OBAMA WATCH: WEEK OF JULY 5

Immigration Reform

Last Thursday the president spoke about immigration reform at American University in Washington D.C. In his speech he accused Republican lawmakers of delaying reform. Focusing on a "border security first" approach would fail, he said, because the system is too big to be fixed "only with fences and border patrols."

 

 

 

 

Sky Blue Champions

Also on Thursday, Obama welcomed the Women’s Professional Soccer Champions Sky Blue FC to the White House to honor their accomplishments during the 2009 season. (AP Photo/Charles Dharapak)

 

 

 

Bill Signing

In front of congressional leaders, Obama signed the Iran Sanctions Bill on Thursday, that imposes tough new sanctions against the nation as further punishment for its continuing ambitions to become a nuclear power. .(AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite)

 

 

 

Byrd’s Memorial Service

On Friday, the president, Vice President Biden and former President Bill Clinton attended the invocation during the memorial service for Sen. Robert Byrd at the West Virginia State Capitol in Charleston, W. Va. The long serving senator died last Monday morning at age 92. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar)

 

 

Honoring a Legend

President Obama spoke at the service, where hundreds of West Virginians gathered. “Robert Byrd possessed that quintessential American quality. That is a capacity to change, a capacity to learn, a capacity to listen, to be made more perfect," he said. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar)

 

 

A Light Moment

Obama, Biden and Clinton laugh during the memorial service. (AP Photo/Steve Helber)

 

 

 

 

Jobs Outlook

Following the release of the latest job figures, Obama made a statement about the economy at Andrews Air Force Base in Maryland on Friday. "We are headed in the right direction," he said. "We're not headed there fast enough for a lot of Americans. We're not headed there fast enough for me, either." The unemployment rate dropped to 9.5 percent and hiring in the private sector has gone up.

 

 

 

 

Greeting a Little Boy

Prior to boarding Marine One at Andrews Air Force Base, the president shakes hands with a boy as he wishes Air Force members and their families a Happy Fourth of July. Obama then boarded the plane to head to Camp David, where he and the First Family spent part of the holiday weekend. (AP Photo/Charles Dharapak)

 

 

 

 

Back to D.C.

After their short trip to Camp David, Obama and wife Michelle arrive at Fort Lesley J. McNair in D.C. to greet residents on Saturday. (AP Photo/Manuel Balce Ceneta)

 

 

 

Greeting Families

President and Mrs. Obama continue to greet residents of Fort McNair, young and old. (AP Photo/Manuel Balce Ceneta)

 

 

 

July 4th

On the Fourth of July, the president and first lady hosted a barbeque on the White House lawn for members of the military and their families. Here, Obama delivers his remarks from the White House’s Blue Room balcony. "This is the day when we celebrate the very essence of America and the spirit that has defined us as a people and as a nation for more than two centuries," Obama told guests. (AP Photo/Manuel Balce Ceneta)

 

 

Coming Down to the BBQ

The Obamas walk down the steps from the balcony to greet members of the United States Armed Forces and their families. (AP Photo/Manuel Balce Ceneta)

 

 

 

Greeting Families

The president and first lady greet members of the Armed Forces and their families. About 1,200 people came out for the event. Sections of the crowd screamed and cheered in turn as Obama individually thanked each service branch. (AP Photo/Manuel Balce Ceneta)

 

 

 

An Event to Remember

Guests ate hot dogs, hamburgers and grilled chicken with potato salad and corn on the cob and plenty of red, white and blue decorated the South Lawn. Singer Brandi Carlile, rock band The Killers, comedian Cedric the Entertainer and the U.S. Marine Band performed for the gathering.

 

 

Talking to Military Heads

On Monday, the president held a conference call with General David Petraeus and Ambassador Karl Eikenberry. After congratulating Petraeus on being recently appointed Commander of U.S. Forces Afghanistan, Obama expressed his appreciation for their sacrifice.

 

 

 

 

Meeting with Netanyahu

On Tuesday, following his daily briefings, the president will meet with Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in the Oval Office. Afterwards the two leaders will hold a joint press availability. The meeting is another attempt to encourage Israel to participate in direct talks with Palestine. The president will meet with Secretary of Defense Robert Gates in the afternoon.

 

 

 

Welcoming Israel’s First Lady

Mrs. Obama will welcome Israel’s First Lady, Mrs. Sara Netanyahu, to the White House for tea Tuesday afternoon. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is in D.C. Tuesday meeting with the president. 

 

 

 

Agency Visit

On Wednesday, the first lady will embark on her 20th agency visit when she stops by the Department of Treasury. Mrs. Obama will thank employees for their service and deliver remarks.

 

 

 

Meetings

The president will attend White House meetings on Wednesday.

 

 

 

 

Kansas City and Las Vegas

Obama will head out to Kansas City, Mo. and Las Vegas, NV on Thursday and Friday. In Kansas City, he’s scheduled to tour the facilities of Smith Electric Vehicles before delivering remarks to workers on the economy. He’ll also attend campaign events in the city for Robin Carnahan, Missouri’s current Secretary of State, before heading to Las Vegas to headline a campaign event for Majority Leader Harry Reid.