@petesouza: Pres Obama feels the hair of a youngster while greeting families at US Embassy Tanzania this am
****
****
@petesouza: Presidents Obama and Bush greet survivors of 1998 bombing at US Embassy Tanzania
****
@dougmillsnyt: President Obama and former President Bush participate in a wreath-laying ceremony at the U.S. Embassy in Tanzania
****
****
First Lady Michelle Obama and Laura Bush at the African First Ladies Summit: “Investing in Women: Strengthening Africa”
****
****
****
@dougmillsnyt: President Obama bounces a “Soccket Ball” soccer ball head. The ball is an energy generating ball that harnesses kinetic energy.
****
****
****
****
President Obama on a billboard ad: “Let’s savor change. Let’s savor life. American Garden.” (Ari Shapiro, NPR)
****
@petesouza: Large crowds again line the motorcade route in Tanzania
****
****
****
****
President Obama kisses First Lady Michelle Obama as they prepare to board Air Force One
****
****
****
****
See all posts from the visit to Africa here
The Obama Diary 
what a trip!!!
Yes indeed. Congrats 4more on #1 🙂
Congrats on first 4more! Have a great day!
thanks! you get the sense those people at the embassy bombing memorial aren’t even sure who king bush the 2nd is. “he looks familiar…not really sure, anyway why is he here? oh! there’s president obama!! YEAH!!!”
4more, I’m fascinated by the body language, and how even though the President is “bowing”, he looks more like a leader than that other guy behind him.
4morefor44, I agree what a trip. I’m so happy of the welcome POTUS and FLOTUS and the entire Obama family received.
Hiya!!
Repost:
Oh my gosh. TPM is so stupid. Screaming front page headline: “How the NSA gets Inside K-12 Classrooms.”—– wow. seriously? 🙄
here’s the article. It’s basically how the NSA promotes critical thinking and advanced educational skills among students in the Maryland/ Washington DC area. They basically try to make education seem cool, especially the math and sciences which America is lagging behind in. TPM is really trying to make an educational program sound like Hitler re-educating kids in Nazi Germany with that stupid headline. SMDH.
http://tpmdc.talkingpointsmemo.com/2013/07/nsa-inside-classrooms.php
Misleading headlines are meant to grab attention, but all too often that is all people read.
I wonder how long it will be before we start to see the “Bachman” stories. Unfortunately, the media has degenerated into nothing more than a propaganda tool. We can no longer simply read and take for granted that there is even a scintilla of truth and honesty in what’s presented. Now, we must dissect it, weigh it, judge it and all too often throw it away.
One of the things that makes TOD such a great place is the many people like yourself who steer us in the right direction. That makes you “truthers”, you know. 🙂
G’morning Chips, TOD, lurkers, everyone! Thanks Chips for another amazing collection of fantastic pics from Tanzania!! 🙂
A pleasure Hopefruit, thank you – and good moooooOOOOOoooooOOOOOoooorning again!
Great R&S Chips! Hope you have agree at day!!!!!!
what did we do wrong, bt ? why are you punishing with shrub pics?
Yeah, I know, not overly keen on bringing his face here, but it was unavoidable with this one!
On the other hand it is soooo wonderful to see the contrast!
The Look that seems to say WTF are you talking about on PBO’s face in that first pic is priceless.
Use your photoshoppng skills.
I did that on a post last year –
– and got some very angry messages about me being so disrespectful. And I went, well, “yeah!”.
There was particular anger about my pic of Karl Rove at the same White House event:
Fuck’em. Do it again.
I wonder if those same people had problems with David Nakamura’s nasty comment about the “Tanzanian females had PBO’s face on their backsides.”
My gawd, did he say that Hopefruit??
Yes, this is what the tweet said:
// “Locals were wearing Obama-imprinted shirts, skirts. Pool: “The effect was that many females had Obama’s smiling face on their back sides”” //
Oh my, what a loathsome creep.
That lowlife Nakamura is jack “A”.
Maybe do something about that former press secretary, since she was the mouthpiece for Bush’s lies, and continues to lie on Fox “News”. Can’t stand seeing her face.
I look at it this way: He’s doing a fine job of being the ex-President. That is, while he was a disaster as a President, at least he’s been keeping his mouth shut and seems to be doing something decent here. Which doesn’t make up for his presidency, but it makes the occasional picture of him here tolerable.
and there were soooo many of them…….
Whatever I did, Chips, I promise not to do it again. Just don’t make me look at Shrub.
Side note: Politics and Prose finally has the full video of First Lady Michelle Obama’s book signing. Yay!
This was great! Thanks so much! 🙂
Curious. Was looking for pics of GW reaching for hand sanitizer after shaking hands with the locals or wiping his hands on PO’s jacket and didn’t see not one.
Will wonders never cease…
That hand-wiping “episode” of his, I believe in Haiti with Clinton, showed the true mark of the man. Hollow, I’m-part-of-the-upper-class, soul.
I almost stayed up long enough to see the First Lady at the summit, but in a way I am so glad I did not. First: Bush. Second: Cokie Roberts. I’d rather just look at her pretty images here.
But I did spot Bush on the telly last night, and – wow – we think President Obama has aged a bit since Jan. 20, 2009. Bush looks like he’s been sitting in a darkened room, haunted by ghosts, which has not only aged him tremendously because all he’d have for company would be the aforementioned hollow soul and a bag of pretzels, but seems to have made him look like a loon who doesn’t even bother to comb his hair any longer. I will give credit where credit is due and salute both Laura and W for their sponsored humanitarian work in Africa, as President Obama – who leads us by example – would do and has done.
Other than all this negativity, which I’ve now shaken off myself and put on all of you, have a fine Obama day, TODville, as I intend to do!
you have a great way with words jacquelineoboomer. I could visualize W in a darkened room being haunted by ghosts and holding a bag of pretzels. 🙂
Ha – thanks. I think he once almost choked once in the WH on a pretzel! In any event, that’s the look I saw in his dead eyes this week.
HEADLINE: Why the Story on Snowden and the NSA doesn’t Add Up
http://shredoftruth.com/home/why-the-story-on-snowden-and-the-nsa-doesnt-add-up.html
Because the thing that is worse than a liar is a thief and Snowden is both.
Snowden had no credibility. Period.
Good West Coast morning Chipaticks & TOD family.
The coverage on the Africa trip has been Fantastic! Happy to see the First Family coming home.
YAWN…zzzzzzzzzzz……
“journalis”?! Playing a bit fast and loose with that term aren’t you?
“journalist”
Guys don’t come down so hard on Greenwald, remember he is just concern about our civil liberties, to hell if we get blown to pieces from some terrorists attack. Greenwald is fighting for our concern. BULL-SHIT !!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Greenwald ought to be in prison just like Snowden.
“journal-ish”!
An official GM to all of the TOD family and Lurkers
The past two weeks have been earth-shaking here and abroad. Thanks to everyone who led and contributed to getting the information and the photos of all of the events that are shaping our world.
Very positive and up beat trip. Potus and Flotus represent so much of the good in the world. Coverage here on TOD outshines and out performs any other source, bar none! Thanks to Chips and the Blog Tyrant Crew for excellent work. And the ‘ Bl-oscar’ goes to TOD.
Up and at ’em all you O’s!!! It’s another great getting up day in TODville!!! Thanks for the pic trip to Chips and her merry blog tyrants. I’m tired just looking at everything PBO and family crammed into those few days. I’d still be trying to get over jet lag, and they’re on their way back home.
Tell me about it! Mornin’.
Faux Outrage
Why is it such a scandal that a spy agency spies?
By Joshua Foust
————————————
The reporting on these NSA leaks is still sloppy, often missing crucial context, and sometimes even misleading. Two weeks ago I catalogued an initial round of questions about the coverage in the Guardian and Washington Post, and much of the reaction here and on Twitter amounted to: So what? Why does it matter if some details were flubbed, the real story is the wiretapping!
Details, however, matter very much. On June 29, the Washington Post released another set of slides describing the controversial PRISM program. These slides dramatically change our understanding of the program, such that is now appears that initial reportings about the program were deeply misleading.
—————————————
View at Medium.com
Holy crap I just got up and there are already two posts. Morning y’all
Who would have thought you could capture the “swag” in a pic? Pete Souza is a frakkin’ genius.
And if you look at the photo quickly, Pres. Obama looks as though he has one of those stripey thingies on his “uniform,” too. It’s like Pete has morphed him into the group and made them all on the same plain, as PBO would do … oh, great, now I feel like tearing up AGAIN, because Pete has such respect for the President and it shows in each and every photo.
http://www.newyorker.com/online/blogs/newsdesk/2013/07/the-kochs-and-the-action-on-global-warming.html
More GREAT economic news!
I blame it all on that socialist that is in the White House
What a trip!
Meanwhile, back at the ranch—-The NY Times seems alarmed that SOS Kerry’s peace initiative work in Mid-East may be having success.
Can’t have an Obama Administration suceed, OH NO.
Times writes that while once the Israeli Occupation and conflict was the Key, the Key, I tell you to peace in the Region, now it is just “one more headache.”
I never get tired of reminding people …
Good morning you lot. It’s good to be on this side of the grass, eh?
Moooooooornng Shipmate, this side of the grass is mighty fine!
And you know this Admiral Cheesy Puffs. BTW, You and the BT’s have been putting on one helluva show. I experience every emotion but boredom! 😆
Ha, so long as you’re NEVER bored Shipmate, I’m happy!!
Hand salute!
At ease, Shipmate!
Aye, aye Admiral. Standing by.
Mittbot should have listen to himself
http://livewire.talkingpointsmemo.com/entry/romney-voted-against-launching-2012-bid-in-family?ref=fpb
Romney Voted Against Launching 2012 Bid In Family Poll
Tom Kludt – 8:27 AM EDT, Tuesday July 2, 2013
A forthcoming book that chronicles the 2012 presidential race indicates that Mitt Romney did not want to launch a White House bid.
The book, “Collision 2012,” was written by Dan Balz of The Washington Post and is one of two books on last year’s presidential election for which Romney granted interviews. The other, “Double Down: Game Change 2012,” is a follow-up by Mark Halperin and John Heilemann to their smash hit on the 2008 race.
Balz’s book is due to be released in August, but The Huffington Post obtained a copy and reported Tuesday on some of the details. One excerpt mined by HuffPo details that Romney was one of 10 family members to vote against the idea of a 2012 presidential campaign. Twelve family members cast votes in the poll, which was conducted over a 2010 holiday vacation in Hawaii.
Romney’s hesitation stemmed from his moderate record as governor of Massachusetts and his Mormon faith, two factors he believed could derail his candidacy in the Republican primaries. But ultimately, Romney told Balz that no other GOP aspirant last year had a legitimate chance of topping President Barack Obama in a general election.
“I didn’t think that any one of them had a good chance of defeating the president, and in some cases I thought that they lacked the experience and perspective necessary to do what was essential to get the country on track,” Romney told Balz, according to HuffPo.
Suuuuuurrrrrre he didn’t.
http://livewire.talkingpointsmemo.com/entry/flotus-empowers-young-women-in-panel-at-african
Michelle Obama Tells Women At African Summit To Put Values Over Looks
Catherine Thompson – 10:15 AM EDT, Tuesday July 2, 2013
First Lady Michelle Obama attended the African First Ladies Summit on Tuesday and spoke alongside former First Lady Laura Bush to promote health, economic empowerment, and education for women.
According to a pool report, both first ladies discussed the importance of being role models for young girls who may feel pressured to give more importance to their looks than to their values — leading Obama to talk about her famous bangs.
“But being able to pursue our passions and do things that not only help our country and connect us with the rest of the world, it’s a great privilege,” Obama said, as quoted by the pool report. “So while people are sort of sorting through our shoes and our hair — and whether we cut it or not … we take our bangs and we stand in front of important things that the world needs to see. And eventually, people stop looking at the bangs and they start looking at what we’re standing in front of.”
Right On Mrs. Obama. I think our First Lady is so smart. I’m talking about Mrs. Obama, no dis respect to the other former First Lady on stage with Mrs. Obama.
In 2012 the Texas Republican party had a platform to ban the teaching of critical thinking skills in public schools because they undermine parental authority. Texas cannot have children questioning parents.
Glen Greenwald the poster boy of the fake left is to appear on Fox News.
He already did (this morning.)
Attacking President Obama, of course….
which is why the fake left are a bunch of FUCKING jokes.
Another great read from SmartyPants:)
HEADLINE: What Greenwald shares in common with the GOP (other than ODS)
// Yes. Glenn Greenwald is so desperate for attention on the NSA story that he actually appeared this morning on Fox and Friends. But really…should that surprise any of us? They actually share a lot in common. And its more than just their Obama Derangement Syndrome (ODS).
Over the last 5 years we’ve watched the Republicans take their obstruction to such extremes that they are now in a post policy position. Their efforts are not about proposing solutions to problems – but simply doing everything they can to obstruct anything the Democrats propose.
Read here:
http://immasmartypants.blogspot.com/2013/07/what-greenwald-shares-in-common-with.html?spref=tw
He isn’t able to convince everyone of his paranoid delusions that Pres. Obama is a monster so where does he go? Fox News; the home of the batshit crazy. Irony is hilarious.
And I don’t think even they bought it.
Ha. I see what you did there, honey bunch. And you do it with such ease! 🙂
I don’t wish any ill will on Greenwald, but I can’t stand to look at the guy anymore.
Dearest Chipsticks et al, as always Your reporting of the whereabouts of President Obama has been such a joy to follow. Great photos, great music and not the least great comments. Thank You so much!
One just wonders, why not everyone can or will see how great a primus motor and catalysator President Obama is – but maybe it is just difficult for small minded people to accept a person, who has everything plus.
Well said!
I am so glad that they are making these trips. The Obamas have quite a profound effect on people.
So am I vitaminlover. Traveling as a family is so special for the girls. Right now, or next I would like to see them go on a vacation. Where they don’t have to do any public events, where they can just relax. FLOTUS let her hair down, and POTUS play golf, read a book, just relax as much as he can being President. I know the haters will hate, and complain about the cost, but at this point I don’t give a “D”. Hating on this President and his family is all they have being doing since day one.
Totally with you, anniebella. Maybe they will go back to Martha’s Vineyard in August and celebrate HIS birthday.
oh wow. perfect.
Looooooooove him!
There is no doubt we need an immigration bill and it is somewhat encouraging that one is moving through Congress. But if I were Latino I would still be pissed if I had to wait eleven years to “apply” for citizenship. What’s up with the long wait?
Forgot the moat filled with crocodiles.
It’s on the other side.
Sooooo true!
Yes Ms. Hendrix, you do earn respect and the MSM have not earn a ounce of respect from POTUS or us.
BAM!!!
I wish that the President Obama billboard seen in Africa were plastered around the highways of America! That would be uplifting to see on a regular basis, eh?
The right would accuse him of acting like a Dictator or a Communist if he did that….
I was just putting it on my wish list! 🙂
SERIOUSLY? And they have the audacity to bitch about “spying”???? WTH!
http://www.reuters.com/article/2013/07/02/us-iran-alumina-weapons-idUSBRE9610F520130702
Exploiting a loophole in Western sanctions, Iran is importing a high grade of refined alumina ore from several European countries including Germany and France that Tehran could be using to make armor parts and missile components.
A toon or two:
http://theobamadiary.com/2013/07/02/a-toon-or-two/
I love the pictures of POTUS and FLOTUS, specially the one of POTUS giving FLOTUS a kiss. 🙂
I love it when they kiss openly, mostly because everybody else has to try to find a way to divert their eyes!
One of my favorite photos was maybe on the first Inaugural Ball night, when POTUS and FLOTUS are leaning into each other, she’s wearing his jacket, I believe they’re on an elevator or in some staging area, and the men around them are all trying to look somewhere else because it’s such a personal moment!
I remember that picture jacquelineoboomer.
I knew you would! We all would!
I love that photo, too, Jacq!
🙂
What happened to the toon post?
Highly weird gremlins with that one Japa, it went from being ‘published’ back to being a draft – I have no clue why!
Any way, it’s back – for good, I hope!
http://theobamadiary.com/2013/07/02/a-toon-or-two/
Helicopter footage of Cairo.. Wow !
You said it Linda. This is amazing.
Oh my gosh!
Those pictures of the Obama’s trip to Africa are just breathtaking. The warmth and joy in everyone’s faces is a sight to behold. The energy bouncing off those pictures is fantastic. I would have to agree with the GOoPers on ONE thing– President Obama IS the Messiah.
I love the metaphor of the blue of Airforce One against the backdrop of the stormy skies. I take that to mean that while we have had turbulence and violent weather, blue skies are coming soon and everything will be clear.
Something big is coming…watch for it.