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Obama diary: The first 100 days Obama diary: The first 100 days
(about 7 hours later)
Barack Obama was elected on a message of change. Now he is in office, change is expected both in foreign and domestic policy. Here the BBC's team in Washington tracks developments in the first 100 days of the Obama presidency.Barack Obama was elected on a message of change. Now he is in office, change is expected both in foreign and domestic policy. Here the BBC's team in Washington tracks developments in the first 100 days of the Obama presidency.
TUESDAY 10 FEBRUARY - DAY 22TUESDAY 10 FEBRUARY - DAY 22
2100 EST Unapologetic bankers?
Kevin Connolly: Now that Britain's bankers have set the tone with their (admittedly rather stilted) apologies for their follies and failures, what price a round of grovelling apologies from the eight banking CEOs due to appear before the Financial Services Select Committee?
Don't hold your breath. True, the eight are preparing to travel by public transport rather than corporate jet (remember the guys from Chrysler, Ford and GM bringing the company begging bowls here to DC in their private planes?).
But there have not been too many signs of contrition from the banking industry here.
First there was John Thain of Merrill Lynch who spent $1.22m re-decorating his office - including $13,000 on a chandelier (he paid it back after it made it into the papers.)
Then came news that Wells Fargo, a bank which received $25bn from the bailout fund, was planning a trip to Las Vegas for some of its staff.
There was outrage as you would expect, and the trip was duly cancelled.
But Wells Fargo had to have the last word - taking out expensive ads in leading newspapers to complain that the media's one-sided coverage had hurt deserving employees and the tourist industry.
If any of the big eight are feeling similarly feisty, it should be an interesting day up on the Hill.
1600 EST Obama's a TV hit
Rajini Vaidyanathan: So, the figures are in... almost 37 million Americans tuned into President Obama's first prime-time press conference last night. These figures from Nielsen Media Research don't include people who watched it on cable television channels, like some of the 24-hour news channels, so expect the actual figure to be higher.
To put this into context, the audience was higher than the season premiere of American Idol, the most watched US TV show, which attracted an audience of 30.1 million.
Right now you could say there are many parallels between the president and the reality show. Having won an election on a huge wave of anticipation and excitement, it is now down to him to prove he can perform.
There's always huge expectation around the first album, but will it be a hit?
1500 EST Live blogging the president1500 EST Live blogging the president
Rajini Vaidyanathan: Another new media technique has been employed by President Obama's team. Today's town hall-style meeting at Fort Myers in Florida was "live blogged".Rajini Vaidyanathan: Another new media technique has been employed by President Obama's team. Today's town hall-style meeting at Fort Myers in Florida was "live blogged".
You can see the transcript here.You can see the transcript here.
Could an official White House Twitter be next?Could an official White House Twitter be next?
1250 EST 'Campaign trail' Obama1250 EST 'Campaign trail' Obama
Adi Raval: This reminds me more of Mr Obama on the campaign trail than as president. He entered this standing-room only crowd to the all too familiar chants of "Yes, we can, yes, we can".Adi Raval: This reminds me more of Mr Obama on the campaign trail than as president. He entered this standing-room only crowd to the all too familiar chants of "Yes, we can, yes, we can".
Save for the palm trees and the warm temperature, this event was similar to ones he held in Iowa and New Hampshire more than a year ago.Save for the palm trees and the warm temperature, this event was similar to ones he held in Iowa and New Hampshire more than a year ago.
But back to the speech. It is increasingly apparent that President Obama is trying to present himself as an outsider to the ways of Washington. He received one of his biggest applause lines when he said, off the cuff, that he did not agree with all aspects of the stimulus proposal in part because it was "produced in Washington".But back to the speech. It is increasingly apparent that President Obama is trying to present himself as an outsider to the ways of Washington. He received one of his biggest applause lines when he said, off the cuff, that he did not agree with all aspects of the stimulus proposal in part because it was "produced in Washington".
Although the Fort Myers area is considered moderately conservative, the crowd here is clearly in favour of this president.Although the Fort Myers area is considered moderately conservative, the crowd here is clearly in favour of this president.
A senior administration official told me to expect more of these economy-related events in the coming weeks. "Get prepared for a lot more domestic travel," the official said.A senior administration official told me to expect more of these economy-related events in the coming weeks. "Get prepared for a lot more domestic travel," the official said.
1230 EST More talk on Iran1230 EST More talk on Iran
Kim Ghattas: There's yet more talk about talk today on Iran. Obama said he saw the possibility of diplomatic openings with Iran in the coming months.Kim Ghattas: There's yet more talk about talk today on Iran. Obama said he saw the possibility of diplomatic openings with Iran in the coming months.
Iran's Mahmoud Ahmadinejad responded by saying that Iran was ready for talks in a "fair atmosphere with mutual respect". Hillary Clinton reacted by saying she hopes there will be an opportunity for the US and Iran to develop a better understanding of each other.Iran's Mahmoud Ahmadinejad responded by saying that Iran was ready for talks in a "fair atmosphere with mutual respect". Hillary Clinton reacted by saying she hopes there will be an opportunity for the US and Iran to develop a better understanding of each other.
It's unclear, though, when all the talk will be replaced by the face-to-face meetings mentioned by Obama.It's unclear, though, when all the talk will be replaced by the face-to-face meetings mentioned by Obama.
Those kinds of meetings would not be totally new. The US ambassador to Iraq, Ryan Crocker, met his Iranian counterpart in Baghdad in May 2007, but the talks were focused solely on Iraqi security issues.Those kinds of meetings would not be totally new. The US ambassador to Iraq, Ryan Crocker, met his Iranian counterpart in Baghdad in May 2007, but the talks were focused solely on Iraqi security issues.
This is why a lot of people, especially the Europeans, are wondering what sort of engagement Obama is planning exactly.This is why a lot of people, especially the Europeans, are wondering what sort of engagement Obama is planning exactly.
A lot is still unclear yet about this administration's plans for Iran except perhaps for one thing - it's likely to be central to any wider Middle East initiative. I'm told that the Middle East tour of US envoy George Mitchell was as much about Israeli-Palestinian peace and Gaza as it was about Iran, if not more.A lot is still unclear yet about this administration's plans for Iran except perhaps for one thing - it's likely to be central to any wider Middle East initiative. I'm told that the Middle East tour of US envoy George Mitchell was as much about Israeli-Palestinian peace and Gaza as it was about Iran, if not more.
1100 EST Obama in Florida1100 EST Obama in Florida
Adi Raval: President Obama continues his pitch to the American people to support the fiscal stimulus package here in Fort Myers, Florida. The area was selected by the White House for a presidential event because Fort Myers has the highest foreclosure - or repossession - rate in the country.Adi Raval: President Obama continues his pitch to the American people to support the fiscal stimulus package here in Fort Myers, Florida. The area was selected by the White House for a presidential event because Fort Myers has the highest foreclosure - or repossession - rate in the country.
According to administration sources, the president will spend a good portion of his remarks before 1,500 residents talking about the second part of his overall economic rescue package - focused on home ownership and assistance with troubled mortgages.According to administration sources, the president will spend a good portion of his remarks before 1,500 residents talking about the second part of his overall economic rescue package - focused on home ownership and assistance with troubled mortgages.
And the president will be joined on stage by a rather unlikely ally. Charlie Crist, the popular Republican governor of Florida, who supported John McCain during the election campaign, will introduce Mr Obama.And the president will be joined on stage by a rather unlikely ally. Charlie Crist, the popular Republican governor of Florida, who supported John McCain during the election campaign, will introduce Mr Obama.
There's less than an hour to go now before the event starts and already the auditorium here at the Harborside Event Center is almost completely full.There's less than an hour to go now before the event starts and already the auditorium here at the Harborside Event Center is almost completely full.
0245 EST What about Iran?0245 EST What about Iran?
Kim Ghattas: In the dying days of the Bush administration, the question was "should we engage Iran?". Under Obama it has become "how do we do it and when?"Kim Ghattas: In the dying days of the Bush administration, the question was "should we engage Iran?". Under Obama it has become "how do we do it and when?"
For a few weeks now, people in Washington and probably in Tehran have been waiting for Obama to announce he is appointing someone to handle the Iran portfolio.For a few weeks now, people in Washington and probably in Tehran have been waiting for Obama to announce he is appointing someone to handle the Iran portfolio.
The man for the job is apparently Dennis Ross, a former US envoy to the Middle East. It has yet to be officially announced but sources at the state department tell me it is a done deal, it's just a question of timing.The man for the job is apparently Dennis Ross, a former US envoy to the Middle East. It has yet to be officially announced but sources at the state department tell me it is a done deal, it's just a question of timing.
Maybe, maybe not. The delay underscores how vexing the Iran file is for the US.Maybe, maybe not. The delay underscores how vexing the Iran file is for the US.
How indeed do you engage a country with which you have had no diplomatic ties since 1980? Act now and risk empowering President Ahmadinejad before the Iranian elections, as he claims steadfastness eventually brought America around?How indeed do you engage a country with which you have had no diplomatic ties since 1980? Act now and risk empowering President Ahmadinejad before the Iranian elections, as he claims steadfastness eventually brought America around?
Or wait and hope that the more moderate Khatami will be the interlocutor?Or wait and hope that the more moderate Khatami will be the interlocutor?
Observers in Washington say Ross - who has written forceful opinion pieces about how to deal with Iran - is a smart pick if Obama is planning something far-reaching. His credentials will help do away with any claims that the president's efforts to engage are naive.Observers in Washington say Ross - who has written forceful opinion pieces about how to deal with Iran - is a smart pick if Obama is planning something far-reaching. His credentials will help do away with any claims that the president's efforts to engage are naive.
MONDAY 9 FEBRUARY - DAY 21MONDAY 9 FEBRUARY - DAY 21
2130 EST, Washington2130 EST, Washington
Kevin Connolly: Mr Obama's lightning trip to Elkhart County, Indiana, provided him with food for thought, and material for his prime-time televised news conference - throwing the glare of the global spotlight on a troubled place with an unemployment rate double the US average at 15.3%.Kevin Connolly: Mr Obama's lightning trip to Elkhart County, Indiana, provided him with food for thought, and material for his prime-time televised news conference - throwing the glare of the global spotlight on a troubled place with an unemployment rate double the US average at 15.3%.
The president noted that local TV there now carries announcements giving the locations of food banks - even though the food banks are struggling to meet demand.The president noted that local TV there now carries announcements giving the locations of food banks - even though the food banks are struggling to meet demand.
But Elkhart - home of the American RV (mobile home) industry - provided an illustration of one of the nuts and bolts problems underpinning the recession.But Elkhart - home of the American RV (mobile home) industry - provided an illustration of one of the nuts and bolts problems underpinning the recession.
Customers who want to buy RVs cannot get a loan even if their credit is good.Customers who want to buy RVs cannot get a loan even if their credit is good.
Even the most solid companies in the industry cannot get money from their banks. The financial institutions - who caused most of these problems - are compounding them by refusing to start lending again.Even the most solid companies in the industry cannot get money from their banks. The financial institutions - who caused most of these problems - are compounding them by refusing to start lending again.
Mr Obama promised we would hear the government's plans for dealing with that from Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner on Tuesday.Mr Obama promised we would hear the government's plans for dealing with that from Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner on Tuesday.
It is going to be complicated, and it will not be as dramatic as the legislative mud-wrestling up on Capitol Hill - but it could be one of the most important announcements of the year.It is going to be complicated, and it will not be as dramatic as the legislative mud-wrestling up on Capitol Hill - but it could be one of the most important announcements of the year.
1945 EST White House1945 EST White House
Adam Brookes: A packed East Room. Under chandeliers, the White House press corps is excited, even raucous. The atmosphere belies the seriousness of the topics.Adam Brookes: A packed East Room. Under chandeliers, the White House press corps is excited, even raucous. The atmosphere belies the seriousness of the topics.
Mr Obama will address the need to pump life into the world's largest economy, and the difficulty of building consensus in Washington.Mr Obama will address the need to pump life into the world's largest economy, and the difficulty of building consensus in Washington.
1530 EST Leaving Elkhart, Indiana1530 EST Leaving Elkhart, Indiana
Adi Raval: "I've got to go back to Washington to convince everybody to get moving on this package," said President Obama as he left the stage in Elkhart, Indiana, for the short flight home.Adi Raval: "I've got to go back to Washington to convince everybody to get moving on this package," said President Obama as he left the stage in Elkhart, Indiana, for the short flight home.
But did he convince the roughly 2,500 people who gathered to hear his remarks? It depends who you ask.But did he convince the roughly 2,500 people who gathered to hear his remarks? It depends who you ask.
For Rob White, life-long resident of Elkhart, the president did a good job of making a bridge between Democrats and Republicans. But asked whether the stimulus package would provide the kind of economic activity needed, Mr White said the key point "was to find new industries" for this area, which is heavily dependent upon the manufacture of motor home vehicles.For Rob White, life-long resident of Elkhart, the president did a good job of making a bridge between Democrats and Republicans. But asked whether the stimulus package would provide the kind of economic activity needed, Mr White said the key point "was to find new industries" for this area, which is heavily dependent upon the manufacture of motor home vehicles.
Curtis Graham was just the kind of the person the White House was trying to convince. Graham, a 45-year-old unemployed motor home salesman, came away impressed with the president's oratory skills but wished Mr Obama had spent more time discussing protection of American jobs. "I know it's a global economy, but let's put American jobs first," he said.Curtis Graham was just the kind of the person the White House was trying to convince. Graham, a 45-year-old unemployed motor home salesman, came away impressed with the president's oratory skills but wished Mr Obama had spent more time discussing protection of American jobs. "I know it's a global economy, but let's put American jobs first," he said.
Mr Obama will continue taking his message directly to the people tomorrow in Fort Myers, Florida, another financially hard-stricken area of the country. And later in the week, he will pay a visit to a construction company in Illinois.Mr Obama will continue taking his message directly to the people tomorrow in Fort Myers, Florida, another financially hard-stricken area of the country. And later in the week, he will pay a visit to a construction company in Illinois.
1330 EST Indiana town hall meeting1330 EST Indiana town hall meeting
Richard Lister: President Obama is back on the campaign trail trying to re-build public momentum for the stimulus package after a week dominated by Republican criticisms of it.Richard Lister: President Obama is back on the campaign trail trying to re-build public momentum for the stimulus package after a week dominated by Republican criticisms of it.
There was no talk today of "changing the tone" in Washington, or reaching out to Republicans - quite the opposite in fact. He again lambasted the "failed ideas" which he said created the current crisis.There was no talk today of "changing the tone" in Washington, or reaching out to Republicans - quite the opposite in fact. He again lambasted the "failed ideas" which he said created the current crisis.
He made clear that the audience hadn't been screened and he would take any questions - something that was potentially risky in the county with the highest unemployment rate in America. In the end, he took eight questions - and none of them directly criticised the stimulus bill.He made clear that the audience hadn't been screened and he would take any questions - something that was potentially risky in the county with the highest unemployment rate in America. In the end, he took eight questions - and none of them directly criticised the stimulus bill.
The president said little that was new, but round one of this week's PR battle was his. He was able to use the event to send a message to his Congressional opponents: I won the election, I have the country behind me - get over it.The president said little that was new, but round one of this week's PR battle was his. He was able to use the event to send a message to his Congressional opponents: I won the election, I have the country behind me - get over it.
He also hinted that the Congressional battle was not over - despite having won sufficient Republican support to get this bill through.He also hinted that the Congressional battle was not over - despite having won sufficient Republican support to get this bill through.
He made clear he didn't like the education cuts in the bill that brought those Republican Senators on board, and would fight to get them back in before the final bill comes to his desk.He made clear he didn't like the education cuts in the bill that brought those Republican Senators on board, and would fight to get them back in before the final bill comes to his desk.
1200 EST Reality behind the rhetoric1200 EST Reality behind the rhetoric
Kevin Connolly: A quick thought on language. American politicians and the media have settled into the habit of referring to the various economic plans being considered on Capitol Hill as "stimulus programs".Kevin Connolly: A quick thought on language. American politicians and the media have settled into the habit of referring to the various economic plans being considered on Capitol Hill as "stimulus programs".
The White House, sensing that Americans are wearying of all the gloomy talk of recession, prefers to speak of "reinvestment and recovery packages".The White House, sensing that Americans are wearying of all the gloomy talk of recession, prefers to speak of "reinvestment and recovery packages".
It's worth bearing in mind that what they're all talking about are all really variations on a conventional scheme - borrowing large amounts of money to increase government spending - both directly and in subsidies to the private sector.It's worth bearing in mind that what they're all talking about are all really variations on a conventional scheme - borrowing large amounts of money to increase government spending - both directly and in subsidies to the private sector.
That borrowing is being undertaken by a country with a growing budget deficit and a colossal national debt. That's not to say the strategy won't work - merely a reminder of the stark reality behind the political rhetoric.That borrowing is being undertaken by a country with a growing budget deficit and a colossal national debt. That's not to say the strategy won't work - merely a reminder of the stark reality behind the political rhetoric.
These are desperate times in America, and they're certainly getting desperate measures.These are desperate times in America, and they're certainly getting desperate measures.
1200 EST Obama on the road1200 EST Obama on the road
Adi Raval: I'm here in Elkhart, Indiana, where President Obama is holding a "campaign style" town hall meeting with residents to try to sell his fiscal stimulus package. The pressure is clearly on the White House to help the likely Senate version marry up with the House version.Adi Raval: I'm here in Elkhart, Indiana, where President Obama is holding a "campaign style" town hall meeting with residents to try to sell his fiscal stimulus package. The pressure is clearly on the White House to help the likely Senate version marry up with the House version.
So Mr Obama will hold two other events just like this one in economically hard-hit areas of America.So Mr Obama will hold two other events just like this one in economically hard-hit areas of America.
Elkhart has an unemployment rate above 15%. Some people waiting outside told me they want to hear exactly how the package will lead to more jobs in this area.Elkhart has an unemployment rate above 15%. Some people waiting outside told me they want to hear exactly how the package will lead to more jobs in this area.
Tom Kavanagh, who runs Job Works, an organisation that helps the unemployed, gives the president "much credit for coming to a typically Republican area" but what he is concerned about is how long the stimulus package will take to create jobs.Tom Kavanagh, who runs Job Works, an organisation that helps the unemployed, gives the president "much credit for coming to a typically Republican area" but what he is concerned about is how long the stimulus package will take to create jobs.
Some Republicans have organised a small demonstration outside the event and are holding cardboard cut-out signs of pigs, with the slogan "Take out the pork of the stimulus" - referring to wasteful spending.Some Republicans have organised a small demonstration outside the event and are holding cardboard cut-out signs of pigs, with the slogan "Take out the pork of the stimulus" - referring to wasteful spending.
Census workers were shouting to anyone who could hear that jobs are available for the census for this year. But alas, those jobs would be temporary.Census workers were shouting to anyone who could hear that jobs are available for the census for this year. But alas, those jobs would be temporary.
1100 EST A weekend retreat1100 EST A weekend retreat
Rajini Vaidyanathan: After a succession of weekends in Washington DC, the Obama family has finally taken a weekend break post-inauguration. The family spent Saturday night at the famous Camp David presidential retreat, in Maryland's Catoctin Mountains.Rajini Vaidyanathan: After a succession of weekends in Washington DC, the Obama family has finally taken a weekend break post-inauguration. The family spent Saturday night at the famous Camp David presidential retreat, in Maryland's Catoctin Mountains.
President Obama told reporters that the trip, which he took with his wife Michelle and daughters Sasha and Malia, was "beautiful".President Obama told reporters that the trip, which he took with his wife Michelle and daughters Sasha and Malia, was "beautiful".
He said: "The girls just had a great time. They had a lot of fun... You can see during the summer it's going to be a nice place to spend a lot of time."He said: "The girls just had a great time. They had a lot of fun... You can see during the summer it's going to be a nice place to spend a lot of time."
The president took his mind off the current economic crisis by hitting a few golf balls and indulging in his favourite sport, basketball. Camp David has been a getaway for presidents for more than half a century.The president took his mind off the current economic crisis by hitting a few golf balls and indulging in his favourite sport, basketball. Camp David has been a getaway for presidents for more than half a century.
Obama diary: Days 1-10Obama diary: Days 1-10
Obama diary: Days 11-20Obama diary: Days 11-20
Obama diary: ContributorsObama diary: Contributors