White House news

• By not arming Ukraine for now, Obama underscores 'diplomacy first' strategy

  09-02-2015 23:10
  
  President Obama made it clear Monday he is not ready to provide lethal weaponry to Ukraine – and in so doing he recommitted to the “diplomacy as long as it has a chance” foundation of his national security policy. At a White House press conference with German Chancellor Angela Merkel before the two leaders sat down to lunch, Mr. Obama said he has “not made a decision yet” on providing antitank missiles and other “defensive” weapons to Ukraine to help it repel what he called “Russ
  
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• Obama: US-EU unity reinforced on Ukraine crisis

  09-02-2015 23:06
  
  Washington, Feb 10 (IANS) US President Barack Obama said Monday that Ukraine crisis had reinforced unity of the US and its European allies while he did not rule out possibility of providing lethal weapons to the Ukrainian forces, an act opposed by German Chancellor Angela Merkel. "There maybe some areas where there are tactical disagreements," said Obama at a joint press conference in the White House with Merkel, referring to the possible shift of US previous policy of not arming Ukrainian force
  
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• Obama says still weighing decision on arming Ukraine forces

  09-02-2015 22:59
  
  By Andreas Rinke and Aleksandar Vasovic WASHINGTON/DONETSK, Ukraine (Reuters) - U.S. President Barack Obama signalled on Monday he will wait for the results of high-stakes talks on Ukraine before deciding whether to arm the Kiev government, saying diplomacy and sanctions remain his preferred tools to resolve the crisis. Obama, at a White House news conference with visiting German Chancellor Angela Merkel, said providing weapons to Ukraine was among the options he and his advisors were considerin
  
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• Obama delays Ukraine arms decision

  09-02-2015 22:38
  
  US President Barack Obama on Monday agreed to hold off a controversial decision on sending arms to Ukraine until German-led efforts to broker a ceasefire with Russia are given a chance. Hosting Chancellor Angela Merkel at the White House, Obama said he hoped she could reach a deal with Russian President Vladimir Putin to end 10 months of bloodshed in eastern Ukraine, but warned more punitive measures are in the pipeline. Steep Western sanctions and low oil prices have crippled Russia's econ
  
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• Obama faces tough sell to get new US war powers to fight IS

  09-02-2015 22:08
  
  WASHINGTON (AP) — The White House is struggling to reconcile demands from Democrats against using U.S. ground forces to fight Islamic State militants with those Republicans who want to leave that option open, congressional officials said Monday as lawmakers awaited an administration proposal for new war powers to battle the extremists.
  
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• Obama faces tough sell to get new war powers to fight IS

  09-02-2015 21:56
  
  WASHINGTON (AP) — The White House is struggling to reconcile demands from Democrats against using U.S. ground forces to fight Islamic State militants with those Republicans who want to leave that option open, congressional officials said Monday as lawmakers awaited an administration proposal for new war powers to battle the extremists.
  
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• The 13-year-old who raised $1 million in a viral fundraising campaign got to meet President Obama

  09-02-2015 21:31
  
  Brandon Stanton, the photographer behind the wildly popular “Humans of New York” project, helped raise $1 million for a middle school in Brownsville, Brooklyn middle school when he posted this photo of sixth-grader Vidal Chastanet. Facebook Stanton, who photographs and interviews people he sees around New York City, ran into Chastanet when he was walking around Brownville, which has the highest crime rate in the city. Chastanet, a sixth grader at Mott Hall Bridges Academy, said his school
  
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• Obama to seek new authority for Islamic State fight by Wednesday -congressional aides

  09-02-2015 20:59
  
  (Adds details about expected authorization request.) WASHINGTON, Feb 9 (Reuters) - The White House will ask Congress for new authority to use force against Islamic State fighters by Wednesday, congressional aides said on Monday. The United States is leading an international coalition against Islamic State, and President Barack Obama launched an air campaign in August against IS fighters in Iraq and Syria. The administration has said the campaign was legal, based on authorization passed under Pre
  
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• Obama acknowledges damage from NSA eavesdropping on Merkel

  09-02-2015 20:27
  
  By Julia Edwards WASHINGTON (Reuters) - President Barack Obama said on Monday that revelations of U.S. surveillance on German Chancellor Angela Merkel "damaged impressions" Germans hold of the U.S. government. Obama said during a joint news conference with Merkel at the White House that he has worked to restore the confidence of Germany and other global partners since former U.S. contractor Edward Snowden began leaking documents detailing the spying operations of the U.S. National Secu
  
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• Obama gives cautious backing for Ukraine-Russia talks

  09-02-2015 20:26
  
  President Barack Obama refused to rule out sending arms to Ukraine Monday, but indicated he was willing to see if German-led efforts to broker a ceasefire succeed before making his choice. Hosting German Chancellor Angela Merkel at the White House for crisis talks, Obama voiced skepticism about whether a deal can be reached with Russia to end 10 months of bloodshed. Steep Western sanctions have helped cripple Russia's economy, but have failed to dissuade Vladimir Putin's government fro
  
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• Netanyahu insists he will address Congress over Iran

  09-02-2015 20:26
  
  Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Monday he is determined to address Congress next month over Iran's nuclear programme, brushing off US fears his intervention could derail talks with Tehran. "I am determined to address Congress, that is why I decided to go to Washington and present Israel's position," Netanyahu told participants at an election event by his Likud party. The White House has already voiced concern over the premier's speech, and it announced Fri
  
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• Democratic wise man splits loyalties between Obama, Clinton

  09-02-2015 20:17
  
  WASHINGTON (AP) — John Podesta built his reputation as a Democratic Party wise man by trying to salvage the second terms of two presidents. He's about to duck out of the White House to try to engineer the election of a third.
  
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• Kremlin: Don't Issue Ultimatums To Putin

  09-02-2015 20:01
  
  Vladimir Putin will not be spoken to in the language of ultimatums, a Russian radio station has quoted the Kremlin as saying. Reports suggest German Chancellor Angela Merkel had given him until Wednesday to agree a peace plan over Ukraine or face new sanctions. The warning came as Mrs Merkel met US President Barack Obama to discuss the peace initiative, while the White House considers supplying weapons to Kiev. The President said Russia was trying to redraw borders behind the "barrel of
  
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• Obama says extending deadline for Iran nuclear deal not useful

  09-02-2015 19:04
  
  WASHINGTON (Reuters) - U.S. President Barack Obama said on Monday extending the March deadline for a nuclear deal with Iran would not be useful if Iran does not agree to a basic framework. "At this juncture I don't see a further extension being useful if they have not agreed to basic formulation and the bottom-line that the world requires," he said at the White House after meeting with German Chancellor Angela Merkel. "We now know enough that the issues are no longer technica
  
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• Obama defends lack of Netanyahu meeting, citing protocols

  09-02-2015 19:02
  
  U.S. President Barack Obama on Monday defended his decision not to meet with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu during his upcoming Washington visit as following basic protocol of not meeting with world leaders just weeks before an election. "We have a practice of not meeting with leaders right before their elections," Obama said at a joint news conference German Chancellor Angela Merkel. Obama added that if Merkel had an election coming up shortly, she would not have been invited to White House
  
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• Obama says worked to regain Germany's confidence after spying revelations

  09-02-2015 18:53
  
  WASHINGTON (Reuters) - U.S. President Barack Obama said on Monday he has worked to restore the confidence of Germans and other global partners after revelations of U.S. spying on foreign leaders hurt those relationships. Obama said during a joint news conference with German Chancellor Angela Merkel at the White House that he thought Germans should give the United States the "benefit of the doubt" in light of the two countries' recent history of cooperation. (Reporting by Emily Ste
  
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• Potential White House hopeful Walker on London visit

  09-02-2015 18:45
  
  MADISON, Wisconsin (AP) — Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker began a four-day trade mission to London on Monday, marking the latest Republican with potential presidential aspirations to make such a trip to the United Kingdom.
  
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• Obama says has not made a decision on lethal weapons for Ukraine

  09-02-2015 18:44
  
  U.S. President Barack Obama said on Monday his administration is looking at all options in handling the crisis in Ukraine, but he has not yet decided whether the United States will provide lethal arms to Kiev. "The possibility of lethal defensive weapons is one of those options that is being examined, but I have not made a decision about that yet," he said, speaking at a joint news conference with German Chancellor Angela Merkel at the White House. Obama said U.S. consideration of supplying defe
  
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• Bush set to release e-book, emails ahead of likely '16 bid

  09-02-2015 18:15
  
  WASHINGTON (AP) — Stepping closer to a White House bid, former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush is ready to release thousands of emails and the first chapter of a related e-book intended to highlight his compassionate leadership style and conservative credentials.
  
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• First Lady of food Michelle Obama graces cover of 'Cooking Light' magazine

  09-02-2015 17:31
  
  Dinner at the White House starts at around 6:30 pm. And while the dining table may be bigger and someone else is doing the cooking, First Lady Michelle Obama says their family tradition remains largely unchanged. These are among the tidbits from an interview in the forthcoming issue of Cooking Light entitled “Family Dinner,” the first time in the magazine’s 28-year history that a person -- and not a dish -- is featured on the cover. In the March issue, Obama, who is described as the First
  
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• EU delays new sanctions as Merkel holds Ukraine talks with Obama

  09-02-2015 17:07
  
  Kiev (AFP) - Europe on Monday postponed sanctions against Moscow ahead of a Ukraine peace summit as US President Barack Obama and German Chancellor Angela Merkel weighed options to end 10 months of bloodshed.
  
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• Merkel, Obama try to bridge differences on arms to Ukraine

  09-02-2015 16:59
  
  WASHINGTON (AP) — Amid a swirl of diplomatic maneuvering, President Barack Obama and German Chancellor Angela Merkel huddled at the White House Monday to evaluate the prospects of reviving an elusive peace plan to end the conflict between Ukraine and pro-Russian separatists.
  
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• After his visit to the White House, Robbie was a guest at last night’s Grammys

  09-02-2015 15:53
  
  The Ireland and LA Galaxy captain is certainly making the most of the off-season.
  
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• Styles differ but U.S. presidents make fitness a priority

  09-02-2015 14:24
  
  By Dorene Internicola NEW YORK (Reuters) - Whether the request was for a treadmill on Air Force One, an elliptical trainer by the White House pool, or a rower adjacent the Lincoln bedroom, when the Oval Office called, fitness trainer Ted Vickey answered. As the former executive director of the White House Athletic Center during the presidencies of Bill Clinton and George W. Bush, Vickey served their fitness demands. While their styles differed, Vickey said each president made fitness a priority.
  
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• In An Exclusive Interview With Cooking Light, First Lady Michelle Obama Talks About The State Of Family Dinner & How She Will Measure The Success Of Let's Move!

  09-02-2015 13:00
  
  NEW YORK and BIRMINGHAM, Ala., Feb. 9, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- Cooking Light, Time Inc.'s (TIME) leading epicurean brand that celebrates great food and good health, features an exclusive interview with First Lady Michelle Obama in its March 2015 issue.  Mrs. Obama discusses the state of family dinner in America today, how she will measure the success of Let's Move!, what meals were like growing up in the Robinson household, and more.  Cooking Light's "Family Dinner" issue marks the first time in
  
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• Merkel to discuss Ukraine peace plan with Obama

  09-02-2015 11:50
  
  German Chancellor Angela Merkel was Monday to brief US President Barack Obama on the latest peace plan for Ukraine ahead of a four-way summit aimed at ending 10 months of bloodshed. Foreign ministry officials from Ukraine, Russia, Germany and France were due to hold a preparatory meeting in Berlin after leaders agreed to push for the key meeting on a new peace deal Wednesday in Minsk, the capital of Belarus. Russian President Vladimir Putin, however, warned that a "number of points" st
  
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• Potential 2016 candidates prime Iowa, New Hampshire with cash

  09-02-2015 11:00
  
  Rand Paul, Rick Perry among possible White House contenders using PACs to boost politicians in Iowa and New Hampshire.
  
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• SHOW BITS: The woman from the domestic violence segment

  09-02-2015 07:08
  
  LOS ANGELES (AP) — The woman who spoke movingly from the Grammy stage about her experiences with domestic violence says the segment was inspired by a visit to the White House by Grammy show producer Ken Ehrlich.
  
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• NASA selects tiny research satellites for future missions

  09-02-2015 07:00
  
  Washington, Feb 9 (IANS) NASA has selected more than dozen small research satellites that could fit in the palm of your hand to fly in space on future rocket launches. They will enable unique technology demonstrations, education research and science missions and will study topics ranging from how the solar system formed to the demonstration of a new radiation-tolerant computer system, the US space agency said in a statement. They come from universities across the country, non-profit organisation
  
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• Kerry says IS 'on road' to defeat despite claims of terror outfit spreading beyond Middle East

  09-02-2015 06:04
  
  Washington, Feb 09 (ANI): The United States' strategy to take on the Islamic State (IS) in Iraq and Syria is working, Secretary of State John Kerry and a top White House official said amid concerns that the U.S. needed to do more to defeat the terror group following the killing of two hostages. Kerry argued that the coalition forces had retaken 22 percent of the populated areas that were previously controlled by the IS in the region "without launching what we would call a major offensive." The s
  
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• Obama makes video appearance during Grammy Awards night

  09-02-2015 05:16
  
  Los Angeles, Feb 9 (IANS) US President Barack Obama shared a powerful message, urging Americans to end violence against women and girls, when he made a video appearance during the 57th edition of the Grammy Awards here Sunday night. In the video, he said: "It's not OK, and it has to stop." Obama also asked artists to tell their fans to join "It's On Us", which is White House's ongoing campaign to help put an end to sexual assault on college campuses. Following the powerful video message, domesti
  
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• Obama hosts Merkel amid deepening Ukraine crisis

  09-02-2015 02:38
  
  US President Barack Obama hosts Angela Merkel at the White House on Monday, as worsening violence in Ukraine confronts them with a choice between throwing more weapons into the war and risky peace talks. The German chancellor will visit the Oval Office for a tete-a-tete as divisions grow over how to stop bloody fighting between Kiev and Russian-backed rebels. At home Obama is facing increasing calls to supply the outmatched Ukrainian army with more weapons to shore up its faltering defenses. Mer
  
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