Good morning from The Oval. On this day in 1974, the Supreme Court handed down one of its most famous decisions. The justices ordered President Richard Nixon to turn over the Watergate tapes. Nixon resigned two weeks later.
Nothing so momentous at the White House today, as President Barack Obama deals with health care and education.
For the first time in 12 days, there is no public health care event on the schedule, at least not yet. But Obama does have a private meeting with key senator Max Baucus, who has criticized Obama for opposing taxes on employer-provided insurance benefits. Wish we could tape that discussion.
The meeting also includes Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, who made it official yesterday: No health care vote before the August recess.
Obama's public remarks are on education. He will announce a "Race to the Top," a competition among states for billions in education grants. The administration is already pressuring states to accept more charter schools and performance pay for teachers.
The president also signs a proclamation honoring the 15th anniversary of the Americans With Disabilities Act. Wonder if the president who signed that bill, George H.W. Bush, will show up. Tonight, the president and first lady Michelle Obama attend the Marine Corps Evening Parade.
Elsewhere:
Health care may not be Obama's biggest political challenge. Don't forget unemployment.
Obama is involved in a back-and-forth with the Cambridge, Mass., police department over the Henry Gates arrest.
Election time draws near in Afghanistan.
One of the best things about being president? You can pick up the phone and call a Major League Baseball pitcher after he tosses a perfect game. For your favorite team, no less.
Keep checking The Oval for updates on the Baucus/Reid meeting, the education speech, and other Obama stuff. Have a good day, and a good weekend. And remember to be careful: You never know who may be taping you.
(Posted by David Jackson; photo by Saul Loeb, AFP. Getty Images)
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