The President returned to a regular schedule after his vacation and both Martha’s Vineyard and Camp David. He returned determined to move the debate over the health care reform along, He also found himself mired in a minor controversy over the was expected to be a routine speech to school students about staying in school. Parents who demanded that their kids not have to listen to the speech berated the speech, which was carried live in many schools, in advance. The head of the Florida Republican committee claimed that the President was going to indoctrinate the kids on becoming socialist- that’s how far out the advance criticism was. Once it was over it was clear that the speech was appropriate and the storm of criticism was a tempest in a teapot.
The day began with the President receiving his daily security and economic briefings, together with the Vice President.
The President and the Secretary of Education Duncan held a discussion with 9th graders at Wakefield High School.
He then gave the much-discussed speech to students about staying in school and achieving their best. Speech
. The President and the Vice President then attended an investiture ceremony in honor of Supreme Court Justice Sotomayor.
The President and Vice President then met with Senate Majority Leader Reid and House Speaker Pelosi to work on a strategy for the health reform bill.