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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 (10)

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 (16)

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 (22)

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 (3)

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)

Barbara Bush Recovering from Abdominal Procedure

November 26, 2008 11:45 AM

ABC News' Kate Barrett and Gina Sunseri Report: Former First Lady Barbara Bush remains in intensive care Wednesday evening after undergoing abdominal surgery for an ulcer overnight.

The former First Lady's doctor said it's standard protocol to remain in intensive care after the procedure and said she will remain there for at least another 24 hours. She will be in the hospital for at least week, receiving IV antibiotics.

Former President Bush is still with his wife at Houston's Methodist Hospital.

Dr. Pat Reardon also said Wednesday evening that the former President and Mrs. Bush came straight to the emergency room. He determined she needed surgery for her ulcer immediately. 

The doctor said she is doing very well, her vital signs are stable and she is visiting with family. Barbara Bush was joking with her doctor when she woke up from the surgery and told him the pain was worse than childbirth.

A statement released by the hospital this morning said the former First Lady "underwent routine, laparoscopic surgery Tuesday night to correct a perforated ulcer."

"During the procedure last night, surgeons cleansed her abdominal area, then patched and closed a one-centimeter hole in Mrs. Bush's stomach, caused by the ulcer," the statement said. "Mrs. Bush is expected to be discharged from the hospital next week."

While pardoning turkeys this morning at the White House, President Bush included his mother's health in his list of things for which he is grateful this Thanksgiving, saying "I'm grateful for the fact that my mother is doing well." A round of applause greeted his mention of his mother.

First Lady Laura Bush likewise told "Good Morning America" this morning, "She's doing great. George and I talked to both President Bush and Barbara Bush last night while they were in the hospital. They were doing very well then. This morning, we didn't call them because we were afraid we got up too early and would wake them up too early. But the White House doctor did talk to Barbara Bush's doctor and she's doing very well. We're really thankful."

Barbara Bush was rushed to the hospital on Tuesday evening, where she was undergoing tests for abdominal pains, a staffer for former President George H.W. Bush told ABC News. Dr. Reardon said Wednesday that the ulcer was caught very early. The surgery lasted several hours and ended at 2:00am ET.

The former first couple have a home in Houston.

UPDATE (Thursday 1:37p.m.ET): Mrs. Bush was just moved out of intensive care and into a regular private room.

UPDATE: (Thursday 5:00p.m.ET): Methodist Hospital says Mrs. Bush is resting comfortably. She is
watching the UT-Texas A&M game with her husband and other family members in her room.

November 26, 2008 | Permalink | User Comments (39)

Barbara Bush Hospitalized, Condition Not Life Threatening

November 25, 2008 11:05 PM

ABC News' Annie Allen, Dave Strickland, Gina Sunseri and Tahman Bradley report:

Former First Lady Barbara Bush will not be leaving the hospital today, ABC News has learned.

On Wednesday morning, spokesman Jim McGrath said the former First Lady had "a procedure" overnight. He would not elaborate but doctors will give him a statement on her condition which will be released shortly.

Bush was rushed to Houston's Methodist Hospital on Tuesday evening, where she was undergoing tests for abdominal pains, a staffer for former President George H.W. Bush told ABC News. 

The Bush spokesman told ABC News that all of the tests have come back negative, but did not say what doctors were testing for. Methodist Hospital sources say that Mrs. Bush's condition is not life threatening.

The former first lady arrived at the hospital around 5:30 p.m. CT. 

Former President Bush is at the hospital with his wife.  The former first couple have a home in Houston.   

November 25, 2008 | Permalink | User Comments (63)

House Race Update: Ohio Sup. Ct. to Rule on Franklin County Votes

November 25, 2008 8:38 PM

ABC News' Teddy Davis and Arnab Datta Report: A federal appeals court ruled Tuesday that the Ohio Supreme Court -- and not a federal district court -- is the proper forum to decide how approximately 1,000 challenged provisional votes should be counted in a tight congressional race between Ohio state Sen. Steve Stivers (R) and Franklin County Commissioner Mary Jo Kilroy (D).

The "court case… has been remanded to the Ohio Supreme Court,"  said Kevin Kidder, spokesman for Ohio's Secretary of State.

None of Franklin County's approximately 27,000 provisional ballots can be counted until the Supreme Court resolves what to do with the 1,000 ballots in question.

The race in Ohio's 15th congressional district is to fill the House seat being vacated by retiring Rep. Deborah Pryce (R-OH).

Stivers, the Republican candidate, is the candidate challenging the validity of approximately 1,000 provisional ballots in Franklin County.

On Nov. 20, a federal judge in Columbus ruled that because the disputed ballots were deficient due to poll worker error, they constitute valid votes that "must be opened and counted."

The 6th Circuit Court of Appeals decided on Tuesday that the validity of the ballots should be decided by the Ohio Supreme Court and not by a federal district court.

According to the Associated Press, Kilroy, the Democrat, currently trails Stivers, the Republican, by 594 votes.

It is not yet known when the Ohio Supreme Court will render its decision.

November 25, 2008 in Ballotwatch, Vote 2008: Democrats, Vote 2008: Republicans, Washington | Permalink | User Comments (4)