Obama Meeting Mystery Solved

December 02, 2008 4:56 PM

ABC News' Martha Raddatz & Richard Coolidge Report: Whom did President-Elect Barack Obama meet with at National Airport on Nov. 10th in secret? None other than current and future Secretary of Defense Robert Gates. That revelation came during a media roundtable today held by Sec. Gates.

"We did meet the day he came to Washington to meet with the President. We met when he went back to the airport," said Gates.

After President Bush met with President-Elect Obama at the White House and gave him a tour, Obama returned in his motorcade to Washington's Ronald Reagan National Airport, but instead of boarding his plane directly, he went to Fire Station 301.

"We actually met in the fire station at National Airport. And they pulled the trucks out so that our cars could go in."

Outside, there were numerous Secret Service agents, and when Obama returned about an hour later and boarded his American Airlines jet bound for Chicago, whoever had been meeting with him slipped out a back gate.

Now we know -- it was Gates.

December 2, 2008 | Permalink | User Comments (0)

Gates Says His Commitment to Obama is 'Open-Ended'

December 02, 2008 4:42 PM

ABC News' Martha Raddatz and Lindsey Ellerson Report: In his first appearance since being nominated to continue as secretary of defense, Secretary Robert Gates said Tuesday "there is no timeframe" for his tenure at the Pentagon.

"I've thrown away the clock because it was absolutely useless at the end of the day," the defense secretary told reporters.  "The president-elect and I agreed that this would be open-ended.  And so there is no time frame."

Gates also admitted he had hoped Obama would not ask him to stay on as secretary of state because he knew he would not be able to decline the post if the question was asked. 

"With the country fighting two wars and our men and women in uniform at risk, if a president asked me to help, there's no way I can say no," said Gates.  "So I spent a long time hoping the question would never be popped.  I then hoped he'd change his mind, and yesterday it became a reality."

Gates also revealed details about his meeting with Obama prior to being offered the position. The two men met secretly at National Airport Fire Department, the same day the president-elect visited President Bush at the White House.  In order to get the secretary's car, Gates and Obama had to secretly move the fire trucks out of the fire department.

When asked whether he considers himself "at odds" with Obama's position on a timetable for withdrawal, Gates said that while Obama continues to make clear the importance of a timetable, he believes Obama will withdraw American troops responsibly.

"I think that I would subscribe to what the president-elect said yesterday in Chicago," Gates said.  "He repeated his desire to try and get our combat forces out within 16 months, but he also said that he wanted to have a responsible drawdown.  And he also said that he was prepared to listen to his commanders."

When pushed on the issue, Gates pointed out that the SOFA has significantly changed the situation in Iraq and therefore his outlook on the timetable.

"We are going to be out of all populated areas of Iraq by the end of June 2009," said the secretary.  "I'm less concerned about that timetable.  First of all, we have a definite timetable now in the SOFA.  It's a longer one, but it's a definite timetable.  So that bridge has been crossed.  And so the question is how do we do this in a responsible way.  And nobody wants to put at risk the gains that have been achieved with so much sacrifice on the part of our soldiers and the Iraqis at this point. And so I think that the president-elect framed it just right yesterday.

The secretary of defense went on to call his own situation at the Pentagon "unique."

"This is quite literally a unique situation," said Gates.  "Since the creation of the position of secretary of defense some 60 years ago, no secretary has been asked to continue in office under a newly-elected president even when the new president has come from the same party. So I thank President-elect Obama for his confidence in me and look forward to working for and with him," said Gates.

Gates also told reporters that he considers himself part of the Republican party.

"I felt when I was at CIA that as a professional intelligence officer, like a military officer, I should be apolitical. And so I didn't register with a party.  I consider myself a Republican," said Gates.  "Until yesterday, all of my senior appointments have been under Republican presidents."

While he acknowledged there will be another opportunity to reflect on his time in the Bush administration, the secretary did make a point to thank the current president.

"As I said yesterday in Chicago, serving in this position has been the most gratifying experience of my life and he made it possible.  I also thank him for his support in the difficult decisions that I've had to make.  It has been an honor and a pleasure to work for and with him."

December 2, 2008 in Obama, Barack | Permalink | User Comments (0)

Condi Rice Plays for the Queen

December 01, 2008 7:18 PM

ABC News' Kirit Radia Reports: Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, an accomplished pianist, always envisioned playing at Carnegie Hall. Today, she got an arguably better gig.

Rice performed before the Queen of England at Buckingham Palace this evening, alongside the wife of her British counterpart and several members of the London Symphony Orchestra.

The group performed a piece by Brahms, Rice's favorite composer.

Rice rarely plays the piano in public. She performed earlier this year at the Aspen Music Festival in Colorado. She also played for a gathering of diplomats at the ASEAN meetings in 2006.

Rich received from the Queen an audio recording of the recital as a gift. Rice met with British Prime Minister Gordon Brown and Foreign Secretary David Miliband early in the day. She stopped in London Monday on her way to Brussels for a meeting of NATO leaders.

Also on Monday, Rice praised Sen. Hillary Clinton, D-N.Y., when asked about her selection by President-elect Barack Obama to be her successor at the State Department.

"The first time that I met Senator Clinton was actually a world away from Washington, when she brought her freshman daughter to Stanford University where I was provost. And so our relationship goes back quite a long way. And I am very fond of her," said Rice.

"I think she has worked very hard on behalf of the country. I think she really comported herself very well in the campaign. And she’s an inspiration to a lot of people and a lot of - not just women, a lot of people. I know that she will bring enormous energy and intellect and skill to the position."

December 1, 2008 | Permalink | User Comments (42)

White House Christmas Tree Arrives

November 30, 2008 3:31 PM

ABC News' Vija Udenans Reports: The 20-foot White House Christmas tree arrived by a 2-horse drawn carriage at the North Portico of the White House and was met by First Lady Laura Bush Sunday afternoon .

The official White House Christmas tree will be decorated and displayed in the Blue Room with decorations provided by artists around the country.

Mrs. Bush, wearing a red coat and holding an umbrella, said that while this is the first event of the season, she would reveal the theme of this year's decorations on Wednesday .

The North Carolina grown Fraser fir was selected by the chief usher in October from River Ridge Tree Farms in Creston, North Carolina; This being the 11th time the blue room Christmas tree has come from North Carolina.

President Bush did not venture out in the rainy weather to see the arrival, but his spokesperson said "he’s looking forward to the holidays".

The National Christmas Tree Association has presented a tree to the White House every year since 1966, when Lyndon Johnson was president.

November 30, 2008 | Permalink | User Comments (9 )

Specter Prepared for 2010 if Opponent is Chris Matthews or Not

November 30, 2008 3:17 PM

ABC News' Tahman Bradley Reports: Sen. Arlen Specter, R-Penn., declined to comment on reports that MSNBC pundit Chris Matthews is considering launching a bid for his U.S. Senate seat in 2010. Whether Matthews enters the fray or not, Specter told CNN he will be ready for a tough re-election battle.

"I long ago adopted the philosophy of Satchel Paige, the old pitcher, and that is I never look over my shoulder, never look behind. Somebody may be gaining on me. I run with blinders," Specter said on the program "Late Edition".

Specter, seeking a sixth term, noted that he must first survive the Republican primary in 2010 before he worries about a Democratic opponent.

"I'll be prepared, whoever my opponents are."

Speculation about a Matthews bid grew last week after reports that the "Hardball" host met with Pennsylvania Democratic Party leaders about a possible run and had started hiring staff. A Matthews spokesperson, however, told Politico the report that he's staffed up is "absolutely not true."

Matthews is a Philadelphia native who was an aide to former House Speaker Tip O'Neill and a presidential speech writer in the Carter Administration. His contract with MSNBC reportedly expires in June.

The newly appointed Democratic in charge of getting Democrats elected to the Senate, Sen. Bob Menendez of New Jersey, also appearing on "Late Edition", was asked by host Wolf Blitzer if he's ready to stand by Matthews should he enter the race.

"I haven't seen any firm announcement by anyone in terms of running. Obviously, you know, we're going to be looking at the whole universe of seats that are up, keeping our incumbents strong and in a position to win re-election, looking at open seats that may become open, and then, of course, challengers."

November 30, 2008 | Permalink | User Comments (14)

Bush Calls Troops on Thanksgiving

November 27, 2008 10:09 AM

ABC News' Jennifer Duck reports: President Bush is spending his final Thanksgiving as president at Camp David with family and friends.  He made his traditional call to troops overseas wishing them a Happy Thanksgiving.

"Thanksgiving is a time to think about family, and I've also been thinking about our troops overseas," President Bush said. 

According to White House Press Secretary Dana Perino the president told eleven members of U.S. Armed Forces stationed all over the world, "I'm very proud of your service to our country. Thanks for stepping up and honoring your country. Thank you for your courage."

President Bush also said he is "proud" to be commander-in-chief and thanked the troops "for being out there and securing our country's future."

Receiving phone calls from the president were Staff Sergeant Kevin R. Everett, Staff Sergeant David A. “Dave” Mickem, Sergeant Paul E. Savage, Jr., Lance Corporal Levi Koski, Petty Officer First Class Corey A. Snowden, Petty Officer Second Class Ronnie C. Giordani, Senior Airman Victoria L. Drefs, Airman First Class Thomas A. “Adam” Everett, Petty Officer Third Class James Nichols, Seaman Michael “Mike” Manning, and Sergeant Shannon M. Dyer.

November 27, 2008 in White House | Permalink | User Comments (19)

Bush Calls Indian Prime Minister

November 27, 2008 8:35 AM

ABC News' Jennifer Duck reports: Senior Administration officials met Friday afternoon to continue discussions about the terror attacks in Mumbai.

White House spokeswoman Dana Perino said the focus of the discussion was to ensure that everything possible is being done to help American citizens affected by these horrible attacks on innocent people.

She added that the administration has also continued to work with the Indian government at all levels and has offered assistance and support.

President George W. Bush has received regular updates since the attacks on Wednesday night.

The president spoke Thursday morning by telephone with Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh to express condolences to the victims of the terror attacks in Mumbai, India, and solidarity with the people of India. 

"The president offered support and assistance to the Government of India as it works to restore order, provide safety to its people and comfort to the victims and their families, and investigate these despicable acts," said Perino.

Perino said that in addition to the president's call to the Indian Prime Minister, National Security Council, State Department, counterterrorism, and intelligence community officials gathered Thursday morning to review the situation in Mumbai.

"Secretary Rice arrived at Camp David today for Thanksgiving and she has been providing updates to President Bush," Perino said.

The FBI and the State Department have been co-ordinating in India, and State Department personnel visited hospitals and hotels in the region to locate and identify any injured US citizens.

"US officials will continue to cooperate and work together with Indian officials to focus on this ongoing situation," Perino said.

November 27, 2008 in White House | Permalink | User Comments (3)

Russian President Gets Red Carpet Treatment From Venezuelan Leader

November 27, 2008 7:36 AM

ABC News' Martha Raddatz and Richard Coolidge report: Russian President Dimitri Medvedev arrived in Venezuela today, getting the red-carpet treatment from President Hugo Chavez. Medvedev is in the middle of a four country tour  in Latin America seen by some as a sending a bold message to the United States because of its support for Georgia in that country’s recent conflict with Russia - and possibly reviving old Cold War rivalries.

Today, in Washington, Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice dismissed the Russian show of power. “I just don’t think there’s any question about who has the preponderance of power in the Western Hemisphere” she said. “a few Russian ships is not going to change the balance of power.”

Upon his arrival in Caracas, Medvedev was met at the airport by Venezuelan Vice President Ramon Carrizales.

While in Venezuela, Medvedev is expected to discuss potential arms and energy deals with Venezuela. Past Russian sales to Venezuela have included military jets, helicopters and Kalashnikov rifles.

The Russian Navy, led by the nuclear powered cruiser “Peter the Great” arrived in Venezuela Tuesday and will be taking part in joint naval exercises with the Venezuelan navy next week. Medvedev is expected to visit the Russian ships Thursday, before continuing on to Cuba and a meeting with Raul Castro.

November 27, 2008 | Permalink | User Comments (2)

Russian President Gets Red Carpet Treatment From Venezuelan Leader

November 26, 2008 6:54 PM

ABC News' Martha Raddatz and Richard Coolidge report: Russian President Dimitri Medvedev arrived in Venezuela today, getting the red-carpet treatment from President Hugo Chavez. Medvedev is in the middle of a four country tour  in Latin America seen by some as a sending a bold message to the United States because of its support for Georgia in that country’s recent conflict with Russia - and possibly reviving old Cold War rivalries.

Today, in Washington, Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice dismissed the Russian show of power. “I just don’t think there’s any question about who has the preponderance of power in the Western Hemisphere” she said. “a few Russian ships is not going to change the balance of power.”

Upon his arrival in Caracas, Medvedev was met at the airport by Venezuelan Vice President Ramon Carrizales.

While in Venezuela, Medvedev is expected to discuss potential arms and energy deals with Venezuela. Past Russian sales to Venezuela have included military jets, helicopters and Kalashnikov rifles.

The Russian Navy, led by the nuclear powered cruiser “Peter the Great” arrived in Venezuela Tuesday and will be taking part in joint naval exercises with the Venezuelan navy next week. Medvedev is expected to visit the Russian ships Thursday, before continuing on to Cuba and a meeting with Raul Castro.

November 26, 2008 | Permalink | User Comments (22)

Bush Bails Out Birds: Pardons Pumpkin and Pecan

November 26, 2008 1:59 PM

ABC News' Kirit Radia Reports: Rapper John Forte isn't the only one getting a White House pardon this week.  President Bush officially pardoned the 2008 White House turkeys in a Rose Garden ceremony Wednesday morning. The President also announced the results of this year's naming contest: Pumpkin and Pecan.

"Pumpkin and Pecan are hereby granted a full and unconditional -- unconditional presidential pardon," Bush said.

Pumpkin stood patiently to the side and then calmly sat on a table as the President and a flock of schoolchildren came by to pardon him. (Lucky for him, Sarah Palin was nowhere in sight).

Pecan, the President said, was waiting in an "undisclosed location." Why? "In the unlikely event the main event chickens out," the president deadpanned.

Both turkeys were pardoned, free to live out a long life without fear of roasting pans and basters. But first, they'll have work one more day.

After spending last night in the luxury Willard Hotel in Washington, D.C., the turkeys will fly first class to Disneyland in California late Wednesday aboard a flight the president dubbed "Turkey One." On Thursday, the birds will be the Grand Marshalls at the park's Thanksgiving Day Parade.

"I just hope they stay humble there," Bush said.

John McClintock of Disneyland Resort Public Relations confirmed that Disney paid all costs for first class air fare and the turkeys' hotel room was paid for by National Turkey Federation.  Disney is the parent company of ABC News.

The turkeys' journey to the White House began, where else, in Iowa, where they were raised under the direction of National Turkey Federation Chairman Paul Hill. Hill and his family were on hand at the White House Wednesday and will escort the birds to California tonight.

The White House Deputy Spokesman declined to answer a question about the president's decision to pardon the turkeys, telling reporters,: "On instruction from White House Counsel I have to refer all turkey pardoning questions to the Office of the Pardon Attorney."

The President said he has a lot to be thankful for this year, including the health of his mother who was rushed to the hospital last night.

"This is my final Thanksgiving as the President. Over the past eight years, I have been given may reasons to be thankful. I'm thankful for our men and women in uniform and I am incredibly proud to have been their Commander-in-Chief.

"I am thankful for the armies of compassion volunteers who feed the hungry and shelter the poor. I am thankful for the teachers and nurses and pastors police officers and firefighters, and others who serve their neighbors and better their communities.

"I'm thankful for the wonderful and supporting family that I have been blessed with. I'm grateful to Laura for her love. I'm grateful for two Thanksgiving miracles who were blessed -- who we were blessed with 27 years ago: Barbara and Jenna. I'm thankful for the fact that my mother is doing well. And this year we're looking forward to having another place at our Thanksgiving table with a  son-in-law, and I'm thankful for Henry."

November 26, 2008 in Washington | Permalink | User Comments (23)