Transcript and video from the first President Obama news conference

Contributors

President Barack Obama held the first prime-time news conference of his presidency Monday night. Obama took questions from reporters on topics ranging from the economic slowdown and discussions in Congress of his proposed stimulus legislation to issues involving Iran and the Middle East and the news that New York Yankees slugger Alex Rodriguez has confessed…

The AFP Blog – Thursday, Feb. 5, 2009

Chris Graham

– Stuarts Draft man charged with murder for hire, Thursday, 6 p.m. – Miss America 2008 to speak at JMU on eating disorders, Thursday, 5:50 p.m. – Family Foundation praises passage of marriage curriculum bill, Thursday, 5:50 p.m. – White House announces formation of faith-based partnerships office, Thursday, 5:50 p.m. – Wagner picks up several…

The AFP Blog – Wednesday, Jan. 28, 2009

Chris Graham

Tom Perriello statement on House passage of stimulus package, 6:54 p.m. Remarks by President Obama after meeting with Secretary of Defense, Joint Chiefs, 6:17 p.m. Norfolk, Roanoke papers force employees to furlough, 6:13 p.m. South Korean students to visit Presidential Library, 6:07 p.m. Motorists should expect lane closure tonight on I-81, 3:23 p.m. Airfares highest…

Drew Richardson | The importance of good science in the Obama administration

Chris Graham

Which is President-elect Obama’s most important personnel appointment? Secretary of State? Attorney General? Secretary of the Treasury? The answer is none of them – not even close. I adamantly believe that distinction goes to his Presidential Science Advisor. You ask, “We are in the midst of two wars and our economy is crumbling, and you’re…

David Reynolds: The Pendulum

David Reynolds

Column by David Reynolds As usual Thomas Jefferson got it right. He wrote, “The most effectual means of preventing the perversion of power into tyranny is to illuminate the minds of the people.” TJ would not have been pleased with the lack of illumination during the 2008 presidential campaign – much heat, little light. Jefferson…

Staunton: General, Marine sergeant-major to lead Obama town hall

Chris Graham

Staff Report Retired three-star Lt. Gen. Claudia Kennedy and retired Marine Corps. Sgt Maj. John Estrada will be in Staunton on Saturday for a town-hall meeting on national security on behalf of Democratic Party presidential nominee Barack Obama. Kennedy and Estrada will lead town halls in Roanoke, Staunton and Winchester on Saturday and two events…

White House ’08: Another one goes to the scorecards

Chris Graham

Column by Chris Graham [email protected] John McCain, it was said going into last night’s presidential debate, should have the advantage in the town-hall format, and he would need to exploit that advantage, it was also said, to be able to change the course of the ’08 presidential race. Turns out the talk about McCain being…

Steve Cook: It takes a nation to build a rocket

Contributors

Column by Steve Cook If you don’t follow NASA more closely than noting a space shuttle launch or space walk on the International Space Station, you may not be aware that America is building a new rocket. It’s called the Ares I, and it is America’s rocket that will carry humans into space for exploration…