U.S. Edition
Washington (CNN) - White House National Security Adviser Susan Rice told LGBT activists on Tuesday that protecting and upholding human rights for all is "fundamental to our American character" and "essential to our American story."
She said President Barack Obama is committed to protecting the rights of gay and transgender couples, comparing their fight for equal rights to the struggle African Americans faced during the civil rights movement.
FULL POST
Washington (CNN) – They stood in front of the White House on a sunny day 35 years ago, their hands clasped together and big grins on their faces. The three world leaders, one Arab, one Orthodox Jew, and one born-again Christian, had just signed what would become the Middle East's most enduring peace treaty.
And all it took was a trip to the woods. FULL POST
Washington (CNN) - With Obamacare enrollment surpassing the key 7 million mark and the website able to handle record traffic while only experiencing some glitches, Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius showed her appreciation to her department's employees.
"Today, as we mark the end of the first open enrollment period for the Health Insurance Marketplace, I want to thank you for the progress we’ve made, together," Sebelius wrote the staff Tuesday afternoon in a note obtained by CNN.
This marks a moment of vindication for Sebelius, who came under withering criticism last fall for the botched rollout of the HealthCare.gov website and some calls for her resignation.
(CNN) - President Barack Obama and his family lit the National Christmas Tree on Friday, continuing a 91-year tradition in Washington. In his remarks at the ceremony, the President also paid tribute to Nelson Mandela.
"This year we give a special measure of gratitude for Nelson Mandela and man who championed that generosity of spirit," Obama said of the iconic former president of South Africa, who passed away Thursday at the age of 95. FULL POST
(CNN) – After the elections in 2016, President Barack Obama will leave the White House, but he may not leave Washington.
In an interview with ABC, Obama said the decision will revolve around Sasha, the President and First Lady Michelle Obama's youngest daughter, who will be a sophomore in high school when he leaves office. Malia, the oldest daughter, will be in college. FULL POST
Updated 10:34 a.m. ET, 11/25/2013
Seattle (CNN) – Congressional Democrats, many downright scared of the political fallout from the botched rollout of Obamacare, are getting a boost this week as the President completes a month-long fundraising sprint a year ahead of 2014's midterm elections.
Obama–who has jetted to New York, Boston, Miami, Dallas and Philadelphia in the past several weeks to help add millions of dollars to Democrats' campaign coffers–is spending three days on the West Coast convincing donors his falling popularity and the faulty implementation of his signature legislation don't mean all is lost for the Democratic Party next year. FULL POST
Washington (CNN) – New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie, fresh off a landslide reelection victory earlier this month, says if being himself "is not good enough in any other election I might someday pursue," he will just find another job.
Republican Christie, who won reelection in blue New Jersey by garnering a broad coalition of support, said he didn't feel like he had to do any further outreach to his fellow party members who see him as a moderate unable to tap into the conservative base. FULL POST
(CNN) – Hundreds rallied in front of the Capitol on Saturday in protest of the National Security Agency's surveillance programs and demanded a congressional investigation and reform of the laws governing the agency.
“This isn't a partisan issue. This is for Republicans, Democrats, Libertarians, conservatives and liberals, everyone in between,” said Rep. Justin Amash, R-Michigan, who proposed an amendment to rein in the NSA surveillance programs but was defeated in July by a thin, seven-vote margin. FULL POST
Updated 10:53 a.m. ET 10/15/2013
Washington (CNN) - A veterans group behind a rally in Washington that protested the closure of national monuments and memorials issued a statement Monday distancing itself from the political undertones that took center stage at the demonstration.
“We feel disheartened that some would seek to hijack the narrative for political gain,” read a statement posted on the website and Facebook page for Sunday’s event, which was facilitated by Brats for Veterans Advocacy Group. FULL POST
Updated 3:37 p.m. ET, 10/13/2013
Washington (CNN) - Angered by the closure of national landmarks due to the partial government shutdown, a crowd of conservatives removed barricades Sunday at the World War II Memorial and the Lincoln Memorial as they rallied against President Barack Obama and Democrats for their role in the ongoing stalemate.
High-profile speakers with close ties to the tea party appeared at the event, including former Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin and Sen. Ted Cruz of Texas. FULL POST