Category: 2013

This evening, the President telephoned Virginia Governor-elect Terry McAuliffe, New York Mayor-elect Bill De Blasio and Boston Mayor-elect Martin Walsh.  He congratulated each of them on their election victories and vowed to work with them in the months ahead to expand economic opportunity for middle class families in their communities.

East Room 2:15 P.M. EST THE PRESIDENT:  Please, everybody, have a seat.  (Applause.)  It is my pleasure to welcome back the Chicago Blackhawks to the White House.  (Applause.)  We have some very proud Blackhawks fans here.  A couple I want to point out in particular — Senator Dick Durbin from Illinois — (applause) –and Congressman…

St. Regis Hotel Washington, D.C. 5:58 P.M. EST THE PRESIDENT:  Hello, everybody!  (Applause.)  Hey!  (Applause.)  Thank you, everybody.  Have a seat.  Have a seat.  Hey!  (Applause.)  It is good to see you.  And thank you to — give Leslie a big round of applause for the wonderful introduction.  (Applause.)  Leslie is an example of folks…

St. Regis Hotel Washington, D.C. 7:06 P.M. EST THE PRESIDENT:  Thank you, everybody!  Thank you.  Thank you.  (Applause.)  Thank you.  Thank you.  Everybody have a seat, have a seat. Jim claims that he always gives short introductions.  That is not true.  (Laughter.)  That’s why I walked out here with him, to keep him on point. …

This afternoon, President Obama spoke to Red Sox Manager John Farrell to congratulate him and the Boston Red Sox on their eighth World Championship. The President noted the great job that Farrell did in his first year managing the team, remarked on the incredible pitching performance by Koji Uehara,  and extended his congratulations to David…

Today, President Obama met with Clifford Sloan, the State Department’s Special Envoy for Guantanamo Closure, and with Paul Lewis, the Defense Department’s Special Envoy for Guantanamo Closure. The President thanked the two Special Envoys for their important work. The President reiterated that he remains fully committed to closing the detention facility at Guantanamo Bay,  and…

The President welcomes the Senate’s bipartisan first step towards final passage of S. 815, the Employment Non‑Discrimination Act of 2013.  He has long supported an inclusive ENDA, which would establish lasting and comprehensive Federal protections against employment discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity.  He thanks the lawmakers from both sides of the aisle who have…

The United States welcomes the passage of legislation today by the Council of Representatives (COR) to govern Iraq’s parliamentary elections.  These elections have now been set for April 30, 2014, and the law that passed today was the result of many weeks of negotiation and compromise by all of Iraq’s major political blocs.  I applaud…

Washington-Lee High School Arlington, Virginia 2:28 P.M. EST THE PRESIDENT:  Hello, Washington-Lee!  (Applause.)  Hello, Virginia!  (Applause.)  How are you doing?  (Applause.)  Are you fired up?  (Applause.)  Are you ready to vote on Tuesday?  (Applause.) Well, it is good to be back in Virginia — (applause) — with the next governor of the great Commonwealth of…