One of President Obama’s goals for 2011 is to reach out to Africa more. He’s set to make more trips to the continent in support of countries striving for strong democracies. This comes during a big election year in Africa and “the U.S. is watching, and we’re weighing in,” said the president’s deputy national security adviser.
Not Pregnant
A story that ran on the site Weekly World News Sunday stating that first lady Michelle Obama is expecting her third child is completely false. The piece went as far as to “quote” White House Press Secretary Robert Gibbs as confirming the pregnancy from Hawaii where the Obamas were vacationing. The origin of the rumor could have stemmed from a Toronto Sun article in which a psychic predicted pregnancy for the first lady this year.
9/11 Health Bill
While still on vacation in Hawaii, the president signed the 9/11 health bill on Sunday. The act ensures that “rescue and recovery workers, residents, students, and others suffering from health consequences related to the World Trade Center disaster have access to the medical monitoring and treatment they need,” the president said in a statement after signing.
Hawaiian Vacation
On Monday the Obamas soaked in the last day of their annual holiday vacation in Hawaii. Here, the president takes a bite of his shaved ice while he stands next to Anita Blanchard, the wife of Martin Nesbitt, at Kailua Beach Center.
Honolulu Zoo
Obama walks with daughter Sasha through the Honolulu Zoo on Monday.
Talking to Press
Aboard Air Force One, President Obama talks with media after leaving Hickam Air Force Base in Hawaii to head back to D.C.
Back to D.C.
On Tuesday, the Obamas returned to the White House.
Gibbs Says Goodbye
On Wednesday, White House press secretary Robert Gibbs resigned from his job and will become the president’s outside political adviser. He told journalists that he was going to use the extra time to “step back a little bit, recharge some.” His last day will be in early February. About Gibbs’ departure, Obama said, “It's natural for him to want to step back, reflect and retool…- but it doesn't change the important role that Robert will continue to play on our team.”
Mrs. O. Picks New Chief of Staff
First lady Michelle Obama named White House aide Tina Tchen as her new chief of staff on Wednesday. Tchen replaces Susan Sher, who announced her resignation late last year. “Tina’s success leading the Office of Public Engagement … makes her uniquely qualified to step up to this position,” Mrs. Obama said through a statement from the White House.
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