Obama's day: National security as well as health care

Mar 12, 2010 — USA Today

Good morning from The Oval. This day in 1987 saw the opening of one of Broadway's most famous musicals, Les Miserables. So let's review the morning news to the sounds of some Les Miz tunes.

Master of the House. President Obama meets this morning with his national security to team to discuss the military situation in Afghanistan and Pakistan. Late this afternoon, Obama sits down with the President's Council of Advisors on Science and Technology.

I Dreamed A Dream. The White House will no doubt be busy looking for House Democratic votes on a health care bill. Some Democrats, meanwhile, want to add a college loan program to health care legislation.

In other news:

At The End of the Day. Cash-strapped states may hold this year's tax refunds for months, reports William Welch of USA TODAY.

A Little Fall of Rain. An epidemic of potholes is not only annoying drivers, but driving up spending city cities, writes USA TODAY's Marisol Bello.

What Have I Done? The rise and fall of White House Social Secretary Desiree Rogers.

At The Barricade. Prospects for an immigration bill this year seem bleak.

Do You Hear The People Sing? As new foreclosure wave threatens to swamp the housing market.

The Confrontation. President Obama last night watched a preview of The Pacific, the new Tom Hanks and Steven Spielberg-produced drama about World War II. USA TODAY's Bill Keveney writes about the program here.

Beggars at the Feast. And this will likely be the day that Robert Gibbs -- who lost a bet on last month's U.S.-Canada Olympic hockey final -- wears a Canadian hockey jersey at his briefing. Pictures this afternoon.

No costumes here at The Oval, just solid reporting on the president's day. Check us out, and thanks for your support.