quite as filling. TY, AJ!
Happy Birthday VC…Hope your day is as SPECIAL as YOU:-)
Wishing you many..many & many… more
much love ~ Kasai
Aaaaw, thanks Kasai! Thanks a lot.
May he RIP.
Okay I’m sure most will think that its not worth it but I’m asking anyway…..
Please retweet this to just maybe force CT to answer my question.
Off topic: Told you yesterday about my quilting student who has been nominated as High School Art Teacher of the Year, who had made a PBO quilt. Unfortunately, there are restrictions on what we can disseminate, but here’s a link to her blog that will give you an idea of how wonderful this young woman is. Wish I could get a picture of the PBO quilt, but I think you’ll understand the depth of her commitment and understanding.
http://afterschoolartclub.blogspot.com/
LIVE NOW – PBO welcomed in Jordan: http://www.cnn.com/video/flashLive/live.html?stream=stream1
THanks for the reminder! Chips had posted the link upthread but in our excitement about the resuming of relations between Israel & Turkey, we forgot
This Israel / Middle East trip which was trashed before hand by media, may turn out to be very consequential
Yes, and the media in our country will have no background video of their own to use, if something really consequential happens along the way. They have no interest in showing how President Obama is welcomed around the world.
Watching local news at 9:00 last night in Chicago – you wouldn’t know this trip was even happening. My husband and I were so disgusted.
I heard FOX did not broadcast PBO’s speech yesterday.
Disgusting. I understand there were important local stories, but not to mention it? maybe they did in the second hour (I couldn’t stand to keep watching); but if PBO’s historic trip to Israel was less important than local sports and weather……..
Chicago has their own issues. 54 schools closing! whew
Arrival Ceremony now streaming: http://edition.cnn.com/video/flashLive/live.html?stream=4
The band there is playing the most annoying music in the whole wide world, pardon my critique. Same refrain over and over and over and over and over and over and over. Had to take a break.
Sometimes an apology is all it takes, thank you PM Netanyahu.
Happy Birthday VC! Way to go CHips and TODers. I love the blog with all the pictures. I thank who ever posted the President’s Facebook link. I watch everything from there. I don’t have Facebook so was a little surprised that it worked for me.
WHAT A BEAUTIFUL WELCOMING CEREMONY for our President!!!
http://edition.cnn.com/video/flashLive/live.html?stream=4
I cannot see that – but it also seems to be on MSNBC – which I can watch online
The lack of US media coverage of the President’s trip abroad is beyond awful. I’ll fight my crankiness about that to keep fighting the good fight. Good morning, TODville. Friday’s (still) good because THE GOOD NEWS IS when we woke up, Barack Obama was still our President. And that’s GREAT.
Right now the only people I can tolerate (sometimes) at MSNBC are Lawrence, Martin & Rev Al. No one else.
My chosen three, as well. I’m watching today to see if there’s any coverage of Pres. Obama, with the TV muted and my online link open, cursing to myself every now and then, mostly because I want to call ‘em out individually for lack of coverage. For instance, I just read on the screen that Alex Witt’s current topic is “Transgender bathroom bill.” #FORWARD
Oh but they would have covered it wall to wall if their hostility predictions had panned out.
Exactly. That ball of fuzz Chuck Todd was tweeting out scenery shots from Israel, instead of covering the President’s successful trip. Grrr.
That’s for sure.
This is freakin’ amazing. I’m late to the party and have to catch up!
Israel’s prime minister has apologised to Turkey for any mistakes that could have resulted in the loss of lives during the 2010 raid on a flotilla that tried to breach the blockade of Gaza.
In a telephone conversation with his Turkish counterpart Recep Tayyip Erdogan, Benjamin Netanyahu agreed to compensate the families of the victims.
Mr Netanyahu had previously only expressed regret for the nine deaths.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-21902273
dang. that kenyan.
/smh
*dang. that kenyan.* Yeah, what is it about these kenyans that make me want to cry with relief and joy? This one’s amazin’ – maybe we should give Barack Obama honorary U.S. citizenship and elect him honorary President or somethin’. He’s a keeper.
HERE COMES OUR PRESIDENT!!!
So is the Beast1 Fixed? Or is this the Beast2?
It’s cute how Chuck Todd thought he could hijack #ChuckToddQuestions and be successful. He’s still being flooded with mocking tweets. The stupid is hilarious.
Let’s keep it up. I have two days’ worth invested, myself. Ha!
I LUV our President ! That is all.
Heads up:
http://theobamadiary.com/2013/03/22/heads-up-president-obama-press-conference-in-jordan/
Good morning TOD Fam. PBO’s trip is going to kill me. Was up all night so that I could watch wreath laying and museum. Dozed off while PBO & Bibi ate lunch, so I missed Bethlehem; will search for video. I used to do this stuff, boots on the ground with our congresscritters — was never this tired; then I realize that that was 30 years ago!!!! Seems like yesterday…
I am looking for video of the remarks after PBO signed the book at Yad Vashem. The Director of Yad Vashem prsented PBO with a remembrance folder containing a copy of a song composed by a cantor killed in one of the death camps. Apparently, a women from Michigan found it among a relative’s papers and she donated it to Yad Vashem. The gift to PBO contained copies of the letter, the lyrics, and the cantors picture and bio. Unfortunately, I was watching on my laptop and the sound kept cutting out.
“Gotcha! That’ll teach you to wake me out of my slumber.” – Pontecana Phil
[OT, but this had me LOL, especially the 2nd paragraph!
Counting chickens ...]:
It’s one of the great untold stories of the 2012 presidential campaign, a tale of ego and intrigue that nearly upended the Republican primary contest and might even have produced a different nominee: As Mitt Romney struggled in the weeks leading up to the Michigan primary, Newt Gingrich and Rick Santorum nearly agreed to form a joint “Unity Ticket” to consolidate conservative support and topple Romney. “We were close,” former Representative Bob Walker, a Gingrich ally, says. “Everybody thought there was an opportunity.” “It would have sent shock waves through the establishment and the Romney campaign,” says John Brabender, Santorum’s chief strategist.
But the negotiations collapsed in acrimony because Gingrich and Santorum could not agree on who would get to be president. “In the end,” Gingrich says, “it was just too hard to negotiate.” [.....]
.
http://www.businessweek.com/articles/2013-03-22/the-secret-gingrich-santorum-unity-ticket-that-nearly-toppled-romney#r=hp-lst
Cnn live showing images of Bethleem visit right now.
http://www.cnn.com/video/#/video/cvplive/cvpstream1
I honestly don’t care if I sound like an utter Obamabot right now, but I feel very fortunate to be alive to witness this man as President of the United States. What an awesome trip! And it went off smoother than a similar trip made by a GOP hopeful that shall remain nameless.
I know it’s hard for many on the Right (and some on the Left) to believe that the rest of the world simply doesn’t view Obama the way they do. Since I work for an international organization, I see this first-hand. It even took me awhile to see that since I’m not standing from afar like most of my colleagues do, but after realizing that I had been misled by certain “left-leaning” blogs, I finally see what they did.