(1) President Obama plays with Ella Harper Rhodes, daughter of Ben Rhodes, Deputy National Security Advisor for Strategic Communications, during an Oval Office drop by (Photo by Pete Souza)
(2) First Lady Michelle Obama and Mrs. Agnese Landini, wife of Prime Minister Matteo Renzi, tour the Mirror Room in Italian Pavilion at the Milan Expo (Photo by Amanda Lucidon)
(3) President Obama shows Soleil Malveaux Jean-Pierre a floral arrangement in the Blue Room of the White House prior to a reception to observe LGBT Pride Month in the East Room (Photo by Pete Souza)
(4) President Obama meets with President Putin prior to the opening session of the Group of 20 leaders summit in Antalya, Turkey (Photo by Pete Souza)
(5) The President talks with a refugee at the Dignity for Children Foundation in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia (Photo by Pete Souza)
(6) President Obama watches the sun set over Manila Bay in the Philippines (Photo by Pete Souza)
(7) President Obama kisses Vice President Biden after delivering the eulogy during funeral services for Biden’s son, Beau at St. Anthony of Padua Church in Wilmington, Del. (Photo by Kevin Lamarque/AP)
(8) President Obama hugs a 16-year-old refugee while participating in a discussion at the Dignity for Children Foundation in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia (Photo by Pete Souza)
(9) President Obama reacts as he is told of the Supreme Court Decision on the Affordable Care Act (Photo by Pete Souza)
(10) President Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama host a group of Girl Scouts from across the country for a campout on the South Lawn of the White House (Photo by Chip Somodevilla)
****
The Obama Diary 
Furst…. I meant the pic.
Look at you! Congrats, amk:)
danke,
Woulda been my furst any other time …… but……..
you picked kenyan’s lazy ^5?
Congrats, AMK! I love these photos, but # 7 touches my heart in a very special way.
http://www.occupydemocrats.com/bombshell-bush-cheney-freed-isis-leader-because-he-was-harmless/
GGail…if you’re peeking in from work…
these are the kinda facts that dems and Obama should be hammering in at every campaign event. No need to mock at the rednecks, just point out, without the feds, they will all be worse off.
Correct. Which is why you can rest assured that it WON’T happen.
Yeah, let ’em sucede from the Union right NOW!
Holy Moly! Texas, damn
The Big Ask.
http://immasmartypants.blogspot.com/2015/12/the-role-of-black-women-in-democratic.html
We ALL need to be as reliable as these women! Good job…that’s because they all understand what’s at stake to be lost and what has been fought so hard to win…
From the essay:
First of all, the number of black women who turn out to vote is higher than any other demographic group – 70% in 2012. That number has been rising since 1996, so it is more than a response to the candidacy of Barack Obama. And no group votes more consistently Democratic than black women. Here are the figures since 1992:
1992 Bill Clinton – 87%
1996 Bill Clinton – 89%
2000 Al Gore – 94%
2004 John Kerry – 90%
2008 Barack Obama – 96%
2012 Barack Obama – 96%
As a comparison, in the above elections no Democratic candidate got more than 48% of the vote from white women.
Most faithful and active Dem voters.
We owe them the highest levels of respect for being the voters we all should emulate.
Precisely.
In_Deed we do.
A German man died on Christmas Day after blowing up a condom dispenser with a homemade bomb in a botched robbery, police say.
The 29-year-old and two accomplices attached the bomb to the vending machine in a quiet street before taking cover in their vehicle.
But the victim did not close the door in time and was struck in the head by a steel shard from the explosion.
His accomplices took him to hospital but he later died of his wounds.
The men told staff at the hospital in the western town of Schoppingen that their unconscious friend had fallen down the stairs.
But one of them later admitted to police that they had blown up the machine.
http://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-35189938
yet another installment of why wimmin live longer.
gunnite folks.
So the guy died from a premature explosion?
Poor guy, he probably didn’t even see it coming.
I’ve always heard you should think with your big head, the good it did this guy.
So it was the victim and his two accomplices, not the kind of threesome he was looking for.
Good Morning TOD Family!
Tough making a decision on these photos. Fun going through all of them however.
Haven’t been well over these holidays…asking for prayers and healing thoughts as I go through some tests. I appreciate each and every one of you.
Thanks.
{{{Dakota}}}
Healing and positive energy and prayers sent to you, Dakota.
Prayers going out for you, Dakota!
Hope the tests show you will be healthy in 2016!
Done. {{Dakota}}
_/|\_
Prayers for better health Dakota (((hugs)))
Sending you positive thoughts.
Sending rainbows for healing.
Eenie-meenie-minie-mo,
saw 10 pictures in the show.
Will pick more than one to go,
Eenie-meenie-minie-mo.
============================
Wonder if I can?
Thanks Ms Chips, you does a fine job befuddling my eyes/brains. These are, as usual, fabulous!
Poetry! 😆
😀
With each month it is getting harder and harder to name a pic….wow…
It’s impossible prettyfoot!!
wheww…
Just think about when we have to choose a winner from all the finalists! Chips will have to make a collage so we can vote for all of them!
thumbs up
G’day all you party people.
Shipmaaaaaaaaate!
How’s it goin’ Admiral? I saw this and you came to mind.
Aaaaaaw, that is sweet, Shipmate, and so true – although, after Danny’s digging the garden looks like it’s been carpet-bombed, so I’ll exclude that from my idea of paradise 🙂
Dogs gotta do what they do, I guess. 🙂
Grr, I suppose.
It’s in their DNA so deal with it. 😆
It’s like men not being able to load dishwashers properly, same kind of thing I suppose. /runs
Mind your comparisons Missy. It could be like ladies applying make-up while driving too!
Huh, that’s a piece of cake. But gentlemen trying to shave and think at the same time? No wonder yer chins are always cut.
I hope you have a good day and never nick your legs or other parts while you shave…(ducking outta site)
Richard Rohr is a mentor to me. He says his dog is much holier and good than he is, and that dogs go to heaven.
Apparently someone agrees with him. (Snopes says they’re photoshopped but their very funny and deserve to be real!)
https://realdemocrathistory.wordpress.com/2009/04/14/all-dogs-go-to-heaven-church-sign-debate-funny/
Who am I to argue?
I wonder what the climate deniers have to say about the current USA weather map?
If snow storms/ice storms during *WINTER* months is *their* proof that climate change is a hoax, what do they say about 70+ degree temperatures/thunderstorms/tornados in December???
Meh!
Its official 2015 is the warmest on record. It is predicted this El Nino will be more powerful that previous ones.
it was a hard choice between 4 and 7
Wonder how many people ended up in the ER with broken bones due to hoverboards at Christmas?
Any adults who arrive for treatment should be left sitting there for six weeks. Eejits.
Agreed.
I found one Eejit and he’s a politician
http://www.sun-sentinel.com/news/politics/fl-curbelo-hurts-arm-20151227-story.html
Those popular hoverboards are a bit trickier than the seemingly effortless display put on by most teens, as U.S. Rep. Carlos Curbelo just found out.
Curbelo, a freshman Republican who represents a portion of Miami-Dade County and all of Monroe County, posted a picture Saturday on his Twitter account that shows his left arm in a sling. According to the tweet, he was riding his nephew’s hoverboard and took a spill that landed him in the emergency room at Baptist Health of South Florida.
It’s raining ice and icy snow here. It’s an effing nightmare. I haven’t yet informed my sociopathic boss (who is in Florida) that I will not be in to work this week. I don’t get paid for holidays, vacations, and haven’t gotten a raise in 7 years. We are all still recovering at the 57 house – Kasper improves but still requires constant supervision and attention. My back yard and gangway no longer look like a scene from Fargo – we’re lucky the neighbors didn’t call the swat team to our house, there was so much blood pouring out of my little guy.
We’re both hurting from arthritis, etc. from carrying Kasper, cleaning up. But each day is an improvement, thank God.
I’d give you the week off if I were your boss, 57! Stay home, hunker down, and I hope the hurting leaves ya both, soon, honey bunch.
This morning, I saw that icy rain and wind outside and thought to myself: Chocolate for breakfast. Again! We also have our power zapping in and out, but – so far – only for seconds, each time. Yuck.
If I lived closer, I would move myself in with you and take care of those babies of yours:) One day at a time…2016 seems a good a time as any to look for a new job:) One that APPRECIATES YOU!!
This was so ooooo sweet, df! I am so deeply grateful for the desert friends I’ve found at tod!
Not sure how I could ever choose a favorite picture out of these. Almost every one is important because it highlights an important aspect of PBOs presidency. Thank you for posting them.
Duh.
http://www.washingtonmonthly.com/political-animal-a/2015_12/stick_a_fork_in_ben_carson059097.php
I was very tempted by 7, but I chose 8 because of the intense empathetic look on our president’s face.
Seriously, the 10 June Photos are all Winners. Hard Choices. I give up, All of them are In for the Gold!
Hello TOD. Crispy Day…..snow, more to come starting 4:00 pm CT.
Congrats, Amk on your Furst ⭐
Congrats to all the Au ⭐ winners, since last evening.
No Brokered Convention coming any time soon. GOPers always will follow there Leader, be it Cruz or Trump.
Trump will Never allow Cruz to beat him. It will Never be Rubio, Bush, Kasich or Christie. Once Trump starts to win in NH, coming 2nd in IA, winning SC…….Trump wins the GOP Nomination in June.
Pardon me, Their Leader 😉
http://www.reuters.com/article/us-usa-gitmo-release-special-report-idUSKBN0UB1B020151228
Special Report: Pentagon thwarts Obama’s effort to close Guantanamo
GGRRRR….
The Bush administration faced no political opposition on transfers and was able to move 532 detainees out of Guantanamo over six years, 35 percent of whom returned to the fight, according to U.S. intelligence estimates. The Obama administration has been able to transfer 131 detainees over seven years, 10 percent of whom have returned to the fight.
Hummmm
I don’t buy this report.
POTUS gives orders to Pentagon. POTUS is CIC. GW Bush established the GITMO Transfers with Executive orders. Pres Obama, under his Powers as CIC can do the same. I have no doubt that he will. Pres Obama has given Congress more respect and accomodation than Congress has ever returned to him.
Accommodation…… 😳
Love that quote (Teddy speaking of Bobby, but works for POTUS!) …
Whenever I see this photo, It warms my heart as well as makes me want to Thank Stanley Ann Dunham for her precious gift to Us All.
AP
This is a Dad face…I know this face!
The photo choices are so hard for this month; each one represents something that is central to heart, mind, soul, spirit and the legacy of PBO’s administration. I am currently leaning toward #6 because it speaks to how alone he has been in fighting for us and the world, but it also speaks to the serenity of mind and spirit that he is able to maintain during all of the storm and fury that surrounds him. Not ready to pull the trigger on my vote however; I must ponder on this a bit more.
Spring/summer weather is predicted for the rest of the week until Friday; I am actually looking forward to wearing a sweater.
Oh dear me. Here we go voting again. 🐻
LIVE NOW: Prosecutor makes announcement on Tamir Rice investigation
Cuyahoga County, Ohio Prosecutor Timothy McGinty makes an announcement regarding the Grand Jury investigation into the death of Tamir Rice. http://www.msnbc.com/shift/watch/live-prosecutor-on-tamir-rice-investigation-592431683634
Grand Jury brought NO charges.
🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 ❤ I can make the tough choices, yes, I can! ❤
I would have fallen off my chair had they announced a different result. Typical. Corrupt. Legalized State Killings. Shame!
This once again points out how rare Marilyn Mosby is, and why we should continue to have her back.
A story that CNN, MSNBC, Fox, CNBC, FBN, Bloomberg and the rest fail to cover…….even though they were perfectly happy Covering Glitches of ACA launch…….while Millions are left uninsured, under-insured in 20 States for pure wickedness and Politics.
These same useless US News Media would now chase after MonicaL, BillC from nearly 20yrs ago as News? If BillC is doing that now…..well, one could argue that there could be a News Value……..Anything, but stories that actually affect many Americans? You bet!
No justice for Tamir Rice….Police officers won’t be charged per CNN right now. – smh
It’s open season on folks of color but the bigots are soooo concerned about black-on-black crime. Which, of course, justifies the assassination of blacks by police….Reduce the population and you reduce crime in that it. Simple as that. Right?
NUMEROUS WHITES STILL AND ALWAYS HAVE BELIEVED THEY HAVE THE KEY TO THE PLANTATION……….PERIOD!
Less than 2 Seconds and a 12 yrs old is assassinated.
If this is Justice, then Lady Justice is Blind!
apartheid amurkkka is coming.
Lady Justice is DEAD! WAKE UP People and VOTE.
AMENNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNN
I’ll take the ManU v Chelsea tie 0-0
Being 12yrs old is Neither a Crime nor a Death Sentence!
Blame the look alike gun, blame the size of Tamir, blame his friends, blame the stress of cops, blame, blame blame….How about they work this hard to register people to vote, insist that the gun industry own their part, same for the NRA….lots of blame, but so far, not much mention of the police that shot him to death….
I can’t listen to this anymore. All CYA BS
Like a built in defense atty for the police dept?
it is a travesty…this comes down to voting once again….the mayor…the DA…the legislators….are all elected positions….the folks who sit in those seats pass the laws and set the policies which guide our lives…We the People must begin to see the connection
New post
http://theobamadiary.com/2015/12/28/even-when-we-expected-it-it-still-burns-so-deep/
UH HUH
UH HUH
Hmmmmmmm………………….
…………………………………………………….
Webb Attacks Clinton With Eye on Independent Run
When Jim Webb quit the Democratic presidential race on Oct. 20 amid low poll numbers and a minimal debate presence, the former Virginia senator left open the possibility he’d return for a White House run in a different political guise. Now he appears to be edging closer to making good on it.
On Saturday morning, Webb used Twitter and his Facebook page to attack Democratic front-runner Hillary Clinton for her handling of Libya during her time as secretary of state.
The lengthy condemnation on Facebook, which said, among other things that “Clinton should be called to account for her inept leadership that brought about the chaos in Libya,” came just days before the end of the year, which his team had previously told CNN would be reasonable time for them to make a decision about an independent bid.
Since dropping out of the race for the Democratic nomination, Webb has continued to maintain his Webb2016 website, which he has updated with posts about the possibilities of an independent run. On Twitter, he and his fans have been promoting a #WebbNation hashtag.
A run by Webb, who often manages his own social media accounts and has also used them recently to promote a petition in favor of his run and to deliver kudosto Bernie Sanders in his battles with the Democratic National Committee (“nothing more than an arm for the Clinton campaign,” Webb tweeted), could further complicate the already unpredictable 2016 election.
While observers typically have analyzed the prospect of a third-party or independent run by Republican front-runner Donald Trump — or even one from Sanders — Webb could still alter the dynamics of the race even with his smaller profile.
A recent CNN poll, for instance, forecast tight races between Clinton and several Republican contenders in hypothetical match-ups for the general election. Webb’s campaign has told Bloomberg it would concentrate on mobilizing voters in the ideological middle, along with people who have become dissatisfied with politics.
In a tight race, even a small base of support could make him a factor. Ralph Nader, for instance, famously won only small percentages of the vote in many states in the 2000 presidential election, yet that arguably helped tip the Electoral College vote to then-Texas Governor George W. Bush, denying Democratic Vice President Al Gore, the winner of the popular vote, the presidency.
http://www.bloomberg.com/politics/articles/2015-12-26/webb-attacks-clinton-with-eye-on-independent-run
HIS REPUGNANT CRONIES PUT HIM UP TO THIS TO TOSS A WRENCH INTO THE NUMBERS…YOU CAN’T TRUST THIS GUY AND I BET HE SLEEPS ON A CONFEDERATE FLAG PILLOWCASE!
UNFORTUNATELY…I AM NOT SURPRISED!