I’m hopeful about 2022. This year will undoubtedly have its challenges, just like 2021 did. But we’ve made it this far—and I still believe we can build a brighter future together. Happy New Year!
— Barack Obama (@BarackObama) January 1, 2022
116 Responses to “A Hopeful 2022”
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Obama White House.gov
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WH Tumblr
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The People’s View
- Follow me at my new venture: Reclaim the Fight Spandan Chakrabarti
- Ignore the bait: Why it’s the right strategy for Democrats to focus SCOTUS fight on health care Spandan Chakrabarti
- BIG: Judge halts Trump administration attempt to shortcut the census Spandan Chakrabarti
- Trump doesn't want peaceful transition of power. Legally, it doesn’t matter. Spandan Chakrabarti
- Fauci goes off on Rand Paul Spandan Chakrabarti
Smartypants
- The Lie Embedded in Carlson's Great Replacement Theory
- Can Democrats Work With the "New Right" on Anti-Trust Issues?
- Alito's Embrace of Junk Science Will Make Several Forms of Contraception Illegal
- Biden: "This Is No Longer Your Father's Republican Party"
- The Only Way to Fight Back Against a Radicalized Supreme Court
Steve Benen
- President Biden arrives in South Korea for Asia trip
- Tom Nichols: Three signs Putin may be reassessing his plans
- Steve Rattner: I'm not predicting an immediate recession but road ahead doesn't look great
- Joe: Trump still has sway in the party, but it's nothing like it was in '20
- Petraeus: Ukraine has won by keeping Russia from achieving its main objective
The Obama Diary 
Thanks, Jer44 and Nerdy. Grateful to have made it to 2022 with all of you!
Happy New Year to the TOD Family!! Thanks for maintaining this blogspot and keeping things popping no matter what’s going on.
Happy New Year pkd!
Same to you!!
Thank you NWakaUTAL
Thank you TOD
Thank you most especially to MO and her Boo, this photo is so heartwarming and fantastic, I love them both so much (and I wish my hair was like hers!)
So, here we are, with the inspirational Amanda Gorman out there in the lead, we are so ready to grow through what lies ahead to overcome.
Many blessings
Much love
Much Light all around us all!
🕊🕯🌟💕🪔💕🌟🕯🕊
Happy New Year pamela!
Happy New TOD Family! Thank you NW for this inspirational and up lifting place to gather.
Happy New Year Anna!
Now this is a great belated Christmas gift! 👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾
✅
“The former First Lady of the United States of America, Michelle Obama, ringed in the new year with her husband and former President Barack Obama on January 1. The best-selling author also had a super-cool wish,
featuring her husband, for her followers from around the globe, and it is breaking the internet currently.
Michelle and Barack Obama are the most adored duo all over the globe,
and today the power couple proved why. The Becoming author wished her fans a Happy New Year 2022 by sharing one of the coolest pictures ever starring the former US President and herself.
However, it is the caption that takes the cake for us”
Hindustan Times: (https://www.hindustantimes.com/lifestyle/relationships/michelle-obama-and-her-boo-barack-obama-wish-happy-new-year-2022-with-coolest-pic-internet-reacts-101641093770365.html)
Good West Coast 2022 First Sunday morning Nerdy & TOD family.
I’m so grateful to you Nerdy for keeping TOD going 💝🥂🍾🙏🏾💃🏾
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Transcript via CBS’s Face The Nation:
MARGARET BRENNAN: We know Democrats are planning a vigil. We know the former president is planning a news conference. Are you concerned about the country being at risk of political violence this week and in the years ahead?
REP. CHENEY: Look, I think that if- if what he has been saying since he left office is any indication, former President Trump is likely again this week to make the same false claims about the election that he knows to be false and the same false claims about the election that he knows caused violence on Jan 6. I think that it is indeed very concerning, given what we know happened in the lead up to the sixth and what the committee is finding out about the events of that day. But I think that it- it’s not surprising. But again, he knows these claims caused violence and we’ve seen now people who were in the Capitol, people who’ve been arrested because of their activities on that day, they themselves have told us in court filings, they’ve told us on social media, we’ve seen it on videos; that they were here because Donald Trump told them to be here. And so, he’s very- he’s doing this press conference on the sixth. Again, if he makes those same claims, he’s doing it with complete understanding and knowledge of- of what those claims have caused in the past.
MARGARET BRENNAN: You’ve raised in the past the possibility of criminal culpability for the president. Is that the consensus view of the committee?
REP. CHENEY: Look, the committee is obviously going to follow the facts wherever they lead. We’ve made tremendous progress. We have had now- if you just think about, for example, what we know now about what the former president was doing on the 6th while the attack was underway. The committee has firsthand testimony that President Trump was sitting in the dining room next to the Oval Office, watching on television as the Capitol was assaulted as the violence occurred. We know that that is clearly a supreme dereliction of duty. One of the things that the committee is looking at from the perspective of our legislative purpose is whether we need enhanced penalties for that kind of dereliction of duty. But we’ve certainly never seen anything like that as a nation before.
(c/o politicus)
Thanks for this transcript.
Easley: “Rep. Cheney has used the language in a federal statute that makes it a crime to obstruct, influence, or impede an official proceeding. It is the same statute that has been used to charge 1/6 insurrectionists, and it along with dereliction of duty are both clearly being examined by the committee
for a potential Trump criminal referral.”
(https://www.politicususa.com/2022/01/02/liz-cheney-is-trying-to-get-trump-criminally-charged-for-1-6.html)
pkayden,
all the very best 2022, with thanks!
And to you, bridgeriverpass!
Same to you!!
Happy New Year my TOD family!! I bring news:) set the DVR! Michelle Obama will be on Blackish season premiere this Tuesday ❤️❤️❤️
I’ll be watching!
I watched black-ish and loved it.
Happy New Year to you and yours, df. And, the rest of the TOD family. NW, thank you for keeping our doors open. We can never thank you enough. Do miss our founder and would love to know how she is.
This! And Happy New Year to all!
Adam Schiff Says Trump Is The Focal Point Of The 1/6 Investigation
(https://www.politicususa.com/2022/01/02/adam-schiff-says-trump-is-the-focal-point-of-the-1-6-investigation.html)
Richard Leakey who showed humans evolved in Africa dies at 77
Kenyan conservationist found oldest near-complete human skeleton in 1984, dating from 1.5m years ago
(https://www.theguardian.com/science/2022/jan/02/fossil-hunter-richard-leakey-who-showed-humans-evolved-in-africa-dies-at-77)
Long ago and far away attended one of his fab lectures…sorry to lose him. Best wishes to Richard Leakey’s family.
Wow! Sorry for his loss, but, as a side point, glad you were able to attend one of his lectures.
His father Louis Leakey was important “in demonstrating that humans evolved in Africa, particularly
through discoveries made at Olduvai Gorge with his wife, fellow paleoanthropologist Mary Leakey.” (wiki)
—-btw it was Louis who encouraged Jane Goodall, Dian Fossey, Biruté Galdikas, the beloved trio
of world-renowned primatologists.
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Love that photo! Love them!
Probably this has been posted here 10 times already, but let’s make this #11! Love it so much.
Happy First Monday of 2022!
Joint Statement of the Leaders of the Five Nuclear-Weapon States on Preventing Nuclear War
and Avoiding Arms Races
“The People’s Republic of China, the French Republic, the Russian Federation, the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, and the United States of America consider the avoidance of war between
Nuclear-Weapon States and the reduction of strategic risks as our foremost responsibilities.
We affirm that a nuclear war cannot be won and must never be fought.”
(https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2022/01/03/p5-statement-on-preventing-nuclear-war-and-avoiding-arms-races/)
House Democrats Delivered For The American People With 12 Important Bills Signed Into Law In 2021
Beyond the bipartisan infrastructure bill and the American Rescue Plan, House Democrats passed 10 more major pieces of legislation that became law.
Here Is The Entire List Of Major Legislation That The House Passed That Became Law:
(https://www.politicususa.com/2022/01/01/house-democrats-delivered-for-the-american-people-with-12-important-bills-signed-into-law-in-2021.html)
Speaker Pelosi Newsroom.
“Dear Democratic Colleague,
As we enjoy the Holiday Season with loved ones, we are preparing to mark one year since the January 6th assault on the Capitol.
I write to make you aware of the activities that will be held that day.
The House will not be in session, but a full program of events is being planned, based on Member input.
These events are intended as an observance of reflection, remembrance and recommitment, in a spirit of unity, patriotism and prayerfulness. All events will be live-streamed, so that Members can watch and participate from their districts.”
(https://www.speaker.gov/newsroom/123021)
Where We Go Now with Sherrilyn Ifill
Podcast: Why Is This Happening? with Chris Hayes
“What are you prepared to dismantle? What are you prepared to build?
As we witness this nationwide reckoning on racial disparities in America, these are the questions Sherrilyn Ifill, President of the NAACP Legal Defense Fund, wants us to ask ourselves. In her work, she sees how the strength of each movement is built atop the ones that have come before. It’s slow and painstaking work, but to be a participant in this country means that you must figure out your role in making change.
Sherrilyn Ifill joins Chris to discuss the continued push for progress and her dogged work fighting for voting rights.
Here:
(https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/where-we-go-now-with-sherrilyn-ifill/id1382983397?i=1000479212193)
On This Day In Black History:
Barack Obama Celebrates Winning Iowa Caucuses With Legendary Victory Speech
“To me, that was a more powerful night than the night I was elected president,” Obama said in 2018.
“Exactly 14 years ago tonight, a young, first-term U.S. Senator from Illinois made American — and Black — history by winning the Iowa Caucuses as primary season kicked off on his way to becoming the first-ever African American president of the United States.”
“As we reflect on that historic day for Obama,
keep reading to revisit the address the then-46-year-old delivered at a post-Iowa Cacususes victory rally in downtown Des Moines.”
(https://newsone.com/4270358/obama-2008-iowa-caucuses-victory-speech/)
Senate Democrats set the stage for action on multiple fronts
“…Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer sent a letter to his members this morning,
leaving little doubt that the New York Democrat isn’t scaling back his ambitions when it comes to voting rights.”
From the letter:
“The Senate was designed to protect the political rights of the minority in the chamber,
through the promise of debate and the opportunity to amend. But over the years, those rights have been warped and contorted to obstruct and embarrass the will of majority — something our Founders explicitly opposed. The constitution specified what measures demanded a supermajority — including impeachment or the ratification of treaties. But they explicitly rejected supermajority requirements for legislation, having learned firsthand of such a requirement’s defects under the Articles of Confederation. The weaponization of rules once meant to short-circuit obstruction have been hijacked to guarantee obstruction. We must ask ourselves:
if the right to vote is the cornerstone of our democracy, then how can we in good conscience allow for a situation in which the Republican Party can debate and pass voter suppression laws at the state level with only a simple majority vote, but not allow the United States Senate to do the same?”
Benen:
(https://www.msnbc.com/rachel-maddow-show/senate-democrats-set-stage-action-multiple-fronts-n1286868)
Fight!!!
Welp, I’m now in the COVID club! Light symptoms for now. Pray they stay that way. 🙏🏾 I’m isolating at home. 😩
Damn! Damn! Damn!
DAMN, DAMN, DAMN Dudette take care of yourself, sending you a virtual hug with all the healing powers I can virtually send you.
Thanks Anna! ❤️
Damn!Damn! Damn! Thank goodness you’re vaxxed from here to next month! Makes me nervous.. we all tried SO HARD to keep this crud away… well, you’ll be ok. Hang in there and let us know how you’re feeling as the days go on. Feel better soon❤️
Thanks DF! It could be a lot worse. I’m blessed and grateful. ❤️
So sorry Dudette. Praying you have a quick recovery. ❤️🙏🏻
Thanks sjt!
Oh dearest Dudette! Take care of yourself, all will be a-okay. So sorry you’re going thru this! Plenty virtual HUGS & love for you. 😘💞💞
Thanks Gazelle! 😘❤️
After a couple hours of cursing, I’m trying to get back to positivity and not whine too much. This thing has been an absolute horror for so many. I’m a little nervous, but know it would be immensely worse if I hadn’t been vaxxed. I just hope I haven’t passed it onto anyone and my recovery goes smoothly & quickly. 🙏🏾
Bless you …Dudette, my extraordinary sis…May The Creator take you in their hands and heal you…praying for you…Amen
Thanks Dear! ❤️
Saw you were sick on twitter. How are you feeling now? I hope you recover quickly.
Hi Betsy! So far it’s like a really bad cold. Sore throat is gone, now it’s lots of coughing, lots of phlegm, headache and just overall fatigue. And, of course, since I’m hydrating a lot, lots of peeing. 🤒 No fever, thank goodness. Could be much worse, so I’m trying not to whine too much. Yay for the vaxx!
That’s great to hear. I just found out today that one of my students in my 3rd period class this past Monday, has tested positive for Covid. He’s been out since yesterday. I’m going to get a Covid test tomorrow and I hope it’s negative but you never know. Omicron is so contagious.
All will be OK. You’ve been responsible throughout this horror. Keep the faith! Everyone around your world will be ok too! Much love💞
Thanks Gazelle! 😘❤️
Just saw this, Dudette. I sure hope you have a mild case. Please stay in touch with us. Much love and hugs!
🕊🕯💕🌟{{{{{Dudette}}}}}💕🙏🏼💕🙏🏼
❤️
Okay Sis Dudette, you know what to do. Treat this like you would if you have the Flu…Get plenty of rest, drink plenty of fluids, soups, etc., and let it run it’s course through and out of your body. I’m sending you positivity & love!😘💝🙏🏾🙋🏾♀️
Thanks, ggail! I’m working on it! 😘❤️
Oh Dudette, you are in my prayers. When my husband had his break through case. Sleep was what he did most. Also drink lots of water, juice, etc. May you be wrapped in his arms through this.
So sorry to hear this, Dudette. Sending healing thoughts your way. Get better quickly!!
Thanks pkd! Trying my best! 😘❤️
Eek! I wish her all the best!
Good Morning! Thought I’d share a little food for the soul!
COMING UP:
One of those stories you read about, then connect the dots! When you have a moment, check out this interesting interview. The guy who created biometric authentication:
All of a sudden, I’m pre-recording PBS News Hour! So glad to see this – he earned it. This is his first week on camera.
Ha. He “liked” my reply to his tweet. Once he gets going in his new role, he won’t have that much time to visit twitter, I’m sure!
***
Geoff Bennett
liked your reply
You definitely earned this! So glad to hear. Now pre-recording PBS News Hour!!!
Ha! 👏🏾👏🏾😎, President of his Fan Club, eh ☺
Like so many of the other young-ish journalists on MSNBC, he always struck me as someone who should have his own show! Has a totally different persona when he isn’t just asking one question of a politician (well, obviously)! I really admire him and a few others who are gaining their places in that field. And with that, I shall say goodnight to you – and TODville. Time to head off to dreamland for me!
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Every time Mitch opens his mouth, I have to super wash mine, in case deserved nasty words magically plan their escape! 😷
All done, lights out for some rest ~
Big day tomorrow, may the heads of the liars and crooks roll, all over the world ~
https://www.stonekettle.com/2022/01/recap-january-4-2022.html
Nite nite
🪔
Good Morning TOD Family!
Hope you’re all well. It’s Day 3 of my COVID bout and I’ve moved to the cough-my-head-off-hurling-phlegm phase. Feels like a really bad cold. Scary knowing it’s a much bigger deal than a cold though. I feel a lot more tired than with a regular cold and the headache accompanying the cough is distressing. Can’t believe CDC is telling people to isolate for only 5 days. I’d love it to be so, but IMO no freaking way this crap will be completely gone in only 2 more days.
A word of advice: A face mask, even the “best” kind, isn’t enough to avoid Omicron. The amount of virus pushed out by an infected person is like 70x higher the the original virus. It’s airborne, so it will land on you and your clothes. If your eyes, hair and skin aren’t covered, you aren’t fully protected.
I wear glasses, so I felt like that added to my protection, but I’m now wishing that I’d worn a face shield, gloves and a hat on the few occasions where I had to go into stores. I tried to avoid going in stores as much as possible (using online ordering and outside pickup), but that wasn’t always possible. Gloves would’ve reminded me how often I touch my eyes, face and hair throughout the day. I’m pretty sure although I use a lot of soap and sanitizer, at some point I touched an exposed surface, my mask, glasses, or hair and then rubbed my eyes or nose between cleaning. I often wiped down my phone with sanitizing wipes. Not so often for my glasses. 😖
Sometimes I’d strip off my clothes and toss them immediately upon returning home, but sometimes I’d just spray with Lysol. I wiped door handles and stuff I touched in the car but forget to do a full air spraying before getting in the car or upon returning home.
My point is there are so many ways to slip up and miss a point of exposure. This stuff is everywhere. If it’s at all possible for you to avoid being around people you don’t live with, please do it. I’m lucky this thing hasn’t put me in the hospital (🤞🏾). Plenty of others, including folks who’re fully vaxxed and boosted have not been so lucky.
Love you guys. Thank you all for your love and support. 😘❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
Please read and share this doctor’s thread.
That was a very informative thread Thank you Dudette. Hope you are doing better.
Cough up phlegm, but manageable.
Oh my darling Dudette ~
🕊🕯🙏🏼🪔🙏🏼🕯🕊
Just heard Mom is sick. Dad is gonna get her tested ASAP! Please send prayers!
🙏🏾💝😘
Will add your mom to our prayer list.
Thanks! 🙏🏾
Sending prayers for your mom. 🙏🏻❤️
Thank you!
Blessings
LIVE NOW:
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It’s confirmed now. Mom tested positive for COVID! She got sick really fast and is in rough shape. Her symptoms are different and worse than mine. Dad doesn’t have symptoms. Doc called in some meds for Mom and told Dad don’t bother testing right now, just assume he has it too and both need to isolate. Dad was boosted later than me and Mom, because he got Moderna from the VA. The rest of us got early Pfizer boosters. Both have chronic health issues.
I’m scared for them. Please send prayers!
Angels All Around You All
🕯🙏🏼🕯🙏🏼🕯🙏🏼
Thanks!
Sending all that’s great & beautiful from the universe to you & family. 💞💞
Thank you Sis!
New post.