Showing posts with label President Obama. Show all posts
Showing posts with label President Obama. Show all posts

New Documentary To Be Released On President Obama's Last Days At The White House

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Daily Mail: EXCLUSIVE: F-word rows and bitter disputes over Russia, Iran and Syria: New documentary to lay bare the truth about the Obama White House's last days

* Obama's last days in the White House were filled with chaos and f-word confrontations over foreign policy, new documentary The Final Year reveals
* Former senior officials, including UN ambassador Samantha Power and Secretary of State John Kerry, comment on the 'whole drama' over Syria
* Staffers claim there was nothing to force the Iranians to abide by their terms of the deal supposed to stop them from getting nuclear weapons
* Obama's final address to the UN, what should have been a largely ceremonial affair, aides had a 'huge fight' over the tone of the speech
* The documentary, out later this month, shows how devastated Obama's team was when they learned Hillary Clinton lost the presidency to Donald Trump

Chaos, running rows and f-word confrontations over foreign policy are revealed in a new fly-on-the-wall documentary about the last days of the Obama White House.

Senior officials give the film unvarnished accounts of a 'whole drama' over how Syria was dealt with – and how there was nothing to force the Iranians to abide by their terms of the deal supposed to stop them from getting nuclear weapons.

In 'The Final Year' Ben Rhodes, Obama's deputy national security adviser for strategic communications, also says that it took 'too long' to get the measure of Russian President Vladimir Putin.

The documentary, shot by director Greg Barker and produced by Magnolia Pictures, followed Obama and his cabinet during his final 12 months in office.

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WNU Editor: And they say that President's Trump's White House is in turmoil.
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Is Former President Obama Running A Shadow Presidency?

Former U.S. president Barack Obama (left) dined with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau at Montreal's Liverpool House on June 6, 2017 (Justin Trudeau/Twitter)

WNU Editor: Former President Obama has certainly been busy. Today he met with South Korean President Moon Jae-in in Seoul .... Shadow President? Obama Meets With South Korean President To Discuss Trump (Daily Caller). A few days ago Indonesian President .... Barack Obama meets Joko Widodo in visit to childhood home of Indonesia (ABC News Online). A few weeks ago Canadian Prime Minister Trudeau in Montreal .... The Liverpool House Summit: What did Obama and Trudeau talk about? (CBC). In May he openly endorsed then French Presidential candidate .... Obama declares support for Macron in French election - video (The Guardian). Also in May .... meeting German Chancellor Merkel hours before she was to meet President Trump .... 1 day, 2 presidents: Merkel meets with Obama, then Trump (CNN). As for his private phone calls and communications ..... I can only speculate on that ..... but I would not be surprised if he is talking to a lot of world leaders. Is this a big deal? Yes and no. He is now a private citizen ....  so he can do what he wants. But this is not normal behaviour for an ex-President .... far from it. My prediction .... he will continue to meet and/or have phone calls with foreign leaders .... at least with those who still want his advice .... but his focus will be on domestic issues and (definitely) domestic politics, starting with this .... Obama plays behind-the-scenes role in rebuilding Democratic Party (The Hill)
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I Am Seeing President Obama Right Now


WNU Editor: I (and a few thousand others) are seeing President Obama right now .... No Obama tickets? No problem — how to hear the speech (for free) (Montreal Gazette). You can also watch it here .... WATCH LIVE: Barack Obama speech in Montreal (CTV).

And for those who need their hourly WNU fix .... do not worry .... I have already lined up my posts for the next few hours and they will be popping up each hour.

Update: LIVE BLOG: Mic drops or soaring rhetoric? Expectations high ahead of Obama's Montreal speech (CBC).

Update #2: No .... I did not buy the tickets. The GF bought them as a present to me ?!?!?!?! But I have to give her credit .... they are excellent tickets, and I am going to be very close to the stage. My scalper friend wanted to give me $500 per ticket last night. To say that I was tempted is an understatement .... but the GF would kill me if I did sell them .... darn .... :(
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President Obama On President Trump: ‘He’s Nothing But a Bullsh–ter’

People: What Does Barack Obama Really Think of Donald Trump? ‘He’s Nothing But a Bullsh–ter’

She packs her own lunch, and he still isn’t allowed to drive. Subscribe now for all about Michelle and Barack Obama’s lives after moving out of the White House – only in PEOPLE

Cool, even-keeled, no-drama Barack Obama is one of the few people in the country who hasn’t publicly opined on the tweets and turmoil wrought by President Trump. And so a persistent question to those close to the former president is: What does Obama really think of the man now occupying the Oval Office?

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WNU Editor: He did call him worst things during the campaign. But he must be peeved. His legacy is being dismantled, and there is very little that he can do about it.
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President Obama: 'Not Bombing Syria Required The Most Political Courage'

Former President Barack Obama was presented with the 2017 Profile in Courage award during ceremonies at the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum in Boston on May 7, 2017. Credit: Steven Senne

Politico: Obama: Not bombing Syria 'required the most political courage'

Barack Obama defended his decision not to bomb Syria as president in an interview published Monday, casting his controversial decision as an act that “required the most political courage.”

Obama spoke with Jack Schlossberg last week before accepting a John F. Kennedy Profile in Courage award. Schlossberg, Kennedy’s grandson and a member of the award committee, released a transcript of their conversation in a Medium post on Monday.

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WNU Editor: So much for "red lines". President Obama's interview is here .... A Conversation with President Obama on Political Courage (Jack Schlossberg, John F. Kennedy Library).

More News On President Obama Saying That 'Not Bombing Syria Required The Most Political Courage'

Not bombing Syria' required the most political courage' says Obama -- Daily Mail
Obama: Refusing to Bomb Syria ‘Required the Most Political Courage’ -- Washington Free Beacon
Obama says not bombing Syria took political courage -- NYPost
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Former US President Barack Obama Endorses French Presidential Candidate Macron



CNN: Obama endorses French presidential candidate Macron

Washington (CNN)Former US President Barack Obama is wading into the closely watched French presidential election to endorse Emmanuel Macron, the centrist politician widely backed by the establishment in his run against far-right leader Marine Le Pen.

"I have admired the campaign that Emmanuel Macron has run," Obama says in a video, which Macron shared Thursday. "He has stood up for liberal values, he put forward a vision for the important role that France plays in Europe and around the world. And he is committed to a better future for the French people. He appeals to people's hopes and not their fears."

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WNU Editor: My friends in France are hoping that Le Pen will win .... they want to shake up the system .... but the poll numbers that are being released are saying the opposite.

More News On Former US President Barack Obama Endorsing French Presidential Candidate Macron

Obama backs Macron in last-minute intervention in French election -- The Guardian
Obama endorses Macron in French election, taking a side in Europe again -- Washington Post
French candidate Emmanuel Macron endorsed by Barack Obama -- USA Today
Obama endorses Macron in French election -- The Hill
Obama Officially Wades Into French Presidential Election -- VOA
Obama throws support behind Emmanuel Macron for French president -- CBS
Obama endorses Macron in French presidential race -- FOX News
Obama's Endorsement of Macron -- The Atlantic
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President Obama Makes His First Public Event Since Leaving The White House



New York Times: Obama Steps Back Into Public Life, Trying to Avoid One Word: Trump

CHICAGO — Former President Barack Obama studiously avoided any mention of President Trump or the assault on his own legacy as he returned to his adoptive home on Monday for his first public event since leaving the White House.

What might have been a moment for Mr. Obama to challenge Mr. Trump’s wiretapping accusations, or to assail the Republican agenda, instead became a college seminar on how to engage with a new generation of young people — and urge them to participate in political life.

“The single most important thing I can do,” the former president told an audience of students, is to “help in any way I can prepare the next generation of leadership to take up the baton and to take their own crack at changing the world.”

Avoiding Mr. Trump was no accident.

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WNU Editor: The press is all excited .... but his avoidance on discussing President Trump was probably a "downer" for them.
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Where Is President Obama?

Yes, this is a real photo, but it’s not on Tetiaroa. Barack Obama smiles as he looks out at Turtle Beach on a visit to Papahanaumokuakea Marine National Monument, Midway Atoll, U.S., September 1, 2016. JONATHAN ERNST / REUTERS

Hufington Post: Obama Is Holed Up Writing His Book On The South Pacific Island Of Tetiaroa

Marlon Brando used to own it.

After a brief layover in Hawaii, former President Barack Obama is hanging out on a South Pacific island for a month to write his White House memoir, according to the Washington Post.

The island, called Tetiaroa, is an atoll located in a group of French Polynesian islands. Its closest neighbor is Tahiti, which is roughly 30 miles away. Not only is it super private and exclusive, it’s also gorgeous:

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WNU Editor: I am willing to bet that he is sleeping in everyday. As for the Secret Service agents who are guarding him .... they are working in paradise, and they must be the most envied in the Secret Service right now.
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President Obama Reacts To President Trump's Wiretapping Claims



CNN: Obama irked and exasperated in response to Trump's wiretapping claims, sources say

Washington (CNN)President Barack Obama was irked and exasperated in response to his successor's uncorroborated wiretapping accusation, sources close to the former president tell CNN, though these sources say Obama's reaction stopped short of outright fury.

Obama and his aides responded with disbelief when they learned of President Donald Trump's Saturday morning tweets laying out the charges. Later in the day, an Obama spokesman said "neither President Obama nor any White House official ever ordered surveillance on any US citizen. Any suggestion otherwise is simply false."
The sources provided CNN with slightly different insight into Obama's demeanor than others who told The Wall Street Journal that Obama was "livid."

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WNU Editor: He may be peeved, but as I commented yesterday ..... Is The News Media Now Ignoring The Trump - Russian Hack Story? (March 7, 2017) .... when those tweets went out the media narrative on Trump and the Russians has been eliminated from the news cycle. Hmmm .... on a side note .... I did not know that President Obama decided to not return a phone call from President Trump after the inauguration .... Obama livid at Trump, didn't return his phone call after inauguration: Report (Washington Examiner).

More News On President Obama Reaction To President Trump's Wiretapping Claims

Obama ‘Livid,' in 'Disbelief' Over Wiretapping Allegations -- US News and World Report
Report: Obama was furious after Trump accused him of wiretapping -- The Hill
Obama 'rolled his eyes' at Trump's wiretap accusation -- The Hill
Obama furious over Trump tweets accusing him of illegal wiretapping: sources -- Market Watch/WSJ
Trump’s wiretapping accusations reportedly got under Obama’s skin -- NYDaily News
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Is President Obama's Home The Nerve Center In The Campaign Against President Trump?

Obama is being aided in his political crusade by his longtime consigliere Jarrett, who has moved into the 8,200-square-foot, $5.3-million Kaloroma mansion

Daily Mail: EXCLUSIVE: Barack Obama's close confidante Valerie Jarrett has moved into his new DC home, which is now the nerve center for their plan to mastermind the insurgency against President Trump

* Obama's goal is to oust Trump from the presidency either by forcing his resignation or through his impeachment, a family friend tells DailyMail.com
* Jarrett has moved into the 8,200-square-foot, $5.3-million Kaloroma mansion to work closely with the former president and Michelle Obama
* Jarrett lived in the White House, dined with the Obamas, and helped shape his domestic and foreign policies
Obama cannot use his West End office, a post-presidency perk, for political purposes
* 'He's coming. And he's ready to roll.' former Attorney General Eric Holder said yesterday about the former president's reentry into the political scene

Barack Obama is turning his new home in the posh Kalorama section of the nation's capital - just two miles away from the White House - into the nerve center of the mounting insurgency against his successor, President Donald J. Trump.

Obama's goal, according to a close family friend, is to oust Trump from the presidency either by forcing his resignation or through his impeachment.

And Obama is being aided in his political crusade by his longtime consigliere, Valerie Jarrett, who has moved into the 8,200-square-foot, $5.3-million Kaloroma mansion with the former president and Michelle Obama, long time best friends.

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WNU Editor: A part of me doubts that the Obama's home in Washington is now the "nerve center" in the campaign against President Trump .... but Valerie Jarrett moving into their home when she can easily afford one herself .... now that is strange. As to rumours that former President Obama is now actively working to undermine a sitting Presidency either by forcing his resignation or through his impeachment .... I hope not .... but that is a story that definitely deserves more attention from the media because such an effort would certainly be unprecedented in modern American  history.
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The Obama's Have Agreed To A $60 Million Book Deal For A 'His And Her Book'



New York Times: Obamas Make Book Deal With Penguin Random House

Penguin Random House will publish coming books by former President Barack Obama and the former first lady Michelle Obama, the publishing company announced Tuesday night, concluding a heated auction among multiple publishers.

The terms of the agreement were not disclosed, but publishing industry executives with knowledge of the bidding process said it probably stretched well into eight figures. Robert B. Barnett and Deneen C. Howell of Williams & Connolly represented the Obamas.

Penguin Random House acquired world rights to the books, and worldwide sales could be substantial. No decision has been made yet as to which of the company’s major imprints — which include Random House, Doubleday, Alfred A. Knopf and Crown — will publish the books. Mr. Obama’s previous books were published by Crown, which also published Mrs. Obama’s book “American Green,” about the White House garden.

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More News on The Obamas Reaching A $60 Million Deal For Two Books

Barack and Michelle Obama have book deals -- AP
It's gonna be YUUUGE: Barack and Michelle Obama sign record-breaking $60M book deal for rights to their new memoirs -- Daily Mail
Barack and Michelle Obama reach book deal -- Politico
Barack and Michelle Obama sign book deals -- The Hill
Barack and Michelle Obama agree Penguin Random House book deal -- BBC
The Obamas could earn more than $200 million in the next 15 years -- Business Insider
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Where Is President Obama?



Daily Mail: Barack Obam-AIR! New photos show former president kite-surfing and horsing around with billionaire buddy Richard Branson

* New photos show Barack Obama and Richard Branson going kite-surfing during the former president's recent visit to the billionaire's private island
* The two had a competition on Obama's last day to see who could stay up the longest on their kite-surfing boards and Obama won
* The former president and his wife Michelle are now back in Washington, DC after spending more than a week relaxing on Branson's private island

Former President Barack Obama unwound from eight years in the White House with some extreme sports on his Caribbean vacation with billionaire friend Richard Branson.

New photos show the newly-retired Obama going kite-surfing with Branson during a recent getaway on the Virgin founder's private island.

The worries of the White House are clearly far from Obama's mind in the pictures - as he horses around with Branson on the boat, smiles widely for the cameras and then catches some air on his board.

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WNU Editor: Someone had a good time.
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President Obama Calls For Protests Against President Trump



Washington Post: Obama rejects comparison between Trump’s immigration policy and his own, encourages protests

Former president Barack Obama rejected the idea Monday that President Trump based his immigration executive order on a policy adopted by his own administration, and he endorsed the protests that have been taking place across the country in response to the new restrictions.

Trump has said that his move to ban the entry of migrants from seven Muslim-majority countries into the United States, and to suspend temporarily the admission of refugees, was based in part on a decision in 2011 by then-President Obama to ban the admission of Iraqis to the country after evidence surfaced that two Iraqis seeking resettlement had been linked to terrorist activity in their homeland. The Obama and Trump administrations also identified the same seven countries as harboring terrorism threats.

Former Obama administration officials have denied that there was ever a halt to the awarding of visas to Iraqis, though the processing of these applications slowed after they were subject to more intense scrutiny.

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WNU Editor: A former President .... just two weeks after leaving office .... now attacking a sitting President and encouraging protests. The media and progressives are going to be overjoyed .... but there is going to be blow-back from this "encouragement".
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President Obama To Cash In On His Memoir

Daily Mail: Obama is set to cash in on presidency with a reported $20MILLION advance for his memoirs

* Obama's memoir would 'go for more than any president's memoir has ever gone'
* He went into the White House as a bestselling author for his book Dreams of My Father, which was published in 1995
* The only other presidents to enter office as bestselling authors are Dwight D Eisenhower and Donald Trump
* After leaving office, George W Bush got $7million for 2010's Decision Points
* When Bill Clinton left office, he received $15million for his 2001 memoir, My Life
* Historians believe Obama's book will sell more copies than any other president

Former President Barack Obama could rake in more than $20million in advance for a memoir.

Esther Newberg, co-head of ICM Partners' publishing unit, claims that an Obama memoir would 'go for more than any president's memoir has ever gone'.

Obama, 55, went into the White House as a bestselling author for his book Dreams of My Father, which was published in 1995.

The only other presidents to enter office as bestselling authors are Dwight D Eisenhower, for his 1948 book, Crusade Of Europe, and Donald Trump for his 1987 book, The Art of The Deal.

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Update: Barack Obama's Memoir Could Fetch $20 Million Advance (Hollywood Reporter)

WNU Editor: Both Presidents Bush and Clinton memoirs were .... IMHO .... boring. I hope That President Obama will break that trend in his memoir.
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President Trump Wants Congressional Support For His Agenda



Roll Call: Trump’s White House Charm Offensive a Contrast to Solitary Obama

Spokesman: New president wants ‘strong bonds with congressional leaders’

Eric Schultz, a senior aide to then-President Barack Obama, delivered the line with a perfect deadpan. The delivery, including the glance toward reporters, summed up the Obama administration’s view about hobnobbing with Congress.

“On Thursday, the president and first lady will attend the Congressional Ball at the White House,” Schultz said on Dec. 2, pausing for a second before delivering the punchline — “one of our favorites.” Reporters gathered in the White House briefing room responded with a combination of knowing chuckles, groans and hoots.

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WNU Editor: When people in Russia ask me on how does the U.S. political system works .... I say that ideally .... the U.S. President proposes, and the U.S. Congress disposes. If as President you want your agenda to be adopted, you must have it approved by Congress to make it into law .... and more importantly .... to have it passed with at least some bipartisan support. If not .... your legislative agenda can (and will) be quickly undone by the next administration .... which is what we are seeing right now. This was President Obama's failure when it came to governing. Obamacare was adopted with zero Republican Congressional support .... and none quite frankly was really wanted. Executive actions by the White House, nuclear options under US Sen. Reid, this may all have made sense when they were in power ..... but out of power .... these same tactics will be used against them. Interestingly .... President Obama did work well with a number of Republicans on international issues .... both sought each other out .... and not surprisingly .... opposition to President Obama's foreign policy agenda was limited to only a few issues (i.e. releasing Guantanamo detainees, red lines in Syria, etc.).

As for President Trump .... he is reaching out to certain Democrats, and he is certainly going after their base of support (meeting with union heads 2 days ago). He knows to get his economic policies passed he will need bipartisan support .... it may take longer .... but the rewards are there at the end if you do it right. On a side note .... there will be a big battle on his Supreme Court pick next week .... and this is going to test his outreach to the Democrats .... that I have no doubt about.
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Where Is Former President Obama?

Barack and Michelle Obama arrived at Terrence B Lettsome International Airport in the British Virgin Islands on Monday night after flying in on Sir Richard Branson's jet

Daily Mail: Next stop, Necker Island: Barack and Michelle Obama are all smiles as they arrive in the British Virgin Islands on Richard

* Branson's private jet and head straight for his lavish private island retreat
* Barack and Michelle Obama touched down in British Virgin Islands on Monday
* The couple posed happily for a photograph with airport staff after their arrival
* They flew in to the Caribbean on host Sir Richard Branson's private plane
* Former first couple will spend some time on his private retreat, Necker Island
* British billionaire Branson campaigned against Trump throughout his campaign
* They spent the weekend with friends in Palm Springs, California, after President Trump's inauguration on Friday

Barack and Michelle Obama have arrived in the British Virgin Islands after jetting in to the Caribbean on Richard Branson's plane.

The former first couple posed with staff at Terrence B Lettsome International Airport, the islands' main airport, on Monday night after a flight from California.

A photograph of the pair with their arms stretched around immigration officials and the local police commissioner appeared on social media after their quiet arrival.

They were then whisked away in a waiting motorcade to be taken to a nearby boat to complete their journey to Branson's private retreat, Necker Island.

Workers were seen loading the small wooden vessel with the couple's luggage before it launched.

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WNU Editor: This must be surreal for President Obama. One day you are President of the United States .... a week later you are on some island in the Caribbean living a completely different life. I am also sure that he is looking at what is happening in Washington now .... and to see his entire agenda being stripped away by one executive action followed by another .... I can only imagine what he is thinking of that.
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Is President Obama About To Pardon Army Leaker Chelsea Manning?


NBC: Army Leaker Chelsea Manning on Obama's 'Short List' for Commutation

President Obama has put Chelsea Manning, the former Army intelligence analyst serving a 35-year sentence for leaking classified material, on his short list for a possible commutation, a Justice Department source told NBC News.

A decision could come as soon as Wednesday for Manning, who has tried to commit suicide twice this year and went on a hunger strike in a bid for gender reassignment surgery.

"I have more hope right now than I have the entire time since she was sentenced," Manning's aunt, Deborah Manning, told NBC News.

"I do think it's the last hope for a while."

Manning — then known as Bradley — was locked up in 2010 after swiping 700,000 military files and diplomatic cables and giving them to Wikileaks.

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Update #1: Chelsea Manning on Obama's 'shortlist' for commutation: report (The Hill)
Update #2: Chelsea Manning on Obama's 'shortlist' to commute prison sentence – report (The Guardian)

WNU Editor: Chelsea Manning is in jail because she leaked 700,000 military files and diplomatic cables to Wikileaks .... who are now being accused of being stooges for Russian intelligence. I do not know if President Obama will pardon Chelsea Manning .... but the irony of it all if he does will leave me speechless.
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President Obama’s Farewell Address (Live)

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White House Photographer Shares His Favourite Images Of President Obama In 2016

The president meets with the National Security Council in the Situation Room on March 18, 2016. Souza said it was a difficult room to shoot in since he has trouble moving around

Daily Mail: Bye, bye Barack! White House photographer shares his favorite images of Obama in 2016 as his presidency draws to a close

* Chief White House Photographer Pete Souza upheld annual tradition of culling his favorite images of the year
* Some photos document historic events, while others offer a personal, behind-the-scenes glimpse at Obama
* Souza acknowledged the end of Obama's two terms, calling it an 'honor of a lifetime to be a witness to history'

As President Barack Obama's second term draws to a close, Chief White House Photographer Pete Souza shared his favorite images captured over the course of the last year.

Keeping with his annual tradition since Obama entered the White House, Souza's selection offers a personal, behind-the-scenes glimpse at the president.

While some of the 72 photos document historic events, others reveal Obama's playful side, whether he's crawling on the ground, playing with a baby, or dancing with his personal aide to practice for her upcoming wedding.

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WNU Editor: I have always enjoyed  Chief White House Photographer Pete Souza's work, and in this collection of 72 pictures he does not disappoint.
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In His Weekly Address President Obama Hints That He Will Be Active After He Leaves Office



Washington Examiner: Obama: I won't leave on Jan 20

President Obama used his final weekly address in 2016 to assure Americans that he will remain committed to defending the "progress" made by his administration after handing over the White House to Donald Trump on Jan. 20.

Offering what might be the clearest indication yet of his plan to stay in the political scene post-presidency, Obama said Saturday, "As I prepare to take on the even more important role of citizen, know that I will be there with you every step of the way to ensure that this country forever strives to live up to the incredible promise of our founding — that all of us are created equal, and all of us deserve every chance to live out our dreams."

While the president initially indicated that he looked forward to a quiet retirement, at a time when many polls showed Democrat Hillary Clinton marching to victory in the presidential election, Obama has said his plans have changed since Trump ran away with the win.

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WNU Editor: President Obama will always have an audience, and I am sure that many in the mainstream media will always run to him for his opinion on an issue .... doubly so since there is no "Democrat leader" on the stage. But he will no longer have the bully pulpit .... nor the same media coverage that he got as President. But unlike past Presidents .... he will be very active and visible .... and I predict that he will be opposing most (if not all) of President Trump's initiatives.
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