on call

President Barack Obama talks on the phone in the Oval Office with Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano and Federal Emergency Management Agency Administrator Craig Fugate regarding the earthquake in Japan and the tsunami warnings across the Pacific, March 11

david axelrod? ♥

(Thank you VC)

David Axelrod is singing the praises of “Romneycare” … the former White House senior adviser smiled and laughed as he twisted the knife in Mitt Romney on Friday, saying that the ex-Massachusetts governor’s health plan “inspired” President Obama and was a “template” for the White House’s own national program.

“I mean, quite seriously. It was a template, apart from all the jokes,” Axelrod, who has repeatedly talked up Romney’s plan, said on MSNBC’s “Morning Joe.”

Egged on by the show’s hosts, he called Romneycare – which mandates that individuals have health care coverage, like Obama’s plan – is something Romney should embrace.

“People in the state like it, and he ought to be proud of it, and he ought to embrace it. And one day, I think he will,” the former White House senior adviser said. “That work inspired our own health care plan.”

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let’s move!

Washington Capitals defenseman Mike Green, First Lady Michelle Obama and Chicago Blackhawks forward Patrick Sharp (L to R) drop a ball to start off a street hockey game on the South Lawn of the White House as part of the First Lady’s “Let’s Move” program, March 11

barack & the blackhawks

President Barack Obama hosts the 2010 Stanley Cup Champions Chicago Blackhawks on the South Lawn of the White House, March 11

press conference

Press conference live here at 12:30 PM EST

Leave your thoughts here, will catch up with you all later

The budget:

‘on our side’

um, privately speaking….

On Thursday’s “Howard Stern Show,” comedian Sarah Silverman revealed details of a recent meeting with President Barack Obama…. “I actually love our president, and I’m enjoying some nice blind faith, like the others got for eight years. And I believe in him,” Silverman told Stern. (Silverman made a humorous video in the lead-up to the 2008 election called “The Great Schlep” in which she encouraged Jews in Florida to vote for Obama.)

Silverman didn’t disclose when the meeting took place but said that she was able to quickly meet the president in a hotel hallway. Obama aide Reggie Love and speechwriter Jon Favreau were also in attendance. “He shakes my hand, he goes, ‘Oooooo, I’m a big fan! You’re very talented! Although I turn the volume down when my girls come into the room,'” said Silverman, whose particular brand of humor is notable for its edginess and is frequently controversial.

Silverman said that Obama “jokingly” said, “Ooo, you helped me win Florida.”

“I was so nervous and excited,” said Silverman, adding that the president asked what project she was working on next. “I’m going to be naked in a movie!” Silverman nervously shot out. Silverman said Obama turned to her agent and said, “Oh, you’ll have to send me a copy of that,” but added that it wasn’t meant in a creepy way but more as “a gracious way to get out of” the awkwardness that Silverman had created.

The comedian planned to include the encounter in the paperback version of her book, “The Bedwetter,” but when she asked the White House for a copy of a picture taken during the hallway meeting, “They said, ‘For what?'” Silverman recalled. “‘That was a private meeting! You can’t write about that!’ So I had to take it out.”

The meeting remains firmly ingrained in Silverman’s memory, however. “Oh my God, he gave me a big hug,” said Silverman. “His body is like a thoroughbred. It’s just, like, pure muscle.”

😎

tragedy

Earthquake-triggered tsumanis sweep shores along Iwanuma in northern Japan on March 11. The magnitude 8.9 earthquake slammed Japan’s eastern coast, unleashing a 13-foot (4-meter) tsunami that swept boats, cars, buildings and tons of debris miles inland.

“Michelle and I send our deepest condolences to the people of Japan, particularly those who have lost loved ones in the earthquake and tsunamis. The United States stands ready to help the Japanese people in this time of great trial. The friendship and alliance between our two nations is unshakeable, and only strengthens our resolve to stand with the people of Japan as they overcome this tragedy. We will continue to closely monitor tsunamis around Japan and the Pacific going forward and we are asking all our citizens in the affected region to listen to their state and local officials as I have instructed FEMA to be ready to assist Hawaii and the rest of the US states and territories that could be affected.”

today (updated)

Note change of time to press conference – thank you hgerhard

Live link here