Topic: The White House

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'White House Down' has lots of action to little effect

'White House Down' star Channing Tatum is full of panache, but Jamie Foxx as the president never lets loose.
Africa Monitor Circle of history: Will Barack Obama visit Nelson Mandela?

With Obama in South Africa, Mandela's family has said a private visit between the two men might be meaningful for the South African leader.
On first day in Africa, Obama calls Mandela a 'hero for the world'

The White House is in Senegal, South Africa, and Tanzania for a week, to make up for lost ground as China's influence rises. But the status of Mandela looms over visit.
Obama lands in an Africa more skeptical of his presidency (+video)

White House predecessors George W. Bush and Bill Clinton left a mark on Africa. Obama in his first term did not. Will his second term bring a different story?
Decoder Wire Battleground Ohio: The [early] polls are in, showing a Clinton-Christie tie

It's never too early to poll test presidential prospects, it seems. So, a new Ohio poll finds Hillary Clinton and Chris Christie dead even, at 42 percent. Clinton beats Rand Paul, Joe Biden doesn't.
Kenyans in small uproar as Obama Africa trip bypasses his father's homeland

Obama has affirmed his African family roots. But with Kenya's leaders facing ICC trials this fall, a trip to Nairobi was probably a non-starter.
Obama, off to Africa, aims to reenergize US role there. Is time ripe?

President Obama will emphasize benefits of partnering with the US on economic and social development, during his three-nation trip to sub-Saharan Africa. Rising disillusionment with other partners, such as China, may make that idea a slightly easier sell, experts say.
Decoder Wire Hillary Clinton weighs in on Edward Snowden: Is that appropriate?

Generally, former secretaries of State stay quiet on matters that affect their successors – such as the Edward Snowden leaks. But Hillary Clinton, eyeing a presidential run, has different rules.
Whitehouse.gov petition to pardon Snowden passes 100,000 signatures

Whitehouse.gov: The administration routinely declines to comment on petitions regarding law enforcement matters, including pardon requests. The ultimate answer is the administration's pursuit of Snowden on espionage charges.
Obama to unveil climate change plan with sweeping emissions cuts (+video)

President Obama is expected to announce Tuesday a comprehensive new plan to combat climate change that includes cutting greenhouse-gas emissions from existing coal-fired power plants – a move that could lead to a wave of plant closings.
Decoder Wire Rusty the red panda: The Edward Snowden of zoo animals? (+video)

Rusty the red panda escaped from the National Zoo, and for a few hours Monday was the second-most famous fugitive on the planet, at least to Washingtonians. Rusty-as-Snowden quickly turned into a Twitter meme.
Red panda missing: Rusty the panda is found

Red panda missing: A red panda that vanished from the National Zoo was found in a D.C. neighborhood.
Edward Snowden heads for asylum: Does the US have any options? (+video)

Faced with espionage charges, NSA whistleblower Edward Snowden left Hong Kong Sunday for asylum, reportedly in South America. This could leave the US with few options as it tries to prosecute the man who leaked details about top secret surveillance programs.
‘Friends of Syria’ meeting adds pressure: What is US ready to do?

Other countries and the Syrian rebels are awaiting specifics about new US aid, but President Obama is still weighing what steps to take and how far to go, reflecting continuing deep divisions across the administration.
Decoder Wire Immigration reform: Can a supporter win GOP nomination in 2016?

Although Republicans in general have been under pressure to warm up to immigration reform, such an approach might not resonate in early-primary states, where GOP voters tend to be socially conservative and largely white.
FBI pick: Obama poised to name Bush appointee James Comey

The White House announced today that on Friday, President Obama will nominate Bush's Deputy Attorney General James Comey to head the FBI.
The Monitor's View Obama's cold calculation on global warming

Hundreds of existing coal-burning plants could be shut down under expected EPA rules aimed at curbing climate change. But such action must be accompanied by Obama appealing directly to people in coal-dependent states who would be making the big sacrifices.
Stir It Up! Winners announced for 'Kids' State Dinner' (+video)

Michelle Obama and Epicurious have announced the 54 recipe winners representing each US state and territory. The children will join the first lady for a healthy lunch and a tour of the White House kitchen garden.
Obama nuke proposals: Status quo, or too risky?

Obama's offer to Russia to jointly cut deployed strategic nukes was just part of a broader, and more cautious, nuclear weapons strategy announced by the White House.
Immigration reform tying House Republicans in knots

House Speaker John Boehner said Tuesday that immigration reform will not come to the floor without majority Republican support, hurting its prospects. Yet the House GOP is also planning outreach to Hispanic voters.
As Taliban prepares for peace talks, US braces for disappointment

The Taliban will open a political office in Qatar, the White House announced Tuesday. This would help prepare for reconciliation talks in which the government of Afghanistan and the US would take part.
Gun control: Why Vice President Biden is trying again

Vice President Biden on Tuesday will tout executive action on gun control and push to revive legislation. But the recent news on NSA data-mining could make it even harder to get votes.
NASA's new astronaut class marks changing of guard for US spaceflight (+video)

NASA named its first new astronauts in four years Monday. Of the eight new recruits, four are women, and all are members of the 'space shuttle generation.'
US promises military aid to Syrian rebels. Now what?

US military aid to Syrian rebels is expected to begin arriving in a few weeks, delivered by the CIA through secret bases in Turkey and Jordan. Reports say it will include light weaponry, but not shoulder-fired antiaircraft missiles. The Pentagon also has proposed a partial no-fly zone.
US to start arming Syrian rebels, but will it make much difference?

Some senior US military officials question the strategic value of sending small arms and ammunition to the Syrian rebels. But other options – including a no-fly zone – also carry concerns.