Jon Ward

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Powell airs doubts on Obama agenda

Friday, July 3, 2009

Colin Powell, one of President Obama's most prominent Republican supporters, expressed concern Friday that the president's ambitious blitz of costly initiatives may be enlarging the size of government and the federal debt too much.

Obama to launch flu campaign

Effort aimed at fighting H1N1 virus

Friday, July 3, 2009

The White House on Thursday announced plans for a summit next week to launch a "national influenza campaign" aimed at blunting the effects of a potentially severe outbreak of H1N1 virus, or swine flu, this fall.

Obama urges support for reform

Promotes government option before Congress takes up bill

Thursday, July 2, 2009

With health care reform facing a critical stretch in Congress, President Obama on Wednesday attempted to rally support for his plan by holding a tightly controlled town-hall meeting in Northern Virginia that culminated with him hugging a crying cancer victim.

Obama hugs cancer patient, pitches plan

Wednesday, July 1, 2009

President Obama touted his health care plan again Wednesday by at town hall meeting in Northern Virginia, pushing for a government-run insurance option but stopping short of threatening to veto a bill that does not include such a feature.

Obama lauds troop withdrawal

But says 'important step' will be followed by violence

Wednesday, July 1, 2009

The White House gave cautious praise Tuesday to the withdrawal of most U.S. forces out of Iraqi cities and towns, saying they will continue to work with the government and security forces there to maintain a fragile peace and advance toward political stability.

WH: Iraq progress requires responsibility

Tuesday, June 30, 2009

President Obama hailed the withdrawal of U.S. troops from Iraqi cities as an "important step forward" but cautioned that the Iraqi government and people will still face difficult days ahead.

Obama says gay rights will take time

Hosts movement anniversary

Tuesday, June 30, 2009

President Obama on Monday hosted a gay pride celebration at the White House and defended his efforts so far to expand gay rights, telling a group of boisterous activists that the reforms they seek will take time and patience.

U.S. nixes July Fourth invitation to Iranians

Thursday, June 25, 2009

The White House on Wednesday rescinded invitations to Iranian diplomats to attend July Fourth celebrations at U.S. embassies around the world, in the most concrete action taken so far by the Obama administration, walking back from its agenda to engage with Tehran after the crackdown on protests there.

Iranians disinvited to July Fourth fetes

Wednesday, June 24, 2009

UPDATED: The White House has rescinded the invitations to Iranian diplomats to attend July Fourth celebrations at U.S. embassies around the world, in the most concrete action taken so far by the Obama administration to walk back from its agenda to engage with Tehran following the crackdown on anti-government protests there.