The Deal: White House graphic

Myths and Facts: White House Blog

Washington, We Have a Problem | Politics | Vanity Fair

Like Gulliver in the grip of the Lilliputians

Todd Purdum - National Editor at Vanity Fair and long time New York times Reporter has an excellent piece in September's issue.  With Obama, as Jonathan Alter has observed "it's always 60 degrees".  In today's maelstrom would you want a hot head?  A guy (like the last one) so in the grip of passion that he went to war on demonstrably false grounds?


Discouraged?  I would blame the voters before I would blame Obama.  Here's the good news:  On` the day after' Barack Obama will still be President of the United States

How broken is Washington? Beyond repair? A day in the life of the president reveals that Barack Obama’s job would be almost unrecognizable to most of his predecessors—thanks to the enormous bureaucracy, congressional paralysis, systemic corruption (with lobbyists spending $3.5 billion last year), and disintegrating media. Inside the West Wing, the author talks toObama’s top advisers about the challenge of playing the Washington game, ugly as it has become, even while their boss insists they find a way to transcend it.

Here's Purdum's picture of life inside the White House: 

Washington, We Have a Problem | Politics | Vanity Fair

At the White House: the times have changed: Dylan et al sing the music of the civil rights movement

White House: The Public Option: Rumor Check

The White House has responded on its blog to assertions that President Obama is backing down on the public option:

Posted by Dan Pfeiffer on October 25, 2009 at 08:56 PM EDT

A rumor is making the rounds that the White House and Senator Reid are pursuing different strategies on the public option. Those rumors are absolutely false.

In his September 9th address to Congress, President Obama made clear that he supports the public option because it has the potential to play an essential role in holding insurance companies accountable through choice and competition. That continues to be the President's position.

Senator Reid and his leadership team are now working to get the most effective bill possible approved by the Senate. President Obama completely supports their efforts and has full confidence they will succeed and continue the unprecedented progress that is being made in both the House and Senate.

Dan Pfeiffer is Deputy Communications Director