Tag: President Barack Obama

Obama makes call for unity at Dallas memorial

by Mandel NGAN with Andrew Beatty in Washington DALLAS, United States (AFP) — President Barack Obama implored Americans of all races to show more unity and understanding as he addressed an emotional memorial for five slain policemen in Dallas Tuesday. The president, accompanied by First Lady Michelle Obama, leaned heavily on scripture as he ministered to a country stunned by gun violence and torn asunder by race and politics. “I know that Americans are struggling […]

After latest shooting, Obama says US police must reform

WARSAW, Poland (AAFP) — After the latest deadly shooting of a black American by police, President Barack Obama on Thursday said US police departments needed to move more quickly to reform. Obama offered condolences to the family of the black motorist, who was killed by a Minnesota cop, and insisted the country had seen “tragedies like this too many times”. Citing a litany of evidence to show that non-white Americans are more likely to be […]

Obama administration under fire after ex-Gitmo inmate disappears

WASHINGTON, United States (AFP) — The Obama administration came under fire Thursday over the disappearance of a former Guantanamo Bay inmate in Uruguay, as Republican lawmakers voiced fears he and others freed from the military prison could again threaten America. Jihad Diyab — a 44-year-old Syrian who was resettled in Uruguay in 2014 along with five other ex-detainees — went off the South American country’s radar several weeks ago after apparently evading border controls and […]

Obama to campaign with Clinton in bid to reset race

by Michael Mathes CHARLOTTE, United States (AFP) — President Barack Obama hits the campaign trail with Hillary Clinton on Tuesday for the first time in the 2016 White House race, seeking to give her a boost in her showdown with Donald Trump. The Democratic duo travel to Charlotte, North Carolina for a rally, the first in a series of high-profile events that Clinton hopes will energize voters, particularly minorities who remain enamored with the president, […]

US House Democrats stage sit-in to demand action on guns

WASHINGTON, United States (AFP) — In one of the most extraordinary scenes in years on the US House floor, Democrats staged a dramatic sit-in Wednesday, demanding that the Republican-led Congress address gun violence following the Orlando nightclub massacre. The lawmakers’ action, which earned praise from President Barack Obama, signaled what is likely to be a protracted election-year battle over firearms — perennially a hot-button campaign issue in the United States. “We have to occupy the […]

Obama condemns ‘heinous murder’ of British MP

WASHINGTON, United States (AFP) — President Barack Obama condemned Friday the “heinous” murder of Jo Cox, as he offered condolences to the British lawmaker’s widower and praised her “selfless service.” Obama called Brendan Cox while traveling on the Air Force One presidential plane, a day after the MP was “brutally murdered,” the White House said. Jo Cox was shot and killed in a ferocious attack in the northern English village of Birstall. Police are investigating […]

US gun debate ‘needs to change,’ Obama says in Orlando

by Thomas URBAIN with Andrew BEATTY in Washington ORLANDO, United States (AFP) — President Barack Obama traveled to grief-stricken Orlando Thursday, meeting loved ones devastated by a shooting rampage and using his bully pulpit to demand that the Republican-controlled Congress pass gun control. Four days after the worst mass shooting in US history, Obama made a solemn pilgrimage to meet staff at the Pulse nightclub, emergency responders and some of the dozens of families shattered […]

Obama to console grieving families in Orlando

by Daniel WOOLLS ORLANDO, United States (AFP) — President Barack Obama will come face to face with the heartbreaking aftermath of America’s deadliest mass shooting when he visits Orlando Thursday to comfort grieving families and thank emergency medical crews. Obama, traveling with Vice President Joe Biden, will offer his condolences to families of 49 people killed in Sunday’s shooting at a gay nightclub in the central Florida city. Another 53 people were wounded. The White […]

Clinton issues stinging rebuke of ‘shameful’ Trump

WASHINGTON, United States (AFP) — Hillary Clinton unleashed a blistering assault Tuesday on her White House opponent Donald Trump, attacking the celebrity billionaire’s “shameful” comments about President Barack Obama and Muslims after the massacre in Orlando. Clinton accused Trump of suggesting Obama sympathized with terrorists during a television appearance one day after Sunday’s shooting by a radicalized gunman. “Just think about that for a second. Even in a time of divided politics, this is way […]

Obama slams Trump’s ‘loose talk’ on Muslims

by Andrew BEATTY WASHINGTON, United States (AFP) — President Barack Obama assailed Donald Trump and the Republican party for “loose talk” and anti-Muslim rhetoric Tuesday, warning that their populist election message was dangerous and un-American. Tearing into “politicians who tweet and appear on cable news shows,” an irate Obama said right-wing bombast and “yapping” had whipped up anger but done nothing to prevent terrorism. The killing of 49 people at a gay nightclub in Orlando […]

Obama says no evidence Orlando attack was ‘directed’ from abroad

WASHINGTON, United States (AFP) — President Barack Obama said Monday there was no evidence that the massacre of 49 people in a Florida nightclub was directed from abroad or was part of a larger plot. After being briefed on America’s deadliest mass shooting in modern times by top security aides, Obama said “we don’t yet know” the shooter’s motivations. Obama said 29-year-old Omar Mateen did appear to have been “inspired by various extremist information that […]

President Obama formally endorses Senator Hillary Clinton

QUEZON City, Philippines – In a web video, President Barack Obama formally endorsed presumptive Democrat presidential nominee after meeting with Senator Bernie Sanders. (Eagle News Service Described by Jay Paul Carlos, Video Editing and Uploaded by Vince Alvin Villarin) https://youtu.be/Pfkb1FqZ730