New Video: White House Kitchen Gets Koshered For 2011 Hanukkah Reception

How the White House serves holiday delights at "the highest level of Jewish observance"...
Hanukkah begins tonight at sundown, and President Obama today issued a holiday greeting to the global Jewish community, offering "warmest wishes" from the First Family, and wishing all "Chag Sameach."  The President hosted the annual White House Hanukkah reception on Thursday, Dec. 8th, and the kosher menu offered to more than 550 guests was very different from the menu served at all other Presidential holiday receptions. The White House kitchen had to be specially cleaned--koshered--for the event. Washington, DC's Rabbi Levi Shemtov was charged with overseeing the process, and in a new White House video, he explains how it was done, joined by Executive Chef Cris Comerford. (Above: The Rabbi in the kitchen, mid-koshering)

"For me, as an American Jew, it is a distinct honor to oversee the kosherizing of the most important kitchen in the country," the Rabbi says. "The guests...will have White House-level fare, but it will be at the highest level of kosher observance."

The Presidential Hanukkah menu featured lamb chops, Roulade of chicken breast, potato pancakes, smoked salmon, sushi rolls, and an array of sweet treats (full menu is below), in contrast to the ham, shrimp and other non-kosher menu items offered at the rest of the Presidential holiday receptions.

"All of our surfaces have been cleaned, and boiled, and wrapped in saran wrap and aluminum foil and...protected," says Comerford onscreen.



This year's Hanukkah reception was the largest of the Administration. The President was joined by Mrs. Obama, Vice President Joe Biden, and Dr. Jill Biden as he welcomed his guests. After, the President and Mrs. Obama decamped to the Diplomatic Reception Room to take photos with their visitors, while the party went on upstairs in the Grand Foyer, and the guests enjoyed the kosher buffet.

2011 Hanukkah Reception Menu

Roulade of Chicken Breast
Fresh Thyme Sauce
Arugula and Fresh Artichokes
Garlic Mashed Potatoes

Filet of Beef
Au Jus
Caramelized Pearl Onions
Shiitake Mushrooms

Pine Nut Herb Crusted Lamb Chops
Mango and Mission Fig Chutney

Homemade Potato with Scallion Pancakes
Apple Sauce

Dill and Vodka Scottish Smoked Salmon
Non-Pareil Capers
Chopped Egg Whites and Yolks
Parsley
Lemon Wedges

Assorted Fresh Sushi Rolls
California Roll
Spicy Tuna Roll
Vegetable Roll
Pickled Ginger
Wasabi

Winter Squash Salad

Assorted Rolls

Dessert Station
Homemade Soufganyot
Crème Anglaise
Raspberry Jelly
"An assortment of homemade desserts"

In the photo above, President Obama welcomes guests as Mrs. Obama and the Bidens look on.

*Photo by Pete Souza/White House

President Obama Hosts 2011 White House Hanukkah Reception - The Menu, The Guest List

President welcomes Jewish leaders to celebrate the festival of lights with a Kosher menu that includes sushi rolls...
President Obama confirmed his Administration's "unshakable commitment" to the security of Israel as he welcomed more than 550 guests, including Administration officials and Members of Congress, to a Hanukkah reception on Thursday evening. The party was already under way when the President, joined by First Lady Obama, Vice President Joe Biden, and Dr. Jill Biden, arrived at 6:10 PM. It featured a strictly Kosher menu and the U.S. Marine Chamber Orchestra performing "A Tribute to Jewish-American Composers."

"We never need an excuse for a good party," President Obama joked, as he admitted that the White House was "jumping the gun" for a holiday that begins on December 20th.

"We do have to be careful that your kids don’t start thinking Hanukkah lasts twenty nights instead of eight."

It was the largest Hanukkah reception the First Couple has hosted, and the final one before the 2012 election. Candidate Obama recieved 78% of the Jewish vote in 2008, according to exit polls. Mrs. Obama smiled and waved to guests in the crowd as her husband spoke. Her hair down, she was clad in a sleeveless dress in a shade of metallic blue that is featured on the flag of Israel, with multiple ropes of matching beads around here neck as a complement.

The guests, packed tightly into the Grand Foyer, held their cameras and cell phones aloft as they stood between lit Christmas trees and green garlands tied with shining ribbons. They'd also been entertained by the West Point Jewish Chapel Cadet Choir.

The guests...
His comment about supporting Israel was the President's only political remark; he spent the rest of his time at the podium smiling broadly. Guests included Members of Congress, top Administration officials, and Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsberg.

"We are thrilled to see her," President Obama said. "She's one of my favorites. I have a soft spot for her."

He also gave a shout out to Michael Oren, Israel's Ambassador to the US, and to Jarrod Bernstein, the newly minted Director of Jewish Outreach. See below for a list of invited Members of Congress.



The President briefly told the story of the battle of the Maccabees and the oil lamp.

"This Hanukkah season, we remember a story so powerful that we know it by heart...even us Gentiles," he said to laughter. "A story of right over might, faith over doubt, a story about a band of believers who rose up and freed their people."

President Obama said the Hanukkah story is a reminder that "miracles come in all sizes," and the holiday season is a time to "recognize the miracles in our own lives."

"This is also time to be grateful for our friendships, both with each other and between our nations, and that of course includes our unshakable support and commitment to the security of the nation of Israel," President Obama said, to applause.

After speaking, he left to meet with guests in the Map Room of the White House. The full transcript of his remarks.

A Kosher menu...with sushi rolls
The reception had a buffet of Jewish holiday specialties--as well as sushi rolls, which were also served last year. The kitchen was Koshered for the event, and the menu was prepared under the strict rabbinical supervision of Rabbi Levi Shemtov, Lubavitch Center of Washington (Chabad), in cooperation with the Rabbinical Council of Greater Washington, according to the White House. The Meat was Glatt Kosher - Chassidishe Shechitah. All baked goods were Pas Yisroel; all wines were Mevushal. The foods were prepared Lemihadrin with a Mashgiach Temidi.

2011 Hanukkah Reception Menu

Roulade of Chicken Breast
Fresh Thyme Sauce
Arugula and Fresh Artichokes
Garlic Mashed Potatoes

Filet of Beef
Au Jus
Caramelized Pearl Onions
Shiitake Mushrooms

Pine Nut Herb Crusted Lamb Chops
Mango and Mission Fig Chutney

Homemade Potato with Scallion Pancakes
Apple Sauce

Dill and Vodka Scottish Smoked Salmon
Non-Pareil Capers
Chopped Egg Whites and Yolks
Parsley
Lemon Wedges

Assorted Fresh Sushi Rolls
California Roll
Spicy Tuna Roll
Vegetable Roll
Pickled Ginger
Wasabi

Winter Squash Salad

Assorted Rolls

Dessert Station
Homemade Soufganyot
Crème Anglaise
Raspberry Jelly
"An assortment of homemade desserts"

Congressional guest list...
Members of Congress invited to intend included 8 Senators and 21 Representatives from the US House.

The Senate: Sens. Barbara Boxer; Dianne Feinstein; Frank Lautenberg; Carl Levin; Joe Lieberman; Bernie Sanders; Chuck Schumer.

US House: Reps. Shelley Berkley; Howard Berman; David Cicilline; Steve Cohen; Susan Davis; Ted Deutch; Eliot Engel; Bob Filner; Steve Israel; Sandy Levin; Nita Lowey; Jerrold Nadler; Jared Polis; Steve Rothman; Jan Schakowsky; Adam Schiff; Allyson Schwartz; Brad Sherman; Debbie Wasserman Schultz; Henry Waxman; and John Yarmuth.

The menorah...
The menorah for the reception was lent by The Jewish Museum, New York and is dedicated to General Joseph T. McNarney, who served as the Commander in Chief of United States Forces in the European Theatre from November 1945 to March 1947. It was created in a displaced persons’ camp after World War II, the White House said. (Above: A long view of the reception)

The President's Hanukkah receptions in 2009 and 2010 included candle lighting ceremonies, but there was no ceremony this evening, because the reception did not coincide with the actual dates of Hanukkah.

This year, the White House released a special collection of Passover recipes created by acclaimed American chefs, including Joan Nathan. Some of the recipes are perfect for Hanukkah celebrations, too. (Above: the President speaks with a guest after his remarks)

Check the sidebar for all White House recipes.

*Photos by AP/Pool; reverse view photo by Pete Souza/White House

Transcript & Video: President Obama's Remarks, 2011 Hanukkah Reception

President Obama welcomed more than 550 guests for the annual White House Hanukkah reception on Thursday evening. It was held in the Grand Foyer, and featured a fully Kosher menu. Full details are here.

THE WHITE HOUSE
Office of the Press Secretary
_________________________________

For Immediate Release
December 8, 2011

REMARKS BY THE PRESIDENT
AT HANUKKAH RECEPTION

Grand Foyer

6:10 P.M. EST


THE PRESIDENT: Well, good evening, everybody. Welcome to the White House. Thank you all for joining us tonight to celebrate Hanukkah -- even if we're doing it a little bit early. (Laughter.)

I want to start by recognizing a few folks who are here. The ambassador to the United States from Israel, Michael Oren, is in the house. (Applause.)

We are honored to be joined by one of the justices of the Supreme Court, Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg is here. (Applause.) We are thrilled to see her. She's one of my favorites, I got to -- (laughter.) I've got a soft spot for Justice Ginsburg.

And we’ve got more than a few members of Congress here and members of my administration in the house, including our new Director of Jewish Outreach, Jarrod Bernstein is here. Where's Jarrod? (Applause.) Hey, Jarrod.

I also want to thank the West Point Jewish Chapel Cadet Choir –- (applause) -- the Voice of Tradition -– for their wonderful performance, but more importantly, for their extraordinary service to our country.

And I want to thank all the rabbis and lay leaders who have come far and wide to be here with us today.

Now, as I said, we’re jumping the gun just a little bit. The way I see it, we’re just extending the holiday spirit. We're stretching it out. (Laughter.) But we do have to be careful that your kids don’t start thinking Hanukkah lasts 20 nights instead of eight. (Laughter.) That will cause some problems.

This Hanukkah season we remember a story so powerful that we all know it by heart -- even us Gentiles. It’s a story of right over might, of faith over doubt. Of a band of believers who rose up and freed their people and discovered that the oil left in their desecrated temple –- which should have lasted only one night –- ended up lasting eight.

It’s a timeless story. And for 2,000 years, it has given hope to Jews everywhere who are struggling. And today, it reminds us that miracles come in all shapes and sizes. Because to most people, the miracle of Hanukkah would have looked like nothing more than a simple flame, but the believers in the temple knew it was something else. They knew it was something special.

This year, we have to recognize the miracles in our own lives. Let’s honor the sacrifices our ancestors made so that we might be here today. Let’s think about those who are spending this holiday far away from home -– including members of our military who guard our freedom around the world. Let’s extend a hand to those who are in need, and allow the value of tikkun olam to guide our work this holiday season.

This is also a time to be grateful for our friendships, both with each other and between our nations. And that includes, of course, our unshakeable support and commitment to the security of the nation of Israel. (Applause.)

So while it is not yet Hanukkah, let’s give thanks for our blessings, for being together to celebrate this wonderful holiday season. And we never need an excuse for a good party. (Laughter.) So we are going to see all of you in a second downstairs --

MRS. OBAMA: Aren't we in the Blue Room?

THE PRESIDENT: Or wherever we are. (Laughter.) I think we're downstairs. We are downstairs in the Map Room. So as I look around, I see a whole bunch of good friends. We can't wait to give you a hug and a kiss and wish you a happy holiday. The guys with whiskers, I won't give you a kiss. (Laughter.)

Thank you very much, everybody. (Applause.)

END 6:14 P.M. EST

The Bidens Host Early Thanksgiving Dinner For Wounded Warriors

Vice President: Taking care of veterans is a "sacred obligation"...
Vice President Joe Biden and Dr. Jill Biden welcomed twelve Wounded Warriors to an early Thanksgiving dinner on Monday afternoon at their Washington, DC, residence. The guests--primarily Marines who served in Afghanistan’s Helmand Province--were joined by their parents or spouses at the Naval Observatory. They sat around two large tables in the dining room as they had a traditional feast: Turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, green beans, salad, and pumpkin pie. (Above: The Bidens welcome their guests)

Many of the service members were in wheelchairs and missing limbs, having been wounded in 2010 and 2011. They are still recovering, and in treatment and being outfitted with prostheses at Walter Reed National Medical Center in Bethesda. The Vice President welcomed the men and women by telling them that they are an "inspiration" to all Americans, and “part of the finest group of warriors that the world has ever seen.”

He promised that President Obama and all future presidents will be committed to making sure that they will have access to any medical breakthroughs that can improve their lives or help them heal.

“We have only one true sacred obligation and that is to provide for those of you we send into harm’s way, and give you every single solitary thing that you could possibly need to make the transition back home reasonable and workable," Biden said. "That is the only truly, truly sacred obligation we have.”

When he was done, the Vice President gave the microphone to his wife, who spoke of her own experiences as the mother of a deployed soldier. The Bidens' son, Captain Beau Biden, of the Delaware Army National Guard, is a veteran of the Iraq war. With First Lady Michelle Obama, Dr. Biden leads the Joining Forces initiative to support and honor military families. (Above: Dr. Biden speaking with Lance Cpl. Joshua Misiewicz)

“I know what it was like to look down our family table and see my son missing,” Dr. Biden said. “I know what you families have gone through when your loved ones are deployed and I know what it feels like…I know how other families are feeling this Thanksgiving.”

During dinner, the Vice President sat between Lance Cpl. Stephen Ayhens, who lost both his legs when he stepped on a buried bomb, and Lance Cpl. William Carpenter, who was injured by a hand grenade. Dr. Biden sat beside Lance Cpl. Joshua Misiewicz.

Shortly after the meal began, Misiewicz and his mother broke away to talk to reporters in a small living room on the first floor. Misiewicz played hockey while growing up in Chicago, and lost both of his legs above the knee when he stepped on a buried bomb on a foot patrol in Sangin, Afghanistan in July. He has already been outfitted for prostheses at Walter Reed. Just last Thanksgiving, he was working at Camp Pendleton, outside of San Diego, and getting ready to deploy to Afghanistan.

“This is so nice,” Misiewicz said of the dinner. “It shows a lot of people care.”

His mother, Nancy Misiewicz, also chimed in with thanks for the Bidens.

“Nothing compares to a home-cooked meal.”

This is the third year the Bidens have welcomed Wounded Warriors for Thanksgiving.

*Photos by the Office of the Vice President. *Updated

For Vice President Biden's Birthday, Obama Campaign Sells The "Cup Of Joe" Mug

The Obama fundraising operation never lets a holiday go by without making a plea for financial support. Today is Vice President Joe Biden's 69th birthday, and while it isn't (yet!) a national holiday, Campaign Manager Jim Messina sent an afternoon e-mail to donors suggesting a special celebration: Drop $20 (or more!) "to get your official Cup-of-Joe mug." Above, the mug as it appears on the OFA swag store website, complete with one of the Veep's favorite words, "literally," in the promo.

"I can't think of a better way to honor the Vice President's birthday than for his smile to grace kitchen tables and workplaces across America," Messina wrote in his e-mail.

Made in the USA, the mug is a big *&%!$*# deal, isn't it? And a perfect accompaniment to the Obama Birther Mug the Campaign is selling. Unfortunately, unlike President Obama's mug, Biden's doesn't have his birth certificate on it. Or Biden's other *&%!$*# signature fave word, which would make it a best-seller.

The mug missive was Messina's second Biden birthday e-mail of the day. Earlier, he sent an follow-up to Dr. Jill Biden's e-mail request that supporters sign a birthday card for her husband. Messina asked for more signatures "before we deliver the card to the Vice President."

"Hundreds of thousands of supporters have already added their names and their good wishes. Joe's going to love reading these," Messina wrote.

Messina's coffee mug e-mail had the subject heading "On this day in 1942".

Click here to see more Obama Campaign foodie swag, including a Biden can holder.

The text of Messina's mug e-mail:

Friend --

Joe Biden was born in Scranton, Pennsylvania, on this day in 1942.

I can't think of a better way to honor the Vice President's birthday than for his smile to grace kitchen tables and workplaces across America.

Wish Joe a happy birthday -- donate $20 or more to get your official Cup of Joe mug today:

https://donate.barackobama.com/Cup-of-Joe-Mug

Thank you,

Messina

Jim Messina
Campaign Manager
Obama for America

##

*Expect 4-6 week delivery time of you actually order a mug.

Michelle Obama At NASCAR Sprint Cup Finale: "Gentlemen, Start Your Engines"...

Homestead Speedway: First Lady, Dr. Biden serve as Grand Marshals, host barbecue for military families, announce new job commitments for vets & military spouses...
First Lady Michelle Obama and Dr. Jill Biden will visit Homestead-Miami Speedway in Florida today, serving as Grand Marshals for the Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup finale, the Ford 400. The race is the biggest prize in American motor sports, and Mrs. Obama and Dr. Biden's appearance is part of the Joining Forces campaign to support and honor families.

Before the race, Mrs. Obama and Dr. Biden "will recognize service members and military families from the local community at a special BBQ lunch," the White House said. They will also invite a military family to join them as they lead lead the pre-race ceremony and speak what the White House bills as " the most famous words in racing"--“Gentlemen, start your engines.”

Carl Edwards of Missouri is the #1 ranked driver today. Edwards, 32, is the only NASCAR driver who is a member of the President's Council on Fitness, Sports and Nutrition, and has worked with Mrs. Obama on the Let's Move! campaign.

The Miami visit will also "highlight new commitments by American companies to hire and train veterans and military spouses," the White House said. Representatives from companies committing to hiring 10,000 veterans and military spouses by the end of 2013 will volunteer at the barbecue, which will be at the Speedway’s Nationwide Garage.



Walmart, Mrs. Obama's largest private-sector partner for the Let's Move! campaign, has also partnered with the First Lady for Joining Forces. The company created the video, above, featuring racing stars encouraging Americans to support America's uniformed heroes. The video includes Edwards.

The hiring commitments, per the White House:
Representatives from the following companies who have pledged support for the hiring initiative will be at the barbecue: The Beacon Council, G4S Secure Solutions (USA), Ryder System, Inc., Associated Builders & Contractors, Inc., Google, The National Military Family Association, The Boeing Company, Raytheon, Inventis Group Ltd. and the U.S. Air Force Research Laboratory.

"This employment commitment includes a first-of-its-kind dedicated local employment effort in South Florida led by the Beacon Council, Miami-Dade County’s economic development leader, to hire veterans and military spouses," the White House said.

*The Beacon Council and their 274 companies will strive to hire 4,000 veterans by the end of 2013;

*G4S Secure Solutions (USA) whose workforce is 21% veterans already will hire 3,000 veterans by 2013;

*Ryder System, Inc. whose workforce is 10% veterans already expects to hire more than 550 veterans in 2011 and 1,000 additional veterans by the end of 2013; and

*BAE Systems, Inc. which already employs more than 3,000 veterans is committed to employing wounded warriors and veterans through their Warrior Integration services.

##

Happy Birthday, Vice President Joe Biden!

Dr. Jill Biden organizes a special gift for VP's 69th...
Vice President Joe Biden celebrates his 69th birthday today, his second since being sworn in to office. He's spending the day in Wilmington, Delaware and has no public events scheduled, according to the White House. In 2009, Biden celebrated his last birthday before becoming Vice President at Transition headquarters in Chicago, where President Obama presented him with a dozen cupcakes (above). It's the only Obama-Biden birthday photo released by the Administration that actually includes cake in the image.

Dr. Jill Biden will not be spending the big *&%!$*# deal of a day with her spouse in Delaware. Instead, she will be in Florida, joining First Lady Michelle Obama at Homestead-Miami Speedway as co-grand marshal for the Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup finale. They'll be hosting a barbecue for military families, and announcing a new private-sector jobs commitment for veterans as part of the Joining Forces campaign.

But on Friday, Dr. Biden orchestrated a special birthday celebration for the Vice President, sending an email to Obama campaign supporters, asking them to sign an online birthday card. It was also from the First Family, Dr. Biden said. (Above: The online card)

"I know I don't usually send you emails, but Joe has a birthday coming up this Sunday, and I'm trying something new," Dr. Biden wrote. "The First Family and I are putting together a special card for him...So help us make this birthday a memorable one for Joe."

The subject heading for the e-mail was "Sign Joe's card."

The full text:

Friend--

I know I don't usually send you emails, but Joe has a birthday coming up this Sunday, and I'm trying something new.

The First Family and I are putting together a special card for him, and we'd like as many supporters of this campaign as possible to add their names and messages for Joe.

Because the year ahead is going to be a big one -- not just for Joe and me, but for all of us. We've all got some work to do.

So help us make this birthday a memorable one for Joe. Add your names, and, if you like, your own notes and well-wishes for the year ahead:

http://my.barackobama.com/For-Joe

Thanks,

Jill

##

*Photo from Change.org, the website of the Transition

White House Honors Tyson Foods As "Champion Of Change"

Poultry company has 3,000 veterans in its workforce, and a commitment to hiring more...
The White House on Wednesday honored Tyson Foods, one of the largest poultry companies in the US, as a “Champion of Change” for their commitment to helping military veterans and their families find jobs, which is the the current focus of First Lady Michelle Obama and Dr. Jill Biden's Joining Forces campaign. Tyson's efforts, led by Russell Tooley, Senior Vice President of corporate and international human resources, has been “extraordinary," according to the White House. (Tooley, above, at the White House)

The Springdale, Arkansas-based Tyson employs about 3,000 veterans among its 115,000-member workforce and has committed to adding more over the next year. On Wednesday, Tooley and James David, pricing manager with the company’s consumer products division, attended a roundtable discussion with White House staff on hiring veterans, as part of their "Champions of Change" visit to 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue. David was an Air Force Captain and now, in addition to his duties at Tyson, serves as an Executive Officer with the 22nd Air Force Detachment 1 Aircraft Maintenance Squadron at Little Rock Air Force Base. Tooley is a 24-year veteran of Tyson.

“Your presence here represents the best capacity of our country to step up and give back,” said retired Capt. Brad Cooper, Executive Director of Joining Forces.

Tyson's commitment to hire more members of the military is part of an announcement by the The American Logistics Association that its corporate members, including Tyson, have pledged to hire 25,000 military veterans. Tyson regularly makes a concerted effort to hire junior military officers who have received training from an outside agency on how to transition from the military to the business world, according to the White House. The company has close ties to the military: It is one of the leading suppliers of food to the Defense Commissary Agency.

Tyson also provides differential pay for all employees called to active military duty, making up the difference between military compensation and pay they normally receive from Tyson. Since September 11, 2001, Tyson has provided $2 million in differential pay to almost 400 employees, according to the company.

Tyson Foods was one of six organizations the White House recognized Wednesday as “Champions of Change” for their commitment to helping military veterans and their families find jobs. The "Champions" series honors citizens who are making a major difference in their communities.

*White House photo

Dr. Jill Biden's Joining Forces Cooking Event

The Second Lady will visit with military families at "Operation Home Cooking"... 
Dr. Jill Biden, who leads the Joining Forces campaign with First Lady Michelle Obama, will deliver remarks and visit with military families at the 2011 “Operation Home Cooking” event during the Metropolitan Cooking & Entertaining Show on Saturday in Washington, DC. (Above: Dr. Biden with military spouses at Ft. Stewart)

"Now in its second year, Operation Home Cooking has offered 2,500 military spouses the opportunity to attend the Cooking & Entertaining Show and participate in celebrity chef demonstrations in recognition of their commitment and sacrifices for our nation," said the White House.

Biden is a blue star mother; she and Vice President Joe Biden are parents to Beau Biden, a Captain in the Delaware Army National Guard, and a veteran of the Iraq war. The cooking show is at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center.

*In the photo at top, Dr. Biden talks with Army spouses during a visit to Fort Stewart, Ga., on Feb. 14, 2011. U.S. Army photo by D. Myles Cullen.

VP's Office Tweets Biden-Cantor Dinner

The Vice President and the House Majority Leader have a "close relationship," according to the White House...
A photo of Vice President Joe Biden and House Majority Leader Eric Cantor (R-VA) having a candle-lit dinner with their wives, Dr. Jill Biden and Mrs. Diana Cantor, at the Naval Observatory on Wednesday night was tweeted on the @VP account on Thursday night. The bipartisan dinner was deemed a "personal" and "social" event by the White House. Despite being a sharp critic of the Obama Administration's policies, Cantor has a "close" personal relationship with Biden, according to the White House.

"Diana and I are looking forward to sitting down with @VP and Jill Biden for dinner tonight." Cantor tweeted on Wednesday evening, on his @EricCantor account.

Biden and Cantor "developed a close relationship during their prolonged negotiations earlier this year" over the debt ceiling, Press Secretary Jay Carney told reporters on Wednesday, adding that the dinner was "something that the two gentlemen had wanted to do for some time, and they finally got it on the schedule."

The Vice President likes the idea of re-enacting the "collegial" cross-aisle socializing that went on during his 36 years in the Senate, Carney explained.

The Thursday night tweet from @VP: "PHOTO: VP and Dr. B at dinner last night with @GOPLeader Cantor and Diana Cantor at the U.S. Naval Observatory http://pic.twitter.com/L"

*Photo by @VP

State Visit: Vice President Biden & Secretary of State Clinton Host Luncheon For President Lee

Thursday: Ceremonial festivities...
On Thursday, Vice President Joe Biden and Secretary of State Hillary Clinton will host a luncheon at the State Department in honor of President Lee Myung-bak and First Lady Kim Yoon-ok of the Republic of Korea. Dr. Jill Biden is also a co-host, according to the White House. (Above: Lee and Clinton during her April, 2011 visit to Seoul, South Korea)

The late-afternoon luncheon comes after President Obama and First Lady Obama welcome the Korean First Couple to the White House in a pomp-filled ceremony on the South Lawn that begins the State Visit, the fifth of the Administration. The two Presidents will also hold bilateral meetings and a press conference, and Mrs. Obama will host a special event for Mrs. Kim.

The State Dinner will be in the evening, and is expected to be held inside the White House, though details are currently under tight wraps.

President Obama and President Lee travel to Michigan together on Friday, to promote the Korea Free Trade Agreement.

*State Department photo, taken on April 17, 2011

First Lady's Luncheon For Mrs. Deborah Mullen

A Joining Forces farewell affair for a passionate advocate for military families...
First Lady Obama will today honor Mrs. Deborah Mullen, wife of Admiral Mike Mullen, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, with a farewell luncheon. Mrs. Mullen, a tireless advocate for military families, has been a crucial partner for Mrs. Obama's Joining Forces campaign, and the 1:00 PM affair, co-hosted by Dr. Jill Biden, comes as the Admiral retires this week. (At top: Mrs. Mullen and the Admiral at Bagram Air Field in Afghanistan)

"Deborah, you are a wonderful example of our amazing military spouses around the globe," Dr. Biden told Mrs. Mullen during a Joining Forces event in June. The Admiral and Mrs. Mullen have been married for forty years, and have two adult sons, both Naval officers.

"Mrs. Obama and Dr. Biden have worked with Mrs. Mullen for the past two years, specifically on Joining Forces, the initiative they launched to support military families and veterans," the East Wing noted in its announcement of the luncheon.

Guests will include spouses of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and National Guard Bureau leadership, according to the East Wing. The luncheon is closed to press.

In the afternoon, Mrs. Obama will speak at an East Room event about the importance of supporting and retaining women and girls in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) careers. The National Science Foundation will make an announcement about retaining women in STEM fields.

President Obama is on the road today, participating in a LinkedIn town hall in Mountain View, CA, and three fundraisers in Southern California. Pop superstar Lady Gaga attended the President's fundraising dinner in Silicon Valley on Sunday night.

*In the photo at top, the Admiral and Mrs. Mullen are at the USO Holiday Tour at Bagram Air Field, Afghanistan on Dec.15, 2010. DoD photo by Mass Communciation Specialist 1st Class Chad J. McNeeley

"Don't Ask, Don't Tell" Ends: First Lady Will Welcome Gay Military Families To Joining Forces

Last April at the White House, openly gay and lesbian members of the military weren't included in launch festivities...
UPDATE: President's statement on the repeal of DADT
Families that have openly gay or lesbian military service members will now be welcome at events for First Lady Obama and Dr. Jill Biden's Joining Forces campaign, says Mrs. Obama's Communications Director, Kristina Schake. That's because "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" (DADT), repealed nine months ago by Congress, officially expires today. The First and Second Ladies' campaign supports and celebrates military families as "the force behind the force." (Above: Mrs. Obama and Dr. Biden in a promo photo for the campaign)

“After the repeal of Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell takes effect, Mrs. Obama and Dr. Biden look forward to including openly gay and lesbian service members in events to recognize their service to the nation, as well as the service of their families,” Schake said in a statement to The Advocate.

Last April, DADT was still the law of the land, so openly gay and lesbian service members and their advocacy groups were not allowed to attend the big White House launch event for the Joining Forces campaign, held in the East Room, and attended by President Obama and Vice President Joe Biden, as well as top military brass. Created almost eighteen years ago during the Clinton presidency, DADT prevented members of the military from publicly revealing their sexual orientation.

Today, for the first time in military history, service men and women can reveal their sexual orientation without fear of reprisal. The "no openly gay" White House event policy was in effect exclusively for military-related events: Since taking office, President Obama has hosted three different receptions to celebrate LGBT Pride Month. There are also many openly gay and lesbian staff who work at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue. Perhaps the most high profile is Jeremy Bernard, the first openly gay Social Secretary in White House history. Bernard is also the first male Social Secretary.

"As a country, we don’t always see their families, our heroes on the home front,” Mrs. Obama said when launching Joining Forces. Because of DADT, the First Lady's observation was doubly true for the families of gay and lesbian members of the armed forces. The invisibility ends today.

Find out more about the campaign at JoiningForces.gov.

*Photo by Soldiers Angels