Politics

Tuskegee Airman George Hickman dies in Seattle at 88: Hickman, who was decorated as one of the first black pilots to fly for the U.S. military during World War II, died over the weekend. He was also known for his association with the sports community in Seattle, working as an usher at University of Washington…

THE WHITE HOUSEOffice of the Press SecretaryFOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE DAILY GUIDANCE AND PRESS SCHEDULE FORTUESDAY, AUGUST 21, 2012 In the morning, the President will depart the White House en route Columbus, Ohio. The departure from the South Lawn and arrival at Rickenbacker International Airport are open press.  In the afternoon, the President will deliver remarks at…

In her tireless effort to stay in shape, first lady Michelle Obama tells readers at iVillage that she rises at 4:30 or 5 a.m. to fit in her workout before her children arise, especially during the school year, the Associated Press reports. She is serving as a guest editor this week at the women’s website…

Writing at her blog, Farai.com, Farai Chideya weighs in on the importance of political punditry, saying that when done well, it can help us dig deeper into the many challenges that this enormous, diverse nation faces. … The punditry game has changed. It always had an edge, or else it would be reportage and not…

First lady Michelle Obama greets U.S. Olympic gymnast Gabby Douglas and her mother before appearing on The Tonight Show With Jay Leno at the Tonight Show Studio in Burbank, Calif., Aug. 13, 2012.

THE WHITE HOUSEOffice of the Press SecretaryFOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE DAILY GUIDANCE AND PRESS SCHEDULE FORMONDAY, AUGUST 20, 2012 In the morning, the President and the Vice President will receive the Presidential Daily Briefing in the Oval Office. The meeting is closed press. In the afternoon, the President and the Vice President will meet for lunch.…

From questionable voter-ID laws to confusing finances, Charles M. Blow writes in the New York Times, the waters are just right for Romney to make his way into the White House in November. Of course, if voters began to pay more attention to the numerous losses they are suffering on a daily basis, perhaps that…

(The Root) — On the evening of Aug. 16 some of the nation’s most astute observers of economics and the problems of the urban poor gathered in the idyllic setting of Martha’s Vineyard in Massachusetts to discuss one of the most pressing problems facing the black community: What happens when jobs disappear? They convened for…

Writing at the New York Daily News, The Root’s contributing editor David Swerdlick says that the president’s experience could teach Romney a lesson about the “small-minded” issue of his history with the IRS. It’s a question Romney can’t shake, and I think [I] know why: every time he balks at releasing (four, six, eight?) years…

(The Root) — Actor-activist Kal Penn fits the dual description better than most. The 35-year-old star of films, including the Harold & Kumar comedies and the acclaimed drama The Namesake, left a recurring role on TV’s House for the White House Office of Public Engagement, where he worked on the Obama administration’s youth outreach. Penn,…