Tag Archives: West Wing Week

January 13, 2013 · 12:03 AM

West Wing Week: 01/11/13 or “The Interests of Our Country”

The White House

Welcome to the West Wing Week, your guide to everything that’s happening at 1600 Pennsylvania Ave. This week, the President nominated a bipartisan slate of leaders to key administration jobs and the Vice President met with a wide array of organizations to talk about efforts to reduce gun violence.

Friday, January 4th:

Monday, January 7th: 

Wednesday, January 9th:

Thursday, January 10th:

  • The President called Alabama’s Head Football Coach Nick Saban to congratulate his team on their victory in the BCS National Championship Game.  The Crimson Tide has now won the title 3 times in the last 4 years.
  • That afternoon, the President held an event in the East Room of the White House to announce his intention to nominate Chief of Staff Jack Lew to be the new Treasury Secretary.

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December 8, 2012 · 12:27 AM

West Wing Week: 12/07/12 or “I Have To Pinch Myself”

The White House

Here’s a quick glimpse at what happened this week on WhiteHouse.gov:

#My2k: On Monday, President Obama connected directly with Americans on Twitter, where he answered questions about extending middle class tax cuts, using the hashtag #My2k.  During the conversation, the hashtag #My2k was used more than 31,000 times and trended nationally on Twitter throughout the chat.

On Thursday, President Obama continued the conversation by visiting Tiffany Santana and her family—one of the thousands of people who wrote in to the White House to share what it would mean to her family if their income taxes went up next year. Tiffany’s family is just one of 114 million American families who would see their taxes go up if Congress fails to extend the middle class tax cuts.

Kennedy Center Honorees: Over the weekend, President and Mrs. Obama welcomed the 2012 Kennedy Center honorees to the White House. From the East Room of the White House, they celebrated the individuals who have made a lifetime contribution to American culture through the performing arts. This year’s honorees include David Letterman, Dustin Hoffman, Natalia Makarova, Buddy Guy, and the surviving members of Led Zeppelin.

Prime Minister Borissov of Bulgaria: Earlier this week, President Obama met with Bulgarian Prime Minister Boyko Borissov. The President thanked Prime Minister Borissov for Bulgaria’s strong partnership in NATO, as well as the country’s support in Afghanistan and its cooperation on criminal investigations, law enforcement, and counterterrorism.

Business Roundtable: On Wednesday, President Obama spoke to members of the Business Roundtable, an association of CEOs of American businesses, and reiterated his plan to extend tax cuts for middle class families. Read the President’s full remarks here.

White House Tribal Nations Conference: On Thursday, President Obama hosted the annual White House Tribal Nations Conference to provide leaders from America’s federally-recognized tribes the opportunity to interact directly with members of the Obama administration, including the President. Administration officials discussed programs and initiatives that affect Native American communities. The President took the opportunity to commemorate Sonny Black Eagle—the Crow National tribal leader who adopted the President in 2008. Watch the President’s remarks here.

White House Holidays:  On Thursday evening, President Obama, First Lady Michelle Obama, and their daughters, helped light the National Christmas Tree on the Ellipse of the White House south lawn. Watch the First Family kick-off the holiday season in Washington here. The White House also released the 2012 White House holiday card, a glimpse of the White House holiday china, and a tribute to past First Ladies to honor their holiday legacies.

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December 1, 2012 · 12:01 AM

West Wing Week: 11/30/12 or “#My2k, Tweet it!”

The White House

Here’s a quick glimpse at what happened this week on WhiteHouse.gov:

#My2k: This week, President Obama called on the American people to speak out in favor of keeping taxes low on the middle class. He explained:

If Congress does nothing, every family in America will see their taxes automatically go up at the beginning of next year. A typical middle-class family of four would see its income taxes go up by $2,200. That’s $2,200 out of people’s pockets. That means less money for buying groceries, less money for filling prescriptions, less money for buying diapers. It means a tougher choice between paying the rent and paying tuition. And middle-class families just can’t afford that right now.

The President asked the American people to speak loudly by sharing what $2,000 means to them online on Facebook and Twitter using the hashtag #My2k. Here’s how you can get involved:

Holidays at the White House: Earlier this week, the First Lady previewed the 2012 White House holiday decorations, showcasing this year’s theme: “Joy to All.” The decorations embrace several beloved White House traditions, including 54 decorated trees throughout the residence and a White House gingerbread house. The First Lady explained that this year’s theme “celebrated the many joys of the holiday season: the joy of giving and service to others; the joy of sharing our blessings with one another; and, of course, the joy of welcoming friends and family as guests into our home over these next several weeks.”

President Obama Welcomes Mexico President-Elect: On Tuesday, President Obama welcomed President-elect of Mexico Enrique Peña Nieto to the Oval Office. They discussed the close relationship between Mexico and the United States, and the President noted that President-elect Enrique Peña Nieto’s reform agenda is one that Americans will watch closely.

Cabinet Meeting: On Wednesday, the President held a Cabinet meeting—the first one since the election. He first thanked Cabinet members for doing “a remarkable job on behalf of the American people,” and reminded them there’s still much work to be done.

Vice President Biden Goes to Costco: On Thursday, the Vice President visited the newly opened Costco in Washington, DC. After picking out a few Christmas presents and other items, he spoke about the importance of extending tax cuts for middle-class families.

World AIDS Day 2012: Today, to commemorate World AIDS Day, the White House hosted a special office hour session with Senior Advisor Valerie Jarrett and Gayle Smith, Senior Director, National Security Council, to answer questions on Twitter about the Obama administration’s role in the global fight against HIV/AIDS. Learn more about how the White House is honoring World AIDS Day 2012 here.

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November 24, 2012 · 4:00 AM

West Wing Week: 11/22/12 or “Hello Burma!”

The White House

Welcome to the West Wing Week, your guide to everything that’s happening at 1600 Pennsylvania Ave. This week, the President made an historic trip to Thailand, Burma, and Cambodia, attended the East Asia Summit, and pardoned the National Thanksgiving Turkey at the White House with the First Family.

Friday, November 16th:
  • The President met with Congressional leaders to discuss ways to reach a balanced approach to strengthen our economy, support middle class families and reduce our nation’s deficit as the looming deadline of the fiscal cliff approaches.

 

Saturday, November 17th:
  • The President began his journey to Asia, traveling 18 hours on the plane and 24 hours on the clock.

 

Sunday, November 18th:
  • The President arrived in the Kingdom of Thailand, America’s oldest ally in Asia. On his first trip abroad since his re-election, the President met up with the Secretary of State and kicked off his visit with a trip to the stunning Wat Pho Royal Monastery, where the head monk introduced him to sacred Buddhas, in exchange for removing his shoes.
  • Then the President went to the Government House of Thailand for his official welcome ceremony, guest book signing, and bilateral meeting with Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra .
  • Later, the two leaders hosted a news conference before adjourning to a formal, official dinner. On the way to his hotel, he made a stop to thank the Embassy staff and their familiies for all their work on behalf of the United States.

 

Monday, November 19th:
  • The President and Secretary of State began a truly historic journey to Burma — the first for an American President — on their last foreign trip together. They were greeted by thousands of people lining the road as they traveled to meet with President Thein Sein for a bilateral meeting at the Parliament Building, and then to the Shwedagon Pagoda, the holiest cultural site in Burma.
  • The President and Secretary of State met with Nobel Peace Prize winner and opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi, at her home, where they spoke about ongoing efforts to support and encourage Burma’s democratic transition.
  • The President also visited the American Embassy, where they thanked staff, their families before traveling on to their final stop in Burma, where the President reflected on his historic visit in an address to the Burmese people.
  • That evening, the President traveled on to Cambodia, touching down in his third country of the day, where he attended the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), leaders meeting, then joined up with all the East Asia Summit leaders, who had all donned their own versions of batik shirts for the occasion.
  • Meanwhile, at the White House, the First Lady hosted the National Arts & Humanities Youth Program Awards, the country’s highest honor in this field, which recognizes exemplary programs around the country that foster the creative and intellectual development of America’s youth through education.

 

Tuesday, November 20th:
  • Before the Summit official convened, the President held bilateral meetings, first with Prime Minister Noda of Japan and then Premier Wen of China. Then it was time for day two of the East Asia Summit, with the group gathering for the traditional family photo and getting down to work at the plenary session. The President capped off his visit by taking some time to thank the Embassy Staff and their families.

 

Wednesday, November 21st:
  • The President and the First Family pardoned one very grateful Gobbler for the65th Anniversary of the National Thanksgiving Turkey presentation, and wished American families a warm, safe, and healthy holiday.
  • Later, in that same spirit of thanksgiving, the First Family contributed some time, effort and elbow grease to a Capitol Area food Bank service project creating care packages for those in need.

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October 13, 2012 · 2:47 AM

West Wing Week: 10/12/12 or “Our Journey Is Never Hopeless, Our Work Is Never Done”

The White House

Welcome to the West Wing Week, your guide to everything that’s happening at 1600 Pennsylvania Ave.

This week, the President established a new, national monument in honor of Cesar Chavez, declared Fire Prevention Week, and sat down with Diane Sawyer, while the White House honored educational innovators and 4-H and FFA Champions of Change.

That’s October 5th to October 11th or “Our Journey Is Never Hopeless, Our Work Is Never Done.”

Sunday, October 7th:

  • The President proclaimed the beginning of Fire Prevention Week.
Monday, October 8th: 
Tuesday, October 9th:
  • Bo, The First Dog, turned 4 years old.
  • The White House hosted an Education Datapalooza to celebrate education- related private-sector innovation.
  • Meanwhile, 4-H and FFA Champions of Change gathered to spend the day working together to share innovative ways to carry on their tradition of service to community and country.
Wednesday, October 10th: 
  • The President spent some time walking and talking with Diane Sawyer of ABC World News.

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October 6, 2012 · 2:37 AM

West Wing Week: 10/05/12 or “Operation Educate the Educators”

The White House

Welcome to the West Wing Week, your guide to everything that’s happening at 1600 Pennsylvania Ave.

This week, the White House and The Treasury hosted events highlighting innovative apps, we travel with Dr. Biden to events in Washington and Virginia and the White House Blue Room Christmas tree is selected in North Carolina.

That’s September 28th to October 5th or “Operation Educate the Educators”.

 

Friday, September 28th:

  • We headed down the block to 1500 Pennsylvania Ave., and the Department of the Treasury for our latest installment of Tech Nation. There, the winners of MyMoneyAppUp, a contest for mobile app ideas and designs that help Americans make smart financial choices, were announced.
Monday, October 1st:
Tuesday, October 2nd:
  • The White House Grounds Superintendent and Supervisor Horticulturalist traveled to Jefferson, NC, to select the official White House Christmas tree that will stand in the blue room during this year’s holiday season.
  • That evening, English professor Dr. Jill Biden attended “Do the Write Thing,” an event in Washington, hosted by 826 National – a network of nonprofit writing and tutoring centers co-founded by author Dave Eggers.
Wednesday, October 3rd:
  • Dr. Biden celebrated a milestone in “Operation Educate the Educators,” at George Mason University in Fairfax Virginia.  More than 100 colleges and universities have now signed on to the Joining Forces commitment that will help prepare educators to lead classrooms and develop school cultures that are more responsive to the social emotional and academic needs of children in military families

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September 29, 2012 · 2:54 PM

West Wing Week 09/28/12 or “A Common Heartbeat to Humanity”

The White House

Welcome to the West Wing Week, your guide to everything that’s happening at 1600 Pennsylvania Ave. This week, the First Lady spoke at the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation Dinner, We the People turned one-year old, and the President addressed the UN General Assembly and the Clinton Global Initiative.

Saturday, September 22nd:
Monday, September 24th:
  • The President traveled to New York City and joined the First Lady for a taping of “The View.”
Tuesday, September 25th: 
Wednesday, September 26th:
  • Deputy National Security Advisor Ben Rhodes took a look back at the President’s trip to the UN for “The Rhodes Traveled.”
  • The Vice President and Dr. Biden hosted their fourth annual reception and fiesta,  in honor of Hispanic Heritage Month at the Naval Observatory.
Thursday, September 27th:

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September 16, 2012 · 9:10 AM

West Wing Week: 09/14/12 or “Eleven”

The White House

Welcome to the West Wing Week, your guide to everything that’s happening at 1600 Pennsylvania Ave. This week, the President and his administration commemorated the 11th anniversary of the September 11th attacks, and addressed the attack on the American  embassy in Libya. We also took the Rhodes Traveled for a look back at the meaning of honoring 9/11. That’s September 7th to September 13th or “Eleven.”

Tuesday, September 11th:

  • Dr. Biden made an early visit to Fire Station #206 in Alexandria, VA, to thank the First Responders on the scene in the aftermath of the attacks on the Pentagon 11 years ago.
  • White House staff were joined by President Obama and the First Lady for a moment of silence on the South Lawn at 8:46 am, the moment American Airlines Flight #11 struck the North Tower on September 11, 2001.
  • The President and the First Lady traveled to the Pentagon for a wreath-laying ceremony with members of the military and Americans who lost a loved one in the attack on the Pentagon.
  • The President and First Lady also visited Section 60, the area of Arlington National Cemetery, where fallen soldiers from the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan are laid to rest.
  • Vice President Biden was joined by Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar and Secretary of Transportation Ray LaHood in Shanksville, PA, at the Flight 93 National Memorial, to honor the heroes of United Flight 93.
  • The Vice President also met with family members of the passengers and crew of Flight 93, and joined them at the impact site for a moment of remembrance.
  • Dr. Biden stopped by the VA Medical Center in Washington, D.C., to wish World War II Veteran, Alyce Dixon one of the first women and one of the few African-American women to serve overseas in the European theatre, a happy 105th Birthday.

Wednesday, September 12th:

  • The President and Secretary Clinton spoke about the tragic deaths of US Embassy staff in Benghazi, Libya.
  • The President sat down with Steve Kroft of 60 minutes in the Blue Room, for an in-depth interview that will air later this month.
  • Ben Rhodes hosted us for a look back at 9/11, for our latest installment of “The Rhodes Traveled.”

 

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September 1, 2012 · 9:46 AM

West Wing Week: 8/31/12 or, “It’s Summer Mailbag Time!”

The White House

Welcome to the West Wing Week, your guide to everything that’s happening at 1600 Pennsylvania Ave. It’s the summer’s special Mailbag Edition of West Wing Week, featuring Elizabeth Olson, Director of Presidential Correspondence.  This week we’re taking a moment to pick out a few of your letters from the thousands that arrive everyday here at the White House and answer some of your questions on immigration, healthcare, and the economy.  That’s August 24th to August 30th or, “It’s Summer Mailbag Time!”

First, we went over to the National Economic Council to see Deputy Director, Brian Deese, who answered some of your letters about the economy.

Then we went over to the Domestic Policy Council to talk with Cecilia Muñoz about some of the letters she’d read about healthcare reform and the new deferred action process.

Tuesday, August 28th:

  • The President made a statement about preparedness for the arrival of Hurricane Isaac.

Thursday, August 30th:

  • We sat down with Deputy National Security Advisor Ben Rhodes, who spoke about the upcoming two year anniversary of the end of the war in Iraq for ‘The Rhodes Ahead.’

Thanks for checking out your West Wing Week.

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August 18, 2012 · 8:07 AM

West Wing Week 08/17/12 or, “Dream Day”

The White House

Welcome to the West Wing Week, your guide to everything that’s happening at 1600 Pennsylvania Ave. This week, the White House hosted PTA day and the annual Iftar dinner, the President addressed the drought and spoke with the Curiosity team, and the Administration began accepting applications for the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program. That’s August 10th to August 16th or, “Dream Day.”

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